S1 - 13 | Why Data Governance Matters More Than You Think

Let’s face it—data governance has a bad rap. It’s often seen as rigid, expensive, and bureaucratic. Some even advise not to say the "G word" when talking to business leaders. But what if I told you that data governance isthe key to unlocking business value?

In this episode, I sit down withGeorge Firican, Director of Data Governance and Business Intelligence at the University of British Columbia and creator ofLightsOnData.com. George has spent years breaking down complex data governance concepts into practical strategies that actually work.

We go beyond the jargon and explore:

- Why data governance is misunderstood—and how to fix that.

- The real financial impact of poor data practices.

- How to align governance with business objectives (so it gets funded!).

- Winning over executives and employees—without overwhelming them.

- How to show value within 3 months of launching a governance program.

If you’ve ever struggled toprove the ROI of data governance or get buy-in from leadership, this episode is for you.