How can you develop a strong personal brand in Data Governance and get promoted?

Personal Branding is based on the skills and values that differentiates from others. Understanding our strength and understanding what we value high determines our brand. In Data Governance space, as it is vast area, we need to understand our strength first. It might be the data quality, the management of metadata, building of master data or building new business processes, etc. The point is, understanding our core strength, forms strong basis for our personal branding.

I somewhat disagree with the LinkedIn AI text here. I prefer to not be so provincial in my approach. True, you can only focus on one thing at a time, and in some extreme specialty industries (e.g., neurosurgeon) you will probably need to focus your entire career on one extremely unique skill. But not so much in DG. Unless you want to be typecast, or looking exclusively for a consultant/contract positions that execute on a discrete start/end function, and then onto the next one (which is personal preference). As an FTE, I believe this can lead to smaller opportunities, with less growth. My philosophy is to go wide AND deep. #ThinkLearnDo across all the involved data disciplines, and in a logical progression building on fundamentals.

Identifying your niche is very important and a great first step. Within data governance, you can always specialize in a data, governance, framework, data, strategy, data, policies, and data, security and privacy. How you can create your brand is through focusing on one or many topics.

To build a strong personal brand in Data Governance, identify a niche such as data quality or compliance. Showcase expertise through thought leadership, collaborate with peers, and leverage social media. Drive tangible impact, communicate success stories, and seek mentorship. This positions you for promotion by demonstrating value and leadership in your specialized area.

I would like to say here it involves choosing a niche aligned with personal interests and career goals, such as data quality management, data privacy, data stewardship, metadata management, or compliance. Specializing in a niche requires attending relevant training, staying updated on industry trends, and showcasing thought leadership. Networking within the chosen niche is crucial for collaboration, while contributing to organizational goals demonstrates the positive impact of specialized knowledge. Focusing on a niche positions individuals as experts, enhancing their value to organizations and creating opportunities for career advancement.

Content creation is rooted in the wealth of experience gained from your professional journey and collaboration with diverse teams. By compiling and sharing this accumulated knowledge with like-minded individuals, you not only contribute to the collective wisdom but also enrich your understanding through diverse perspectives. Open and productive communication is key, creating a valuable feedback loop with the audience to gauge the effectiveness of your insights. The reciprocal nature of knowledge-sharing fosters continuous learning, propelling you to excel in Data Governance or any field of your passion. The more you share, the more you gain, establishing a pathway to becoming a proficient expert in your chosen domain.

How I am creating, and sharing content is through LinkedIn articles, commenting on other peoples, LinkedIn post, and creating original content under my LinkedIn post. Also, I noticed once you earn a LinkedIn badge, you have the ability to write LinkedIn articles.

Similar, but not same approaches for internal and external content creation and sharing. Many of the mechanisms/channels will be the same, but the audience and target is somewhat different. - External shares on social media platform or blog is a great way to engage your audience. Linking threads of thought between these various channels also helps connect-the-dots. Say between a LinkedIn comment, then a repost of an interesting article, and possibly an expanded thoughtful blog entry on the same topic. - Internally however, you can be much more specific, tailoring content to exact use cases that resonate with people at your company. So converting the original business case, to a success story, and sharing on internal platforms.

Creating and sharing content is a powerful tool for demonstrating expertise in Data Governance. I've seen first-hand how sharing insights through blog posts, white papers, or even webinars not only showcases individual knowledge but also contributes to the broader community. It's a fantastic way to illustrate real-world challenges and solutions, helping others in the field while enhancing your professional reputation. Leveraging platforms like LinkedIn or industry forums for sharing these insights is also a great way to engage with peers and expand your network.

I agree with John Kowalczyk. (Although he forgot that bribing w doughnuts is a good way to help gain consensus... ) And while he is right that there should be some democratic buy in... in the end. If you're the CDO... its your call and you have the final vote. So its a limited democracy.

3 key thoughts: - First & foremost, your personal brand is NOT your ego. Narcissism doesn't take to feedback well. - Building a strong DEMOCRATIC data governance council is paramount. Having a DG Council with an agreed upon & understood protocol is very conducive to getting real, honest feedback where all the data owners/stewards are heard. Being that person that can orchestrate 100's of people, rather than an executive data council dictatorship is where things actually get done. - 1:1 relationships across all data owners/stewards, as much as possible, is important to have your partners feel like people of value, with a real voice. Once edicts are thrust upon them, instead of having a dialogue they can influence, you've created a new silo.

Regularly seek feedback, adapt, and showcase your growth in data governance. Demonstrating a commitment to improvement enhances your personal brand, increasing your chances of promotion.

