Data Citizens Dialogues
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.
Episodes
Think before you prompt: Smarter ways to use AI at work
Unlock the secrets to effective AI prompting and data management that can transform your organization’s decision-making and efficiency. Join Stijn and Maiquel Sampaio de Melo from IDB Invest as they dive into the fundamentals of problem-solving in data and AI. They share practical frameworks you can use today, from defining your problem in a single sentence to understanding your current process an
Foundations for fast AI Deployment in telecommunications
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 positi
From catching up to leading: Why AI governance must think five steps ahead
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. Team
The essential keys to effective AI Leadership
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 shoul
Revisiting the data mesh in the age of AI
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 Gres
How data products are quietly powering the modern supply chain
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 stand
The data ownership mindsets that drive AI success
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 innovati
From 300 slides to 18: How BCLC reinvented its data strategy for better adoption
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 int
Modernizing the CDO Office in banking and finance
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
Why AI is forcing us to rethink data governance culture
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 out
Why data literacy is actually everyone’s job
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 govern
The language layer your AI strategy needs
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 adopti
Agents of change: managing cultural shifts at scale
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, Joh
Why your data strategy needs engineering at the table
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 Collibr
The secret to scaling governance without slowing down
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, wh
Solving the data dilemma in higher education
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 id
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 h
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!
Enabling data literacy through hands-on collaboration
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.Whet
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 t
The power of a common data language
A shared understanding of data across teams might be one of the most critical tools for driving better business outcomes. Just ask Nicola Askham, the Data Governance Coach, who's full of practical advice on creating clarity around data definitions, improving collaboration and making data sharing more reliable within organizations.Miscommunication and inconsistent data definitions can easily lead t
Solving data discovery with a self-service approach
Faced with the complexity of managing massive amounts of digital data, it’s no surprise that organizations are rethinking how to empower their teams. Garth Gehlbach, Head of Data Governance at Western Governors University, joins us live at DC 24 in Orlando to reveal how the university implemented a self-service data discovery platform, transforming the way users access and leverage information.By
Metadata magic: the path to data enlightenment
Metadata isn’t just a buzzword; it's the foundation for driving business value and fostering a data-driven culture. Tanja Glisin, Data Governance Office Manager at TELUS, joins Collibra’s Keren Corely, Director of Go-to-Market Digital Programs, on location at DC 24 in Orlando, to discuss the transformative power of metadata management.Now five years strong, TELUS's metadata management program is d
How data-driven care changed the healthcare game
Over the past two decades, data has become critical to nearly every industry. In the realm of healthcare, it's a game-changer. Anthony Macaione, Data Governance Manager, and Craig Hunter, Solutions Analyst, reveal how MemorialCare's cutting-edge data governance practices are revolutionizing patient outcomes and streamlining operations.MemorialCare's mission focuses on improving the health and well
Unlocking the power of a data-driven culture
Data isn't just the new oil; it's the engine driving transformation. Listen as Northern Trust’s Adrienne Kiessel, Head of Enterprise Data Governance and Subbaiah Maneyapanda, Senior VP of Enterprise Data Management & Analysis break down how their organization’s data strategy is revolutionizing its approach to data governance and management.Of course, achieving such significant strides in data
Balancing offense and defense in data management
How does a major player in the housing finance industry leverage data to drive business value and support its mission? Listen to find out as Chief Data Citizen, Stijn Christaens, chats with Freddie Mac’s VP & Chief Data Officer, Arvind Jagannathan, and Director of Data Analytics, Vikram Chopra, to uncover the sophisticated data strategies that power the mortgage leader's operations.Freddie Mac
