How to be a CDO in the age of AI

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Jun 4, 2025

Justin Heller, Chief Data Officer at Synchrony Financial and editor for CDO magazine, shares insights from his decade-long journey in data leadership. He discusses how his backgrounds in political science and game theory influence strategic thinking in data strategy. Notably, he emphasizes the ethical dimensions of AI, advocating for a 'human in the loop' approach. Heller also highlights the importance of cultivating a strong organizational culture and aligning data quality with business value, ensuring governance supports rather than stifles innovation.

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ANECDOTE

Game Theory Shapes Data Strategy

Justin Heller applies game theory and political science concepts to data strategy, focusing on outcomes and value for individuals.
His team emphasizes understanding what people want to achieve and aligning data initiatives to show what's in it for them.

ADVICE

Culture as Social Contract

Foster culture through social contracts like company values and policies that define behavior.
Promote honesty, drive, execution, and collaboration for shared organizational goals.

INSIGHT

AI Enhances, Doesn't Replace Humans

AI won't replace humans but will enable greater efficiency and process scaling.
A 'human in the loop' remains crucial for validation to ensure quality control.

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What does it take to lead data strategy at a Fortune 500 company for over a decade—through industry shifts, technological revolutions, and the dawn of generative AI? In this kickoff episode of Season 4, host Thomas Brence sits down with Justin Heller, Chief Data Officer at Synchrony, to explore how a foundation in political science, interactive telecommunications, and process thinking has shaped his enduring career in data leadership.

Justin shares the strategic mindset that’s guided his team’s efforts across technology, people, and process, and how his background in game theory informs his value-focused approach to data. From navigating the ethical complexities of AI to measuring data’s contribution to enterprise risk reduction, Justin offers an honest, insightful look at the evolution—and future—of the CDO role.

Three reasons you should listen to this episode:

1. Redefine data leadership through interdisciplinary thinking. Learn how Justin Heller’s unique academic and professional background shapes his approach to data strategy—and how connecting people, process, and technology drives long-term impact.

2. Bridge AI adoption and governance with practical ethics. Discover why a “human in the loop” model isn’t enough on its own, and how organizations can better prepare their workforce for responsible AI use.

3. Tie data quality to business value, not bureaucracy. Hear how Synchrony balances agility with risk management, turning governance into an enabler instead of a roadblock—and why relevance of information (ROI) may matter more than return on investment.

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