Data Citizens Dialogues

Five questions that turn AI from guessing into reliable results 17.08.2026 42mnt

Think before you prompt. In this episode, Maiquel Sampaio de Melo from IDB Invest shares a practical framework for getting better AI results by defining the problem first.He explains the five questions he asks before using AI, the ingredients-recipe-final plate analogy and why preparation matters more than prompt tweaking. Maiquel also shows how generative AI can help teams save time, improve data quality and quantify the cost of messy processes.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why problem definition comes before promptingHow to use the five-question frameworkWhy better context leads to better AI outputHow AI can support data quality and governanceHow to turn messy work into measurable business valueIf you want AI to produce more useful answers and less rework, this conversation gives you a clear, repeatable way to start.

Foundations for fast AI Deployment in telecommunications 04.08.2026 23mnt

Effective data and AI governance isn't just about compliance—it’s the foundation for trustworthy, high-impact decision making. In this episode, Fatimh Khalid J.A. Al-Jaber from Ooredoo Qatar reveals how transforming governance into a strategic enabler supercharges AI success and customer trust. Discover how a telecommunications giant shifted from viewing governance as a compliance burden to positioning it as a key driver of innovation and value creation. Fatimh breaks down the practical steps they took, including building a unified data glossary, tracking data lineage and prioritizing high-impact data domains while celebrating measurable progress along the way. Learn how Qatar’s privacy laws and international standards shape a trustworthy, customer-centric data approach not just for compliance but as a strategic differentiator. We cover:* How data governance becomes a strategic advantage* Why trust and accountability matter for AI success* How Ooredoo Qatar supports fast AI deployments* Managing governance across complex telecom systemsSee more Data Citizens Dialogues at collibra.com/podcasts

From catching up to leading: Why AI governance must think five steps ahead 28.07.2026 21mnt

Most companies are unprepared for AI's rapid evolution and if you do not shift your governance approach now, you will fall behind. In this episode, Joe Wallace from Adobe shares a practical concept called “shift down” that helps teams build AI safety and agility into the foundation so they can innovate without constant approval bottlenecks.Wallace explains governance through a garden analogy. Teams can freely harvest the right data while keeping harmful risks out. He also shows why rigid checklist frameworks can leave organizations audit-ready but risk-blind and why built-in safeguards scale better as AI evolves.You will learn:What the “governance stack” is and how discover, use, protect and orchestrate work togetherWhy “shift down” helps teams move faster with fewer approval delaysHow legal, security and product teams can align around AI at scaleThe risks of weak governance including data leaks, misuse and privacy issuesPractical ways to encourage experimentation and help your team say “just try”If you want to lead in AI without sacrificing control, this episode gives you a clear blueprint for turning governance from a bottleneck into an enabler.

The essential keys to effective AI Leadership 14.07.2026 19mnt

In this episode, we speak with Diahanna Post, Vice President of Data and Analytics Management at Cotality, about the evolving relationship between people, leadership and AI. Diahanna shares how a career rooted in research and data science shaped her approach to asking better questions, building trust and leading teams through major technology shifts.Diahanna also explains why she believes AI should augment people rather than replace them, and how emerging professionals can stand out. What you’ll learn:*Why asking the right question matters more than rushing to the answer*How AI is changing enterprise workflows and leadership expectations*Why trust, vulnerability, and people skills are still essential for great leaders*How to balance technical depth with strategic decision-making*Ways early-career professionals can build credibility in an AI-driven job market*Why AI works best as an augmentation tool, not just a replacement strategy*How one data leader uses AI in real-world work and nonprofit impactWatch this episode for a thoughtful conversation about data leadership, AI adoption, and the human side of technological change.

