In Episode 18, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Rob Kent, Data & AI Leader at Greggs, where they discuss the learnings from reporting to a CEO and being on the board of a UK Plc, which includes;Starting a career in IT over 30 years ago.Building D&A functions from scratch on multiple occasions.How the common thread has been executive sponsorship at the highest level.Anchoring data strategies to business strategies.Being part of a small group of CDOs that have reported to a CEO.Sitting on the board of a UK PLC that publicly declared data as core to its strategy.The business drivers that allowed data to have a seat at a board table.The learnings and experience of reporting to a CEO.Growing an appreciation of competing with priorities of other functions.The importance of empathy when sitting on the board.Balancing wearing a corporate hat and a data hat.Still needing to justify the existence of the data analytics function.A simple three-tier model to calculate value-creation.Accepting that there is a cost of doing business.Delivering tangible benefit in a cost-effective way without a large budget.Whether reporting lines and titles actually matter.The things that the CEO will be thinking about and asking.The things that can influence the position of the data executive in an organisation.The two key questions to ask your CEO that dictate proximity to them.Why CDOs have the power to choose which organisation is right for them.Why the data industry should be pushing on open doors.Why there is often a gap in expectations.The contributing factors to being seen as a cost centre.Why attributing value is easier for B2C businesses than B2B businesses.Why you’re doing something wrong if you can’t attribute value to data initiatives.Why translation will take you further than most other things.Why business people don’t care about our data analytics world.The material differences between having a seat at the table versus being a layer removed.Why any decision is made based on facts, fear, or faith.Where the future of data analytics teams lies.Why we’re not being picked on and other functions have it worse than us.Thanks to our sponsor, Data Literacy Academy.Data Literacy Academy is leading the way in transforming enterprise workforces with data literacy across the organisation, through a combination of change management and education. In today's data-centric world, being data literate is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity.If you want successful data product adoption, and to keep driving innovation within your business, you need to start with data literacy first.At Data Literacy Academy, we don't just teach data skills. We empower individuals and teams to think critically, analyse effectively, and make decisions confidently based on data. We're bridging the gap between business and data teams, so they can all work towards aligned outcomes.From those taking their first steps in data literacy to seasoned experts looking to fine-tune their skills, our data experts provide tailored classes for every stage. But it's not just learning tracks that we offer. We embed a deep data culture shift through a transformative change management programme.We take a people-first approach, working closely with your executive team to win the hearts and minds. We know this will drive the company-wide impact that data teams want to achieve.Get in touch and find out how you can unlock the full potential of data in your organisation. Learn more at www.dl-academy.com.

In Episode 17, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Steve Green, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) where they discuss the self-inflicted barriers to CDO success, which includes:Transitioning from being a true technologist into a change agent. Setting up a chief data office from scratch. The 6 pillars of the data office. Why he built an advisory team and how it delivers value daily. The benefit of having a holistic view of the D&A industry from his time at the FCA. The struggle to meet operational needs as well as the needs of the regulator. Why data offices create problems by building point solutions. Thinking 5 years ahead to balance long-term strategy with immediate needs.Building to answer questions that you don’t yet exist.To deliver value on strategic outcomes, you have to be in the strategy conversations. How data teams are constantly delivering what businesses ask for but not what they need. The lesson that most data offices are still learning, the hard way.Navigating your way into the right conversations if you’re not already in them.Setting the correct expectations with your business.Why how you run the data office is more likely to dictate success than where it sits.Why it can’t only be the CDO who’s capable of engaging with the business.How the interview process should tell you what type of expectations the firm has. The importance of building relationships with people before you need to engage with them.Why learning how to make stuff happen beats generic data or leadership skills.  The importance of effective and intentional hiring. Why data offices need to be better at blowing their own trumpet. Pushing the boundaries of why data offices exist.Transitioning from defensive to value generating. Why many data offices create barriers for themselves and end up behind the curtain. Thanks to our sponsor, Data Literacy Academy.Data Literacy Academy is leading the way in transforming enterprise workforces with data literacy across the organisation, through a combination of change management and education. In today's data-centric world, being data literate is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity.If you want successful data product adoption, and to keep driving innovation within your business, you need to start with data literacy first.At Data Literacy Academy, we don't just teach data skills. We empower individuals and teams to think critically, analyse effectively, and make decisions confidently based on data. We're bridging the gap between business and data teams, so they can all work towards aligned outcomes.From those taking their first steps in data literacy to seasoned experts looking to fine-tune their skills, our data experts provide tailored classes for every stage. But it's not just learning tracks that we offer. We embed a deep data culture shift through a transformative change management programme.We take a people-first approach, working closely with your executive team to win the hearts and minds. We know this will drive the company-wide impact that data teams want to achieve.Get in touch and find out how you can unlock the full potential of data in your organisation. Learn more at www.dl-academy.com.

