Data literacy is a key enabler of the value and impact from data. How are you approaching this within your organization?
At Under Armour, I view advanced data literacy as more than just a skill – it is an integral part of our strategic roadmap. It plays a pivotal role in making informed decisions that align with our long-term vision.
Central to my role is embedding a profound data-centric culture throughout every layer of our organization. Rather than just using data, we aim to make it an inherent part of our corporate culture. Each success achieved through data-driven insights is not just acknowledged – it is celebrated, and every challenge encountered becomes a lesson, helping us refine our strategy.
Our approach hinges on three core tenets:
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Data, with an emphasis on establishing the right architecture, systems, and standards.
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Governance, which focuses on scalable processes and accountability.
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Engagement, dedicated to leveraging predictive insights to drive our objectives forward.
Recognizing the varied skill levels across our teams, we have established a multifaceted training paradigm. From foundational courses to intricate analytical workshops, our objective is to cater to the diverse proficiency levels within our organization, always with a keen focus on reinforcing accountability. This culminates annually in our Data and Analytics Summit, where we bring all levels of the data community together to showcase and learn the art of the possible around data.
A crucial aspect of our strategy is the assortment of data tools at our disposal. I have been at the forefront of integrating a suite of tools that range from intuitive dashboards for beginners to sophisticated analytical software for our experts. The intent is clear: to democratize data, making it accessible and actionable for all. This initiative has been driven as “Program DNA” (Data and Analytics), driving at the core that data and analytics need to be in our cultural DNA.
The Data Community Center of Excellence is one of our crowning achievements. It is a hub where data champions from different departments converge. These champions are more than just data aficionados – they are influencers who are spearheading a grassroots movement, promoting data empowerment in their functional domains. They bridge the gap between the granular needs of their departments and our overarching data and analytics vision.
In conclusion, data literacy and stewardship at Under Armour is a shared responsibility. Every team member, regardless of their role, is entrusted with maintaining the integrity of their data. It is a collaborative effort that goes beyond ensuring data quality – it is about instilling a holistic understanding of data’s expansive reach, weaving data literacy seamlessly into the very fabric of our organizational culture. Our journey, fueled by leadership and driven by teammate collaboration, stands as a testament to our commitment to being at the forefront of data innovation.