Revisiting the data mesh in the age of AI 12.06.2026 21mnt

Discover how leading organizations like PGGM are revamping their data models with frameworks like data mesh to break down bottlenecks and foster active ownership to feed AI systems. Get practical insights on shifting from centralized control to decentralized, product-driven data cultures that empower teams to innovate faster. With Daniëlle Bourgondiën from PGGM Investment Management and Frank Gresnigt from Datashift, we cover:The real-world benefits and pitfalls of adopting data mesh and self-service platformsHow to turn governance into a value-adding force, not just a compliance checkboxThe critical role of organizational culture in AI readiness and data qualityWhy aligning semantic layers and cross-domain coordination is vital for impactful AI modelsPractical steps for building scalable, responsible AI systems in complex organizationsThis episode guides you to think bigger and act smarter in data and AI governance.Expertise from PGGM's data management team and DataShift's transformation specialists provide both strategic foresight and actionable tactics you can use.

How data products are quietly powering the modern supply chain 19.05.2026 30mnt

Discover how Portbase turned a simple data catalog into a strategic digital twin of Dutch ports, creating clarity for their teams. You’ll learn how Portbase’s data platform acts as a digital mirror, representing the entire flow of goods, ships, and trucks across ports, turning raw data into a real-time digital twin that keeps the economy running. We break down the critical roles of data standards, responsible ownership and transparency, showing how internal language and shared semantics enable agility amid constant change. Eelke Schuurbiers of Portbase shares behind-the-scenes insights into their innovative use of data products, the importance of data quality, and how working with Clever Republic helped accelerate their path to business value. Plus, get an exclusive look at the playful yet visionary use of gamification to drive adoption. With AI emerging as both a challenge and an opportunity, we explore how Portbase incorporates trustworthy policies, experimentation, and governance to stay ahead of the curve. This episode reveals that successful data management isn’t just about tools—it’s about culture, language, and continuous evolution.

The data ownership mindsets that drive AI success 21.04.2026 51mnt

The secret to elevating data governance and AI success? It's all about mindset. Gaurav Patole, Principal Data Strategist, Data & AI Governance Specialist at ThoughtWorks, reveals how the principles of physics can revolutionize how organizations handle data quality. In a world flooded with unstructured chaos—PDFs, videos, emails—how do you ensure AI models trust what they see? Gaurav’s innovative 'Newton's laws' for data quality offer a surprisingly simple, yet profoundly powerful framework to align technical practices with business value. You'll discover:Why pushing technical jargon in business conversations causes resistance—and how to flip that dynamicThe real meaning of a data product: the smallest unit of business impact and how to identify itHow organizations tend to fragment data governance—and what steps can unify data at scaleThe evolving role of data marketplaces and AI in simplifying access, ownership and quality controlsInsights from a decade of data mesh experience, including the culture shift needed to make data as a product a realityYou can find Gaurav's book at https://www.thoughtworks.com/en-us/insights/books/data-quality-roi and check out more episodes at Collibra.com/podcasts

From 300 slides to 18: How BCLC reinvented its data strategy for better adoption 10.04.2026 20mnt

Transform your data governance approach by treating it as a brand, not just a policy. In this episode, Adam Coladipietro and Serena Cromarty from British Columbia Lottery Corporation reveal how they shifted their data culture from mandates to motivation through innovative branding, storytelling and user-focused design. Discover how they turned a 281-page strategy deck into an engaging 18-slide interactive experience, winning internal attention. Learn why hiring for curiosity and communication over just technical skill creates a collaborative, empowered data community. If your organization struggles to make data initiatives stick, this episode offers concrete tactics to make it compelling, approachable, and human-centered. Perfect for leaders craving practical strategies to embed data culture deeply into their organization, without the usual noise and resistance. Step beyond traditional compliance and see how brand-building and empathy can unlock your data team's potential.

Modernizing the CDO Office in banking and finance 24.02.2026 9mnt

Most organizations are still managing data as a collection of tables and reports, but the future demands a shift to truly business-owned data products. Brandon Dombroski, Managing Director, Head of Data Quality and Data Platform Business Ownership at MUFG, reveals how transforming data ownership and engagement unlocks rapid scalability and reduces costs - like cutting data quality rule expenses by 99% - and positions data as a strategic asset rather than just a technical commodity.In this episode, you’ll discover how MUFG re-engaged the business in data governance, made data catalogs more accessible to non-technical users, and shifted from a data-infrastructure focus to delivering value-driven data products that genuinely serve business needs. Brandon shares a practical framework for evolving from traditional data lakes to a product-centric approach, emphasizing business ownership, use case alignment, and scalable data quality automation.We also break down the importance of operationalizing data as a product rather than a table, how to foster business buy-in from top-down and bottoms-up strategies, and the emerging role of the Chief AI Officer as data and AI increasingly converge.

