What Counts?

Episode 123 - Fact or Fiction. Welcome to What Counts by TrailBlazer Consulting, the podcast where we cut through the noise and uncover what truly matters in information governance. In Episode 123, Lee and Maura tackle the most common myths using a “Fact or Fiction” format—debunking misconceptions like “IG is just records management” or “Governance is IT’s job.” From startups to enterprises, you’ll learn why governance isn’t a dusty binder but a growth enabler, a compliance accelerator, and a trust builder. If you’ve ever wondered what IG really is, this episode sets the record straight. Episode Length: 00:18:39 Learn more by visiting...

Episode 122: IP Lifecycle or Intellectual property isn’t just about filing a trademark or patent—it’s the full journey of your ideas, inventions, and creative assets. At TrailBlazer Consulting, we define the IP lifecycle as a living process: creation, documentation, protection, utilization, monitoring, and disposition. When managed strategically, IP becomes more than a legal checkbox—it transforms into a scalable asset that drives revenue, strengthens negotiations, and safeguards legacy. In this episode of What Counts, we break down why most companies get IP wrong, how to build governance-ready systems, and how to treat IP like equity—because it is. Episode Le...

Episode 121 - Every business starts with a purpose—but sustaining it requires more than passion. It demands clarity. In this episode, we unpack why documenting your know-how isn’t just smart—it’s strategic. Your intellectual capital is the blueprint of your value, the reason clients trust you, and the asset that makes your business scalable, sellable, and defensible. Whether you're a founder, consultant, or executive, it’s time to capture what you do—and own it. Episode Length: 00:13:02

Episode 120 - In this episode, we explore how records and contracts aren’t just administrative necessities—they’re strategic assets that shape the trajectory of a business. From articles of incorporation and bylaws to board minutes and inter-entity agreements, these documents form the governance-grade foundation TrailBlazer Consulting champions. They offer more than a compliance snapshot—they reveal operational intent, strategic alignment, and the maturity of decision-making. While accounting records track financial flow, contracts often introduce performance thresholds, fee structures, and service expectations that can be leveraged to maximize value. A well-structured agreement doesn’t just define scope—it activates outcomes. And with the...

Episode 119 - From press to pixel. In this episode, we journey through the transformative history of recorded communication—from press to pixel. The invention of the printing press to the rise of typewriters and the proliferation of copiers. We examine how Gutenberg’s movable type democratized access to written knowledge, how typewriters standardized documentation across government and industry, and how copiers ushered in the age of mass duplication and desktop publishing. These innovations didn’t just change how records were created—they reshaped governance, education, and the very architecture of information. Whether you're a compliance professional, historian, or tech enthusiast, this epi...

Discover how recordkeeping evolved from clay tablets to cloud-based systems. Lee and Maura explore the timeless principles of governance, transparency, and accountability that shape how we document and manage information today. Episode length: 00:16:33

Episode 117 - In this episode, we unpack the hidden backbone of every business: data. From handwritten guest books to sophisticated CRMs, we explore the many forms customer and operational data can take—and why protecting it is non-negotiable. You’ll learn how to classify data by sensitivity, navigate privacy laws, and build retention schedules that meet legal and operational needs. Whether you're managing supplier contracts, employee records, or financial documents, this 10-minute primer will help you understand what to keep, how long to keep it, and where to start. Plus, we share a free resource from TrailBlazer Learning Academy to help...

Episode 116 - In this episode of TrailBlazer, Maura and Lee dive into the essential components of business infrastructure setup—the behind-the-scenes systems that shape how your business communicates, operates, and scales. From branded office supplies that silently reinforce professionalism to hardware and software that streamline operations, every element plays a strategic role. Learn how to embed value positioning into your templates, choose tech that supports compliance and mobility, and create a digital presence that converts. Whether you're launching or leveling up, this episode reveals how infrastructure becomes the root system of sustainable growth. Episode Length: 00:10:58 Learn more by visiting our we...

