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Salema Rice, Founder and CDO, CDO Today

Salema Rice, Founder and CDO, CDO Today

Describe your career to date

I am a tenured Chief Data and AI Officer, Board Director and Industry Thought Leader. Prior to starting CDO Today, I was the Enterprise Chief Data and Analytics Officer, a Partner and Managing Director of Accenture Applied Intelligence, and the Global Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Bain Capital and Allegis Group.

I have over 25 years of experience mentoring, evangelizing, and directing data management strategies, AI transformation, digital innovation, and advising large complex F500 companies.

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

This year marks a pivotal moment for CDOs and the data industry, driven by artificial intelligence (AI)’s evolution. Key challenges include ensuring data quality, upholding privacy and compliance, fostering a data-centric culture, bridging the talent gap, and leveraging technology effectively.

As transformational leaders, CDOs must navigate these challenges, acting as both change agents and Chief Transformation Officers. Their role is critical in mitigating risks and seizing opportunities to build organizations that are truly led by data.

How do you see data literacy developing across a) your network and b) the data industry generally?

Data literacy is a game changer, and we see it maturing more and more every day. We are prioritizing data education and information as a second language, embedding analytical thinking into our company’s DNA, and fostering a culture where data-driven insights drive quality fact-based decisions at all levels of the organization.

Data literacy is truly transforming data culture, making it more inclusive and informed, bridging gaps between technical and business teams, and enhancing collaboration. This in turn creates stronger, more agile decision-making that leverages data as an asset, and reinforces the strategic value of data literacy across the ecosystem.

How do you see the industry preparing for AI adoption and change management?

To better prepare for AI adoption and change management, we are seeing significant investments in foundational data infrastructure, data products, and data marketplaces. Especially in those industries where it kind of felt like the house was built on sand. Taking this dual-velocity approach is going to ensure data quality, data governance, and help foster a culture of continuous learning.

Many CDOs are focusing on upskilling their workforce of the future in data literacy and AI competencies, while also building ethical and responsible AI practices to guide broader use at all levels. We are seeing more strategic partnerships with technology providers and academia being formed to stay ahead of AI advancements. This approach is aimed at integrating AI into operations, driving innovation, and maintaining a competitive edge to future-proof our organizations for the year ahead and beyond.

Salema Rice
has been included in:

100 Enablers 2022 (USA)
100 Influencers 2024 (USA)

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global senior data and AI leaders.

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Salema Rice, Founder and CDO, CDO Today

Join our membership network of over 250 global senior data and AI leaders.

The trusted global collaboration and intelligence platform for data leaders.

Join our membership network of over 250
global senior data and AI leaders.