Governance programs often falter, not because the frameworks are flawed, but because the people involved feel excluded, overburdened, or disconnected. Success depends on understanding the human element—engaging stakeholders, aligning with their priorities, and turning skeptics into advocates.

In this session, Ajay Mathur, an award-winning public speaker and Enterprise Data Governance Leader at Motability Operations UK shares how to embed governance into the organizational culture by addressing the needs and behaviors of the people behind the data. Drawing from his experience leading governance at one of Europe’s largest car leasing companies and his work as a podcaster interviewing best-selling authors in storytelling, neuropsychology, and productivity, Ajay will explore:

• How to identify and empathize with stakeholders’ needs.
• Practical strategies to simplify governance processes and make them accessible.
• The power of storytelling and psychology to inspire alignment and advocacy.

Governance doesn’t succeed because of systems or policies—it succeeds because of people. This talk will show you how to bring everyone on board and create a governance culture that works for your organization.

Speaker: Ajay Mathur

Ajay transforms complex data landscapes into meaningful stories that drive action and innovation. With over two decades of experience at the intersection of business and technology, he has helped organizations turn their data into a strategic asset.

As the Leader of Data Governance at Motability Operations, Europeís largest vehicle leasing company, Ajay has built a governance framework from the ground up, embedding a culture where data tells stories that guide smarter decisions and sustainable growth. His expertise lies in leading large-scale data initiatives, ensuring quality, and aligning business and technology to achieve impactful results.

An international public speaker and podcaster, Ajay is known for weaving storytelling and actionable insights into his talks, inspiring audiences to reimagine the role of data in their organizations. For Ajay, data governance isnít about processes aloneóitís about connecting people, unlocking value, and making data a force for transformation.