Even the most technically solid, strategically aligned data governance program can quickly become derailed by miscommunication, lack of trust, and avoidance of change. How do you give your program the best chance of success? Many data professionals may not know how to build rapport and effectively lead their organizations through data governance implementations. 

From requirements gathering, which can easily be perceived as confrontational, to overcoming potential fear of reprisal when uncovering less than ideal workflows and shadow systems, as data professionals we need coaching to learn to put ourselves on the “other side of the fence” and create robust partnerships. This session will describe a simple, but effective framework of change management to apply to every data project or program. Additionally, we’ll have some fun demonstrating ways to leverage key soft skills that will enable you to be a more effective data leader, no matter the audience you are engaging.

This session will focus on techniques we’ve found effective in winning hearts and minds and building relationships across organizations to achieve successful data governance outcomes. Some of these include: 

• Conducting non-linear requirements gathering and validation exercises to increase program design effectiveness
• Structuring meetings in ways that encourage full engagement
• Building and maintaining trust through collaboration
• Using storytelling to align teams and get buy-in
• Encouraging creativity and curiosity in every communication

You’ll leave this session with practical skills that can be implemented immediately to increase the success of your data governance program and, hopefully, bring more fun and enjoyment for everyone!

Speaker: Lacy Smith
Associate Partner, Data Analytics and Visualization
ERM

Lacy Smith is a data governance and data management expert. With nearly two decades of experience, she has designed and implemented data management systems at a number of companies across North America and Asia. As an environmental, health and safety consultant, she has led teams in implementing specialized environmental management information systems while supporting organizations in their data strategy and governance journey. Lacy’s experience includes needs assessments, data governance planning, and strategy development as well as technical design and development. As an Associate Partner at Environmental Resources Management, Inc. (ERM), Lacy supports a global team of data managers across ERM’s varied services.

Speaker: Erin Olshefski
Principal Consultant
ERM

Erin is an accomplished data management specialist with 8+ years of experience as a leader, leveraging technical and subject matter expertise in environmental, health, and safety data consulting. Erin has focused on leading the development of field data collection tools, implementation of data management systems, and development of data governance and management plans. Erin has also held roles governing data with local and regional government agencies and in real estate development. This broad range of experience has given Erin a unique point of view that lends well to supporting organizations in their data governance and strategy journeys, particularly those with complex stakeholder networks.

Speaker: Lee Kurzhal
Principal Consultant
ERM

Lee has more than 25 years of experience in applying data governance principles and practice to the fields of health care, occupational health, and environmental data in the global arena. She specializes in governance through developing data-driven best practices and business processes. She has been applying exceptionally strong analytic, operations, process, and program development skills to areas such as data governance design and implementation, optimization analysis, quality assurance, and regulatory review. Her problem-solving skills have led to efficiency in project management, communication, and data collection/management.