Welcome to What Counts, the podcast where we decode the complexities of information governance and spotlight the strategies that drive operational maturity. In this episode, we’re diving into the foundational—but often overlooked—pillars of business success: payroll and human resources. From navigating payroll taxes and compliance to designing benefits that serve both your team and your bottom line, we’ll explore how intentional HR planning can protect your business, fuel growth, and create a resilient workplace culture. Whether you're scaling a startup or refining enterprise operations, this episode offers actionable insights to help you hire smarter, report cleaner, and buil...

Welcome to What Counts, the podcast where information governance meets real-world strategy. In this episode, Lee and Maura unpack the often-overlooked—but absolutely mission-critical—domains of Payroll and Human Resources. From tax compliance and structured reporting to strategic hiring and benefits that actually benefit the business, we explore how these foundational systems can drive resilience, reduce risk, and support scalable growth. Whether you're a founder navigating first hires or a compliance lead refining your employee life cycle, this episode delivers actionable insights to help you build HR and payroll processes that are audit-ready, culture-conscious, and built to last. Episode length: 00:19;51

Episode 113 - In today’s fast-paced business landscape, tracking isn’t just a back-office chore—it’s a strategic advantage. Whether you're managing a lean startup or scaling operations, accurate time and inventory tracking can make or break your bottom line. In this episode of What Counts?, we dive into why tracking matters—from streamlining payroll and boosting productivity to preventing inventory loss and improving cash flow. You’ll learn how modern tools like digital timesheets, automated payroll systems, and real-time inventory software can transform your operations. Tune in to discover actionable strategies that help you stay compliant, efficient, and profitable. ...

Episode E112 - In this episode of What Counts?, Maura and Lee unpack foundational financial management strategies and practical tips that every entrepreneur should know. From separating business and personal finances to choosing the right accounting software, this conversation is your guide to staying organized, building credibility, and planning for long-term success. Listeners will learn: -Why keeping business finances separate matters: Better organization, smoother tax reporting, and enhanced professional credibility. -How to open a business account: Choosing the right bank, preparing your documents, and selecting account features like checks and debit/credit cards for financial flexibility. -Selecting accounting software: QuickBooks...

Why every business needs a trusted lawyer and accountant from days one. Welcome to What Counts, the podcast that explores the power of information governance and the strategies behind smarter business decisions. In this episode, hosts Lee and Maura unpack one of the most critical, yet often overlooked, components of entrepreneurial success: professional support. From choosing the right business structure to mastering tax strategy and protecting your intellectual property, the right lawyer and accountant can be the difference between smooth scaling and costly setbacks. Tune in as we share real-world insights and practical guidance on how to build your business...

Future-proofing your business in today's fast-paced world is a challenge. Businesses that thrive are those that anticipate change before it happens. In this episode of What Counts, hosts Maura and Lee break down the essential framework for smart planning: seeing opportunities, watching for market signals, and building strategic plans that ensure long-term success. Whether it's adapting to industry trends, improving information governance, or strengthening business resilience, this discussion highlights proven methods to lead, work, and build toward a future that works for you. Tune in to learn how top innovators spot opportunities, decode market shifts, and create a strategic blueprint...

Episode 109 - Branding basics at What Counts, the podcast dedicated to navigating the world of information governance with expert insights and actionable strategies. In this episode, hosts Maura and Lee explore the fundamentals of branding and marketing, covering two essential steps: creating a compelling logo and registering your business name. Whether you're launching a startup or refining an established brand, understanding these key branding elements is crucial to standing out in a competitive market. Learn how strong branding enhances credibility, attracts customers, and sets the foundation for a successful business. Discover expert tips on choosing the right business name, ensuring...

Building a business foundation requires more than a great idea—it demands proper legal structuring and compliance. In this episode, we explore key foundational steps, including filing Articles of Incorporation to establish your entity, crafting a mission statement to define your business’s purpose, and drafting a General Operating Agreement to clarify roles and responsibilities among stakeholders. Additionally, we break down the essential process of filing with the IRS, securing an Employer Identification Number (EIN), and setting up your corporate details to ensure tax compliance. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or refining your existing business framework, this episode offers actionable insi...

