S4 | Ep 2 | From Data to Insight....So What? with Lyndsay Weir, Chief Analytics & Insight Officer at Barilla Group
Nov 14, 2023
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Lyndsay Weir, Chief Analytics & Insight Officer at Barilla Group, discusses the 'so what' about Data, Analytics and Insight, including the benefits of a non-STEM background, the importance of collaboration and asking 'so what?!', changing how reports and insights are presented, the damage from 'data is the new oil', and balancing tech and business objectives.
A STEM qualification is not a prerequisite for success in data and analytics, as proven by Lyndsay Weir's unconventional journey.
Data leaders need to think strategically, understand organizational goals, and bridge the gap between technical teams and business users to drive adoption and integration of insights.
Deep dives
Lindsey Ware's Non-Traditional Background in Data and Analytics
Lindsey Ware, the Chief Analytics and Insight Officer at Burilla Group, shares her unconventional journey in the field of data and analytics. With a background in history and various unrelated roles, she discovered her interest in research and technical aspects. Starting in digital marketing, Lindsey gradually built her technical skills and transitioned into data and analytics roles. Her unique path showcases that a STEM qualification is not a prerequisite for success in data and analytics.
The Importance of Strategy, Communication, and Collaboration in Data Leadership
Lindsey emphasizes the significance of thinking strategically as a data leader. It involves understanding the long-term and short-term goals of the organization, as well as aligning data initiatives with business strategy. Additionally, effective communication and collaboration are crucial for driving adoption of data solutions. Lindsey highlights the need to bridge the gap between technical teams and business users to ensure the successful integration of insights into the decision-making process.
Delivering the 'So What' in Analytics and Insights
Lindsey focuses on the 'so what' aspect of analytics and insights, which refers to providing actionable value from data. She highlights the importance of delivering insights in a clear and concise manner, avoiding overwhelming stakeholders with technical charts and dashboards. Instead, she advocates for a simplified one-page format that focuses on the key takeaways and recommended actions. By communicating the 'so what' effectively, data leaders can drive meaningful business growth and change.
Striking a Balance Between Technical Skills and Strategic Impact
Lindsey emphasizes the need for data leaders to strike a balance between technical skills and strategic impact. While technical acumen is important, having a strategic mindset and understanding the business context is equally crucial. Data leaders should align their efforts with the organization's strategy, build a strong data foundation, and ensure effective collaboration between different teams. By doing so, they can deliver tangible business value and drive the adoption of data and analytics solutions.
In Episode 2, of Season 4, of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Lyndsay Weir, Chief Analytics and Insight Officer at Barilla Group, where they discuss the 'so what' about Data, Analytics and Insight, which includes;
Why having a non-STEM background has been beneficial
Why having a can-do attitude is critical to be successful
The importance of having a diversified blend of skills in your D&A team
The skills you need to be successful as a modern-day Data Leader
The importance of collaboration; why it’s “all we, never me”
Why you’ve always got to ask, so what?!
Why knowing where you’re going is the key and what is your plan?
Why they’ve changed how they present reports and insights; from visualisation to a written 1-pager
The damage from “data is the new oil”
The telltale signs if you’re not aligned with the strategic objectives of the business
Striking the balance between tech/tooling and business objectives
The importance of scalability
Dealing with FOMO and Hype; why you don’t have to be first to market
Balancing execution and innovation/experimentation
The relationship between operating model, skills, adoption and value creation
Ways to excite the organisation about Data & Analytics
Being technically sound but strategically impactful as a Data Leader
Thanks to our sponsor, Dufrain:
Dufrain is a market leading, pure play data and analytics delivery consultancy empowering enterprise organisations to discover the value and potential in their data. To truly become data-driven and drive competitive advantage.
At Dufrain, Data is our passion. Our highly experienced data consultants deliver data solutions and real business outcomes across the entire data landscape helping businesses to meet their strategic objectives. Led by Joseph George CEO, we draw on a wealth of expertise, experience and knowledge to deliver innovative solutions to data challenges. Leading brands trust us and partner with us to deliver value and to support and enable their teams for the long term.
Our highly experienced data consultants deliver comprehensive services across the entire data landscape from data management and governance, BI and analytics through to shaping data transformation strategies. Take your steps to become data-driven, visit www.dufrain.co.uk and connect with us.
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