On paper, the job titles and descriptions often look identical—vision, strategy, governance, enablement. But the reality that many CDAOs walk into is very different. What the business says it wants, and what it actually needs (or is ready for), rarely align. Some CDAOs are brought in as builders but are expected to influence board-level strategy. Others are hired as translators but are handed a tech-led agenda with no mandate to lead change.
At Guild, we discussed three dominant CDAO archetypes emerging from this mismatch, each with different strengths, different priorities, and different measures of success. The real challenge isn’t which archetype is better. It’s how well the role you’re in matches who you are and how clearly that’s understood by the organisation around you.
It’s a conversation that deeply resonated with Guild contributors, including Volker Buscher, Senior Advisor at DataIQ, and Catherine Taylor, Senior Director of Enterprise Data & Analytics at Elsevier. Because as data becomes a strategic enabler and AI gains board-level attention, CDAOs must not only evolve with intention but lead with it.
“You don’t need permission to define your role,” said Dael Williamson, EMEA CTO at Databricks – Guild strategic partner. “You need clarity.”
The three CDAO archetypes
In a post-Guild coffee talk, Dael, Catherine and Volker broadly identified three CDAO archetypes operating today:
- The Builder
Focused on platforms, governance, and technical foundations. These leaders excel in creating scalable, secure environments where data can be trusted and used effectively. They are service-oriented and excel at delivery but often remain behind the scenes.
- The Translator
Acting as a bridge between business needs and data capabilities, these CDAOs partner closely with functions like finance, marketing, or operations to solve high-value problems. They’re fluent in both languages—business and data—and thrive on cross-functional collaboration.
- The Advisor
Operating at the strategic level, influencing enterprise value, investment decisions, and AI roadmaps, these leaders are deeply trusted by CEOs and boards. They speak in shareholder language, not just data outcomes, and often define how success is measured.
“What we’re seeing,” Volker explained, “is that the most effective leaders are choosing which game they’re playing and building the team, relationships, and operating model that fit.”
Misalignment is the real risk
Problems arise when expectations don’t match reality. A business hires a builder, but wants a board-level advisor. A translator wants to lead strategy, but isn’t given the mandate. Or the organisation assumes data leadership is purely technical, while AI demands strategic coordination.
That’s why clarity matters.
At Guild, our agenda is designed for those who are already leaning into the strategic advisor role or are ready to step into it. Through panel provocations, peer conversations, and small-group strategy sessions, contributors will explore:
- How CDAOs turn uncertainty into strategic advantage—navigating complexity to drive influence and reshape business thinking
- What it takes to embed AI-first at scale—building the structures and culture needed for lasting impact
- How to prove value through alignment—connecting data and AI strategy directly to business goals
- How to evolve your leadership without losing focus—growing your influence while staying grounded in delivery
“I’ve worn multiple hats,” Catherine reflected. “But the journey is as rewarding as the destination, especially when you’re clear about the role you’re playing, and why.”
Guild is the place to ask these questions
These are the kinds of questions that are answered in honest conversations with people who’ve lived the tension, made the shift, and understand what’s really at stake.
Guild brings those people together.
Interested in joining the conversation?
Guild is an invitation-only event for senior data and AI leaders. This year, it takes place from 17th to 19th June in Brihuega, just outside of Madrid, Spain.
If you’d like to contribute your voice and experience to this unique think tank, register your interest here.