Establishing a business starts with selecting the right legal structure, which impacts taxes, liability, and operational flexibility. Entrepreneurs can choose from Sole Proprietorships for simplicity, Partnerships for shared ownership, LLCs for liability protection, C Corporations for investor appeal despite double taxation, or S Corporations for tax advantages with ownership limitations. Careful evaluation of these options ensures alignment with long-term business goals and financial considerations. Once the legal structure is determined, the next crucial step is filing the Articles of Incorporation, which formalizes the business entity. This documentation includes essential details such as the business name, purpose, registered agent, and incorporators...

In today's fast-moving market, adaptability isn't a luxury-it's a necessity. Success belongs to businesses that are resilient by design, stay motivated, and build a foundation strong enough to withstand uncertainty. In this episode, we explore what it takes to remain robust in an ever-evolving economy, from fostering a continuous learning mindset to navigating unexpected challenges. Whether you're a startup or an established enterprise, the key to long-term growth lies in agility, innovation, and the courage to keep moving forward. Join us as we break down the strategies that turn obstacles into opportunities and setbacks into stepping stones. Episode length 00:19:05.

2025 Episode 105 - Strategic growth: defining, building, and scaling your business while balancing talent and profitability are just a few items you will hear about in our second video episode. Launching and strategically growing a business requires more than just a vision—it demands strategic decision-making at every stage. In this episode, we explore the foundational steps of defining your business purpose, crafting an operational strategy, and setting a path for sustainable growth. We tackle the balancing act between hiring the right team, investing in training, and maintaining profitability while continuously evaluating performance to drive success. Whether you're a startup founder or...

2025 Episode 104 – We're thrilled to bring you something brand-new with our first-ever video episode! As we explore this exciting format, we kindly ask for your patience as we work through learning new tricks to deliver the best possible video experience for you. In this inaugural video episode, we’ll dive into the compelling world of starting a business. From the initial spark of an idea to tackling the tough realities of implementation, we’ll examine the challenges—and specifically, the information governance challenges—that entrepreneurs often face on their journey. To enrich the conversation, we’ll not only introduce essential business concepts but...

2025 Episode 103 – The devils in the details when it comes to infrastructure. Following along with the components of TrailBlazer’s Information Design framework, we cover the base component - Infrastructure. Where are the devils in the details when it comes to Infrastructure? Join Information Governance (IG) Consultants, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, as they explain where devils in the details hide when it comes to Infrastructure. Each episode contains important information gained through our experience working with companies across various industries and we talk about how you can apply this experience to your company. Episode length 00:10:24.

2025 Episode 102 – The devils in the details when it comes to applications. Following along with the components of TrailBlazer’s Information Design framework, we cover one of the supporting pillars called Applications. Where are the devils in the details when it comes to Applications? Join Information Governance (IG) Consultants, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, as they explain where devils in the details hide when it comes to Applications. Each episode contains important information gained through our experience working with companies across various industries and we talk about how you can apply this experience to your company.

2025 Episode 101 – The devils in the details when it comes to data | content. Following along with the components of TrailBlazer’s Information Design framework, we cover one of the supporting pillars called Data | Content. Where are the devils in the details when it comes to Data | Content? Join Information Governance (IG) Consultants, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, as they give a slightly cautionary tale on how the devils can be in the details when it comes to Data | Content. Each episode contains important information gained through our experience working with companies across various industries and we talk about how you can appl...

2025 Episode 100 – We took a break from the current subject matter and pulled together this celebratory What Counts Episode 100. We take a look back at some of the most viewed What Counts episodes. Additionally, we provide insight on who we are doing this podcast for and how you can use the information at your own organization. Join Information Governance (IG) Consultants, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, as they celebrate their 100 episode by recapping the past 99 episodes. Each episode contains important information gained through our experience working with companies across various industries and we talk about how you can apply this experience to...

2024 Episode 99 – The devils in the details when it comes to process. Following along with the components of TrailBlazer’s Information Design framework, we cover one of the supporting pillars called process. Where are the devils in the details when it comes to process? Join Information Governance (IG) Consultants, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, as they discuss how different companies feel about documenting processes. Each episode contains important information gained through our experience working with companies across various industries and we talk about how you can apply this experience to your company.

