Tell us about yourself?
I have worked in Information Management for over 27 years. I have a pragmatic approach to Information Governance and feel fortunate to have worked in a variety of industries. Currently I am in the pharmaceutical industry and have also worked in finance, government, professional services, tertiary education, and building construction materials, all of which has given me valuable insights into these industries. In addition to my Library and Information Science degree, I hold a master’s degree in management and a degree in Knowledge Management. I also recently obtained the ARMA Information Governance Professional Certification.
What led you into the world of Information Governance (IG)?
After completing my first degree in Library and Information Science, I travelled around the world for six months. One week after arriving back home I received a note from my university about an Information Management related role. In fact, it was a Records Management role at the NSW Council of the Australian Bicentennial Authority - what a place to start your career! I loved working there and I loved the work I was doing. I don’t really know when, but at some point, I had decided that this work was for me. And so, I began to ease into my Records and Information Management career. As I gained more knowledge about Records Management, I recall the mantra that good Records and Information Management has a role in supporting good corporate governance. That still very much holds true.
Tell us about your current role in IG?
I am the Australia and New Zealand Records and Information Manager at Janssen – the pharmaceutical company of Johnson & Johnson. One of my first key responsibilities when I started in the role was to lead a team in the investigation and implementation of a technical system. As the J&J Asia-Pacific Regional RIM lead, my role extends to providing leadership and guidance to the Asia Pacific Records Managers.
What pressures are organisations facing to ensure IG best practices?
The technological landscape is increasingly varied and complex with content held in a multitude of systems for different purposes. This has allowed markets to also move at a faster pace. All of which continues to create opportunities and risks. As such regulators, globally, have been and are continuing to respond with legislation to protect the privacy and rights of citizens. Security is also a continuing area of concern requiring that systems, processes and education be in place to protect information from criminal activity. Organisations will continue to harness up to date technologies in order to deliver quality and innovative products and services to support their communities and customers. How well they manage their information in this environment has an impact on their reputation and their business effectiveness. These pressures are by no means new. In fact, as I write this, I recall having presented on these pressures over 7 years ago… “The more things change the more they stay the same.”
What are the biggest developments you have seen in the IG?
The profession itself has changed and matured considerably. The traditional Records and Information Management domain is evolving towards IG programs. I think this has emerged naturally by the rapid advancement of technology and the new models of work that has inevitably arrived with it. I am also seeing an increasing recognition to approach IG as multidisciplinary, integrated programs.
Do you have any tips for someone starting out in IG?
My tip is not related to IG: Never stop learning. Take every opportunity to grow your knowledge. Connect and collaborate with other professionals - whatever their domain. And when you have the opportunity, pass on your knowledge, don’t be afraid of a debate and help others to grow.
With the rapidly evolving technologies and digital disruption, where do you see IG heading in the next few years?
It does not take a crystal ball to realise that within organisations and the environment they exist in there will be a continuing increase in legislation and regulations to ensure organisations are managing information to community expectations - protecting it and ensuring its proper use. The traditional organisational structures and models for managing information will need to be rethought. Organisations will need to find ways of bringing together disparate multi-disciplinary teams to work together under a single IG framework, bringing their collective expertise together to support business activities and external regulatory requirements. I see this including new entrants such as social experts to ensure biases are not embedded in cutting edge technologies such as AI.
Why should people join InfoGovANZ ?
I have been hugely impressed by the quality of the InfoGovANZ - The meetings, their content, speakers and the InfoGovANZ newsletter. It focuses on the broader governance of information, bringing together professionals and content from the various disciplines. Participating is an opportunity to connect with industry thought leaders and shape the further evolution of this field.
