Driven by Data: The Podcast

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 sector
• How her non-data/technical background has helped her to a better CDO
• Why you have to be a strong salesperson as a CDO
• Why you shouldn’t be using the ‘D’ world
• Building a data confident workforce instead of a literate or fluent one
• Establishing 54 measures of success for the organisation
• Developing data products to measure the measures of success
• Ignoring conventional wisdom and thinking big but also starting big
• The importance of tailoring the language of the data confidence programme to something the organisation would understand
• The key components of the programme and the major benefits and challenges experienced
• The learnings from attempting to personalise the programme
• Creating pathways
• Embedding data confidence requirements into the recruitment process for non-data roles
• Tips on building advocacy and creating champions
• Why training should be the last thing you do
• Why timing is key when thinking about the training component of these programmes
• Why it’s important that you have the correct foundations to deliver a data confidence programme
• The qualitative and quantitative measures of success of a data confidence programme
• The power of true business partnering to improve data products
• Measuring lead indicators to quantify business outcomes

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 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 risks
• Understanding the different types of risks your organisation faces
• Delivering a piece of research about how firms tackle data related risks
• Why 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 industries
• How 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.

In Episode 14, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Bhagya Reddy, Executive Director of Empowerment and Collaboration at Virgin Media O2, where they discuss how having a role focused on empowerment and collaboration is the secret to data democratisation, which includes:

• Having a passion of making data accessible
• Coming from a deep technical background and moving into a business facing role
• How you know when you're doing data democratisation correctly
• The importance of trust and confidence in data democratisation
• The key KPIs of data democratisation
• The role of data literacy within data democratisation
• The benefits of building the Data University at VMO2 entailed
• Using engagement as a measure the effectiveness of democratisation
• Driving Innovation by turning insight into action
• Why empowerment and collaboration are the key's to success
• The importance of decommissioning data products
• The three factors to consider when decommissioning
• Prioritising speed to value
• Overcoming cultural barriers and addressing resistance to change
• Tackling DEI challenges in the Data & Analytics industry
• The need for skills-based hiring, structured returnship programmes, and fostering an inclusive data culture.

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 13, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Tamara Castelli, Chief Operating Officer at UNiDAYS where they discuss her transition from leading a data and insights team to becoming the Chief Operating Officer, which includes:

• Falling out of love with the theory of academia
• Being driven by seeing application result in outcomes
• Moving from consultancy to an end user organisation
• How a merger provided a career changing opportunity to lead
• A great analogy about a restaurant, a kitchen, china sets and menu font to describe how businesses can focus on the wrong things
• The transition from VP of Data & Insight to Chief Operating Officer
• The many parallels between the CDO and COO roles
• Why data has to drive change and understanding it’s role within that objective
• Why AI will bring the role of Data Leadership and business leadership to a point of overlap
• Why business leaders will face challenges in the future that Data Leaders have faced forever
• What may be seen as performance problems may actually be process problems
• Grabbing the opportunity with both hands by taking accountability for things outside of her remit
• Why operations is a great home for Data and Analytics teams
• The differences between the CDO and COO communities
• Why there’s less commonality between the COO community
• Success stories as a COO
• The power of having more influence as the COO
• Spotting data gaps more easily from a higher vantage point
• Launching OKRs around transformation and growth goals
• Navigating perceptions of the current perception your business has of you  
• Things to think about if you’re considering a move into an operational role

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 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-takers
• Enabling the business to create value through data-driven solutions
• The rise of Data & Analytics structures is driven by the fear of being left behind
• Embedding data-driven decision-making across the organisation
• Demonstrating the value of Data & Analytics as an investment, not a cost
• The importance of leading indicators – measuring the actions that influence key outcomes
• How an MBA can help transition from a technical leader to a business leader
• The concept of 'purple people' – bridging technical and business skills to create high-performing teams
• Leveraging individual strengths to enhance team performance
• Why great leadership is about building the right team, not knowing everything
• Creating the right conditions for innovation and psychological safety
• Innovation doesn’t have to be complex – it just needs to solve real-world problems
• The role of the client/sponsor in championing data products internally
• Positioning Data & Analytics as a strategic consulting partner within the business
• The ongoing challenge of shifting perceptions of Data & Analytics from a support function to a value driver
• The critical role of emotional intelligence in leadership
• Why cultural change is essential for fostering innovation
• Recognising and rewarding contributions to maintain motivation within data teams
• Ensuring time is allocated for innovation to thrive within organisations
• The best ideas often come from those closest to the problem – creating space for grassroots innovation

