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Joseph George, CEO, Dufrain Group

Describe your career to date

 

Throughout my career, I have been deeply entrenched in the world of consulting, particularly within the banking and financial services sectors, where data, change, and technology were consistent themes across multiple global institutions. Transitioning to Dufrain, I have had the privilege of leading the team as Managing Director before stepping into the role as CEO, steering the company through significant transformations, including securing private equity investments that fuelled our ambitious growth plans. This journey culminated in Dufrain being honoured as the UK’s scale-up business of the year in 2023, along with accolades such as highly commended data consultancy and recognition for our data team at the DataIQ Awards. Being listed in the DataIQ 100 for the third time is a testament to our commitment and expertise in the field, and I am really proud to represent Dufrain as we continue to excel in the data landscape. 

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?  

 

In the years ahead, managing and leveraging data effectively will remain pivotal for business success, amidst challenges such as the widening gap between large enterprises and SMEs in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption. Mid-sized businesses must prioritise key drivers and consider how data can support their objectives rather than hastily adopting new tools. There is a growing preference for adaptable, bespoke solutions over standard off-the-shelf products as organisations seek agility in the face of evolving technology. Despite significant investments in data infrastructure, organisational models and turnover in senior data positions often impede continuous innovation. 

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

 

Within Dufrain, we are enhancing data literacy by integrating data-driven processes into senior-level decision-making and cascading this knowledge and communications throughout the company. This involves investing in scalable systems and processes as well as other communication channels to help everyone learn whether that be our people designing their own training modules to support the teams through to micro learning and lunch and learns. For our clients, we focus on technically enabling data literacy by showcasing the potential of data-driven insights using existing tools and technologies. We emphasise practical applications and best practices to empower them in leveraging data effectively as well as sharing our knowledge from Dufrain as their go-to data community. 

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

 

In preparing our clients for AI adoption, we stress the importance of establishing the necessary enablers and foundations for scaling AI beyond proof of concepts. This involves educating them on their own readiness, governance, quality control, infrastructure, platforms, and change management. Additionally, we assist clients in implementing AI-driven proof of value concepts tailored to address specific business challenges. In preparing our clients to enable AI we are in turn empowering them to get the best out of their AI investments and the benefits that can bring their business in the long run. 

Joseph George
has been included in:
  • 100 Enablers 2020 (EMEA)
  • 100 Enablers 2023 (EMEA)
  • 100 Enablers 2024 (EMEA)

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