2024 Episode 98 – Where do the devils in the details hide when it comes to policy implementation? This episode explains policy-related devils in the details making it clear what to watch out for when creating or modifying company policies. Join Information Governance (IG) Consultants, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, as they provide recommendations and certain pitfalls to watch out for when implementing IG policies. Each episode contains important information gained through our experience working with companies across various industries and we talk about how you can apply this experience to your company.

Episode length 00:11:56

2024 Episode 97 - Details are important in information governance planning and implementation. Based off the TrailBlazer Framework, explained in Episode 96, we dive further into the devils in the details when it comes to Governance. This episode ‘Governance Devils and Details’ gives you insights into the important considerations for setting up your information governance. Join IG Consultants, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, as they help establish the governance section of an information governance program. Each episode contains important information gained through our experience working with companies across various industries and we talk about how you can apply this experience to your company.

2024 Episode 96 - Details are important in information governance planning and implementation. The devils are in the details when it comes to trying to get information governance activities moving forward in your organization. Join Information Governance Consultants, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, as they use the TrailBlazer Framework to help explain where the devils in the details can hide. Each episode contains important information gained through our experience working with companies across various industries and we talk about how you can apply this experience to your company.

2024 Episode 95 - Some of our strange information governance moments over the years. We talk about our strange moments in information governance but would love to hear from you. Drop us a line at info@trailbazer.us.com and tell us about your strangest information governance moments.

2024 Episode 94 – Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it can help the Information Governance Professional. We have come a long way from the days of autoclassification in records management. Join Information Governance Consultants, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, as they give their opinion on the good and bad of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Each episode contains important information gained through our experience working with companies across various industries and we talk about how you can apply this experience to your company.

2024 Episode 93 – Inundated with too much data daily? Learn how Information Governance can help you sort through and handle data inundation by using your organization’s records retention schedule (RRS). Your RRS is more than just a records management policy. Join Information Governance Consultants, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, as they explain how a records retention schedule can become the backbone for automated filing, tagging, and email management. Each episode contains important information gained through our experience working with companies across various industries and we talk about how you can apply this experience to your company.

2024 Episode 92 – What does it mean to give your employees access to raw data instead of manipulated data in the format they are used to? Which is greater, the potential for better reporting and results or disaster and confusion? Join Information Governance Consultants, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, as they explain the difference between raw data and manipulated data in the context of large scale reporting requirements. Each episode contains important information gained through our experience working with companies across various industries and we talk about how you can apply this experience to your company.

2024 Episode 91 – This episode will provide you with an understanding of how to use the backfile characterization methodology to perform a statistical sampling analysis. Join Information Governance Consultants, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, as they explain how the backfile characterization was used to locate certain records instead of searching for records to destroy. Each episode contains important information gained through our experience working with companies across various industries and we talk about how you can apply this experience to your company.

2024 Episode 90 – Implement a backfile characterization on your organization’s offsite storage boxes or electronic files in line with defensible destruction. This episode will provide you an understanding of how to perform a backfile characterization. Join Information Governance Consultants, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, as they provide the requirements for performing a backfile characterization project at your organization. Each episode contains important information gained through our experience working with companies across various industries and we talk about how you can apply this experience to your company. Episode length 00:18:40.

2024 Episode 89 – Does your organization have too much electronic and physical paper cluttering up your systems, hallways, and office space? This episode will provide you with an introduction to a backfile characterization project. Join Information Governance Consultants, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, as they introduce a backfile characterization project. Each episode contains important information gained through our experience working with companies across various industries and we talk about how you can apply this experience to your company.

2024 Episode 88 – How you as an IG professional can help your organization during an office move or office closure. It’s not the end of the world if you are the one stuck having to cleanup after an office move or office closure. Join Information Governance Consultants, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, as they discuss a couple of ways to deal with the material left behind after an office move or office closure. Each episode contains important information gained through our experience working with companies across various industries and we talk about how you can apply this experience to your company.

2024 Episode 87 – IG documentation - what is that all about? Are you, as an Information Governance Professional, interested in learning the important items to document for company prosperity. Join Information Governance Consultants, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, as they discuss IG documentation routine verses non-routine. Each episode contains important information gained through our experience working with companies across various industries and we talk about how you can apply this experience to your company.

