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DAMA-Chicago 2026 Q1 Meeting
Our first quarter meeting on February 18th will be a virtual only event. So, no need to consider braving Chicago’s not-so-pleasant February weather. Our two presenters are notable data management leaders and authors who will introduce you to a new tool and framework for successful data governance from their recently published books.
Agenda:
9:00 – 9:05 CT Chapter News
9:05 – 10:35 CT Presentation: Accelerating Data Governance with Change Management and Data Fluency
10:35 – 12:00 CT Presentation: Leading the Human Side of AI Changes
Accelerating Data Governance with Change Management and Data Fluency
For years, data governance has lived under a cloud of resistance – perceived as bureaucracy, slowdown, or “corporate medicine.” But in the era of AI, trust, transparency, and accountability are no longer optional. They’re accelerators. In this session, Robert S. Seiner introduces a new, energizing narrative for governance and unveils insights from his newest book, The Data Catalyst³ (Cubed): Accelerating Data Governance with Change Management and Data Fluency. Instead of forcing governance on people, Bob shows how to ignite it through small wins, language shifts, lightweight stewardship, and fluency that empowers business teams instead of intimidating them.
Attendees will learn how governance becomes a catalyst when combined with organizational change and data fluency – multiplying value rather than adding burden. Bob will also debut the Data Compass, a practical, visual navigation tool that helps leaders locate where their organization truly stands and what direction unlocks the fastest business value. This session is strategic, practical, and actionable – built for business and data people who need to move fast, managers who need adoption, and practitioners who want clarity and confidence.
Key Learning Objectives / Takeaways
- How to reposition governance as a business accelerator, not a control function
- Why governance × change × data fluency creates exponential impact in AI-driven organizations
- How small, visible wins outperform complex governance programs — with proof
- How to use the Data Compass to locate your organization’s position and navigate toward value
- Practical steps to implement Non-Invasive Data Governance® without disruption
Speaker: Robert Seiner
Robert (Bob) S. Seiner is a recognized data management industry thought leader, the originator of the Non-Invasive Data Governance® (NIDG) approach, The Data Catalyst³ (Cubed) governance accelerator model, and author of NIDG book series (3). Seiner is the President and Principal of KIK Consulting & Educational Services (KIKconsulting.com) where he focuses on sharing best practice knowledge associated with data and AI governance, data and metadata management. “KIK” stands for “Knowledge is King” which conveys how his career has focused on knowledge transfer. Seiner is faculty at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in their Heinz College Chief Data and AI Officer (CDAIO) Executive Education program, and an oft-invited guest lecturer and keynote speaker.
Leading the Human Side of AI Changes
As organizations race to implement AI, many overlook the most critical factor in successful adoption — their people. In Leading the Human Side of AI Changes, author and change management expert Aakriti Agrawal shares how to navigate the emotional, cultural, and behavioral shifts that come with AI transformation. Drawing from her book Data Governance Change Management and her ANCHOR model framework, Aakriti reveals practical techniques to reduce fear, build trust, and foster responsible AI use. Attendees will learn how to communicate clearly, define new human-AI roles, and lead with empathy so that teams feel ready — not replaced — by AI.
Speaker: Aakriti Agrawal
Aakriti Agrawal, MBA, CDMP, ADGP, is a Senior Manager of Data Governance at a Fortune 100 company, where she leads large-scale data change initiatives. She holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Change from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and has dedicated her career to the intersection of data, transformation, and leadership. She recently published her first book, Data Governance Change Management, introducing the ANCHOR Framework for Change Leadership. Learn more about her book at ANCHORyourChange.com
Aakriti is also a serial nonprofit founder, having co-founded Girls Code Lincoln and The Nonprofiting Org. Recognized with the Inspire Founders Award and the Emerging Young Leaders Award, and nominated to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, Aakriti is a TEDx speaker and frequent presenter on data governance, change management, and women in STEM.