In this episode of Data River Deep Dive, we are joined by Abhishek Prasad, an experienced data strategist and advisor, to explore one of the most fundamental - and often misunderstood choices in enterprise data governance: federated vs. central models. Drawing from real-world experience across industries, Abhishek shares insights into how organizational structure, regulatory complexity and cultural factors shape governance decisions. We discuss the strengths and pitfalls of each model, what makes them succeed or fail in global environments and how companies can align governance strategies with both operational needs and long-term goals. Join us as we unpack what it really takes to implement scalable, effective data governance, especially when coordination spans continents, business units and leadership priorities.