DataTalks.Club How to Rebuild Data Trust? Mindful Data Strategy and Maintenance vs Innovation - Lior Barak
Aug 15, 2025
Lior Barak, a data strategy consultant and author of 'Data is Like a Plate of Hummus', dives into the complexities of rebuilding data trust. He emphasizes the shift from a reactive culture to a mindful practice rooted in Zen principles. Topics include the alarming gap between CEO data usage and self-identified data-driven status, the innovative traffic-light dashboard for clear communication, and strategies to balance maintenance with innovation. Lior highlights turning imperfect data into value and navigating the challenges of legacy systems while fostering team resilience.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Wabi-Sabi: Accept Imperfect Data
- Wabi-sabi frames data as inherently imperfect and manageable, not a failure to fix before use.
- Acceptance plus clear communication lets teams extract value without endless perfectionism.
Data Trust Crisis Is Communication, Not Just Tools
- A severe data trust crisis exists: executives say they use data but rarely feel data-driven.
- Data tools alone don't restore trust; communication and awareness of failures do.
Lego Bricks Metaphor For Imperfect Data
- Lior uses a Lego metaphor: some bricks are generic and won't fit, yet you still build the castle.
- The choice is between waiting for perfect bricks or adapting with imperfect ones to keep progress.