Mavens of Data The Data Ecosystem: Why the Big Picture Matters (w/ Dylan Anderson)
Dec 5, 2025
Dylan Anderson, Head of Data Strategy at Profusion and an expert in holistic data ecosystems, joins the conversation to unchain data from its silos. He argues that data value emerges only when aligned with business strategy and governance. Dylan shares insights on developing 'expert generalists' and the hiring traits that matter, like strategic thinking and curiosity. He emphasizes the importance of assessing company data maturity and the necessity of a value-first approach to AI governance. This discussion elevates how data professionals can expand their impact across organizations.
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Data Is An Interconnected Ecosystem
- Data is an ecosystem where business strategy, org design, governance, tech, and AI all interconnect.
- Focusing on one silo misses secondary impacts and creates inefficiency and frustration.
200-Person Team, No Communication
- Dylan described a logistics firm with a 200-person data team whose leads did not talk to each other.
- A major initiative proceeded without involving data governance, wasting potential value.
Start With Business Questions
- Before writing code, identify the business questions and the value stakeholders want.
- Deliver concise