Here's how you can excel as an executive in Data Governance.

Make sure you have a firm technical understanding so that you can speak cogently with the people who will be executing your solutions. Know the different types of data: structure/unstructured, numeric, string, categorical, hierarchical, etc. Know the general ways to conventionally solve these problems as well as the specific state of the art tools used in your organization and others.

While it’s important to understand the basics of data management, governance models and principles, it’s critical to understand how your organization is using data today for decision making at all the levels across various departments, what issues are your business stakeholders facing because of the lack of cleaned, governed data today and how does it impact the business goals, KPIs and the bottom line? Mapping the data gaps/challenges with the anticipated business goals will help prioritize the intiatives you need to take, when you need to take them and the dependencies and risks that needs to be managed alongside.

To excel in Data Governance, combine technical expertise with business strategy. Understand data types and management methods, using advanced tools. Highlight benefits like better decisions and cost reduction. Develop a framework for data lifecycle management, access control, and compliance. Address challenges to maintain progress. Set clear goals aligned with strategic objectives. Engage stakeholders across IT, legal, and business units to foster a data-valuing culture. Invest in technology that meets business and technical needs, streamlining processes and supporting scalability. Continuously monitor compliance and adapt your governance framework to stay ahead of changes.

We need to understand the business and what critical data element that we need to focus and prioritize first, so that we can make decisions effectively. One more thing, and I think is the most important part is senior management support and commitment to succeed data governance initiative.

?? Understanding the core principles of data governance is indeed crucial, but it's equally important to stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in the field. Data governance is an evolving discipline, and emerging technologies like AI, as well as evolving workplace dynamics such as hybrid and remote work, can offer new ways to enhance data management. As an executive, continuous learning and staying informed about industry best practices can further enhance your ability to lead effective data governance initiatives.

Indeed, clear business goals are key to successful and valuable data governance implementation. As an executive, you should be clear on why you need data governance and what value it brings, adds or unlocks in your business. With that clarity, you can then set measurable objectives and obtain the right tools and technology along with the right skills. Otherwise, you run the risk of a data governance initiative with no value added while producing artefacts as a mere tick-box exercise.

Stakeholder engagement and collaboration is a must. Your partners shouldn't see governance as a "takeover" of the data, but rather as a partnership to help them. As a data executive you can often break down data silos by bringing various groups to the table to show how data can be used across the organization.

1) Stakeholder Engagement: Build relationships with stakeholders at all levels. Gain buy-in for data governance initiatives, including group executives and boards. 2) Clear Communication: Explain complex data concepts in a simple, comprehensible manner to diverse audiences.

?? To maximise the effectiveness of this engagement, consider establishing a data governance council or committee. This body can provide ongoing oversight, facilitate communication across departments, and ensure that data governance policies are consistently applied and updated as needed. Furthermore, providing training and resources should not be a one-off approach but rather a continuous method to engage stakeholders, enhancing their understanding and commitment to data governance practices over time.

Engaging your stakeholders, demonstrating that it is an active and collaborative process, and aligning results with business objectives are key to a successful data governance program and, consequently, the governance executive.

Remember that any data governance technology must meet the needs of both business and technical stakeholders. In the early days, simple, already available tools are enough. As your data maturity grows, so will your need for data governance technology.

?? Instead of relying solely on regular audits and risk assessments, consider implementing real-time compliance monitoring systems. These systems can provide continuous oversight and immediate alerts for potential violations, enabling quicker responses and reducing the risk of non-compliance.