What Counts? Podcast
Training vs Automation in Information Governance
October 5, 2026 · 00:10:14
Training vs automation in information governance is a risk decision, not a technology preference. In this lightning round, Lee Karas and Maura Dunn explain why training alone rarely holds. At maturity level one, a program works only when individual people make heroic efforts. However, manual filing breaks down fast, because "I'll file that tomorrow" rarely turns into done. For a small company with low regulatory and litigation risk, training is often the right answer since it costs little. By contrast, a global company in a heavily regulated industry cannot afford inconsistent records. Finally, a pipeline example shows why weld inspections need a process that captures proof. So before you weigh training vs automation in information governance, start with risk assessment and policy.
## Training vs Automation in Information Governance: Episode Chapters
0:00 Training vs automation in information governance
0:45 When records programs ran on training
1:22 People vs process and the maturity model
2:17 Why manual filing breaks down
3:11 When training is the right answer
4:09 When your risk profile calls for automation
5:37 What happens when a regulator asks for proof
7:20 The cost of automation vs the cost of risk
7:45 Pipeline welds and materials traceability
9:13 Why risk assessment and policy come first
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## About What Counts
What Counts is produced by [TrailBlazer Consulting, LLC](https://trailblazer.us.com/) and hosted by Lee Karas and Maura Dunn. Learn more or reach out directly at [info@trailblazer.us.com](mailto:info@trailblazer.us.com). Explore compliance-ready corporate training programs at the [TrailBlazer Learning Academy](https://trailblazerlearningacademy.com/). Read more from Maura at [Maura's Substack](https://mauradunn.substack.com/). Music by Jason Blake. [Full disclaimer](https://trailblazer.us.com/policy-page/).