2024 Episode 86 – Are legal holds important? Does your organization know how to implement a legal hold? Join Information Governance Consultants, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, as they discuss legal holds and what information should be included in a hold.

2024 Episode 85 – Are you having legacy data issues? Are you wondering what you should do with legacy data? Join Information Governance Consultants, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, as they give their guidance on what companies should do with legacy data. Each episode contains important information gained through our experience working with companies across various industries and we talk about how you can apply this experience to your company. Episode length 00:14:10.

2024 Episode 84 – What are the important steps for matching documents to data to ensure accurate document migration? How do you find all the places where documents are stored to migrate the appropriate documents? Join Information Governance Consultants, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, as they explain important steps for document migration. Each episode contains important information gained through our experience working with companies across various industries and we talk about how you can apply this experience to your company. Episode length 00:19:46.

2024 Episode 83 – What do you do when your project sponsor leaves? Project sponsorship changes affect all aspects of your information governance program, including individual projects. What do you do now? How will you position yourself and your program after key sponsorship changes. Join Information Governance Consultants, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, as they help guide you through steps you can take to ease the impact of a key sponsorship change. Each episode contains important information gained through our experience working with companies across various industries and we talk about how you can apply this experience to your company.

2024 Episode 82 – What do you do with the old data left behind in zombie systems after you start using your brand-new system? IG professionals know that old data cannot just go away and that the appropriate retention should be applied. Join Information Governance Consultants, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, as they help you use zombie system costs to bulk up your new system business case and help apply retention. Each episode contains important information gained through our experience working with companies across various industries and we talk about how you can apply this experience to your company.

2024 Episode 81 – A few reasons why information governance professionals should partner with IT. Join Information Governance Consultants, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, as they explain the reasons why IG professionals need to understand and partner with IT. Each episode contains important information gained through our experience working with companies across various industries and we talk about how you can apply this experience to your company.

2024 Episode 80 – A review of the different levels of system testing and help to make that final Go/No-Go decision to put your contract management solution into production a little easier. Join Information Governance Consultants, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, as they review testing methods like making sure your configuration matches your design, making sure the functions work the way they are supposed to, checking that the integrations work, and involving users to test their specific areas. Each episode contains important information gained through our experience working with companies across various industries and we talk about how you can apply this ex...

2024 Episode 79 – Don’t underestimate the time necessary for contract data and document cleanup. What items are frequently overlooked when looking at contract data? Join Information Governance Consultants, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, as they share a few suggested approaches to help you not underestimate contract data and document cleanup. Each episode contains important information gained through our experience working with companies across various industries and we talk about how you can apply this experience to your company. Episode length 00:15:23

Do you think process mapping is just a bunch of consulting buzz words? Learn how important it is to capture current contract processes before you implement software. Join Information Governance Consultants, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, as they discuss where to start in order to capture current contract processes. Each episode contains important information gained through our experience working with companies across various industries and we talk about how you can apply this experience to your company. Episode length 00:12:17

2024 Episode 77 – How to understand Contract Lifecycle Management functionality to apply it to your organization’s needs. What are some of the unique things about CLM functionality that you should know to aid in the setup of new processes for your organization. Join Information Governance Consultants, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, as they discuss contract lifecycle management functionality. Each episode contains important information gained through our experience working with companies across various industries and we talk about how you can apply this experience to your company.

2024 Episode 76 - Implementing software at your organization? This episode is a great guide to all the elements necessary to make implementing software or any program a success. Join Information Governance Consultants, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, as they discuss the TrailBlazer Information Design Framework. Each episode contains important information gained through our experience working with companies across various industries and we talk about how you can apply this experience to your company.

What is contract management? Why is it sometimes called contract lifecycle management? Why should you be concerned? Do contracts really rule the world? Join Information Governance Consultants, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, as they introduce contract management and explain what contract lifecycle management means for your business. Each episode contains important information gained through our experience working with companies across various industries and we talk about how you can apply this experience to your company.

