Does data now have a seat at the table during strategic discussions? If not, what will it take to get it there?
Always! Whether it’s live interactive dashboards, “scrollytelling”, animated visualisations or simple facts, data is at the heart of not only strategic decision making, but how we operate at every level of the company. It has been a privilege to be part of the evolution and recognition that data and digital are both critical capabilities that need to be brought seamlessly together as the lifeblood of how we meet and deliver brilliant customer outcomes.
What are your key areas of focus for data and analytics in 2022?
We’re continuing our journey on expanding our internal payments observatory (providing immediate data and insights to all colleagues) and constantly innovating in the payments data space for the benefit of our clients and customers.
We also continue to evolve our ground-breaking relationship with the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS). We have proven the power of “payments data for public good’ through helping the ONS improve current statistics and even new metrics to support UK Society through data-led government policy decision making.
Tell us what leadership means to you in the context of your role as a senior data leader.
Leadership for me is all about empowering, inspiring and setting a clear vision for individuals to thrive and be excited on how data and their role within the organization can make a difference to society. We also have an important and urgent responsibility to help shape and personally sponsor initiatives to build and excite the next generation of data leaders – how we develop young talent is critical to all our future.
Also recognising how diversity can play the largest role in a team’s success – different backgrounds, different analytic experiences, different technical/tool preferences or opinions. Rather than restricting individuals, build a culture of encouraging, recognising and celebrating diversity, new ideas and innovation.