IG Talk w/ Robert Smallwood

Robert Smallwood speaks with cybersecurity and data privacy expert Michael Esola about the growing need for practical AI governance. Michael shares insights from his new book, Governance at the Speed of Autonomy, and introduces the CORE framework—Context, Oversight, Responsibility, and Elasticity—for managing the risks of AI and agentic AI.They discuss shadow AI, data-loss prevention, audit readiness, critical infrastructure risks, and how quantum computing may reshape cybersecurity. The episode also previews Michael's upcoming sessions at the AI Governance World Conference in Las Vegas, where he will explore AI governance, cybersecurity, and data privacy in greater depth.

Robert Smallwood talks with Kaan Vulcan, founder and CEO of PurgeRot, about why unmanaged file shares have become a critical business, cybersecurity, and AI-governance issue. They explore the rising cost of cloud storage, the risks created by duplicate, outdated, and overexposed content, and why organizations can no longer afford to feed every file into AI tools such as Copilot.Kaan explains how a curated, well-classified data environment can improve AI accuracy, reduce storage and security costs, and limit exposure to emerging risks such as model poisoning and agentic AI misalignment. The conversation also looks ahead at the changing role of information governance professionals, the return of more precise classification, and what it will take to keep data useful, secure, and ready for an AI-powered future.

In this episode, Robert Smallwood of CIGO Association speaks with Chris Surdak of ReLeaf about the accountability gap emerging as autonomous AI agents increasingly initiate transactions and make decisions. They examine why identity verification alone may not establish that a human intentionally authorized a specific action and why that distinction matters for fraud, disputes, auditability, and corporate governance.Chris introduces ReLeaf's Proof of Intent patent, designed to create a time-bound, independently witnessed record before a digital transaction proceeds. Together, Robert and Chris discuss the limits of existing guardrails, the need for human accountability in automated workflows, and practical ways organizations can strengthen control, recovery, and trust in the agentic web.

In this episode, Robert Smallwood of CIGO Association sits down with Joe Shepley, Senior Director at Triad Executive Advisors, to examine the fast-changing world of AI Governance. They discuss how organizations can move forward amid uncertain federal and state regulation, build on existing Information Governance foundations, and create practical controls for Agentic AI and citizen-developed tools.Joe shares what AI Governance maturity looks like today, why visibility and risk-based intake processes matter, and how responsible governance can enable innovation rather than slow it down. The conversation also explores AI's impact on work, data-center growth, and the human judgment that remains essential as AI capabilities accelerate.

A conversation with Camilo Artiga-Purcell, General Counsel, and Tim Freestone, Chief Strategy Officer at software provider Kiteworks. Robert discusses the challenges of securing and controlling AI agents with Camilo and Tim, who weigh in on legal and strategic aspects of agentic AI security. Kiteworks is a lead sponsor of AI Governance World Conference 2026 coming up October 12-14 in Las Vegas. Both Tim and Camilo will be presenting at the conference.

Robert Smallwood interviews IG and IT leader Chris Surdak.

Robert and Doug discuss his new 'Data Juice: 101 Stories of How Organizations Are Squeezing Value from Data Assets" book, which is a collection of short stories of use cases where new value has been found. The books has some unique features in the electronic version to make it easier to find cases relevant to your organization.

Robert and ISO Convenor Noureddine Lamriri discuss the process of creating an ISO standard, how a new standard is agreed upon, how often is will be updated and other matters related to Information Governance and the new ISO 24143:2022 standard.

Blockchain & crypto pioneer Ashton Addison, Founder & Host of The Crypto Coin Show defines crypto, discusses its categorization as a commodity vs. security, crypto market swings, the intersection of data monetization and crypto, and Web3 secure portable logins that help preserve privacy.

A discussion of the new ISO standard for IG, ISO 24143, the recently released "Role of M365 in IG" survey report, Microsoft fumbling IG with new branding, and the launch of the 2nd Annual Global Information Governance Survey by IG World magazine.

Robert Smallwood and Cheryl Strom discuss the impact of new and emerging privacy regulations on IG, her career path in Records & Information Management (RIM) and IG, and some challenges and opportunities along the way, including M365 implementation.

Amazon's Dennis Kessler and Robert discuss changes in the data governance field, some emerging trends and common issues.

Robert Smallwood, lead Information Governance consultant for an assessment at Colonial Pipeline in 2017-18, discusses the results of the assessment report and its recommendations, and lessons learned with cyber expert Baird Brueseke, Director of IG for eVisit Telehealth.

In this conversation with Leigh Isaacs, CIGO, she provides insights on the changes in policy and approach for remote work, and other evolving IG Best Practices. And she reveals her secret passion!

Kevin Andresen, Senior Director of Business Development for a segment in the Internet of Things (IoT) unit at Qualcomm, describes several common IG issues that occur when sharing documents remotely through Zoom (and other services), and a new solution. There are Privacy, Cybersecurity, Records Management, and eDiscovery issues created when sharing documents that must be downloaded, and a new approach has been developed, in Direct Office, that eliminates these issues.

