Does data now have a seat at the table during strategic discussions? If not, what will it take to get it there?
There’s an ever-growing demand for data and insights across the business, which is testament to the work the team have undertaken and delivered in the last few years. The value of data and analytics is seen as a key component in helping drive education and organisation performance.
The data transformation we are undertaking has the backing and support of the key stakeholders, which is vital in moving the needle and enabling the team to create and deliver value. As a team, we want to build systems and products that give our colleagues, no matter where they sit in the organisation, the ability to make timely, informed decisions whenever they need to.
What are your key areas of focus for data and analytics in 2022?
A continued focus on our fundamentals, improving our data literacy and data governance across the organisation. The growing maturity in these areas and our evolving data culture will enhance and speed up the delivery and capability of our data products on the technical front. Together these will further help the organisation understand and mitigate challenges, identify new revenue streams and ensure our customers’ needs are met.
There is always a need for balance, and over the next year (and beyond) we will be focusing on making sure our data culture, from a people perspective, grows, and our technology supports the digital and data transformation we are undertaking.
Tell us what leadership means to you in the context of your role as a senior data leader.
Leadership in any context is about providing the right environment for your team to evolve and develop. Providing the big picture direction and being open and adaptable around the path to get there. If you can build that environment, you are setting your team up to flourish by giving them a platform where they can carry out their work in a way that suits them while delivering the wider results the organisation requires.