Driven by Data: The Podcast

In Episode 26, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom was joined by Steven Pimblett, Chief Data Officer at Rightmove, where they discuss how to create the pull factor and aligning capabilities, operating model and value levers, which includes;

• Being the 1st CDO at Rightmove. 
• Both a B2B and B2C business model and an expanding service offering.
• Using data to deliver growth, value and innovation.
• The relationship between ambassadorship and data & AI being viewed as a value creator. 
• Reporting to the CEO for the 3rd different time.
• Why reporting line matters but other things matter more. 
• The proximity advantage of having a seat in the boardroom. 
• The relationship between strategic storytelling and attributable value creation. 
• The importance of creating a D&A brand identity.
• Building capabilities that you can align to value levers.  
• How data, insight, action is the flow of value creation. 
• The importance of creating partnerships and earning trust. 
• How value is defined, varies from company to company. 
• The reason why misalignment between capability, operating model and value levers occur.
• The importance of creating a fluid operating model and team structure. 
• Creating unit economics to build a value creation framework. 
• Why complexity and engagement are also considerations beyond value. 
• The importance of creating the ‘pull factor’ in partnership. 
• Failure comes from failure to address the people component of the role. 
• Broadcasting wins to the organisation and why you have to push yourself outside of your comfort zone.
• The similarities and differences between digital and non-digital organisations.
• Why CDOs will get more opportunity to enter the boardroom due to Agentic AI. 

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 25, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Matt Lovell, Group Director of Data & AI at JD Sports Group, where they discuss the benefits of centralising data & AI leadership, which includes;

• The importance of building centralised data leadership in complex, multi-brand organisations.
• Why federated models require a hybrid approach to data strategy and technology governance.
• Aligning use-case driven transformation to quick wins and long-term data goals.
• The need for internal audits to uncover hidden technology and data assets.
• Why data maturity varies across business units and how to turn that into a strength.
• The evolution of customer behaviour post-COVID and how omnichannel strategies are adapting.
• How predictive insights help ensure the right product is in the right place at the right time.
• The value of analysing local trends and geolocation data to inform valuable business decisions.
• Why strategic data sharing can strengthen partnerships without directly monetising data.
• How AI is being used to augment human capability and improve operational efficiency.
• The emergence of agentic AI to proactively detect and resolve issues before escalation.
• Why teaching prompt literacy is key to unlocking AI’s full potential.
• How BI and AI are converging to deliver next best action intelligence.
• The evolving role of data professionals as AI handles more technical execution.
• Why clean, well-governed data remains essential for enabling effective AI solutions.

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 24, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Angela Pearce, Chief Data Officer at Pension Insurance Corporation Plc, where they discuss how a varied career background and business focused approach allowed her to deliver multi-million pound benefits, which includes;

• Why working in hospitality early in her life shaped her approach.
• Coming from an unconventional background.
• Moving out of Data & Analytics to broaden her skillset.
• Being the first CDO in an entrepreneurial organisation.
• The differences of working in large versus smaller organisations.
• The importance of selling what your team can do for stakeholders.
• Differences in managing expectations and stakeholders in different environments.
• Why you need more buy-in, in smaller organisations.
• Being the top data person in an organisation three times and whether having the title matters.
• Knowing when you’re ready for a CDO role.
• Why sales skills are absolutely essential for success as a CDO.
• Why commercial understanding of business processes is imperative.
• Building strategy and foundations in a greenfield environment.
• Why tackling people and culture should be your first port of call.
• Why imagination and creativity is a super power for data teams.
• Balancing short-term value added wins with long term strategy.  
• Why you have to promote the small stuff.
• The signals that you’re reaching a point of data maturity.
• Navigating resistance challenges to a data strategy.
• Why a good data strategy will be controversial.
• Planting seeds that you grow into addressing difficult conversations.
• Why the ‘lack of value’ narrative is still so prevalent.
• Having a business focused approach to realise benefits.
• Why the CDO shouldn’t be measuring and articulating value.
• Why business readiness is key to substantiating value.   
• Building a data culture that aligns to an organisational culture.
• Why data literacy should be about removing obstacles for people to do what you need them to do.
• Why you need 99% carrot and 1% stick.
• Being a female CDO from outside of London.

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 23, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Angela Le Mathon, Vice President; People Data & Analytics at GSK, where they discuss the role of HR in an Agentic AI enabled world and it's implications on the workforce, which includes;

• Differences between applying analytics in HR versus other domains.
• Why people analytics is usually an afterthought.
• Why other business areas get more funding for analytics work.
• How large companies are using data and analytics to manage their workforce.
• Why people and skills can’t be measured equally.
• The key metrics that organisations expect from people analytics.
• Why the sophistication of GenAI has helped HR and people analytics.
• The impact that AI is likely to have on the workforce.
• The rise of the digital workforce.
• How humans and agents will co-exist.
• Why execs will have to change the way they manage their organisation.
• Why HR has the opportunity to reinvent itself.
• Why workforce planning and org design will be critical to success in an Agentic AI world.
• How the roles undertaken by humans will change.
• Why skills will become less important.
• Why L&D budgets will reduce as a by-product of agents.
• Why humans will be forced to step up their game.
• The two waves of Agentic Ai implications on the workforce.
• Figuring out what humans do with the extra time that they’ll have.
• What organisations need to do to be Agentic AI ready.
• Why the relationship between HR and Technology will need to transform.
• Why People Analytics will become part of the core Data Leadership team.
• Figuring out how ‘at risk’ you’ll be.
• Navigating DEI though the lens of people/HR data and analytics.
• The future of HR in an AI world.