Why AI is forcing us to rethink data governance culture 10.02.2026 20mnt

For too long, data governance has been framed as a constraint as opposed to the competitive advantage it ought to be. Which is exactly why Federico Frumento, Senior Data Governance Manager at Vodafone, makes the case for governance as a business enabler—one that helps organizations move faster, make better decisions and achieve real commercial outcomes.By reframing governance around commercial outcomes in an era of generative AI, organizations can create a powerful “carrot” for investment—one that makes the connection between data quality and trustworthy AI impossible to ignore. Because, in the end, lasting impact comes from treating data governance as a collaborative discipline, where flexible frameworks adapt to real business needs and bridge business and technical teams to drive meaningful, cultural change.Three reasons you should listen to this episode:1. Data governance as a growth lever, not a roadblock. How reframing governance around business outcomes changes adoption, momentum and impact.2. GenAI is the new catalyst for governance investment. Why the demand for trustworthy AI makes data quality—and governance—impossible to ignore.3. What cultural change in data governance actually looks like. Flexible frameworks, collaboration and trust are essential to making governance stick across the business.ResourcesConnect with ThomasConnect with FedeEnjoyed 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.

Why data literacy is actually everyone’s job 13.01.2026 16mnt

What does it really take to turn fragmented data into something teams can trust and use at scale? For Cirium’s Head of Data Governance, Candice Parfitt, it starts with tackling data silos head-on—using governance as the foundation for unifying data after years of growth through acquisition.Recorded live at Data Citizens on the Road in London, Candice joins Thomas Brence to unpack what “good governance” actually demands from an organization. For governance to work in the real world, it should be seen as a shared discipline—one grounded in fit-for-purpose data, reinforced through continuous education and intentionally embedded in everyday work.And as adoption grows, governance must be built in—not bolted on—so access, accountability and trust can scale together.Three reasons you should listen to this episode:1. Start where governance actually matters: Learn why getting foundational data fit for purpose is the fastest way to unlock better products, clearer analysis and stronger trust.2. Make data literacy stick: See how continuous, real-world education—using your own data and use cases—builds alignment across teams without slowing work down.3. Move toward governance by design: Understand when and how to shift from open access to intentional controls by capturing metadata early and logging real use cases.ResourcesConnect with ThomasConnect with CandiceEnjoyed 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.

The language layer your AI strategy needs 19.11.2025 13mnt

AI readiness isn’t a technology problem—it’s a language problem. As Amica Insurance’s Sr. Data Governance Manager Steffanie Archer explains, this has less to do with algorithms and more to do with trust. So how do you ensure data is high-quality, easy to find, clearly owned, and consistently understood across the business?Steffanie points to curated data products as the next major driver of adoption, giving teams trusted, ready-to-use datasets that streamline strategic work and remove guesswork. As demand grows, the focus shifts to scaling capacity, supported by an engaged steward network and a change-management approach that treats governance as something built with the business—not imposed on it.Three reasons you should listen to this episode:1. Build AI readiness from the ground up. Hear how data leaders cut through ambiguity by unifying definitions, owners, and access so every team works from the same source of truth.2. Turn governance into demand. Use an engaged steward network and collaborative operating model to shift data governance from a compliance task to something business teams actively seek out.3. Accelerate insights with curated data products. Pre-package trusted datasets that eliminate manual hunting, reduce rework, and give strategic initiatives a running start.ResourcesConnect with ThomasConnect with SteffanieEnjoyed 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.

