Connected Data Podcast

The original host of the Connected Data Podcast, Nicola Askham, returns to discuss life after retirement, the evolution of data governance over the past 24 years, and why people remain at the heart of successful data and AI initiatives. Along the way, we explore lessons learned, career reflections, the future of governance in an AI-driven world and the advice Nicola would give to anyone starting their own data governance journey.#Data #DataGovernance #ConnectedDataPodcast 

In this special episode of the Connected Data Podcast, we step away from our usual discussion format to demonstrate Cosmos, a new interactive platform designed to bring data landscape maps to life. Built in response to real challenges faced by organisations, Cosmos transforms static conceptual models into an engaging, searchable and interconnected view of the data landscape. Join us as we explore the thinking behind the platform, demonstrate key features and discuss how interactive data landscape mapping can strengthen data governance, stewardship and organisational understanding. This is a visual episode! Head over to YouTube where you can watch our demonstration of Cosmos alongside our explanation of how it works and the value it can bring to data governance. 🎙️Watch the full episode on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/F01TdpP21N4#Data #DataGovernance #ConnectedDataPodcast 

Technology keeps accelerating, but are people and organisations keeping pace? In this episode, we welcome Andy Youell to explore his thought-provoking concept of Youell's Law; the idea that while our expectations of data continue to grow exponentially, human capability, culture and confidence evolve much more slowly. From the evolution of business intelligence to the search for the elusive ‘data unicorn’, this conversation challenges us to rethink what it really takes to turn data into insight. As Andy reminds us, "when it comes to unlocking value from data, it's the people that make the difference". 

Data tells you what happened. Insight helps you understand why and what to do next.What separates a good analyst from a great insight professional? In this episode of the Connected Data Podcast, Rav and Alex are joined by customer insight specialist Mandy Ubhi, who shares over a decade of experience turning complex data into meaningful business action for some of the UK's biggest retail brands. The conversation explores the challenges of working with vast volumes of customer, transactional and experience data, and why insight is about much more than producing dashboards and reports. Together, they discuss the importance of data quality, stakeholder trust, customer feedback, audience-focused communication, and the art of storytelling that transforms analysis into action. From board-level decision making to empowering frontline staff, Mandy shares practical lessons on influencing stakeholders, creating memorable insights, and ensuring that data drives meaningful change rather than simply generating interesting conversations. Whether you're a data analyst, insight professional, leader, or anyone looking to improve how data is used in your organisation, this episode offers valuable perspectives on bridging the gap between information and impact.

Data governance can often feel complex, technical, and difficult to engage with. In this episode of the Connected Data Podcast, Rav and Alex explore one of the most effective tools for bringing people together around data: Data Landscape Maps. Discover what Data Landscape Maps are, how they provide a simple visual view of an organisation's data, and why they can be a powerful first step towards better data documentation, ownership and governance. Through real-world examples from higher education and a practical walkthrough that anyone can relate to, the discussion demonstrates how organisations can move from fragmented knowledge and duplicated effort to a shared understanding of their data landscape. Whether you're just starting your data governance journey or looking for practical ways to improve data management and collaboration, this episode offers actionable insights into one of the most valuable yet underused tools in modern data practice. 

Following a review of the original recording, we've re-issued this episode with an updated interview featuring James Robson. The conversation covers many of the same themes, with a renewed focus on the evolving challenges and opportunities surrounding data protection, digital sovereignty, AI, and the responsible use of data.  James draws on more than a decade of experience in data protection to discuss how the role of the Data Protection Officer has evolved since the introduction of GDPR, why data governance has become a board-level priority, and how organisations can build a stronger culture of responsibility around data.  If you’d like to find out more about what we do, click here. And if you’d like to connect with us, you can follow us both on LinkedIn.    Follow Alex - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexleightlpco/    Follow Rav - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rav-ubhi-adams-8830ab257/  Follow ConnectED - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ed-connect-co-uk  #DataGovernance #DataManagement #DataProtection #GDPR #AIGovernance #DataForGood

In this episode of the ConnectED Podcast, we are joined by strategic communications specialist Emma Curtis, Founder & CEO of Curtis Collective Ltd to explore how data is used far beyond traditional data governance. We discuss the role data plays in sales and marketing, how organisations use data to drive transformation and strategic change, and why trust in data is critical for effective decision-making. We also examine the challenges of data maturity, the growing influence of AI, and the importance of balancing technology with human judgement. A fascinating conversation for anyone interested in how data shapes organisations, culture, and business success.  You can find out more about Emma and Curtis Collective by visiting their website: https://www.curtis-collective.com/  

Data governance can feel overwhelming, especially when you're not sure where to begin. In this episode of the ConnectED Podcast, we break down the journey of building an effective Data Governance capability, from creating a data vision and strategy through to designing an operating model, avoiding common pitfalls, engaging stakeholders and scaling sustainably.Drawing on years of experience in higher education and beyond, we share practical advice, real-world examples, and the key lessons we’ve learned helping organisations turn governance theory into business value.🔭 Want to explore this topic further? We’ve pulled together additional resources on starting your Data Governance journey here: https://www.ed-connect.co.uk/resourceWe’d also love to hear about your experiences so please share your thoughts in our short survey: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/X4udfdiJFB

This week, we’re joined by Bob Seiner to explore what Data Governance really means in practice. In this episode, we talk about the idea of “non-invasive” governance, why it isn’t failing but often misunderstood, and why getting people and behaviours right is at the heart of making it work. If you’d like to find out more about what we do, click here. And if you’d like to connect with us, you can follow us both on LinkedIn.  Follow Alex - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexleightlpco/  Follow Rav - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rav-ubhi-adams-8830ab257/ Follow ConnectED - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ed-connect-co-uk

Welcome to the Connected Data Podcast (previously known as The Data Governance Podcast).We’ve taken over The Data Governance Podcast from the brilliant Nicola Askham, and we’re excited to bring you more of the same, while also adding our own unique twist.In this first episode, we share our journeys into the world of data and talk about our exciting plans for the podcast. We discuss the topics we’ll be exploring and what listeners can expect from this new chapter.We’re honoured that Nicola has entrusted us with the podcast and the opportunity to continue building on the fantastic community she has created. If you’d like to find out more about what we do, click here. And if you’d like to connect with us, you can follow us both on LinkedIn. Follow Alex - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexleightlpco/ Follow Rav - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rav-ubhi-adams-8830ab257/