Business First AI &
Data Governance
With over a decade of delivering data and AI governance programs for healthcare and manufacturing organizations, I’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t.
These lessons are conveniently organized in a practical, easy-to-understand guide.
The modular design of this guide allows any organization to start driving value from their AI or data governance program, no matter what stage of the process they find themselves.
OK – Only those with a high culinary IQ will catch this: while “5-Star” sounds like the ultimate rating, true foodies know that the Michelin Guide tops out at 3 stars, not 5 (like my nephew Brad energetically pointed out at a family gathering).
So yes – I intentionally went with 5 stars in the title…because more people naturally associate “5 Stars” with the highest level of excellence. But for the gastronomically gifted among you, consider this your wink-and-nod Easter egg.
Why Now?
Executives are drowning in data, AI hype, and governance fatigue.
This book cuts through the noise.
Who is at the table?
- AI & Data Program Managers, CDOs, CIOs
- Governance teams ready to scale
- Execs who want clarity, not complexity
Why This Book?
In 10+ years of governance leadership, I’ve seen the same pattern repeat itself across industries and company sizes. Organizations sometimes spend millions on data governance tools and initiatives, only to watch them fail spectacularly because they missed the most critical ingredient: genuine executive sponsorship and a business-first approach.
What You’ll Learn
This book shows you how to avoid expensive mistakes by putting business outcomes first and treating data governance as the strategic discipline it needs to be. We’ll use cooking metaphors throughout because, like running a great kitchen, successful data governance requires:
- A head chef (executive sponsor) who sets the vision and standards
- A clear menu (governance charter) that everyone follows
- Quality ingredients (clean, reliable data)
- Trained staff (engaged stakeholders) who understand their roles
- Consistent processes that deliver predictable results
- Regular taste-testing and critiques (measurement and improvement)
Step-by-Step
This book will guide you through a step-by-step process for establishing a data governance program that actually works:
- How to secure genuine executive sponsorship (not just approval)
- Why business objectives must drive your governance program
- How to build a collaborative framework that engages all stakeholders
- The critical role of change management in governance success
- How to measure and demonstrate business value early and often
- Practical approaches to AI governance that protect while enabling innovation
- How to select the right tools without getting caught up in vendor promises
How to Use this Book
Each chapter builds on the previous one, taking you through the complete journey from chaos to a well-functioning governance program. You’ll find:
- Real-world case studies from experiences as a data architect and governance “player coach”
- Periodic Check-ins showing how proper governance could have prevented disasters
Once you engage with our team, you will get:
- Hands-on workshops and exercises for thorough team discussions
- Secret Ingredients: Strategies, tactics, frameworks, templates and more – customized for your organization’s unique needs
A Personal note
Data governance isn’t just about compliance or risk management – although they are important.
It’s about creating a culture where data becomes a strategic asset that drives better business outcomes. When done right, governance enables innovation rather than constraining it.
The best approach is collaborative and focused on delivering value early and often by using agile principles to build governance programs that adapt and evolve with your business needs.
Most importantly, data governance is a discipline that should be instilled in everyone who touches or uses your data, not a destination – it’s something you practice daily, not something you achieve once.
Table of Contents
- Forward
- About the Author
- Introduction: The Recipe for Data Governance Success
- CH 1: A Real Life Case Study of Why IT-First Governance Fails
- CH 2: Your Head Chef, Executive Sponsorship and Selling Up the Chain
- CH 3: Reading the Room, Understanding Your Data Landscape
- CH 4: Assembling Your Kitchen Brigade, Building Your Governance Team
- CH 5: Your Governance Charter, The Master Recipe Book
- CH 6: Policy and Procedure, Setting Your Kitchen Standards
- CH 7: Data Quality, The Ingredients That Make or Break Your Dish
- CH 8: Risk Management, Safety Standards That Don’t Stop Service
- CH 9: Change Management, Getting Everyone to Love the New Menu
- CH 10: Tool Selection, Choosing the Right Kitchen Equipment
- CH 11: AI Governance, Cooking with New Technology
- CH 12: Measuring Success, How to Know When Your Dish is Done
- CH 13: Growing Your Program, From Food Truck to Five-Star Restaurant
- CH 14: Sustaining Success, Keeping Your Kitchen Running Smoothly
- CH 15: The Future of Data Governance, Tomorrow’s Menu
- Conclusion: Your Governance Journey Continues
- Our Secret Sauce
- Governance Glossary
What’s Next?
Buy the Book
Build the Program
Lead the Change
5 Star AI & Data Governance gives you the framework.
The workshops and consulting turn it into measurable impact.
$29.99
*Includes a free eBook copy
$17.99
*plus tax
Learn more…