Data Citizens Dialogues

Hosted by Collibra

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Aug 2025

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About the show

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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48 recent

August 13, 202516 min

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 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.

July 29, 202526 min

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, 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.

June 18, 202521 min

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 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.

June 4, 202522 min

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.

December 11, 20241 min

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!

November 20, 202445 min

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.

November 6, 202436 min

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.

October 23, 202433 min

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 to inefficiencies and mistakes. Nicola shares practical strategies for using data glossaries and catalogs to align teams, ensuring everyone is on the same page and working with accurate, trusted information. This conversation offers actionable insights for data governance leaders looking to enhance data culture and governance practices through a unified language.Three reasons you should listen to this episode:1. Create clarity around your data. Learn how establishing a common language through data glossaries and catalogs can reduce miscommunication and ensure your teams work with accurate, consistent data.2. Boost collaboration across departments. Discover practical ways to improve data sharing and alignment between teams, leading to better decision-making and fewer errors.3. Strengthen your data governance strategy. Gain insights into how a shared understanding of data can enhance your organization’s data culture and governance practices, making data more reliable and easier to manage.ResourcesConnect with ThomasConnect with NicolaEnjoyed 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.

September 25, 202422 min

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 leveraging a "Google for data" approach, WGU has built a system that allows users to quickly find and confidently trust the data they need. And thanks to the power of metadata in providing critical context and making data more accessible and reliable, WGU’s self-service model not only offers a practical blueprint for overcoming fragmented data sources and inconsistent reporting; it also paves the way for a more scalable and efficient data governance model.Three reasons you should listen to this episode:1. Empowering your team with self-service data tools. Discover how implementing a self-service data discovery platform can transform your organization's efficiency, enabling users to independently find, understand, and trust data.2. Unlocking the power of metadata. Hear how WGU used metadata to provide critical context, making data more accessible and reliable, and how you can apply similar strategies to your data governance efforts.3. Overcoming data governance challenges. Gain insights into tackling common issues like fragmented data sources, inconsistent reporting, and building trust in your data through proactive governance strategies.ResourcesConnect with ThomasConnect with GarthEnjoyed 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.

September 11, 202433 min

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 designed to empower the organization by enabling business units to efficiently manage, govern and leverage data assets. Tanja shares insights into the program's mission to democratize data, the importance of stakeholder management and the role of continuous improvement in maintaining program success. She also emphasizes the significance of building a metadata repository to achieve critical mass and the strategic use of metadata to create valuable data products that drive innovation and efficiency across the organization.Three reasons you should listen to this episode:1. Empowering Data Democratization. Hear how transforming data (by making it accessible and usable across the organization) can break down silos and foster a data-driven culture.2. Strategic Metadata Management. Gain valuable insights into TELUS's approach to building and managing a comprehensive metadata repository, enabling efficient data governance and the creation of high-value data products.3. Continuous Improvement and Stakeholder Management. Learn about the importance of continuous improvement, stakeholder engagement, and risk management in driving the success of a metadata management program and how these practices can be applied to your own data initiatives.ResourcesConnect with KerenConnect with TanjaEnjoyed 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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