Driven by Data: The Podcast cover image

Driven by Data: The Podcast

S4 | Ep 45 | Translating the Language of Data with Tony Zona, Chief Data Officer at Grant Thornton UK

Sep 10, 2024
Tony Zona, Chief Data Officer at Grant Thornton UK, shares insights from his impressive 25-year career. He emphasizes the importance of translating data language into business value, discussing how non-traditional backgrounds enhance perspectives. Zona highlights the need for data literacy as a cultural shift rather than mere training. He stresses the role of communication in bridging gaps between data teams and business leaders. With a focus on collaboration, he advocates for a unified language of data that drives decision-making and addresses organizational needs.
38:05

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Tony Zona emphasizes the necessity of creating a unified data language within organizations to improve collaboration and decision-making across teams.
  • He argues that fostering a culture of data literacy is vital for aligning data initiatives with business objectives and securing organizational buy-in.

Deep dives

Career Journey and Unique Background

Tony Zona's career began at Grant Thornton UK as a tax trainee, a role he pursued instead of attending university. Over the past 25 years, he transitioned from tax to project and process management, culminating in his appointment as Chief Data Officer in 2022. His unique background, bridged by his experiences as a translator for his family, has enabled him to approach data management from a business perspective rather than a strictly technical one. This perspective is invaluable in facilitating communication between technical teams and business units, ensuring that data initiatives align with organizational goals.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode