S5 | E9 | Value as the North Star with Paul Hollands, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at AXA

In Episode 9, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast. Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Paul Hollands, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at AXA where they talk about value as the North Star, in which they discuss:

• How structuring the data agenda can drive impact as the first CDAO at the UK & Ireland level.
• How a clear North Star helps AXA UK & Ireland focus on the commercial impact of data and AI.
• Building strong foundations to execute data and AI use cases effectively.
• Balancing central coordination and business unit autonomy with a federated operating model.
• How business sponsorship from engaged CEOs supports the data mission.
• The value of having a team fully aligned behind a clear vision.
• Using a strong North Star to simplify complex processes and stay on track.
• How understanding the business environment helps measure data leaders’ performance.
• Tackling the irony of CDOs being expected to excel at measuring value but lacking clarity on their metrics.
• Why being business-focused in theory doesn’t always translate to practice.
• The difficulty of measuring the value of certain data processes.
• How stakeholder management and strong relationships drive data success.
• Encouraging CDOs to share more stories about their impact.
• Building knowledge-sharing communities to promote value-driven data practices.
• How GenAI is being industrialised and trust is being built around its use.
• Exploring how AXA and its staff are using GenAI in practical ways.
• Adapting data strategies over time as GenAI shapes the direction of data and AI.
• Avoiding distractions from shiny new trends in data and analytics by staying focused on long-term value.

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