You figured out whether to do a pilot project or a proof of concept, now document your lessons learned. How many hypotheses are too many to test for with a pilot project?  What do you do with the lessons learned that you collected? Join Information Governance Consultants, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, as they give real life examples to help document and follow up on lessons learned. Each episode contains important information to help guide businesspeople with project implementation.

2024 Episode 73 – What’s the difference between a pilot project vs proof of concept? Can one be more technical in natural than the other? Is a pilot project all about people and process? Join Information Governance Consultants, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, as they give real life examples to help explain the difference between a pilot project vs proof of concept.

Changes, what changes? What do you do after you tested your organization for implementation readiness? Be prepared, remain flexible, and make sure your change management person is ready.

After setting up your project success factors it’s time to assess the readiness of your people, processes, and technology.

Just assess the impact on people, process, and technology. That’s easier said than done. Join Information Governance Consultants, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, as they give real life examples to help better understand people, process, and technology for more effective project implementation.

Do you struggle to understand why your information governance project is not gaining the traction you expected? Join Information Governance Consultants, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, as they discuss best practices developed over the past 10 years for engaging key team members in your organization for keeping your project on track. Each episode contains important information to help information governance professionals make an even greater impact at their organizations.

This episode is great for individuals who want to explore the root cause of information governance issues at their organization and find out how information is flowing across the organization.

I'm sure at one point or another you were looking for a file, report, or email and said "I can't find what I want when I need it". If this is you, then listening to this episode may give you some practical insight into the root of your problem, and help get organized and increase efficiency.

Information governance is helping companies actively use their information to make better business decisions and contributing to overall cost savings. Information governance transitioned from an administrative cost to value and capital investment.

This summary will review the steps necessary for creating an asset data management program that links to your asset management strategy and your company’s overall business strategy.

Learn the importance of having a strong asset data structure and asset information model to create the links between how the finance, engineering, capital development or construction teams can plan for the financial impact of your assets.

Linking parts and inventory management to your asset information management activities.

Knowing how many contracts are depending on an asset in your company fully functioning at optimal capacity will help focus maintenance. Join Information Governance Consultants, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, as they discuss a plan for having revenue generating assets.

Real-life examples of how detailed design documents may not help in finding your assets without asset definitions and naming conventions.

The challenge is to trace the important data that meets your asset definitions and get it into your systems so that your information is up to date.

Deciding on practical asset IDs does not have to be difficult and should not include building meaning into a long string of characters.

Deciding on practical definitions for your infrastructure assets. What key factors can you use to help define these assets?

Why is it important for your whole company to have the same understanding on what are its physical assets? You’ll be surprised by the answers you get when you ask different parts of your organization to define what constitutes an asset.

An introduction to asset data management for physical infrastructure assets.

Records Process Maps are an excellent way to help uncover and reduce the number of silos within an organization.

What information governance professionals can do to help their organization ensure the correct data gets delivered to the new organization.

A merger is a great opportunity for an information governance professional to help their organization get through all the data challenges.

How can an IG professional help prepare their organization to handle an M&A event and better position themselves in the process?

Would an ECM solution be the right fit for your organization to use to manage email?

Steps to email management.

The Importance of Email Management

2023 Episode 48 – Who knows what lurks behind the use of spreadsheets in your organization? Could spreadsheets be masking serious information governance issues? Join information governance consultants, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, as they share the top three issues masked by the use of spreadsheets at various organizations. Each episode contains powerful information to help improve the visibility of your information governance program and help reduce risk throughout your organization. Also included are the beginning steps to Master Data Management (MDM) and how closely connected MDM is to Information Governance. Episode length 00:13:37 Learn more by visiting our website,...

Best kept secret to implementing process improvement

Top 5 IG Challenges

Does your organization struggle with whether or not to capture chats, text messages, or to record conference calls?

Do you struggle to have your Records Retention Schedule gain utilization across your organization?

Each episode contains powerful information to help improve the visibility of your information governance program and increase its effectiveness across your organization.

2022 Episode 42 – Connecting information classification with your organization’s records retention schedule can help protect high risk records. Selecting the correct classification levels and applying those classifications to record categories in your records retention schedule will result in more practical implementation. In this episode, your hosts, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, provide guidance on developing information classification categories and linking that information to your records retention schedule. (Episode length 00:16:19) Learn more by visiting our website, or by sending TrailBlazer an email at info@TrailBlazer.us.com. This is What Counts by TrailBlazer Consulting, LLC. In this podcast, we highlight proven solutions...

