S5 | Ep 3 | From COO to CDO with Perry Philipp, Chief Data Officer at Entain
Dec 3, 2024
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Perry Philipp, Chief Data Officer at Entain and a veteran in management consulting, dives into the intriguing transition from COO to CDO. He shares insights on the risks of long-term change programs and why centralization isn't always the key solution. The discussion also highlights common business challenges, the importance of data literacy, and effective communication in forging data-driven strategies. Philipp emphasizes viewing data as a vital organizational asset and celebrates the successful global Snowflake migration, showcasing teamwork and innovation.
The transition from COO to CDO underscores the unique pathways to data leadership, emphasizing diverse backgrounds and experiences in data-centric roles.
Centralizing data capabilities enhances decision-making in organizations, but the long-term success lies in developing a sustainable federated approach for scalability.
Long-term data transformation projects risk failure if not broken down into manageable milestones, fostering team engagement and maintaining stakeholder momentum.
Deep dives
Unique Journey to Chief Data Officer
The guest shares a distinctive career path, emphasizing the unusual trajectory many data leaders take to reach their roles. Starting with a background in building data centers over 20 years ago, the current Chief Data Officer transitioned through various roles, including management consulting and operations in life sciences and biotech. This diverse experience culminated in a shift from Chief Operating Officer to Chief Data Officer at AT&T and then at Entain Group. This highlights that a traditional route through data analysis is not the only pathway to leadership within data roles.
Importance of Data-Driven Decision Making
The guest discusses the foundational philosophy of using data to drive decisions, a core principle of operational roles. This perspective is especially relevant in an organization like Entain, which operates heavily within a data-centric environment, particularly in sports betting and gaming. By centralizing data capabilities, the organization aims to leverage data's role not just as an operational tool but as a strategic asset that enhances decision-making processes. The guest believes that aligning decision-making strategies with data insights forms the backbone of organizational success.
Challenges of Long-Term Data Projects
The conversation emphasizes the inherent risks of long-term data transformation projects, particularly those extending beyond 12 months. The guest advocates for breaking down large initiatives into manageable, bite-sized achievements to highlight progress and maintain stakeholder momentum. This practical approach encourages regular wins that can boost team morale and establish trust with stakeholders, reducing the risk of project drift. The insight here is that smaller, more frequent milestones not only demonstrate success but also keep teams engaged and invested in the project's outcomes.
The Evolving Role of Data in Organizations
The discussion touches on the perception of data within organizational hierarchies, noting that its value can vary widely among businesses. Some organizations view data merely as a necessary commodity, focusing on ensuring trust and reliability in data, while others see it as a strategic differentiator with the potential for innovation. The guest points out that a well-established data foundation is crucial to evolving from simple data enablement to becoming an essential driver of business strategy and growth. This duality signals that while many companies are still grappling with trust issues in data, there is a necessary progression towards more innovative uses of data.
Centralization vs. Federation in Data Management
The guest emphasizes that while centralization can initially streamline data management by establishing standards and protocols, it may lead to scalability issues in larger organizations over time. A federated approach is suggested as a more sustainable model, allowing teams to maintain a level of oversight while fostering autonomy in data management. The shift in data structure often corresponds with organizational changes, including executive turnover, which can necessitate reevaluating data strategies. Ultimately, the guest advocates for flexibility and responsiveness within data strategies to accommodate the evolving needs of the organization and its market environment.
In Episode 3, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast. Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Perry Philipp, Chief Data Officer at Entain, where they discuss the transition from COO to CDO, which includes;
Why change programmes lasting longer than 12 months are at risk of failure
Why centralisation isn't the long-term answer, but when and why it is needed
The lessons learned from being a COO that help in a CDO role
Approaching challenges when faced with a blank sheet of paper
The impact of executive churn
Why most business problems are the same and occur in cycles
How organisations value data differently
The impacts of centralisation, decentralisation, and federation
The difference between outputs and outcomes
The shared challenges and engagement within the data community
The importance of language in driving understanding and alignment
Creating value and fostering an environment for growth
Delivering the world’s largest Snowflake migration globally
Thanks to our sponsor, Data Literacy Academy.
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