S4 | Ep 1 | Busting Myths About the CDO role with Barry Panayi, Chief Data and Insight Officer at John Lewis Partnership
Nov 7, 2023
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Barry Panayi, Chief Data and Insight Officer at John Lewis Partnership, discusses the myths about the CDO role, the importance of understanding data value from different stakeholder perspectives, the evolving role of the CDO, and the significance of culture, literacy, and adoption in the data industry.
The reporting lines and operating models can significantly impact the success of a Chief Data Officer (CDO) and it is crucial for the CDO to work closely with the CTO for alignment and collaboration.
The hiring process for a CDO should focus on finding someone who can drive data analytics to improve business performance, rather than just building data platforms.
Integrating data and insight teams is important for organizations to ensure a more holistic approach to analyzing and utilizing data and to drive impactful decision-making.
Deep dives
The Importance of Data Reporting Lines and Operating Models
The reporting lines and operating models in organizations can significantly impact the success of a Chief Data Officer (CDO). Though the structure in which the CDO sits shouldn't matter in theory, the reality is that reporting to the CTO can be viewed unfavorably and diminish the importance of data within the organization. The relationship between data and technology teams is crucial, and a collaborative operating model is necessary for optimal success. The CDO and CTO need to work together closely to ensure alignment and avoid any unnecessary friction. The structure should serve the operating model, and the key is to have teams that understand the interdependencies between data, technology, and insights. The goal is to strive for a unified approach that focuses on leveraging data analytics to drive business performance and deliver tangible value.
The Challenges of Hiring and Defining the Role of a CDO
The hiring process for a Chief Data Officer (CDO) and the definition of the role within the organization can have a significant impact on the success and effectiveness of the CDO. Many organizations mistakenly hire CDOs with a focus on building data platforms or infrastructure, rather than hiring someone who can drive data analytics to improve business performance. The confusion around the purpose and responsibilities of the CDO role can hinder their ability to create impact and be seen as a valuable contributor. It's essential for organizations to have a clear understanding of what they expect from a CDO and to align their hiring process accordingly to find the right fit.
The Importance of Data and Insight Integration
Bringing data and insight teams together is becoming increasingly important for organizations. The separation of these teams can lead to misalignment and conflicting insights, impacting the quality and value of generated insights. By integrating data and insight teams, organizations can ensure a more holistic and comprehensive approach to analyzing and utilizing data. This integration allows for better triangulation of insights, combining internal and external data sources, and ultimately driving more impactful decision-making and understanding of customer behavior.
The Relationship Between Consulting Firms and CDO Tenure
There is a relationship between the tenure and success of a Chief Data Officer (CDO) and the utilization of consulting firms. Hiring consultants to implement data projects can create challenges and unrealistic expectations, leading to frustrations and lower success rates. However, consultants that truly collaborate with the CDO and the data team can bring valuable expertise and insights that can drive positive change. The key is to establish a strong relationship and ensure consultants align with the organization's goals and priorities.
The Need for Data Representation at the Board Level
The representation of data expertise at the board level is crucial for organizations to fully leverage and drive value from data. Currently, many boards lack data representation, which can hinder the understanding and prioritization of data initiatives. If boards actively ask questions about data strategy and its impact on business performance, it can create more awareness and support for data-driven initiatives. Having data representation at higher levels within organizations can help break down silos and encourage the adoption of data-driven decision-making throughout the organization.
In Episode 1, of Season 4, of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Barry Panayi, Chief Data and Insight Officer at John Lewis Partnership, where they discuss the myths about the role of the CDO and why tenure is so short, which includes;
Why no two CDO roles are the same
Why the majority of CDOs are hired for the wrong reasons
How the people making those decisions don’t understand the role or what it should do for them
How the CDO role isn’t a transitional one and shouldn’t be about delivering projects
Why the narrative around the CoE being an internal consultancy is damaging
Why D&A teams haven’t been good enough at articulating both direct and indirect value
The ways to book and track value generated
Why we’ve been guilty of wrongly beating up IT over the years
The relationship between technology, the role of a CDO and why it’s become a grey area
If culture, literacy and adoption are related to the tenure of the CDO
Why 'culture change' and 'literacy' aren’t helpful terms
Why we need to be more prescriptive to change behaviours and culture across the organisation
The importance of comms teams in a chief data office
The benefits of "selling" indirectly
Why reporting lines and operating models play a role in the success of a CDO
Why you need to understand the trade-offs within your reporting line
The benefit of owning insight within the CDO office and the differences in Insight skillsets
The relationship between how organisations utilise consulting firms and the impact it has on a CDO
How hype and buzz have helped move data up the value chain
Why the data conversation is starting to stagnate
What the CDO needs to do to have more success
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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