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 22, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom shifts from host to guest as we're joined by a 'special guest host' where Kyle is quizzed on all things related to the data and analytics talent landscape, which includes;

• Spending almost 15 years in D&A Talent.
• Starting Orbition in lockdown in 2020.
• Having bold, controversial opinions.
• The relationship between Data Leadership hiring and the lack of value narrative.
• Why the purpose and expectations of the CDO role are misunderstood.
• How misalignment in expectations leads to hiring failures.
• The morale dilemma of putting people into roles they can’t succeed in.
• The role of use cases and KPIs in Data Leadership hiring.
• Why you’re likely to be fired for delivering what your business asks for.
• The Discover, Identify, Engage and Assess Framework for Hiring.
• Why the lack of standardisation impedes hiring for most businesses.
• How organisations can position themselves effectively to engage top talent.
• Considerations to become a Data & Analytics Employer of Choice.
• Why most JDs are terrible.
• The importance of storytelling in D&A recruitment.
• Conducting skills assessments and its relationship with retention.
• How data and analytics recruitment is often void of data.

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 20, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Dan Robertson, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at Bupa, where they discuss the relationship between organisational culture, operating models, change and transformation and delivering value, which includes;

• How doing a business degree fuelled an interest in using data to support decision-making.
• Why starting his career as a programmer made him realise that he wanted a different path.
• Being the inaugural CDO for multiple, large, complex organisations.
• Why your operating model holds more weight than any solution in changing an organisation.
• Why tuning in to organisational culture is the key to success for a transformational CDO.
• Getting an understand of company culture in the interview process.
• Why the amount of change required to embed that operating model defines the rockiness of the data strategy journey.
• Anchoring the implementation of change to the vision and purpose of the organisation.
• The importance of understanding ‘how things get done’.
• Why alignment on company purpose and vision impacts the ability to affect change.
• Tying incentives and objectives to that vision and purpose.
• Why your boss needs to ‘get it’ or be prepared to get it, so you don’t come unstuck when things get tough.
• Why the middle of the organisation will likely be the biggest cultural roadblock.
• Why federation is usually better for large organisations.
• The impact that maturity has on deciding on a centralised or federated model.
• Offering a service model to balance the pros and cons of operating models.
• Why the vision, purpose and north-star of the organisation is so important.
• The role of architecture of breaking down silos to unlock value.
• The common symptoms of what blockers to value creation are.
• The importance of Data Literacy both internally in D&A teams and in business teams.
• Why your team need to be able to explain the investment case to the exec that aligns to your purpose.  
• The link between expectations and the average tenure of the CDO.
• The 3 key inflection points as a transformational CDO.
• Why you need to be careful about choosing which value-based use case you start with.
• Presenting different data strategy options to the exec.
• Deciding whether you’re aiming to be more data-driven or want competitive advantage.
• Understanding the size of the possible prizes.

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 20, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Gabriel Straub, Chief Data Officer at Ocado Group, where they discuss how data, AI and automation transformed Ocado and redefined the grocery sector, which includes;

• Utilising 3rd party technology and the realisation that it wasn’t good enough.
• Evolving from a grocery retailer into a global technology solutions provider.
• Building proprietary tech to solve challenges traditional systems couldn’t handle.
• Becoming market leaders for great customer experience.
• The journey to building and selling technology solutions to retailers all over the world.
• Why ML solutions became a necessity to provide a distinct customer proposition.
• The differences between operating an in-store versus online grocery retail business.
• Combining internal, external and P&L factors in prioritising use cases.
• Competing with an established model and changing the way people shop.
• The impressive fulfilment operations and the multiple iterations.
• Calculating the ROI of product optimisations.
• The relationship between innovation and company culture.
• The three main GenAI use cases.
• Having 150 ML use cases to enhance forecasting, reduce waste, and improve availability.
• The role of simulation in testing 500 years of operations in just one year.
• Why embedding data teams in product and engineering drives better outcomes.
• The importance of culture and long-term thinking in driving innovation.
• Leveraging GenAI to enhance workforce productivity and knowledge access.
• The potential for agent-based systems to transform internal operations and customer interactions.
• The benefits for retailers to partner with Ocado and leverage their technology.

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 19, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Simon Jury, Chief Data Officer at Kingfisher, where they discuss the power of instinct and why you shouldn't always ignore it, which includes;

• Insights from decoupling ASDA from Walmart as VP of Data.
• Why building the right operating model for a group structure is critical.
• Balancing centralised vs. decentralised delivery across group and brand levels.
• The nuanced realities of a “single source of truth” across brands.
• Aligning all data decisions with value creation from the outset.
• When to trust your instinct over data—and why that’s okay.
• Why the biggest challenges in D&A are ultimately people issues.
• The disparity in investment between technology and people.
• Why the skills that make a great data practitioner don’t always make a great data leader.
• Why most of a Data Leader’s time should be spent focused on their team.
• Building a high-performing D&A culture in a federated model.
• Creating frameworks for role exploration and skill development within D&A teams.
• The evolving role of analysts in a more data-literate future.
• The investment needed to truly unlock value from D&A at scale.
• Why it’s no longer acceptable for senior leaders to lack data fluency.
• Helping business leaders articulate what they really want from AI.
• Why living overseas sharpened the guest’s ability to translate data insights.
• Combining the science of data with the art of experience for better outcomes.
• Why being financially savvy is a key skill for any Data Leader.
• Why the most successful data products are popular first, and smart second.
• The potential of conversational interfaces to reshape how we interact with data.

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 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.