CDO Matters Ep. 35 | Speaking the Language of Business and Data with Veronika Durgin
Oct 19, 2023
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Veronika Durgin, VP of Data with Saks, shares insights on applying the '30% rule' to learn the language of business. They discuss centralization benefits, the obsession with decentralization, and the importance of a common language in data management.
Veronika Durgin emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adapting to different languages and terminology in the business world.
Veronika Durgin highlights the need for transparency, communication, and alignment between consultants and internal teams in data initiatives.
Deep dives
Veronica Durgen's Data Journey
Veronica Durgen shares her data journey, starting from her childhood in Russia to immigrating to the United States. She discusses her career path, including her background in data and how she fell into the field. Veronica emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adapting to different languages and terminology in the business world. She also highlights the challenges of being a working parent and the agility required to balance multiple responsibilities.
Centralized Data Management and Decentralized Analytics
Veronica Durgen discusses her belief in the importance of centralized data management and decentralized analytics. She explains that having a centralized approach to data management, including concepts such as master data management and common definitions, is crucial to standardize the language of data and ensure consistency across the organization. However, she also acknowledges the need for flexibility and customization in analytics, allowing different teams to implement the data in ways that best suit their specific needs.
The Role of Consultants, Full-Time Employees, and Vendors
Veronica Durgen shares her perspective on the role of consultants, full-time employees, and vendors in data initiatives. She emphasizes the importance of being honest about why consultants are being hired and managing expectations effectively. Veronica highlights the need for transparency, communication, and alignment between consultants and internal teams. She also emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and understanding the strengths and limitations of each team member or external partner.
AI and the Development of a Common Language
Veronica Durgen discusses the potential impact of AI on the development of a common language in data management. While acknowledging the capabilities of AI in language processing, she expresses skepticism that AI alone can solve the challenges of establishing a universal language. Veronica believes that human collaboration and agreement are necessary before AI can effectively automate certain aspects of language and terminology in data initiatives.
In the 35th episode of the CDO Matters Podcast, Malcolm speaks to Veronika Durgin, the VP of Data with Saks. As a data leader with more of a technical background, Veronika shares her insights on how she's applied the '30% rule' to learn the foreign language of business - a critical key to her success in data leadership.
Throughout the conversation, Veronika shares other practical lessons she's learned that make her such a learned and inspiring member of the data leadership community. Her story shows that with plenty of hard work, a dedication to learning, and plenty of self-awareness, a successful career in data is possible regardless of your background.