Agents of change: managing cultural shifts at scale 24.09.2025 32mnt

Change is hard. It’s an old truth—but one that matters more than ever in the age of AI. In this episode, host Thomas Brence sits down with two champions of change at McDonald’s—Director of Enterprise Data Governance, John Tucker, and Change Agent & Communications Manager, Avery Chandler—to explore why change management is essential to building a successful data governance program.Together, John and Avery share how McDonald’s put change management at the center of its governance journey, dedicating a role to guide employees through new tools, policies, and behaviors. They discuss how empathy, storytelling, and frameworks like ADKAR help bridge the gap between business strategy and everyday practice—turning adoption into traction.From flipping burgers in training to navigating AI-driven transformation, this conversation reveals how grounding governance in human experience can drive lasting cultural change. Discover why a change agent may be the most important hire your data program can make.Three reasons you should listen to this episode:1. Make change management a cornerstone. Hear why McDonald’s embedded a dedicated change manager into its governance team and how it’s transforming adoption.2. Use storytelling and frameworks to connect. Learn how ADKAR and the power of narrative help employees understand, embrace, and sustain new ways of working.3. Build empathy through hands-on experience. Discover why training alongside restaurant staff—even burning fries—creates a culture that’s ready to embrace data and AI.ResourcesConnect with ThomasConnect with JohnConnect with AveryEnjoyed 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.

Why your data strategy needs engineering at the table 13.08.2025 16mnt

What does it really take to build confidence in enterprise data? At Arvest Bank, it started with a single use case and a commitment to simplicity. In this episode, Thomas Brence sits down with Josh Cohen live from Collibra’s Product Premiere to talk about what it means to make trust tangible—and how Arvest is laying the groundwork for deeper data quality and governance maturity.By bringing Collibra under the data engineering team and focusing on clear business value, Arvest is transforming how its finance and performance teams interact with data. Josh shares how his team is tackling source-to-target validation, establishing trust through small wins, and navigating change management with a pragmatic, top-down approach.From reluctant stakeholders to AI readiness, hear how one bank is building trust in its data—one rule, one report, and one relationship at a time.Three reasons you should listen to this episode:1. Start small to prove value fast. Learn how Arvest focuses on specific, high-value reporting needs to make data governance meaningful—and measurable—for business stakeholders.2. Rethink ownership to drive adoption. Explore Arvest’s shift Collibra from the governance team to data engineering, and how that decision helped accelerate quality initiatives.3. Navigate change with clarity. Get practical advice on managing resistance, setting expectations, and securing executive buy-in to make data quality stick.ResourcesConnect with ThomasConnect with JoshEnjoyed 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.

The secret to scaling governance without slowing down 29.07.2025 26mnt

Building trust in data isn’t just a modern challenge—it’s a decades-old problem that continues to evolve. In this episode, Chief Data Citizen Stijn Christiaens sits down with Axel Frank and Kevin Falkenstein of Siemens AG to explore how one of the world’s largest industrial manufacturers is tackling that challenge head-on.Together, Axel and Kevin lead Siemens’ internal data governance platform, where they've reimagined data management around reuse, business ownership and transparency. They discuss the company’s shift toward data products, the creation of a centralized data marketplace and the cultural transformation that’s helping Siemens scale governance across business domains.From skeptical executives to AI-powered possibilities, learn how to make data governance a source of value—not friction.Three reasons you should listen to this episode:1. Build trust through transparency. Hear how Siemens uses data lineage, ownership, and quality checks to foster confidence in data—so executives can make decisions without second-guessing the numbers.2. Design data for reuse and scale. Learn to define and structure data products for business users, making data both consumable and composable across teams.3. Future-proof your data strategy. Discover how strong governance today enables data products to evolve alongside AI—ensuring your foundation is built for whatever comes next.ResourcesConnect with StijnConnect with AxelConnect with KevinEnjoyed 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.

Solving the data dilemma in higher education 18.06.2025 21mnt

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.

How to be a CDO in the age of AI 04.06.2025 22mnt

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.

See You in 2025, Data Enthusiasts! 11.12.2024 1mnt

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!

Enabling data literacy through hands-on collaboration 20.11.2024 45mnt

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.

How governance is shaping the legal landscape 06.11.2024 36mnt

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.

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