The Data Stack Show 219: The First 90 Days of Data Leadership: What the LinkedIn Posts Don't Tell You with Matt Kelliher-Gibson, The Cynical Data Guy
20 snips
Dec 11, 2024 In this engaging discussion, Matt Kelliher-Gibson, known as "The Cynical Data Guy," shares his sharp insights on the real challenges of data leadership. He contrasts the rosy LinkedIn portrayals with the disillusioning realities new data leaders face. From navigating team dynamics to executive alignment, Matt explores the complexities of roles like Chief Data Officer versus Head of Product. They also delve into AI's struggle with human communication nuances, emphasizing the importance of context in data strategy.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Assess the Situation
- Understand the context of your new data leadership role.
- Consider if it's due to a firing, a new team creation, a reorganization, or a planned succession.
Mismatched Team and Needs
- Matt Kelliher-Gibson recalls a situation where a data leader inherited a team built for platform development when the company only needed reports.
- This mismatch in team composition and actual needs led to issues and highlights the importance of accurately assessing requirements.
CDO Role Variation
- The role of a Chief Data Officer (CDO) varies significantly across companies.
- This variation makes it difficult to give generic advice or create one-size-fits-all plans.