VIDEO | Eminent Data Governance Leader: Data Transformation Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

(US and Canada) Eminent Data Governance Leader Denish Bhavsar speaks with Subhash Kari, Chief Innovation Officer of Infocepts, in a video interview about his background and professional journey, the role of data governance, and laying the initial foundations of a data governance program.

Bhavsar has worked in finance and business transformation for over 15 years. He started as a CPA and transitioned into the data space. He says his CPA/CMA background gives him thought leadership and the ability to approach issues and problems differently. He adds that the data space has opened the door to the business side, speaking to stakeholders and understanding their issues and challenges.

To share his approach to executive leadership awareness regarding the value of data and governance, Bhavsar uses the analogy of driving a car. The business is the car, the data is the engine driving strategy and performance, and data governance is the oil, ensuring everything works smoothly and propelling the car forward.

He also mentions the use case-based approach. For example, the focus on data quality is real and easier to understand for stakeholders and C-level executives and leaders at all levels.

Bhavsar suggests avoiding using too much theory — such as councils, data ownership, data stewardship, etc. — while communicating with business stakeholders when starting a data governance program without a foundation.

He urges data leaders to take a use case-based approach, look at the current processes in the organization, and update them. The goal is to make processes lean and efficient and then embed data aspects such as data quality rules to ensure trustworthy data.

CDO Magazine appreciates Denish Bhavsar for sharing his insights and data success stories with our global community.