Hub & Spoken: Data | Analytics | Chief Data Officer | CDO | Data Strategy

It’s easy to have the wrong priorities, focus on the latest technology trend, the next big thing and what bubbles up into the mainstream press when implementing a data strategy. In this episode host, Jason Foster talks about what’s actually important to focus on to ensure your data strategy delivers real value.

In this episode Jason talks to Grant Deans, a finance transformation specialist, on the role of data and analytics during finance transformation. They discuss how transformation shouldn’t have an end goal, instead a series of short sprints to enable people to remain agile and adapt when needed. They cover why data is so essential during transformation, where the FP&A team should sit in relation to the finance department and the type of skills needed in a modern finance department.

In this episode, Jason Foster explores the increasing imperative of being able to build an organisational culture that is guided by data and the lessons that can be learned from organisations that have re-written the rule book to flip the script and drive transformational change in their industry.

During uncertain times, you need to be able to do the best with the information you have and be ready to pivot as necessary. You won’t get your risk modelling 100% accurate the first time, but if you have a plan to intervene and adapt as necessary you will be a lot further along than if you wait for technology to catch up and produce ’perfect data. In this episode host, Jason Foster talks to business transformation and risk management expert, Margarita Pineda-Ucero, about how you model financial unknowns during these uncertain times.

In this episode, host Jason Foster discusses planning horizons for your data strategy. With so much uncertainty, change, movement in people behaviour, adjustments in business strategy and long-tail world events it’s normal to wonder over what period you should plan your strategy. How can you be sure of a short, mid and long term plan when everything might change tomorrow?

In this episode, Jason talks to Paul Ravenscroft, about his learnings of building data and analytics teams over the last 10 years at Boots, Walgreens Boots Alliance and now at Pets at Home as Head of Loyalty and CRM Analytics. They discuss the challenges of recruitment, development and retention of top data analytics talent and ensuring the job profile and the reality of the job are well aligned. They consider the importance of interesting and challenging work and doing all you can to make the work rewarding. Paul also talks through his approach to managing around having a scarce market of people that fit the role profile perfectly and how he has dealt with that situation. A fascinating talk for anyone involved with building and growing data teams.

In this short episode, Jason reflects on why he set up this podcast, the value he was hoping to deliver through it and an announcement about the upcoming additions to the schedule. This is the original business focussed data podcast and Jason is keen to continually add value to his audience. He thanks everyone for their contributions from listeners, to guests, to those that have given such positive feedback.

In this episode, Jason talks to Ed Child, the Head of Enterprise Data and Insights at a fast-growing eCommerce business, Studio Retail. They talk through the success Studio have had through lockdown in 2020 and explore the strategic role data is playing and will play in driving further growth. They also look at the journey Ed has been on to define, get approval and deliver success of his data strategy. They look at Ed’s own personal journey into data leadership through brands like Asda and Walmart.

In this episode, Jason talks to the Chief Data Officer at Silicon Valley Bank, Cara Dailey, about the importance of the first 100 days in post and the level of hustle needed to carve your role and strategy. They discuss what to focus on, what to de-prioritise and how to generate momentum behind the data strategy and transformation journey. They talk about selling the why, getting investment, building relationships, winning hearts and minds, creating believers and the need to pay for the data and tech sins of the past.