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 11, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Darren Wood, Data Product Leader at BBC, and they talk about the benefits of Data Product Management, in which they talk about:

• The helpfulness and collaborative nature of the data community
• How the BBC is advancing digitalisation and personalisation
• Understanding the user journey through touchpoints and insights
• Why data products are about structuring data and extracting value
• The key role of organisational understanding in maximising data product value
• The three critical stages in the data product lifecycle
• The four phases that follow the creation of a data product are introduction, growth, maturity, and decline
• The challenge for data product managers in pre-empting decline and making tough decisions
• Why speed to value is critical in data product success
• The key differences between data teams and product teams
• Why a roadmap is essential for prioritisation and decision-making
• How splitting a roadmap into reactive, proactive, and strategic elements enhances focus
• How understanding value can help quantify business impact
• Why adopting a business mindset means treating colleagues as customers
• The importance of ‘eating your own dog food’ in data product teams
• Why treating the data team as a mini business changes how they operate
• The four phases of an effective discovery process: discovery, definition, development, and delivery
• The key difference between data product management and traditional product management—why MVPs in data often don’t reach end users before they are fully functional
• The ongoing debate between domain-oriented, centralised, and decentralised approaches
• The varying responsibilities of a data product team, and why alignment with business value is key
• Why stepping into a data product manager role requires conscious awareness of its challenges and opportunities

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 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 performance
• Why the USP of the data team lies in identifying where to focus and what action to take
• The importance of metrics in making performance observable and driving decisions
• The risk of internal data teams falling behind without a structured consultancy methodology
• How improving business literacy in data teams helps focus on the right metrics
• The role of methodology in influencing P&L outcomes
• Why winning over senior management is crucial for success
• The need for metrics that drive actionable insights and business performance
• Why not everyone wants to be data-driven—and how to choose the right sponsors
• The cultural adoption of metrics and its impact on business success
• Understanding failure states to identify areas for improvement
• How collaboration between data teams and business stakeholders drives better outcomes
• Why data literacy shouldn’t be a burden on business users
• The common gap in business process mapping within organisations
• Why engaging finance teams is essential for understanding P&L impact
• The importance of quick wins in gaining stakeholder support
• Why cultural openness to data is necessary for effective implementation
• Why actionable, role-specific metrics lead to better business adoption

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 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.

In Episode 8, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast. Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Rosh Awatar, Managing Director at Sky, and they discuss the importance of getting data's seat at the table, which they discuss:

• The challenge of getting data leaders involved in key business decisions
• Why data leaders need to steer the business, not just support it
• How the right sponsorship can create business value
• The importance of networking and building connections across all levels
• Building strong relationships with the business
• The difference between what Data & Analytics teams see as “value” versus what business leaders see as “value”
• Adapting your message depending on the data capability you’re focusing on
• Aligning data priorities with business goals and strategies
• Being involved in the right conversations to make better decisions
• Balancing commercial success with long-term benefits
• The view some companies took on CDO roles in 2024 and how CDOs can show their value
• Delivering value through strong data governance and enablement
• Deciding whether a centralised or decentralised/federated data model works best for your company’s culture
• The collaborative and innovative environment at Sky
• Why it’s important to ask for help when needed
• How culture and purpose shape a company’s view of data
• Striking the right balance when talking about the value 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 7, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Matt Stebbings, Petcare D&A Transformation Director at Mars Petcare, where they discuss the importance of the first and last mile in change & transformation, which includes;

• Transitioning from an engineering and IT background to a growth function at Mars Petcare
• Being one of the world’s largest family-owned businesses, accounting for 60% of Mars' operations
• The history and significance of Mars' five principles and their role in shaping the company’s culture
• Why doing business with a data analytics mindset is critical for shaping the future
• Understanding the difference between transformation and change
• Leveraging growth science to foster loyalty and drive innovation
• The ecosystem strategy: using data to combat issues like feline kidney disease
• Overcoming challenges in engaging the business to embrace data-driven mindsets
• Maintaining public-facing insights through extensive behind-the-scenes data work
• Differentiating between focus and prioritisation to maximise value
• Empowering business leaders within product ownership teams
• Shifting from traditional data projects to product-oriented working in data analytics and its impact on change
• The evolving role of the CEO and the addition of "D" (data) to their responsibilities
• Establishing the need for CDO-type functions in modern organisations
• Training and transforming teams to adopt a more data-focused approach
• Embedding the D&A team within the growth function to align with business outcomes
• Balancing the importance of getting both the first and last mile right in data initiatives

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.