Seeking feedback and embracing continuous improvement are crucial for personal growth in Data Governance. As a freelancer data governance specialist, I tend to regularly engage with peers, mentors, and clients to gain insights into my work and areas for enhancement. This not only helps in identifying strengths and weaknesses but also demonstrates a commitment to excellence and professional development. Actively seeking opportunities to learn new skills or methodologies is vital in a field as dynamic as Data Governance. It shows a proactive approach to staying ahead in the industry and underscores dedication to delivering top-tier governance solutions.

Using LinkedIn is a great way to showcase your achievements. You can either post about it and share a link. You can add it within your LinkedIn profile. Another way is to discuss your achievements at work and outside of work with your mentors and network.

You should use any channel possible and appropriate. And while using social media platforms to show the work you've done, one needs to be sure not to divulge any IP or violate existing corp policies you may be working for. I advocate to share what you're doing, particularly on LinkedIn as it a great forum for most industries, and expand with blogs or videos. But be sure you're aligned to your corp guidelines as you may be held accountable for violations.

Showcasing achievements is key to advancing within Data Governance. Quantifying results with metrics, testimonials, and recognitions paints a clear picture of the impact you've made. As someone who's navigated this path, I've found that maintaining an updated portfolio and resume that highlights key projects and roles is crucial. It not only reflects your competence and confidence in Data Governance but also positions you effectively for new opportunities. Remember, your achievements speak volumes about your potential to current and prospective employers

what I believe, highlighting achievements in the field of Data Governance serves as a tangible validation of your expertise. While I place more emphasis on practical implementation over theories, I acknowledge the significant role of learning in expanding one's knowledge and perspective. Practical experiences, where real Data Governance challenges are encountered and solved, contribute immensely to skill development. Nonetheless, sharing insights and achievements also plays a motivational role, inspiring others to adopt best practices and make informed decisions in their endeavors.

Clearly define your unique value proposition, emphasizing quantifiable metrics to highlight accomplishments. Tailor your resume or profile to focus on results and successful projects, utilizing the STAR method. Demonstrate leadership skills, continuously pursue professional development, and maintain a strong online presence. Seek endorsements, align achievements with organizational goals, and proactively communicate successes to supervisors.Build a network within and outside the organization for mentorship and collaborative opportunities. Through effective communication of your contributions, both measurable and strategic, you position yourself as a valuable asset in the data governance field,enhancing your prospects for career advancement.

Network actively in data governance circles, attend industry events, and engage on relevant social media platforms. Collaborate on projects, share insights, and build a reputation for expertise. Your visibility and contributions will enhance your personal brand, increasing your chances of promotion in the data governance field.

Networking and collaboration are indispensable for building a personal brand in Data Governance. Engaging with peers through groups, forums, and events not only broadens our understanding but also provides diverse perspectives. In my experience, active participation in discussions and debates has been invaluable. It allows us to share our viewpoints on critical topics, showcasing our knowledge and analytical skills. More importantly, these interactions forge meaningful relationships that are crucial for career growth and learning in the ever-evolving field of Data Governance

Ofcourse networking and collaboration plays an important role. Networking and collaboration entails crafting a compelling brand message, optimizing your online presence, and actively engaging in industry events and professional groups. Building internal networks, collaborating on projects, and sharing expertise with colleagues contribute to visibility and teamwork. Seeking mentorship and advocating for a collaborative culture underscore your commitment to professional development. By actively participating in collaborative initiatives and cultivating positive relationships, you not only strengthen your personal brand but also position yourself for career growth in the field of data governance.

I cannot stress this enough, particularly for us more introverted people out there: connect, connect, connect, internally and externally. Because you can do absolutely everything right: create something from nothing, manage it and incrementally improve it, bring value to a global community, but through all the externalities and politics you cannot control, you can be without a position. I've had this conversation 100 times last year, as my natural tendency is to direct all my energy inward, to the organization I'm working for & to those partners and constituents internally. I like strong, authentic relationships, as I find it makes things worth doing. But it can also leave you at a disadvantage when you're impacted. Always be networking.

Engaging in online tech conversations focused on data governance is something I enjoy. These discussions not only provide insights into others' experiences in the field but also create opportunities to explore different possibilities and perspectives. I find knowledge-sharing to be a valuable form of learning because you never know what responses you'll receive, allowing you to consider diverse viewpoints and challenge your existing understanding of data governance. It's a dynamic and enriching way to continuously broaden one's perspective and stay informed about the evolving landscape of data governance.

Here are other things to consider: You can promote your brand within your COMPANY or VIRTUALLY outside your company. Maybe you talk to a lot of people at work. This is where you verbally promote your brand. Or maybe you're like me and more tech savy and love online convos. This is where I post content and comment on others content.