Who am I?

Data, business, and making sense of it all...

Justin Swenson here, a mere voyager on the digital sea, driven by my own self-imposed quest: a yearning to unravel the complexities of the world and translate them into instruments of action. For over a dozen years, I have been consumed by the potential of data, analytics, and artificial intelligence to illuminate the path of decision-making, not just for the individual, but for teams and organizations as well. Yet, knowledge itself is a finite resource. Thus, I embark on this journey to explore these frontiers through the crucible of experience, forging a bridge between theory and the tangible world.

Building on the Work of Others

Continuously learn and share

I'm not here to reinvent the wheel.  Instead, I want to build on the incredible work others have done.  I achieve this by:

  • Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: I curate and synthesize the best ideas and frameworks from leading thinkers.
  • Adding My Own Experience: I layer my experience managing domains like data governance, AI governance, and GRC functions and teams.
  • First Principles Thinking: I use first principles thinking to break down complex concepts into their core elements.

Main Topics to Discuss

Biggest data-focused areas of expertise

I'm interested in taking ideas & theory, then adding in the necessary details to make them useful, applicable, and actionable. Going beyond talking the talk, let's teach each other the process of walking the walk, then take each other beyond walking to running. My work with Governed Chaos focuses on the application of select topics across select domains.

I focus on the intersection of data, business, and management. This includes areas such as:

  • Data Governance & Strategy: Building a framework for managing your data effectively.
  • Data Architecture & Technology Stacks: Choosing the right tools and infrastructure for your data needs.
  • Data Leadership & Team Structures: Creating high-performing data teams.
  • DataOps & Data Engineering: Streamlining data pipelines and workflows.
  • Data Products & Data Analytics: Using data to drive insights and action.
  • AI Governance & Ethics: Gaining efficacy from AI and using AI for good.

Beyond Data

Technology, Product, Strategy, and more

Data is powerful, but it's just one piece of the puzzle. I also explore how these data practices interact or come from with other areas:

  • DevOps, Agile, & Lean Methodologies: Optimizing the delivery of work across your organization.
  • Product Management, Project Management, & Program Management: Organizing groups of people for building and delivering value to your customers.
  • Business Strategy, Product Strategy, & Technology Strategy: Building a strategy to your people whether it's technology, product, or organizational.
  • Leadership, Management, & Economics: Understanding the larger picture of leading people, teams, and an organization.

Life Beyond Work

Coaching & Athletics

While data is a big part of my professional life, it's not everything.  I'm also passionate about:

  • Coaching Boys & Girls High School Soccer: Helping young athletes develop their skills and teamwork.
  • Staying Active: Rock climbing, yoga, running, weightlifting – I enjoy a variety of physical activities.

I believe the best learning happens through conversation. I invite you to explore the content, share your thoughts, and join the community.