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Cindi Howson
Chief Data Strategy Officer at ThoughtSpot and host of The Data Chief podcast.
Valerie Logan
CEO and Founder at The Data Lodge

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Building an Enterprise Data Strategy that Puts People First

March 2023

Summary

Constructing an enterprise data strategy that gives priority to people is vital for overcoming the obstacles of creating a data-driven organization. A central theme is the significance of data culture and literacy as important elements in aligning data strategies with business objectives. The conversation, led by experts Cindy Housen and Valerie Logan, emphasizes that the people component is frequently the most challenging aspect for data leaders. Cindy Housen, Chief Data Strategy Officer at ThoughtSpot, highlights the need to connect business needs with technology, focusing on AI ethics and data literacy. Valerie Logan, CEO of the Data Lodge, stresses data literacy as a life skill in today's digital society, advocating for its integration as a core element of organizational culture.

Key Takeaways:

Data culture and literacy are essential in forming a data-driven organization.
Aligning data strategy with business objectives requires a focus on people and culture.
Leadership involvement and mindset shifts are key for promoting data literacy.
Data literacy programs should involve all levels of an organization, from frontline workers to executives.
Quick wins and visible business value are vital for maintaining momentum in data initiatives.

Deep Dives

The Significance of Data Culture and Literacy

Data culture and literacy are identified as the primary challenges in developing a data-driven organization. Connecting the gap between data literacy and business objectives is imperative. Valerie Logan emphasizes, "Data literacy is a life skill," advocating for data to be seen as an integra ...
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l part of all job roles. Cindy Housen adds that data literacy must evolve beyond technical skills to include business literacy, creating a comprehensive understanding of how data informs decision-making. This approach requires organizations to create a culture where data is accessible and actionable for all employees, requiring a commitment to change management and incentives aligned with business goals.

Leadership's Role in Data Literacy

Engaging senior leaders is vital in promoting data literacy across an organization. Valerie Logan notes the importance of leaders modeling data literacy to reinforce positive behaviors. Leadership engagement involves carving out time to educate leaders on their role as champions of data literacy, creating space for open dialogues about data challenges. Cindy Housen suggests that leaders need to focus on "the why" of data initiatives to demonstrate how data can drive revenue and reduce costs. This alignment helps mitigate fears surrounding data adoption, promoting an environment where data becomes a natural part of the organizational workflow.

Effective Data Literacy Programs

Creating a successful data literacy program involves a strategic approach that combines engagement, development, and enablement. Programs must move beyond traditional training to include communication strategies, branding, and gamification to promote community involvement. Valerie Logan describes a framework of defining executive data personas and encouraging leaders to advocate for data literacy. Engaging communities of practice and leveraging technology to enhance data fluency are important elements. As Valerie states, "A data literacy program is not just about skills; it's about creating an environment where people are engaged and empowered to use data effectively."

Achieving Quick Wins and Business Value

Maintaining momentum in data initiatives requires achieving quick wins that demonstrate visible business value. Cindy Housen stresses the significance of showing tangible results at least once a quarter to avoid burnout and keep stakeholders engaged. This approach involves starting small, focusing on specific departments or use cases, and rapidly scaling successful initiatives. The modern data stack allows for rapid experimentation and deployment, enabling organizations to iterate quickly and showcase the benefits of data-driven decision-making. Cindy highlights the need for organizations to communicate these successes broadly to promote a culture of data optimism and continuous improvement.