Pillar One
Business Engagement
Align leadership commitment, cross-functional collaboration and organizational priorities with employee development and performance expectations.
Keynotes • Executive Briefings • Workshops
Bring the human side of data and AI to the center of the conversation.
Dr. Christina Sandema-Sombe helps audiences understand what it truly takes to turn data and AI ambition into trusted, sustainable business outcomes.
Drawing on executive leadership, research and real-world transformation experience, she connects technology with culture, governance, trust, leadership and the future of work.
AI Readiness + Human Trust Strategist
Creator of TrustInfra™, CIQ™ and the REACT Model™
A Different Kind of Data and AI Conversation
Technology may enable transformation. People determine whether it succeeds.
Christina brings a human-centered and systems-level perspective to data, analytics and AI. Her presentations challenge audiences to look beyond tools and examine the leadership, trust, culture, governance and operating conditions that determine whether transformation produces lasting value.
Her sessions combine combine executive experience, original frameworks, research, relevant examples and accessible storytelling. Audiences leave with practical language, meaningful questions and actionable ideas they can apply inside their organizations.
Designed for
- Corporate leadership events
- Data and AI conferences
- Government and public-sector forums
- Universities and executive education
- Podcasts, panels and media interviews
Featured Keynote
People: The Linchpin of Successful Outcomes with Data
Delivered at the GDS Data & Analytics Insight Summit, 2024
Featured keynote • GDS Data & Analytics Insight Summit
Organizations continually introduce new data platforms, analytics capabilities and AI tools—yet many still struggle to generate adoption, scale and sustainable business value.
In this keynote, Dr. Christina Sandema-Sombe challenges the assumption that technology alone can solve an organization’s data problems. Using the evolution of data science, the realities of organizational change and the metaphor of preparing for a marathon, she demonstrates why transformation requires sustained investment in people as well as technology.
Christina introduces three interconnected conditions that determine whether organizations achieve successful outcomes with data: business engagement, data fluency and literacy, and an organizational culture prepared to navigate change.
Pillar Two
Data Fluency and Literacy
Identify knowledge gaps, define role-appropriate standards, develop learning programs, provide ongoing support and measure progress.
Pillar Three
Organizational Culture
Understand how changes to roles, processes and technologies affect employees—and actively address the resistance those changes can create.
Featured Event Commentary
Crafting Tomorrow’s Insights with Today’s Data
An independent reflection on the GDS Data & Analytics Insight Summit and the leadership conversations shaping the future of data.
This is presented as event commentary—not as a customer testimonial.
Facilitated Learning Experiences
Workshops that move teams from insight to action
Interactive workshops help leaders and teams move from ideas to shared decisions, practical tools and an actionable path forward.
Reimagining Data Stewardship for the AI Era
Proven Workshop
Build a stewardship practice prepared for AI, changing accountability and new organizational demands.
This workshop challenges participants to look beyond static role descriptions and consider what data stewardship must become as organizations adopt AI and expand data use.
Through guided discussion, practical exercises and organizational scenarios, participants examine the leadership, culture, operating practices, metrics and support systems required to activate stewardship.
Participants explore
- The changing role of stewardship in the AI era
- Organizational accountability and decision rights
- Engagement, recognition and communities of practice
- Practical measures and indicators of progress
- Actions that can strengthen stewardship immediately
Available as a conference workshop, leadership session or customized organizational experience.
Discuss This WorkshopState of Stewardship: Assessment and Activation
Diagnostic Workshop
Understand the current stewardship environment before deciding what to build next.
Participants use a structured assessment to examine the current state of data stewardship, including role clarity, accountability, support, engagement, decision-making and organizational readiness.
The workshop helps teams identify gaps, compare perspectives and establish priorities for an actionable stewardship roadmap.
Potential outputs
- A shared view of the current stewardship environment
- Priority gaps and organizational barriers
- Areas requiring executive or governance decisions
- Initial activation and improvement priorities
- A foundation for a stewardship roadmap
The assessment can be adapted to organizational context, maturity and desired outcomes.
Discuss This WorkshopData Is a Team Sport™: Cross-Functional Accountability for Data and AI
Cross-Functional Workshop
Move data accountability beyond the data office.
Sustainable data and AI practices require active participation from the business functions whose decisions, processes, policies and expertise shape organizational outcomes.
This facilitated experience helps data leaders and cross-functional partners clarify shared responsibilities, surface friction and establish practical ways of working together.
Available pathways
- HR + Data using REPORTS™
- Legal + Data using RELIC™
- Risk + Data using PAIR™
- Additional pathways for other business functions
- Customized cross-functional accountability sessions
Pathways may be delivered independently or combined into a multi-session organizational series.
Discuss This WorkshopWhat Audiences Say
Practical ideas, engaging delivery and conversations that continue after the session
“Exceeded expectations—engaging, insightful, and immediately applicable.”
Workshop Attendee
DATAVERSITY 2025
“The exercises were excellent and really brought the concepts to life.”
Workshop Attendee
DATAVERSITY 2025
“I didn’t expect such a valuable discussion about how we can shift our culture and better support stewardship. Truly eye-opening.”
Workshop Attendee
DATAVERSITY 2025
Selected Speaking Engagements
Contributing to important conversations about data, AI, governance and organizational transformation
Watch, Listen and Explore
Selected presentations and industry conversations
Conference Presentation
Best Practices to Operationalize Data Stewardship in a Federated Model
MIT CDOIQ Symposium
A practical examination of sponsorship, accountability, stewardship expectations, literacy and sustained engagement.
Interview
Why Sustainable Data Practices Start with People, Not Tools
DATAVERSITY
A conversation about the human, cultural and organizational foundations of sustainable data practice.
Industry Conversation
Data, AI, Governance and Organizational Change
CDO Magazine
Explore Christina’s interviews and conversations with data and technology leaders.
Explore Speaker MediaHonors and Recognition
Recognized across the data, AI and leadership community
Credentials and Certifications
Executive experience strengthened by research and continued learning
Doctor of Business Administration • Chief Data Officer certification through Carnegie Mellon University • Prosci Certified Change Practitioner
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning your engagement
What speaking formats are available?
Available formats include keynotes, executive briefings, conference presentations, panels, moderated conversations, facilitated workshops and selected media appearances.
What is the difference between a keynote and a workshop?
A keynote delivers a focused, high-impact perspective to a broad audience. A workshop is more interactive and allows participants to discuss, assess and apply ideas to their own context.
Can sessions be customized?
Yes. Content can be tailored to the audience, industry, event theme, organizational context and intended outcomes while preserving the integrity of the underlying concepts.
Are virtual and hybrid engagements available?
Yes. In-person, virtual and hybrid formats may be considered based on the event, audience and requested experience.
Can a workshop be paired with a keynote?
Yes. A keynote can establish a shared perspective, followed by a workshop that helps a smaller group examine and apply the ideas.
Which audiences are the best fit?
Sessions are especially relevant for executives, data and AI leaders, transformation teams, cross-functional business functions, public-sector leaders, universities and professional communities.
How far in advance should we inquire?
Early inquiries allow more time for availability, customization and event planning. Time-sensitive opportunities may still be considered, so include the decision deadline in the inquiry.
Are international engagements available?
International opportunities may be considered based on timing, format, travel requirements and the nature of the engagement.
Choose the Right Experience
Not sure which format is right for your audience?
Share your event goals, audience and desired outcomes. Christina will recommend the keynote, workshop, executive briefing or customized conversation that best fits your needs.
Speaking & Events Inquiry
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