In Episode 16, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Helen Blaikie, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at Aston University, where they discuss the comprehensive programme they've executed to help them build a truly data confident organisation, which includes;The implications of covid on the higher education sectorHow her non-data/technical background has helped her to a better CDOWhy you have to be a strong salesperson as a CDOWhy you shouldn’t be using the ‘D’ worldBuilding a data confident workforce instead of a literate or fluent oneEstablishing 54 measures of success for the organisationDeveloping data products to measure the measures of successIgnoring conventional wisdom and thinking big but also starting bigThe importance of tailoring the language of the data confidence programme to something the organisation would understandThe key components of the programme and the major benefits and challenges experiencedThe learnings from attempting to personalise the programmeCreating pathwaysEmbedding data confidence requirements into the recruitment process for non-data rolesTips on building advocacy and creating championsWhy training should be the last thing you doWhy timing is key when thinking about the training component of these programmesWhy it’s important that you have the correct foundations to deliver a data confidence programmeThe qualitative and quantitative measures of success of a data confidence programmeThe power of true business partnering to improve data productsMeasuring lead indicators to quantify business outcomesThanks to our sponsor, Data Literacy Academy.Data Literacy Academy is leading the way in transforming enterprise workforces with data literacy across the organisation, through a combination of change management and education. In today's data-centric world, being data literate is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity.If you want successful data product adoption, and to keep driving innovation within your business, you need to start with data literacy first.At Data Literacy Academy, we don't just teach data skills. We empower individuals and teams to think critically, analyse effectively, and make decisions confidently based on data. We're bridging the gap between business and data teams, so they can all work towards aligned outcomes.From those taking their first steps in data literacy to seasoned experts looking to fine-tune their skills, our data experts provide tailored classes for every stage. But it's not just learning tracks that we offer. We embed a deep data culture shift through a transformative change management programme.We take a people-first approach, working closely with your executive team to win the hearts and minds. We know this will drive the company-wide impact that data teams want to achieve.Get in touch and find out how you can unlock the full potential of data in your organisation. Learn more at www.dl-academy.com.

In Episode 15, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Heather Wade, Data Transformation Director at Johnson Matthey, where they discuss research findings that attempt to understand what happens when risks outweigh benefits, which includes; Learnings from taking all the best bits from consumer data into a different industry The reason for undertaking a DBA Why there’s so much research written about the benefits of data but very little about the risksUnderstanding the different types of risks your organisation facesDelivering a piece of research about how firms tackle data related risksWhy there’s much more risk than the traditional cyber or privacy risks Focusing on qualitative research as opposed to quantitative How the research uncovered the differences in the CDO/Data Leader role Whether the CDO tenure forces us to focus on value and benefits as opposed to risk Discussing the risks of inaction as opposed to selling benefits How the people and culture element of teams pose a large threat The lack of difference between regulated versus unregulated industriesHow firms should approach the balance between benefits and risk Measuring potential risks Why the biggest risks could be the lack of clarity around what a data function exists to do Managing grey areas of risk (like sustainability) Thanks to our sponsor, Data Literacy Academy.Data Literacy Academy is leading the way in transforming enterprise workforces with data literacy across the organisation, through a combination of change management and education. In today's data-centric world, being data literate is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity.If you want successful data product adoption, and to keep driving innovation within your business, you need to start with data literacy first.At Data Literacy Academy, we don't just teach data skills. We empower individuals and teams to think critically, analyse effectively, and make decisions confidently based on data. We're bridging the gap between business and data teams, so they can all work towards aligned outcomes.From those taking their first steps in data literacy to seasoned experts looking to fine-tune their skills, our data experts provide tailored classes for every stage. But it's not just learning tracks that we offer. We embed a deep data culture shift through a transformative change management programme.We take a people-first approach, working closely with your executive team to win the hearts and minds. We know this will drive the company-wide impact that data teams want to achieve.Get in touch and find out how you can unlock the full potential of data in your organisation. Learn more at www.dl-academy.com.

Bhagya Reddy, Executive Director of Empowerment and Collaboration at Virgin Media O2, shares her journey from a technical role to driving data democratization within the organization. She discusses the importance of making data accessible and fostering a culture of trust and collaboration. Reddy emphasizes the role of a 'Data University' in enhancing data literacy and the need for skills-based hiring to champion diversity in data teams. She also addresses overcoming cultural barriers and the significance of timely, actionable insights in driving innovation.

Tamara Castelli, Chief Operating Officer at UNiDAYS, shares her fascinating journey from data leadership to operations. She discusses the importance of applying data insights to drive business outcomes, emphasizing common pitfalls companies face in data adoption. With an insightful restaurant analogy, she illustrates how focusing on foundational elements is crucial. Tamara also explores the evolving roles of data leaders, the impact of AI, and how accountability can enhance operational success, all while highlighting the increasing overlap between data and business leadership.

