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Julie Smith, Director, Data and Analytics, Alation

Describe your career to date

I have been working for over 20 years in the data and business intelligence field; however, my career kick-started in an IT role at a multinational insurance company. This experience ignited my enthusiasm for data and, since then, I have worked both in-house and as a data consultant, helping businesses realise the power of being data driven. After several years as a consultant, I joined a financial services company where I first encountered Alation, the enterprise data intelligence company, as a customer. I was so impressed with the product that I decided to join them. My biggest passion throughout my career has been empowering people with good data. As Director of Data and Analytics at Alation, I have been able to do just that. Alation empowers everyone from technical to business users within an organisation to find, understand, trust, and use high-quality data for decision-making.

What challenges do you see for data in the year ahead that will have an impact on your clients and on the industry as a whole? 

This year, achieving transparency in data processes will be challenging, considering the increasing complexity and volume of information available. Ensuring clarity in data sourcing, usage, and governance is vital as organisations strive to maintain trust and comply with evolving regulations. The challenge also lies in striking a balance between implementing new technology and making sure that data literacy is not overlooked, particularly as the rapid pace of new innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) unfolds. As we move forward, addressing these challenges will be instrumental in fostering a robust data ecosystem that meets industry demands and aligns with clients’ expectations.

How are you developing the data literacy of a) your own organisation and b) your clients?

Fostering a data-driven culture is crucial to enhancing data literacy within any organisation. This involves cultivating a shared vision and values regarding data, nurturing curiosity, encouraging collaboration and continuous learning, and recognising and rewarding data-driven outcomes. Ensuring data literacy requires providing individuals at all levels access and proper training to utilise platforms that make data accessible and engaging. Moreover, for our clients, it is key that the fundamentals of handling, respecting, and managing data are not overlooked and are clearly understood throughout the process. Everyone needs to be data literate, not just the data consumers.

How are you preparing your organisation and your clients for AI adoption and change management?

Focusing on foundational data skills is paramount when preparing organisations and clients for AI adoption and effective change management. Emphasising the importance of treating and managing data forms this bedrock, as AI relies heavily on high-quality data. Building a robust AI capability mandates a solid data foundation encompassing governance, data quality, and awareness of potential biases. I would also advise a phased approach to any form of change management, starting small and progressively expanding, facilitating a smoother integration of new technologies, such as AI, within organisations. Above all, do not forget to take the real live humans on the journey with you!