Data Governance Interview with Rini Choudhury

Rini Choudhury is the Data Governance Lead at Haleon, bringing with her over 8 years of experience in the field of Data Governance. I am thrilled to share her insightful interview with you.

Some people view Data Governance as an unusual career choice, would you mind sharing how you got into this area of work?

 I embarked on my career as a database developer with boundless enthusiasm, eager to delve into coding, create innovative applications, and master various programming languages. However, I soon recognized a critical gap in my approach – I was solely focused on solving immediate challenges without considering the broader context.

The recurring challenges of acquiring timely and reliable data became increasingly apparent. These data issues posed significant obstacles to our work, leading me to question the overall quality and effectiveness of our data-driven solutions. It was at this point that I realized the importance of understanding the bigger picture.

Motivated by the desire to address core data problems and their far-reaching consequences, I transitioned into a role where I could delve deeper into data-related issues. This journey led me to appreciate the critical need for data governance, a fundamental discipline for ensuring data's accuracy, accessibility, and usefulness within an organization.

What characteristics do you have that make you successful at Data Governance and why?

 Patience of a saint 😊, Persistence and ability to not get frustrated with zillion followups.

Are there any particular books or resources that you would recommend as useful support for those starting out in Data Governance?

Data Governance for Dummies

What is the biggest challenge you have ever faced in a Data Governance implementation?

Shifting people's perspectives and securing their commitment to a larger vision, particularly when immediate benefits aren't readily apparent, can be a formidable task. This challenge often arises in contexts like Data Governance initiatives, where the true impact may only become evident in the long run.

Is there a company or industry you would particularly like to help implement Data Governance for and why?

I have a strong desire to assist the healthcare industry in implementing effective Data Governance practices. This choice is driven by the profound impact that data can have on people's lives within this sector. Healthcare relies heavily on accurate and timely data for patient care, medical research, and public health initiatives.

By helping the healthcare industry establish robust Data Governance, we can ensure the quality, privacy, and security of patient data. This, in turn, can lead to improved patient outcomes, more efficient healthcare processes, and enhanced medical research efforts. Ultimately, it's a field where data governance can directly contribute to saving lives and improving the overall well-being of individuals, making it a particularly compelling and rewarding area to focus on.

What single piece of advice would you give someone just starting out in Data Governance?

Have patience, don’t give up and keep trying until you succeed. If you're facing challenges, remember, you're not alone. We've all encountered obstacles on our journey, so seek out supportive communities that can offer guidance, as they've likely experienced similar if not identical challenges.

Finally, I wondered if you could share a memorable data governance experience (either humorous or challenging)?

While the idea of ownership is often thrilling, becoming a data owner doesn't typically generate the same level of excitement. To illustrate, if I were to offer a car, complete with maintenance and upkeep responsibilities, many would eagerly embrace the opportunity to own it. However, when posed with the question of who would like to take ownership of a dataset, the enthusiasm tends to wane. This observation has taught me a valuable lesson: people are often uncertain about whether they should assume ownership of data.