2022 Episode 41 – Creating a practical records retention schedule for your organization to implement should not be a complicated endeavor. More and more, organizations are encountering challenges to managing their records making it important to keep what is necessary and remove what is not. Some organizations choose to ignore the risks associated with storing unnecessary information too long, and some organizations take steps to mitigate future challenges. If you are ready to create a practical records retention schedule to document the legal, regulatory, and statutory timeframes related to storing your records, then this episode is for you. In this...

2022 Episode 40 – Policy implementation is made easier when policies contain the “what needs to happen” and procedures contain the “how to make it happen”. Both work best when policy creation becomes a collaborative approach and the group that dictates the “what” works closely with the group or groups that help implement the “how”. In this episode, your hosts, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, give policy implementation examples that they have seen work and not work. (Episode length 00:15:48) Learn more by visiting our website, or by sending TrailBlazer an email at info@TrailBlazer.us.com. This is What Counts by TrailBlazer...

2022 Episode 39 – Policy development has evolved over time. There are some do’s and don’ts in this episode that you should know. We look at how policies have evolved over time and how to best develop policies in today’s day and age for your organization as they relate to information governance. Your hosts, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, describe the process of information governance policy development. (Episode length 00:22:23) Learn more by visiting our website, or by sending TrailBlazer an email at info@TrailBlazer.us.com. This is What Counts by TrailBlazer Consulting, LLC. In this podcast, we highlight proven solution...

2022 Episode 38 – Tracking asset data is essential for making informed decisions. Does your company keep asset data in separate siloed systems? Are manual processes needed to link the appropriate asset information from system to system? In this episode, we look at asset data challenges related to varying asset identification and naming methods that are prevalent within most asset-heavy organizations. Your hosts, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas, describe the complex processes behind tracking large volumes of design, construction, maintenance, and operation data for physical assets. (Episode length 00:19:58) Learn more by visiting our website, or by sending TrailBlazer an...

2022 Episode 37 – Do you have a document management problem or an asset data management problem? If your organization is not able to accurately trace the business case for capital investments backwards to its original purpose, funding, and design you may have an asset data management challenge. The age of an asset does make it harder to keep track of all the records, but it’s not an excuse for not maintaining traceable, verifiable, and complete asset data. Solving for a document management problem will not fix your asset data management challenge. In this episode, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas...

2022 Episode 36 – Your project champion network is one of the most vital components to successful implementation of an […]

2022 Episode 36 – Your project champions are one of the most vital components to successful implementation of an information governance project. As noted in this episode, project champions are typically senior-level leaders in your organization. Therefore, use their time wisely and keep them involved in carrying a consistent company message back to their teams. Project champions understand information governance risks and will motivate their departments to mitigate those risks. Discover the main ways you can keep project champions engaged throughout your project in this episode. In this episode, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas describe proven ways of keeping your...

2022 Episode 35 – This episode points out three key steps to achieving organizational change and using your champion network effectively. This is What Counts, by TrailBlazer Consulting, LLC, a podcast for the information and data governance do-it-yourselfers. Want to grab your audience’s attention without sending emails or doing more training? Give a listen to this episode to find out how. In this episode, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas describe three key steps for achieving a desired organizational change that they have seen work for other organizations. (Episode length 00:11:02) Learn more by visiting our website, or by sending TrailBlazer...

2022 Episode 34 – Using training to implement change management seems logical. What type of training best fits your organization’s learning style? What kind of training is available; who is your audience; how do you gauge impact; is more better when training for change? These are all good questions that will be answered in this episode regarding achieving successful training to help improve your chances for successful information and data governance project implementation. In this episode, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas bring back our special guest, Donna Vitalie, to discuss how to use training for change management. Understanding what to...

