Interview with Michael Hahne, CDMP trainer at Connected Data Academy

CDMP certification is winning ground in German-speaking countries

In the Netherlands, the CDMP certificate is already an established benchmark for data management professionals. In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, the field is still at the start of a promising development. A development Michael Hahne is helping to drive further. In partnership with Connected Data Academy he will deliver the full CDMP training programme across the DACH region.

Consultancy and knowledge sharing: a deliberate choice

In the German data modelling world, Hahne Consulting has been a name to know for years. Michael Hahne founded his company in 2009 but has been active as a consultant and trainer since 1997. "I asked myself: do I keep deploying my expertise per assignment, or do I share and multiply my knowledge more broadly?" That question led to an inspiring conversation with Antoine Stelma of Connected Data Academy. "Antoine and Erik Fransen combine consultancy with a thriving training business. That moved me. I had registered Hahne Academy ten years ago but never done much with it. Now I felt: it is time to bring Hahne Academy to life as a powerful addition to my consultancy practice."

DAMA DMBoK as the foundation, CDMP as the accelerator

Michael deliberately chose the DAMA DMBoK framework as the basis for his trainings. "In Germany it is still relatively unknown, but interest is growing fast. The digitisation wave is producing a strong catch-up effort, and DAMA's body of thought fits that perfectly." To refine his approach, he took CDMP trainings at Connected Data Academy himself. "I already knew the theory, but I wanted to see how they bring it to life. A book is not a training, you need didactics, context and flexibility. The point is that participants can apply the theory in their own practice. Connected Data Academy does that exceptionally well."

A partnership with impact

What began as a learning experience grew into a strong partnership. Hahne Consulting now offers the full CDMP programme in the DACH region, in both German and English, using the high-quality materials of Connected Data Academy. A win-win: Hahne Consulting focuses on coaching and training, while Connected Data Academy extends its reach.

AI calls for a solid foundation

Michael: "We are stepping in at the right moment. Digitisation is accelerating, and tools like Gemini and ChatGPT are being widely deployed. But without a solid data foundation, it stays at the surface level. Garbage in is still garbage out. Especially with Agentic AI (autonomously reacting systems), reliable data, strong governance and seamless integration are essential. Only then can autonomous systems react responsibly and deliver real business value. In short, companies must first get their data architecture, data quality and governance in order. The need for reliable, predictive models is large. Hahne Academy shows how to lay that foundation firmly."

Consultancy as a flywheel for training

Hahne Consulting is transforming along with it. Michael deliberately picks assignments that strengthen his training activities. "I help organisations scale data management sustainably, with the right structure and teams. My consultancy work feeds my trainings: it keeps me sharp, current and practice-oriented. By strategically combining both pillars, a powerful interplay emerges. Just as at Connected Data Group and Connected Data Academy."

A unique training offering in Hamburg and Munich

In November the first CDMP Fundamentals trainings start: in Hamburg in German and in Munich in English, in keeping with the international character of business there. Michael is looking forward to it: "The level of these trainings is unprecedented for this region. We offer something that did not exist here yet: a powerful, certified programme that really helps professionals move forward. I cannot wait to see what it sets in motion."

With the launch of the CDMP programme in the DACH region, Hahne Academy is offering not just a training, but an internationally recognised learning journey that helps professionals deepen and cash in on their expertise. "As a consultant, I know how important certification is," says Michael. "A training is valuable, but without proof of competence it stays abstract. A CDMP certificate shows that you have not only acquired knowledge, but can also apply it."

Do you want to be at the forefront of a rapidly developing field? This is the moment to step in. Take the step to international recognition, strengthen your data management expertise and give your career a powerful boost, with CDMP and Hahne Academy at your side.