When resources are tight and the pressure is high, good governance isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. In this episode, Thomas Brence connects with Tom Friesen, Data Governance Lead at Algonquin College, to explore how one person can create an outsized impact by focusing on sustainability, self-service, and alignment with institutional priorities.Tom’s background in institutional research helped him identify a lack of trust in data as a major roadblock to decision-making—and how Collibra has enabled him to build processes that empower others to take ownership. From transforming policy governance to reducing review time and meetings, Tom proves that well-executed governance can save more than time—it can save strategy.Three reasons you should listen to this episode:1. Achieve measurable impact with minimal resources. Learn how one person implemented governance practices that saved two person-years of effort annually—by automating and simplifying policy review at scale.2. Align data governance with institutional strategy. Tom shares how he prioritizes initiatives based on the goals of the organization, ensuring that governance supports efficiency, compliance, and smarter decision-making.3. Prepare your data for AI readiness. As higher education institutions look toward AI, Tom explains why good governance is the foundation for ethical and effective adoption—and how poor data quality can derail your AI ambitions.ResourcesConnect with ThomasConnect with TomEnjoyed this episode?Be sure to follow us so you never miss an update. You can leave us a review on Apple or Spotify, and share it with your friends and colleagues to help others learn more about the importance of a data-first digital transformation approach.Have questions? You can connect with us on LinkedIn. For more updates, please visit our website.
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How to be a CDO in the age of AI
What does it take to lead data strategy at a Fortune 500 company for over a decade—through industry shifts, technological revolutions, and the dawn of generative AI? In this kickoff episode of Season 4, host Thomas Brence sits down with Justin Heller, Chief Data Officer at Synchrony, to explore how a foundation in political science, interactive telecommunications, and process thinking has shaped his enduring career in data leadership.Justin shares the strategic mindset that’s guided his team’s efforts across technology, people, and process, and how his background in game theory informs his value-focused approach to data. From navigating the ethical complexities of AI to measuring data’s contribution to enterprise risk reduction, Justin offers an honest, insightful look at the evolution—and future—of the CDO role.Three reasons you should listen to this episode:1. Redefine data leadership through interdisciplinary thinking. Learn how Justin Heller’s unique academic and professional background shapes his approach to data strategy—and how connecting people, process, and technology drives long-term impact.2. Bridge AI adoption and governance with practical ethics. Discover why a “human in the loop” model isn’t enough on its own, and how organizations can better prepare their workforce for responsible AI use.3. Tie data quality to business value, not bureaucracy. Hear how Synchrony balances agility with risk management, turning governance into an enabler instead of a roadblock—and why relevance of information (ROI) may matter more than return on investment.ResourcesConnect with ThomasConnect with JustinEnjoyed this Episode?Be sure to follow us so you never miss an update. You can leave us a review on Apple or Spotify, and share it with your friends and colleagues to help others learn more about the importance of a data-first digital transformation approach.Have questions? You can connect with us on LinkedIn. For more updates, please visit our website.
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See You in 2025, Data Enthusiasts!
The team is taking a quick break but we’ll be back in 2025 with even more insights, stories, and inspiration from data leaders around the world.In the meantime, catch up on any episodes you may have missed, and don’t forget to follow the show so you’ll be the first to know when we’re back. We’ll see you in 2025!
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Enabling data literacy through hands-on collaboration with Colruyt Group
Empowering teams with data is essential for any organization aiming to drive better decision-making. This week, Chief Data Citizen, Stijn Christiaens connects with Ruben Missinne, Data Analytics Officer at Colruyt Group, to break down how the company built a “data marketplace” to support decentralized access, enabling employees across departments to leverage data effectively and independently.Whether fostering data craftsmanship and trust through hands-on learning opportunities like hackathons and collaborative coaching, or by decentralizing data access and prioritizing transparency, Colruyt has built a culture where data is trusted and actionable. Leaders looking to transform their own data strategy will find valuable insights in their approach to making data an integral part of daily operations.Three reasons you should listen to this episode:1. Empower teams through decentralized data access. Discover how Colruyt’s “data marketplace” model enables employees across the organization to use data independently, driving more effective, data-informed decision-making.2. Strengthen data culture with practical, hands-on learning. Ruben shares Colruyt’s approach to data literacy through hackathons and collaborative coaching, making data skills accessible to everyone.3. How transparency and trust enhance data use. Explore how Colruyt builds trust in its data through transparency and open access, ensuring that data is both reliable and integral to daily operations.ResourcesConnect with StijnConnect with RubenEnjoyed this Episode?Be sure to follow us so you never miss an update. You can leave us a review on Apple or Spotify, and share it with your friends and colleagues to help others learn more about the importance of a data-first digital transformation approach.Have questions? You can connect with us on LinkedIn. For more updates, please visit our website.
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How governance is shaping the legal landscape
How are law firms embracing the power of data while navigating the unique challenges that set them apart from other industries? Jordan Galvin, the first data governance manager at Perkins Coie, reveals how legal organizations can transform their approach to data, tackling compliance, privacy, and risk management in a traditionally non-technical environment.From improving data quality to bridging the gap between legal expertise and data-driven decision-making, Jordan shares practical strategies that bring data governance to life. She also highlights the importance of fostering collaboration across departments to build a more data-driven culture. This conversation offers valuable insights for leaders looking to elevate their data governance practices within the legal landscape.Three reasons you should listen to this episode:1. How law firms harness the power of data. Discover how the legal industry is adapting to data governance, tackling challenges like compliance, privacy, and risk management while staying ahead in a rapidly evolving field.2. Practical strategies for bridging gaps. Actionable insights on improving collaboration between traditionally separate legal and data departments to create a more data-driven culture.3. Non-technical industries embracing data governance. Valuable lessons on how organizations with little technical background, like law firms, can implement effective data governance practices and turn data into a strategic asset.ResourcesConnect with ThomasConnect with JordanEnjoyed this Episode?Be sure to follow us so you never miss an update. You can leave us a review on Apple or Spotify, and share it with your friends and colleagues to help others learn more about the importance of a data-first digital transformation approach.Have questions? You can connect with us on LinkedIn. For more updates, please visit our website.
Join Collibra as we unite listeners around the importance of data and unpack its impact on the world. We sit down with customers, partners and thought leaders to discuss some of the hottest topics in the industry — from AI governance to the importance of data sharing to how to ensure data reliability and beyond. Welcome to The Data Citizens Dialogues.
Netherlands