What Counts?

Episode 131 - Data governance and AI readiness go hand in hand — and most organizations aren't as ready as they think. In this episode, Maura and Lee take a hard look at what an AI-powered customer support escalation workflow actually requires to function. Spoiler: it's not just a smart model. It's clean, connected, versioned data — customer records, contract terms, and executed agreement instances all properly linked. Using a real-world cable company scenario, they unpack how disconnected systems, outdated identifiers, and missing metadata cause AI to hallucinate answers instead of finding them. The episode closes with an introduction to data objects and metadata mapping — and a preview of the counterparty reconciliation work that has to happen before AI can deliver on its promises. Episode length: 00:19:21 Learn more by visiting our website, or by sending TrailBlazer an email at [email protected].

Episode 130 - When a company acquires another business, it inherits a tangled web of contracts — each with its own payment terms, clauses, and conditions. Contract one says 30 days, contract two says 45, and contract three says you never have to pay. So what happens when you point AI at this mess? In this episode of What Counts, we explore why contract data governance must come before AI deployment. AI is a powerful governance accelerator, but only when organizations harmonize their terms, configure their systems, and maintain human oversight every step of the way. Episode length: 00:17:12 Learn more by visiting our website, or by sending TrailBlazer an email at [email protected].

In this episode of What Counts, Lee and Maura move beyond diagnosing the tension between growth and governance and dive into what real solutions look like. From the “records police” stereotype to the engineering metaphor of an ungoverned engine ready to blow, they unpack why organizations struggle to balance speed with safety—and how cross‑functional coalitions can change everything. Through stories about generators, pencils, rogue sales promises, and the realities of legal, IT, compliance, and business teams working in silos, they reveal how governance becomes a true accelerator when everyone solves the problem together instead of alone. Episode length: 00:13:12 To find out more about TrailBlazer Consulting, LLC, please visit our website at www.TrailBlazer.us.com.

Episode 128 - In this episode of What Counts, Lee and Maura dive into one of the most universal challenges leaders face: balancing the urgency of growth with the discipline of governance. From chasing new markets to managing real‑world information chaos—yes, even inside an information governance firm—they unpack why governance always feels like something you’ll “get to later,” and why “later” is exactly when the problems show up. Through candid stories and practical examples, they reveal how founders, operators, and executives can build sustainable growth without sacrificing control. Episode length: 00:14:26 Learn more by visiting our website, or by sending TrailBlazer an email at [email protected].

Episode 127 - This episode of What Counts unpacks a problem every organization faces but few diagnose correctly: workflows fail when they don’t reflect the reality of how work actually gets done. Through real‑world examples—from delegated invoice approvals to storage and construction contracts—we explore how policy changes, unclear roles, and poorly analyzed workflows create bottlenecks, late payments, workarounds, and operational risk. The conversation highlights why modern workflow design must be grounded in process analysis, role clarity, and meaningful controls that support—not obstruct—the accomplishment of work. Episode length: 00:18:39 Learn more by visiting our website, or by sending TrailBlazer an email at [email protected].

Episode 126 – Many organizations confidently claim they operate in a mature, well‑managed environment—until someone starts examining how work actually...

Episode 125 - Contract Lifecycle Management touches every corner of an organization—finance, legal, procurement, operations, compliance, and the business itself. But despite the promise of modern CLM platforms, most implementations fail for one simple reason: the organization wasn’t ready for the software. In this episode of What Counts, Lee and Maura revisit a conversation recorded in early 2024, long before TrailBlazer Learning Academy and its governance accelerator templates were publicly available. With the Academy now live and widely adopted, the discussion is more relevant than ever. They explore why readiness, alignment, and governance‑ready templates are the true drivers of CLM success, and how TrailBlazer’s tools help organizations build clarity and confidence long before implementation begins. Episode Length: 00:25:32

Episode 124 - Fact or Fiction. Governance gets a bad rap—too rigid, too bureaucratic, too “records police.” But in reality, good Information Governance is one of the most powerful accelerators a business can have. In this episode, we bust the most persistent myths holding teams back, from the idea that governance stifles innovation to the belief that it’s only for heavily regulated industries. You’ll hear how one startup used IG to fast‑track SOC 2 compliance and close enterprise deals, why every business with customers or content needs governance, and how healthy skepticism—not fear—keeps IG and AI working together. TrailBlazers know: governance isn’t a roadblock. It’s the runway. Episode Length: 00:12:34 Learn more by visiting our website, or by sending TrailBlazer an email at [email protected].

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 our website, or by sending TrailBlazer an email at [email protected].

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 Length: 00:20:10

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 rise of AI, businesses now have the opportunity to analyze these documents at scale, surface trends, and identify logical connections—provided the human context is clearly defined first. At TrailBlazer, we view documentation as a lens into business integrity, scalability, and readiness for what’s next. Episode Length: 00:17:14

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 episode offers a compelling look at the tools that built our modern recordkeeping systems. Episode Length: 00:20:18

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 you build your own retention schedule with confidence. Episode Length: 00:24:09 Learn more by visiting our website, or by sending TrailBlazer an email at [email protected].

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 website, or by sending TrailBlazer an email at [email protected].

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 build stronger Episode length: 00:20:41

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 length 00:18:17

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 is highlighted as a top choice for automating income and expense tracking, managing invoices, categorizing transactions, and staying compliant with tax regulations. -Best practices for financial success: Weekly transaction reconciliation, leveraging reports for decision-making, and setting up automated reminders for payments and tax deadlines. -Whether you're launching your first venture or fine-tuning your financial systems, this episode offers actionable insights designed to simplify your processes and empower your business journey. Episode length 00:17:10

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 with the right experts by your side. Episode length 00:15:20

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 for success. Don't wait for change-get ahead of it. Episode length 00:19:04

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 legal compliance, and designing an effective logo that resonates with your audience. Tune in to gain valuable branding knowledge that will help you build a lasting impression and drive your business forward! Episode length 00:13:04.

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 insights to protect your assets, maintain alignment, and build a resilient foundation for long-term success. Tune in to streamline your path to business ownership! Episode length 00:16:35

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' information. Properly completing and filing these documents ensures legal recognition, compliance, and a strong foundation for growth and operational success. Episode length 00:20:05.

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 an established entrepreneur, this discussion will provide actionable insights for structuring a business that thrives in an evolving market. Episode length 00:14:53

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 also share practical insights from our own experiences at TrailBlazer Consulting, LLC. We’ll compare the subject matter to how we’ve navigated these very challenges, providing real-world context and actionable takeaways for you. Let’s get started on this journey together as we blaze new trails in business, information governance, and this exciting video format. Stay tuned, and thank you for joining us! Episode length 00:00:00

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 apply this experience to your company.

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 your company.

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 [email protected] 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.