From fragmented to federated: the power of starting small
When a pioneer of connectivity solutions decides to revamp its data governance, the results can be transformative. Join Thomas for a chat with TE Connectivity’s Lead Data Governance Specialist, Jacqueline Paneque, and Senior Data Governance Specialist, Brett Larson. Together, they reveal the innovative data strategies that drive TE Connectivity’s success across multiple sectors.Recorded live at th
The secret sauce behind McDonald’s data strategy
What’s the secret sauce behind McDonald’s ability to stay ahead in the fast-food industry? John Tucker, Director of Enterprise Data Governance, unveils how McDonald’s uses data to not only enhance customer experience but also streamline crew operations with cutting-edge AI applications.From personalizing customer interactions to implementing AI-driven tools that support crew efficiency, John revea
Value realization: the next piece of your data puzzle
What's the point of creating value with your data if you never cash it in? This week, Barb Wixom, Principal Research Scientist at MIT Sloan's Center for IS Research, takes us through the critical but oft neglected journey of turning data into definitive financial gains.In peeling back the layers inherent to the value creation process, Barb insists that the leap from data to dollars must involve mo
Data at the helm of new waters
Is data the Coast Guard’s compass to new horizons? This week, Toan Do, Area Vice President of Federal Sales at Collibra, invites Capt. Brian Erickson, Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer at the United States Coast Guard, to shed some light on the Coast Guard's transformative journey from traditional navigation to data-driven decision-making, illustrating how data is becoming the compass
You can stop cleaning your data now
We all know that every bit of an organization’s data ought to be treated equal, right? Well, in a world where clean data is often the status quo, Julie Fawdington, Senior Director PMO at Hewlett Packard Enterprises, invites us to ask the question, how clean is clean enough?Drawing on her extensive experience in data transformation, Julie’s take on data quality suggests the need for data qual
The silent powerhouse: data quality in the AI revolution
It's no secret that AI has seen massive success in FinTech, but what hidden forces are driving this success, and how do they transform raw data into global opportunities? This week, guest host Stijn Christiaens invites Peep Küngas, Data Architect at Monese to decode the intricacies of data quality management and its profound impact on the tech landscape, offering fresh insights into this crucial y
Your roadmap for establishing data ownership in finance
In the intricate world of financial data governance, Dennis van de Graaf, VP of Data Governance at WinTrust Financial, highlights a crucial component: the definition and empowerment of data owners. His insight reveals how assigning clear ownership of data sets within an organization is fundamental to ensuring data accuracy, security, and compliance.Dennis's approach underscores the role of data ow
Shaping student success with data insights
At the intersection of data and education, transformative initiatives are shaping the future of higher education institutions. Alice Fleck, Enterprise Data Governance Manager at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), brings to light the critical role of data governance in academic settings.The significant impact of well-structured data governance committees, which are integral to m
Crafting data product for organizational impact
The digital realm's new currency is data, yet its value is often as enigmatic as it is critical. Sanjeev Mohan, Principal of SanjMo and former Gartner analyst, decodes the complexities of data valuation, advocating for a product-oriented view that frames data's utility and impact within an organization. The prerequisites for defining a 'data product'—from maintaining stringent quality and ava
The data-preneur's guide to achieving impact
Becoming "data driven" transcends mere technical implementations—it’s an organizational culture rooted in deliberate mindsets and collaborative strategies. Nico Huybrechts, CEO at Datashift, elucidates this concept, sharing from a wellspring of expertise on fostering a data-centric culture that's embedded in an organization's DNA.While expounding on the notion of 'data-preneur tiger teams,' which
Exploring data ownership in cloud migration
A seismic shift is underway at Booking.com as the travel giant embarks on an ambitious cloud migration and data transformation journey. In this episode, Milo Milovanovic, Senior Director of Big Data Technologies, offers an insider's look at how they are reshaping their data analytics and machine learning platforms to accelerate innovation. By transitioning to the cloud and establishing robust
Harnessing data for change in the public sector
