Exploring data leadership challenges with Jason Foster and Helen Blaikie
Nov 2, 2023
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Jason Foster, CEO at Cynozure, and Helen Blaikie, Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Aston University, answer burning questions on data leadership challenges. Topics discussed include data valuation, success metrics, resistance to change, CDO placement, and more. Insights shared on showcasing value, demonstrating data analysis possibilities, clarifying metrics for success, and building a data culture through performance measurement.
Overcoming resistance to change is essential for Chief Data Officers (CDOs) and requires tailored plans based on understanding the reasons behind the resistance.
Demonstrating the value delivered by CDOs is crucial and can be achieved by aligning data initiatives with business needs, delivering quick wins, and measuring outcomes such as improved customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Deep dives
Challenges of the Chief Data Officer
The podcast discusses the challenges faced by Chief Data Officers (CDOs) and provides insights and strategies for overcoming them. The CDO role requires addressing resistance to change, understanding the reasons behind the resistance, and developing tailored plans to overcome them. The importance of selling the value of data by making it relevant to business problems and avoiding jargon is emphasized. The podcast also highlights the significance of finding internal advocates, identifying quick wins, and celebrating successes to gain momentum in the organization.
Demonstrating Value as a CDO
The podcast explores ways to measure and demonstrate the value delivered by Chief Data Officers (CDOs). It emphasizes the importance of aligning data initiatives with business needs and focusing on delivering quick wins to showcase the value of data. Measures such as improved customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and adoption rates of data products are suggested for demonstrating the value delivered by CDOs. The podcast also highlights the significance of effective communication in showcasing the value of data initiatives.
Finding the Right Approach and Role for Data
The podcast discusses the need to address the perception of data as purely a technical problem and highlights the importance of considering the broader aspects of data management. It suggests understanding the specific problem that the organization aims to solve with technology and aligning data initiatives with business needs. The podcast emphasizes the value of finding the right balance between addressing immediate needs and focusing on building scalable data capabilities. Additionally, the discussion touches upon the question of where the Chief Data Officer role should report within the organization, suggesting that it should have a voice and a seat at the table to ensure effective data management and governance.
In this special episode, we explore the world of Chief Data Officers and their complex challenges. Join us as we share insights from our recent 'Ask Me Anything' session, where data leaders asked their burning questions anonymously, creating a safe space for open discussion. Jason Foster, CEO at Cynozure, and Helen Blaikie, Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Aston University, answer all these complex questions and share their views and thoughts on data valuation, success metrics, overcoming resistance to change, CDO placement, and more. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the world of data leadership.
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Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode