Guest Eddie Short shares insights on the journey from CDO to pursuing a Ph.D. He discusses leadership challenges, value quantification, tech initiatives, academic research on CDO impact, and the importance of communication for organizational success.
Leadership skills are crucial for CDOs to challenge status quo.
Robust measurement mechanisms needed to quantify value of data initiatives.
Deep dives
Failures in Delivering Business Value through Technology Initiatives
Many organizations, including large companies, struggle with delivering meaningful value through technology initiatives. Examples such as investing hundreds of millions in GCP migrations without realizing substantial benefits highlight the challenges faced.
The Importance of Leadership and Communication in Data-Driven Transformation
Effective leadership and communication are vital for successful data-driven transformations. Leaders have a responsibility to challenge the status quo, encourage transparency, and ensure alignment in delivering business outcomes.
Lack of Real Data on Value of Data Initiatives
There is a lack of concrete data on the value of data initiatives within organizations. Self-assessments by CDOs may overestimate the impact, indicating a need for more robust measurement and reporting mechanisms.
The Role of Storytelling in Data Leadership
The ability to tell compelling stories and guide organizations through complex data initiatives is essential for data leaders. Storytelling can bridge the gap between technical expertise and business outcomes, driving successful data-enabled transformations.
Eddie Short is an outspoken and experienced CDO who has managed the data and analytics function for some of the biggest companies on the planet – and he’s recently returned to graduate school with the goal of quantifying the value of Chief Data Officers.
In this engaging conversation, Eddie shares valuable insights from his decades of experience – focusing on a core message that CDOs *must* develop the leadership skills needed to challenge the status quo and quantify the value of the solutions they provide.