If the rise of Chief Data Officers (CDOs) within the public sector is any indication, we’re currently witnessing a paradigm shift towards making data a fundamental cornerstone of government operations. What’s more, as these agencies increasingly prioritize data, legislative acts like the Foundations of Evidence-Based Policymaking Act and the Open Data Act further underline the shift. In the q
Five pillars of data excellence with Ram Narasimhan and Rohan Pawar, Colt Technology Services
Data is more than just a buzzword at Colt Technology Services; it's the linchpin of their operational evolution. In this episode, we talk with Ram Narasimhan and Rohan Pawar about how Colt is reshaping its organizational culture around a five-pillar program designed to democratize data and foster trust at every level of the enterprise.Navigating through the complexities of data quality and cloud-b
How data governance is revolutionizing treatment efficiency in healthcare with Roy Schmidt, Envision
In healthcare, data governance stands as a pivotal factor in improving both patient outcomes and operational efficiency. In this episode, Roy Schmidt, Data Governance Program Manager at Envision Healthcare, joins us to share an insider's perspective on how his organization has successfully implemented a robust data governance program, impacting both clinicians and patients alike. Roy delves i
Crafting a data governance blueprint with Börge Hansen, Union Investment
Navigating the intricacies of building a data governance program within a banking context is no small feat, requiring strategic vision, stakeholder buy-in, and detailed execution. In this episode, Börge Hansen, Strategic Data Manager at Union Investment, invites us into his world of establishing a data governance program across the organization. , where hHe reveals the nuances of his compreh
From data village to metropolis with Henry Rice, Frasers Group
Amid a sea of change, the retail landscape has dramatically shifted over the past five years. In this episode, Henry Rice from Frasers Group joins Chief Data Citizen, Stijn Christiaens, at Data Citizens On the Road where they explore the far-reaching impacts of Brexit, the global pandemic, and the cost of living crisis on the retail industry. In the latter part of the conversation, Henry and
The ‘why’ of establishing your next data community with Katie Reynolds, Case Western
In this episode, Katie Reynolds, Director of Data Management, Analytics, and Visualization at Case Western Reserve University draws on her experience with building a data community across various universities to underscore the importance of data governance amidst extensive regulatory requirements.As we explore the rapid evolution of technology and AI, and the pivotal role of data governance commun
Navigating the world of financial data management with John Yelle, DTCC
The significance of data literacy in our efforts to promote collaboration and decision-making cannot be overstated. In this episode, John Yelle, Executive Director for Enterprise Data Management at DTCC, takes us inside the fascinating world of the financial industry to explore the three V's of data - volume, velocity, and variety - and learn how they play a vital role in driving this digital evol
The power of data marketplaces in the digital age with Jay Bhankharia, Databricks
Discover the fascinating world of data marketplaces and unlock the potential of monetizing your organization's data in our conversation with Jay Bhankharia, a Senior Director at Databricks. Jay shares his expertise on how data marketplaces connect buyers and sellers of data assets and discusses the role of Language Learning Models (LLMs) in enhancing the user experience and aiding data providers i
Transforming data products into profit with Stijn Christiaens
Data strategy in 2023 is no longer a mystery. As businesses embrace data monetization, it’s vital to understand how to convert data products into revenue sources. In this episode, we chat with Stijn Christiaens, co-founder and Chief Data Citizen of Collibra, who unveils the secrets of data strategy and bridges the gap between data and business language.Join us as we explore the evolving role of da
Harnessing the power of data intelligence with Heather Wentworth, David Mitchell, and Peter Vennel
Join us LIVE at Collibra’s DC’22, where we talk about the relevance of data intelligence. We are joined by the 2022 Collibra Excellence Award-Winners: Acceleration All-Star winner Heather Wentworth, chief data officer of Accelerant Holdings; Program of Year winner David Mitchell, senior director of engineering of Cox Automotive; and Collibra Ranger of the Year Peter Vennel, enterprise data strateg
Baking cakes with data governance with Joe Wallace and Ryan Galloway
Join us LIVE at Collibra’s DC’22, where we talk about the importance of data governance with Joe Wallace, senior manager for Digital Asset Governance, Adobe, and Ryan Galloway, senior vice president for Moody's Corporation. How can companies improve their data quality and decision-making processes? Listen as they explore some of the challenges associated with data governance and share tips for ove
We all are data citizens
