This is a profile from the 2022 version of the DataIQ 100.
The latest list is available here.
Dan Taffler, director of data and analytics, Reach PLC
What has been your path to power?
I’ve always enjoyed analysing business problems, finding solutions and then driving them to successful completion. Although I originally started my career in management accounting, I was gradually using more and more data and learning new tools - and I knew I had to change roles to specialise in these new areas.
Later, I completed an MBA at Manchester Business School, which was a useful way to combine my skills and experience for data and analytics leadership roles, leading and building functions, capabilities and strategy. Throughout all of this I’ve worked on my emotional intelligence through personal development and coaching. Soft skills are an extremely important accompaniment to technical skills – but they’re still often overlooked.
What impact has the pandemic had on the role of data in your company/organisation?
I know of some other companies that decided to try and weather the storm by holding off on investing in new capabilities and technologies - and they were stung by it. It’s been a much longer phase than anyone really expected. Reach, by contrast, made a big commitment by investing heavily in this area early on and we’re reaping the benefits of this foresight now. It’s great that the value of data and analytics is recognised here, but it does also mean that we have to move very quickly to keep pace with the needs of the business.
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