In Episode 12, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Murtz Daud, Director of Data & AI Director of Data & AI at British Gas Business, to discuss the barriers to data innovation, which includes:The different views on what a Data & Analytics function is – starting with the fundamental question: why do we need this department?Why Data & Analytics should be decision-makers, not ticket-takersEnabling the business to create value through data-driven solutionsThe rise of Data & Analytics structures is driven by the fear of being left behindEmbedding data-driven decision-making across the organisationDemonstrating the value of Data & Analytics as an investment, not a costThe importance of leading indicators – measuring the actions that influence key outcomesHow an MBA can help transition from a technical leader to a business leaderThe concept of 'purple people' – bridging technical and business skills to create high-performing teamsLeveraging individual strengths to enhance team performanceWhy great leadership is about building the right team, not knowing everythingCreating the right conditions for innovation and psychological safetyInnovation doesn’t have to be complex – it just needs to solve real-world problemsThe role of the client/sponsor in championing data products internallyPositioning Data & Analytics as a strategic consulting partner within the businessThe ongoing challenge of shifting perceptions of Data & Analytics from a support function to a value driverThe critical role of emotional intelligence in leadershipWhy cultural change is essential for fostering innovationRecognising and rewarding contributions to maintain motivation within data teamsEnsuring time is allocated for innovation to thrive within organisationsThe best ideas often come from those closest to the problem – creating space for grassroots innovationThanks to our sponsor, Data Literacy Academy.Data Literacy Academy is leading the way in transforming enterprise workforces with data literacy across the organisation, through a combination of change management and education. In today's data-centric world, being data literate is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity.If you want successful data product adoption, and to keep driving innovation within your business, you need to start with data literacy first.At Data Literacy Academy, we don't just teach data skills. We empower individuals and teams to think critically, analyse effectively, and make decisions confidently based on data. We're bridging the gap between business and data teams, so they can all work towards aligned outcomes.From those taking their first steps in data literacy to seasoned experts looking to fine-tune their skills, our data experts provide tailored classes for every stage. But it's not just learning tracks that we offer. We embed a deep data culture shift through a transformative change management programme.We take a people-first approach, working closely with your executive team to win the hearts and minds. We know this will drive the company-wide impact that data teams want to achieve.Get in touch and find out how you can unlock the full potential of data in your organisation. Learn more at www.dl-academy.com.

Darren Wood, Data Product Leader at the BBC, shares his insights on the transformative power of data product management. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration in the data community and the role of personalization in enhancing user journeys. Darren explores the lifecycle of data products and the necessity of understanding organizational dynamics to maximize value. He also discusses the critical differences between data and product teams, the importance of a strategic roadmap, and the need for a business mindset in treating colleagues as customers.

In Episode 10, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Peter Everill, AI, ML & Data Product Leader for a European Retailer for a LinkedIn Live event, and they discuss the importance of quantifying value, in which they talk about:How data can significantly impact P&L performanceWhy the USP of the data team lies in identifying where to focus and what action to takeThe importance of metrics in making performance observable and driving decisionsThe risk of internal data teams falling behind without a structured consultancy methodologyHow improving business literacy in data teams helps focus on the right metricsThe role of methodology in influencing P&L outcomesWhy winning over senior management is crucial for successThe need for metrics that drive actionable insights and business performanceWhy not everyone wants to be data-driven—and how to choose the right sponsorsThe cultural adoption of metrics and its impact on business successUnderstanding failure states to identify areas for improvementHow collaboration between data teams and business stakeholders drives better outcomesWhy data literacy shouldn’t be a burden on business usersThe common gap in business process mapping within organisationsWhy engaging finance teams is essential for understanding P&L impactThe importance of quick wins in gaining stakeholder supportWhy cultural openness to data is necessary for effective implementationWhy actionable, role-specific metrics lead to better business adoptionThanks to our sponsor, Data Literacy Academy.Data Literacy Academy is leading the way in transforming enterprise workforces with data literacy across the organisation, through a combination of change management and education. In today's data-centric world, being data literate is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity.If you want successful data product adoption, and to keep driving innovation within your business, you need to start with data literacy first.At Data Literacy Academy, we don't just teach data skills. We empower individuals and teams to think critically, analyse effectively, and make decisions confidently based on data. We're bridging the gap between business and data teams, so they can all work towards aligned outcomes.From those taking their first steps in data literacy to seasoned experts looking to fine-tune their skills, our data experts provide tailored classes for every stage. But it's not just learning tracks that we offer. We embed a deep data culture shift through a transformative change management programme.We take a people-first approach, working closely with your executive team to win the hearts and minds. We know this will drive the company-wide impact that data teams want to achieve.Get in touch and find out how you can unlock the full potential of data in your organisation. Learn more at www.dl-academy.com.

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. Thanks to our sponsor, Data Literacy Academy.Data Literacy Academy is leading the way in transforming enterprise workforces with data literacy across the organisation, through a combination of change management and education. In today's data-centric world, being data literate is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity.If you want successful data product adoption, and to keep driving innovation within your business, you need to start with data literacy first.At Data Literacy Academy, we don't just teach data skills. We empower individuals and teams to think critically, analyse effectively, and make decisions confidently based on data. We're bridging the gap between business and data teams, so they can all work towards aligned outcomes.From those taking their first steps in data literacy to seasoned experts looking to fine-tune their skills, our data experts provide tailored classes for every stage. But it's not just learning tracks that we offer. We embed a deep data culture shift through a transformative change management programme.We take a people-first approach, working closely with your executive team to win the hearts and minds. We know this will drive the company-wide impact that data teams want to achieve.Get in touch and find out how you can unlock the full potential of data in your organisation. Learn more at www.dl-academy.com.