2022 Episode 33 – This is our fourth episode in a series on using change management to help improve your chances for successful information governance project implementation. Today, we talk about using your project plan as a communication tool to connect with your stakeholders at every stage of a particular project. In this episode, Maura Dunn and Lee Karas discuss how your project plan should be used to incorporate and communicate change management activities through out project implementation. A project plan is a great way to show your clients all the work that needs to go into a particular project....

2022 Episode 32 – This is our third episode in a series on using change management to help move your information governance projects forward. We continue our conversation with Donna Vitalie to uncover creative ways to implement change management and understand the “why” and “how” to do change management. In this episode, Maura Dunn, Lee Karas, and special guest Donna Vitalie talk about using push and pull communications, champions, project plans, and quick reference guides to help change certain aspects of your organization. (Episode length 16:48) Learn more by visiting our website, or by sending TrailBlazer an email at info@TrailBlazer.us.com....

2022 Episode 31 – This is our second episode in a series on using change management to help move your information governance projects forward. Today, we welcome Donna Vitalie to the conversation to help give us an understanding of this important tool in your toolbox. In this episode, Maura Dunn, Lee Karas, and special guest Donna Vitalie define and discuss change management (CM), organizational development (Org Dev), management of change (MOC), digital transformation (DT), and process improvement when it comes to information governance projects. (Episode length 12:46) Learn more by visiting our website, or by sending TrailBlazer an email at...

2022 Episode 30 – This is the first episode in a series on change management approaches we have used to implement successful information governance projects. Remember back to Episode 3. That’s where we discuss our process for developing assessment questions and how to hone in on data management challenges. In this episode, we discuss linking what you learned during the assessment to refine your change management approach. Maura Dunn and Lee Karas discuss in this 13 minute 46 second episode making your information governance project a leadership effort and not just a technology implementation and the importance of listening when...

2022 Episode 29 – Monitoring progress, showing immediate impact, and keeping stakeholders engaged is an important part of project status reporting. In this episode, we discuss a few ways for measuring and monitoring project progress, as well as, celebrating key victories along the way. Maura Dunn and Lee Karas discuss in this 16:51 episode a few important real-time progress reporting suggestions for keeping people updated and in the loop. Learn more by visiting our website, or by sending TrailBlazer an email at info@TrailBlazer.us.com. This is What Counts by TrailBlazer Consulting, LLC. In this podcast, we highlight proven solutions that we...

2022 Episode 28 – Hey, who was that person that worked on the customization of XYZ software? Who was the vendor that made the decision to fill in the requirements gaps during the implementation process? It is a substantial risk to any organization not to plan for the knowledge transfer process when taking on large-scale projects. Documentation is key to the knowledge transfer process, but what else can help an organization ensure important information gets passed on when the time is right. In this episode, you will learn what to do and what not to do for making the knowledge...

2022 Episode 27 – Taking a risk management approach to project planning. Thinking through large-scale risks and assigning cost to those risks will help focus resource allocation in your project plan. Does this approach add more time to the planning process? Is it worth assessing all these risks upfront? Decide for yourself after listening to this episode where we share our experience developing project plans for client organizations. Maura Dunn and Lee Karas discuss in this 14 minute episode how they use risk management as a key project planning and project management tool. Learn more by visiting our website, or...

2022 Episode 26 – Internal and external key resources to have on your team to get your information governance (IG) projects completed. From IT to Legal, but more importantly, the business side of your organization. Maura Dunn and Lee Karas discuss how selecting the correct key resources to have on your team will dramatically increase buy-in and commitment for implementing your information governance projects. Learn more by visiting our website, or by sending TrailBlazer an email at info@TrailBlazer.us.com. This is What Counts by TrailBlazer Consulting, LLC. In this podcast, we highlight proven solutions that we have developed through our experience...

2022 Episode 25 – In this episode, we discuss developing a detailed project plan for implementing your information governance projects. From simple to complex projects, learn certain activities and tasks that you should build into your project plan that will help prepare stakeholders and better communicate project timing and milestones. Listen as Maura Dunn and Lee Karas discuss how to document the important activities, tasks, and milestones that depend upon each other and help build up your resources. Learn more by visiting our website, or by sending TrailBlazer an email at info@TrailBlazer.us.com. This is What Counts by TrailBlazer Consulting, LLC....