Data can drive game-changing business decisions, but inconsistent data can do the opposite. The world of data has come a long way, but we still see businesses with problematic data reporting, which leads to their eventual downfall. The more we use data, the more we need to see it as both an asset and a responsibility.In this episode, our host, Jay Militscher, invites Stijn Christiaens, Collibra's
AI is just math, not magic with Sarah Hoffman, Fidelity
AI is no longer for data scientists only. Most businesses have made AI tools part of their workflow. For example, we’ve seen chatbots, automated emails, and the like. As we embrace artificial intelligence, we have to discuss it. What is AI? What is it not? Should we use it for everything?In this episode, Sarah Hoffman, VP of AI and Machine Learning Research in Fidelity Investments, defines AI and
Inside Collibra: Busting myths around data science with Gretel De Paepe
Data analysis, data science, and machine learning. The boundaries between these three may not be apparent, but these fields are related and interconnected. So it’s possible to start a career in one and dabble with another. Data has made it easy to connect and acquire information. However, we must be vigilant in upholding privacy.In this episode, Gretel De Paepe, senior data scientist at Collibra,
ESG: More than a buzzword with Martin Weirich, PwC
The topic of sustainability has undoubtedly gained massive traction and momentum across industries over the past years. According to Martin Weirich, ESG is more than a buzzword and a PR trick — businesses have realized the beneficial impacts of sustainable models. From this, the term ESG or Environmental, Social, and Governance has emerged — and it's here to stay in the hopes of a better future fo
Inside Collibra: Building a socially and environmentally sustainable business
The issues our society face today are increasingly complex and urgent. The rise of technology and the impact of the pandemic has put the spotlight on our growing social and environmental crises. But these crises are an opportunity for companies to rise up and show their worth. Now more than ever, companies are called to shift their solutions and initiatives in a way that will positively impact soc
Data governance is like clean water with Joe Wallace, Adobe
Over the years, we’ve seen technology grow and how companies use the power of data to drive decision-making. However, we may be gathering more data than we can handle. Some companies may observe inconsistencies among data reports, leading to arguments and a lot of time wasted. This is where data governance comes in. In this episode, Joseph Wallace, Senior Manager of Data Governance at A
Building Collibra's data office with Stijn Christiaens
As companies grow and their market expands, their systems and processes become more complex. Managing data assets can be overwhelming without proper knowledge, organization, and mastery. This is where the concept of a data office comes in handy. In a time when data is more valuable than ever, it is imperative that a company understands how to make it work for them.It might be time for you to consi
Data mesh, not data mess with Sonali Bhavsar, Accenture
Data is a land mine for growth, and more businesses are realizing the great potential it holds. The value and insights from data have seen a rise in demand within organizations, and with this rise comes the expectation of a rapid turnaround time. However, this poses a significant challenge to central data teams, who handle data management and analytics. This led to the concept of data mesh, a dece
Inside Collibra: Treat your data as a product
Data mesh is a relatively new concept that aims to reduce friction in maximizing the value of data. It distributes data control to different business domains that have experts in the data relevant to them. A catalog of data products contributes to the data owners' efficiency in curating and analyzing their data for business insights.In this episode, Luis Romero, the Product Marketing Director at C
Don’t just talk the talk with Anna Hannem, Scotiabank
Data ethics may be a relatively new field, but its underlying principles are nothing new. Currently, regulations on data ethics are lacking, but organizations are still making data ethics a priority. Ethical data management is a must in today's data-driven world. In this episode, Anna Hannem, the director of Data Ethics & Use at Scotiabank, joins us to discuss the importance of data ethic
Inside Collibra: Comparing your ethics framework to spicy foods
As technology grows, we've come to recognize the power of big data: how it influences company policies, consumer choices, and even government decisions. Data should not be just for profit — it should have an ethical and moral basis, which is where the importance of data ethics comes in. If you'd like to know more about data security and its ethical considerations, you're in for a treat this week.&
Welcome to Data Citizens Dialogues
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.
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