Who I Am
I'm Justin Swenson, and I believe that data and technology should serve humanity, not the other way around.
For over a dozen years, I've been fascinated by a simple question: How can we use data, analytics, and AI to make better decisions while never losing sight of the human impact? This question drives everything I do—from the frameworks I build to the teams I lead to the conversations I have with fellow leaders navigating our increasingly complex digital world.
I'm not just a data theorist. I'm someone who has spent years in the trenches, managing data governance programs, building AI governance frameworks, and leading teams through the messy reality of digital transformation. I've learned that the best solutions come from combining solid theory with real-world experience, then making it all actionable for the people who need it most.
What Governed Chaos LLC Is All About
Governed Chaos LLC exists because I believe every organization deserves to harness the power of their data without losing their soul in the process.
The name "Governed Chaos" captures something I've observed throughout my career: data and technology can feel chaotic and overwhelming, but with the right governance, strategy, and leadership, that apparent chaos becomes a source of tremendous value. We help leaders transform their relationship with data from something that feels out of control to something that drives meaningful impact.
My approach is simple: take the best ideas from leading thinkers, add practical experience from the real world, and break it all down into frameworks that actually work. No jargon, no ivory tower theories—just practical guidance for leaders who want to make data work for their organizations and their people.
My Areas of Focus
I work at the intersection where data meets business reality. My expertise spans:
Data Foundation & Strategy: Building governance frameworks that actually get used, designing data architectures that scale, and creating team structures that deliver results.
AI & Technology Leadership: Developing AI governance that balances innovation with ethics, implementing technology stacks that serve your business goals, and leading digital transformation initiatives that respect human dignity.
Organizational Excellence: Applying DevOps, Agile, and Lean methodologies to data work, building product management practices that create real value, and developing strategies that align technology investments with business outcomes.
Leadership & Management: Understanding how to lead people through complex change, building high-performing teams, and making strategic decisions in uncertain environments.
My Philosophy: Building on Giants
I'm not here to reinvent the wheel. Instead, I stand on the shoulders of giants—curating the best ideas from leading thinkers, adding my own experience from managing data governance and AI governance functions, and using first principles thinking to break complex concepts into actionable steps.
The best learning happens through conversation and community. I believe in sharing what I've learned and learning from others who are solving similar challenges.
Life Beyond the Data
When I'm not thinking about data governance frameworks, you'll find me on the soccer field coaching high school athletes. There's something powerful about watching young people develop not just their technical skills, but their ability to work as a team and overcome challenges together.
I stay active through rock climbing, yoga, running, and weightlifting—activities that keep me grounded and remind me that the best solutions often come when we step away from our screens and move our bodies.
Let's Connect
I believe the most important conversations happen when we move beyond theory to practical application. Whether you're grappling with data governance challenges, navigating AI implementation, or building teams that can thrive in our digital world, I'd love to hear your story and share what I've learned.
The goal isn't just to talk about these ideas—it's to help each other walk the walk, then run with confidence toward the impact we want to create.