CDO Matters Podcast CDO Matters Ep. 91 | The Top Ten Trends in Data and Analytics for 2025
Dec 23, 2025
Explore the cautious optimism for data spending in 2025 amid a shifting economic backdrop. Discover the Gen AI paradox, where widespread use fails to deliver expected ROI. Delve into the rise of data products and the urgency for better governance of unstructured data. Malcolm critiques AI-washing in the industry and highlights the urgent need for mid-career professionals to disrupt themselves and upskill. Get insights on smaller, conversational conference formats fostering community engagement, and the accelerating convergence of data management tools.
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The Gen AI Paradox
- Generative AI use is widespread but often yields little measurable ROI.
- Malcolm Hawker calls this the 'Gen AI paradox' and sees opportunity to operationalize value.
Break The Paralysis: Learn By Doing
- Do stop waiting and run POCs to learn quickly even if many fail.
- Malcolm Hawker urges CDOs to adopt a growth mindset and reshape operating models now.
Data Products Hit Mainstream
- Data products moved from concept to mainstream in 2025 and are delivering value.
- Malcolm Hawker highlights product management and customer focus as keys to success.