Data Governance can be really tough.

After 20+ years in the industry, I can honestly say it’s one of the most challenging areas to work in. The pressure comes from all angles - expectations from leadership, confusion among stakeholders, and the constant need to prove the value of what you’re doing. (That’s a whole blog post in itself but we’ll save that for another day!)

So if you’re sitting at your desk feeling stuck, wondering how on earth you’re supposed to make this work, firstly, you’re not alone.

But let’s be honest, sympathy from me won’t solve anything.

You need something practical. And I know how overwhelming it can feel to sift through all the options, trying to figure out what might actually help and what’s just noise.

One option people often consider is coaching. But does it really work? And can it really help?

Coaching helps when it's grounded in real experience

The benefit of working with a coach is that they’ve probably been through what you’re going through.

And it’s incredibly valuable to have someone on your side who truly understands the challenges you’re facing. That way, you’re not just getting advice - you’re getting support, ideas, and reassurance from someone who gets the real-life pressures.

That’s why it’s so important to choose a coach who has actual experience in your field. In something as complex and misunderstood as Data Governance, you need someone who doesn’t just know the theory but has lived through the reality.

In my case, I’ve worked my way up in Data Governance from the ground level, and there are very few challenges I haven’t seen before. I always say, I’ve already made the mistakes, so you don’t have to.

Coaching helps when it builds confidence

There’s no single way to “do” Data Governance. Every organisation is different, shaped by its people, its culture, and its goals.

That’s why support isn’t just about getting things done. It’s about helping you feel more sure of yourself - especially when things feel messy or unclear. The right kind of coaching gives you space to think, test ideas, and talk things through without pressure.

Often, what people need most is confidence. Not just to understand the concepts, but to talk about them clearly with others, especially senior leaders. Coaching can help you feel more ready to speak up, explain your thinking, and trust your own judgement.

One person I worked with described coaching as having a “critical friend” - someone who listens, gives honest feedback, and helps you stay grounded when things are tough.

At Volkswagen Financial Services UK, one Data Governance lead said my coaching helped them feel more confident in new situations. Their Enterprise Data Governance Lead was working through new, unfamiliar situations and needed a way to sense-check their approach – to feel confident that the decisions they were making were not only right for the business, but aligned with good industry practice. They described our coaching sessions as a space where they could test ideas, tackle challenges, and get strategic input:

“It gives you real confidence that you are heading in the right direction, and you are doing the right things by your organisation, by the people in your organisation, and by your customers. And that you are doing the right thing with industry practice.”

That confidence filtered outwards. Data Governance began to feel less like a blocker and more like a tool for enabling change:

“Before I came into this role, I saw governance as a bit of a blocker... Nicola has enabled me to [see it differently] because she’s given me the confidence in myself. People now want to work with us to achieve and make what they need to make. I have really benefited from it.”

When people feel more confident, they don’t just feel better - they start to lead. And that’s when real change starts to happen.

Coaching helps when it fits your needs

There’s no shortage of theory out there – blogs, books, frameworks. But theory alone doesn’t get you unstuck when you’re faced with real-life challenges. The real question is: how do you turn all that knowledge into something that actually works for you and your organisation?

That’s where coaching comes in – not as a one-size-fits-all solution, but as flexible support tailored to what you need, when you need it.

When we work together, you can use our time in whatever way is most useful for you. That might mean:

Asking questions about anything you’re grappling with
Practising stakeholder conversations (I’m happy to play the awkward one!)
Getting feedback on your documents or plans
Having me join virtual meetings to quietly back your case
Or using the time for me to review materials so you can focus on other priorities

And to make things even easier between sessions, you can also get access to my AI assistant.

It’s designed to help you navigate day-to-day data governance tasks – whether you want to sense-check your thinking, explore best practices, or get help writing a stakeholder summary. It’s like having a pocket version of me that’s available 24/7. It won’t replace our sessions, but it will help you keep momentum and feel supported in the moments when you’re working things through on your own.

All sessions are recorded, so you can revisit them anytime. And you can choose between six- or ten-hour packages to use flexibly over six months – no pressure, just support at your pace.

Data Governance can feel isolating – especially if you’re the only one leading it in your organisation. Coaching creates a space where you're not doing it alone. You’ve got someone in your corner who understands the challenges and wants to see you succeed. And if it helps to know you're not the only one figuring this out, I’m always happy to connect you with others facing similar situations.

Is Data Governance coaching worth it?

It’s a fair question – and the honest answer is: it depends.

Coaching isn’t a one-off fix. It’s not about dropping in, delivering a template, and disappearing. It’s a personalised journey – and no two journeys are the same.

Some people come to me feeling completely overwhelmed, asking “What do I do now?” Others already have the basics in place but want to fine-tune their approach, build buy-in, or gain the confidence to lead more strategically.

Wherever you’re starting from, I’ll meet you there.

My focus is on helping people succeed with Data Governance in a way that feels right for them – not just ticking boxes or copying what others are doing. Because that’s where real, lasting impact comes from.

When we work together, you’ll come away with:

A clear vision of what you’re trying to achieve
A practical action plan you can explain and stand behind
Confidence that you're focusing on the right things
And support to keep going – even when it gets tough

So, is it worth it? That really depends on how important success is to you.

But if you’re feeling unsure of your next step, isolated in your role, or struggling to get others on board, then yes, coaching could be the most valuable investment you make in your data work.

If you’d like any further help or information about coaching, take a look at my website coaching page, or, book a call with me below.

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