Suzanne discusses the structure of the SEI IG program, how their Steering Committee operates and the unusual executive sponsor they have.

This podcast features interviews with Information Governance leaders around the world, and discussions about IG news, events, and best practices. Today's episode features Robert's interview with Douglas (Doug) Laney,  Data and Analytics Innovation Fellow at West Monroe. Mr. Laney is also a thought leader, consultant, advisor, author, speaker, and instructor on data and analytics strategy topics. He is the originator of the field of Infonomics, and the author of the best-selling book, "Infonomics: How to Monetize, Manage, and Measure Information for Competitive Advantage."This episode is brought to you by InfoGov World Expo, an information governance virtual event hosted by IG World Media on September 29 and 30. With more than 100 experts speaking on topics of Privacy, Security, eDiscovery, and Governance, InfoGov World Expo really is the greatest IG show on earth. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit infogovworldexpo.com and follow #IGW22.

IG Talk with Robert Smallwood is a podcast featuring interviews with Information Governance leaders around the world, discussions about IG news, events, and best practices. Today's episode features Robert's interview with Odia Kagan, an entertaining and insightful thought leader in data privacy. Odia is Partner and Chair of GDPR Compliance and International Privacy at Fox Rothschild LLP.This episode is brought to you by InfoGov World Expo, an information governance immersive virtual event hosted by IG World Media on September 29 and 30. With more than 100 experts speaking on topics of Privacy, Security, eDiscovery, and Governance, InfoGov World Expo really is the greatest IG show on earth. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit infogovworldexpo.com and follow #IGW22.

IG Talk with Robert Smallwood is a podcast featuring interviews with Information Governance leaders around the world, discussions about IG news, events, and best practices. Today's episode features Robert's interview with an exceptional, vibrant, and brilliant leader in IG, Natausha Cruz Wilson. This episode is brought to you by InfoGov World Expo, an Information Governance immersive virtual event hosted by IG World Media on September 29 and 30 with two days of IG training preceding the conference. With more than 100 experts speaking on topics of Privacy, Security, eDiscovery, and Governance, InfoGov World Expo really is the greatest IG show on earth. Registration is now open and Early Bird rates still apply. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit infogovworldexpo.com and follow #IGW22

Robert Smallwood dicusses the purpose and approach to creating the new Certified Information Governance Officer (CIGO) certification

Robert interviews Dr. Prashanth Southekal about analytics and his new book on Best Practices in Analytics

Robert talks with Doug Laney about infonomics, data monetization, and recoginzing information as an asset.

IG World magazine co-founders Robert Smallwood & Baird Brueseke discuss the exciting new virtual IG Summit to be held in 3D Virtual Reality

Trellis Research CEO Nicole Clark discusses trial preparation challenges, and the unique approach Trellis uses leveraging AI and Machine Learning to allow trial lawyers to gain a competitive advantage and improve outcomes.

Barry Moult discusses GDPR and privacy compliance, and key principles organizations should consider in privacy program management.

A conversation with NVISNx CEO Glen Day about information accountability, ROT cleanup, and data mapping for privacy compliance.

A conversation about IG in the mission of InfoGov ANZ, IG in the Australia/New Zealand region, and the confluence of privacy, RIM, and eDiscovery.

An update on what CCPA covers and its requirements, amendments, penalties, and deadlines.

A discussion with digital transformation and robotic process automation expert Chris Surdak from Gartner on the future of work.

An introduction to cybersecurty with expert Baird Brueseke; he discusses principles of cybersecurity and approaches to cybersecurity assessments.

Robert talks with Richard about privacy regulations including GDPR & CCPA, privacy program drivers, and his transition from globetrotting GDPR evangelist at IBM to Global IG Director at White & Case law firm, one of the world's largest. RIchard also talks about how he got into the computer business, which was somewhat by accident!

An introduction to Robert Smallwood's comprehensive new IG book, written in collaboration with over 20 SMEs.

A conversation with Dr. Patricia Franks, PhD, coordinator of the Master of Archives & Records Administration program at San Jose State University

George Firican discusses the importance of data governance, some common DG myths, and how to treat data as an asset.

A conversation about the importance of "data stories" - not only the 'why' but the 'how' - and what role good master data management practices play in the digital transformation process.

Robert talks with ACEDS President Mike Quartararo about e-discovery & IG, career development, and the ACEDS global network of chapters.

Interview with LINQ Ltd CEO Neil Calvert about digital twin modeling, infonomics & more.

An interview with Randy Kahn, Esq, author of the new book, "The Executive Guide to Navigating the Information Universe"

A Conversation w/ with Andrew Ysasi

An interview with Integro President & Co-founder Scott Burt.

An overview of ISO 27701 standard, and how it relates to the ISO 27001 InfoSec Management System standard. Also, how ISO 27701 may help organizations comply with privacy regulations like the EU GDPR and the California Consumer Privacy Act.

Overview of IG & Infonomics Summit Events Sponsored by IG World Magazine

Review of recent venture funding of firms in the IG market.