Blend’s Post

Take a look at the key traits and strategies from DataIQ’s Top 100 for emerging leaders. Emphasizing change management, influence, and driving business value, it underscores the importance of blending technical skills with cultural adaptation for AI success 🚀

💡 The #DataIQ100 roadmap to becoming an effective CDAO - in partnership with Blend ⬇ CDAOs are under immense pressure to prove their value sooner rather than later. What can emerging leaders learn from DataIQ’s Top 100? 🔹 Shifting from a quantitative to a qualitative approach Analysis of top CDAOs shows they are predominantly analytical and data-driven, fitting the "Questioner" archetype in the DiSC model. Successful CDAOs balance this with a qualitative approach, adjusting their leadership style based on their natural tendencies, audience, and the maturity of their data programs. 🔹 Designing a new operating model for D&A As CDAO, you must decide between establishing a Center of Excellence (CoE) to build foundational platforms and governance, or embedding your team as a dedicated delivery arm to implement AI use cases directly. The CoE approach offers strategic focus but limits direct influence, whereas the delivery arm guarantees relevance but complicates prioritisation. A hybrid model, combining a central CoE with embedded "fractional CDAOs" in key business areas, offers a balanced solution, allowing both strategic oversight and direct implementation. 🔹 Plan your roadmap for change 43% of CDAOs report difficulty navigating competing priorities. Developing a clear roadmap is crucial for demonstrating value over time. Start by selecting initial use cases that are low-risk yet high-value, aligning closely with business priorities to secure executive support. Begin with a lean approach, ensuring each deployment showcases responsible AI practices to build trust and credibility before scaling further across the organisation. Want to dive into the data yourself? Check out Blend’s US and EMEA Dashboards for DataIQ’s Top 100 here: https://lnkd.in/eFH6x9bs https://lnkd.in/ecrH8syf 🔎 Discover how today’s top data leaders excel not just in technology but in change management and business value creation. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eYSBMzVP

🚀 Exciting news for C-suite leaders! 🌟 I just came across an insightful article published by MIT Technology Review Insights in partnership with Fivetran, discussing the importance of AI-readiness for C-suite leaders. As we all know, AI has the potential to revolutionize businesses, but its true value is not guaranteed. To unlock its full potential, organizations must enhance AI models with their own data to create unique business insights and opportunities. The article presents key findings from a survey of 300 C-suite executives and senior technology leaders. It reveals that data integration is the leading priority for AI readiness, with 82% of respondents agreeing that scaling AI use cases is a top priority for their organizations. However, the main challenge in achieving AI readiness is identified as data integration and pipelines, including managing data volume, moving data to the cloud, enabling real-time access, and managing changes to data. But fear not! Executives are focused on finding lasting solutions for data management challenges. They prioritize solutions that will continue to work in the future, regardless of changes to their data strategy and partners. Data governance and security are identified as top concerns, particularly for regulated sectors. It's crucial to address data governance and security from the beginning of any AI strategy to ensure proper data usage and access. Now, let me share a bonus hint from another article published by MIT Technology Review Insights in partnership with WNS Triangle. It highlights how organizations can leverage data and AI to outperform their competitors and achieve sustainable competitive advantage. The study shows that 76% of C-suite leaders and decision-makers are planning or implementing generative AI projects, highlighting the growing importance of harnessing the potential of data through AI. To outperform competitors, organizations need to make data the foundation of their business and ensure that every decision-making process is data-driven. This requires real-time data collection and the establishment of a unified data ecosystem. It's also crucial to align business goals with data initiatives and break down silos within the organization to enable effective communication and collaboration. In conclusion, AI readiness requires buy-in, technology, and good governance. Organizations need to modernize their infrastructure, prioritize supporting sophisticated analytics, and gain executive support. By having a trusted data foundation, leveraging automation tools, and implementing governance frameworks, organizations can fully leverage the potential of AI in their data management and analytics processes. Let's embrace AI and data-driven decision-making to stay ahead of the game! 💪 #AI #DataDriven #Leadership #DigitalTransformation

🚀 The Future of CDOs in the Age of AI 🤖 With generative AI revolutionizing business landscapes, Chief Data Officers (CDOs) and Chief Data and Analytics Officers (CDAOs) must evolve or face obsolescence. Gartner forecasts that by 2026, 75% of CDAOs who fail to deliver measurable business impact will see their roles absorbed by IT functions. As AI necessitates a re-evaluation of data strategies, CDOs must rise as leaders, demonstrating their value beyond traditional data management. The challenge? Overcoming internal turf battles and fostering a culture of collaboration over competition. 📈 From Data to Business Impact Historically focused on back-office tasks like data governance, CDOs now need to visibly demonstrate how data initiatives drive business outcomes. With data quality directly tied to AI success, increasing visibility is crucial. The role is evolving from compliance-focused to strategic, requiring strong interpersonal skills and alignment with organizational goals. 🌟 🔮 Evolve or Become Extinct The future of CDOs hinges on embracing strategic roles, effective collaboration, and articulating data's value. Despite challenges, the CDO role is seen as increasingly essential; a West Monroe report found 11% of leaders see its future value, second only to Chief AI Officer. To thrive, CDOs should build relationships, understand business needs, and drive AI projects forward. Ready to elevate your data leadership? Start by showcasing your impact! Are you a CDO ready to make a lasting impact? It's time to step into the spotlight and redefine your role in the AI-driven business world. Start by fostering collaboration across departments, aligning data initiatives with strategic business goals, and clearly communicating the value of your projects. Share your success stories and innovative strategies with the community using #CDOImpact. Let's lead the charge in transforming how data drives business success! Join the conversation, connect with other data leaders, and inspire change within your organization. Your insights could be the key to unlocking new opportunities in the evolving landscape of data and AI. #AIRevolution #DataDriven #BusinessImpact #DataLeadership #FutureOfWork #DataStrategy #CDOImpact #AITransformation #DigitalTransformation #LeadershipInAI #DataInnovation #AILeadership #DataAnalytics #TechLeadership #AIInBusiness

🌟 Just came across a fascinating report titled "Building a high-performance data and AI organization" by MIT Technology Review Insights, sponsored by Databricks, and I had to share the highlights with you!   Understanding these changes is crucial in a rapidly evolving world of data management and technology. MIT surveyed 351 data and tech leaders (think CDOs, CAOs, CIOs, and CTOs) and chatted in-depth with several senior tech leaders to get the scoop. 📊 Key Findings: Simplicity & Flexibility: Leaders aim to simplify complex architectures while keeping the user experience at the forefront, making data analytics accessible and enjoyable. Governance is Key: Ensuring data accuracy through robust governance is non-negotiable. A single source of truth is essential for trust and reliability. Education & Evangelism: There's a big push to educate teams about data science and showcase the wins from data analytics to spur wider adoption. C-Suite Collaboration: Strengthening ties within the C-suite ensures that data strategies align with corporate priorities and tech infrastructures. 📈 Action Items for Businesses: Embrace Simplicity: Look for ways to streamline your data architecture without sacrificing flexibility. Invest in Governance: A robust governance framework is your foundation for trust and accuracy in data. Educate & Advocate: Foster a culture that understands and values data through continuous education and sharing success stories. Collaborate at the Top: Work closely with all C-level executives to ensure your data strategy is fully integrated with your business strategy. This report is a goldmine for anyone leveraging their data assets to build a thriving organizational data culture. Let's take these insights and turn them into action! I have the link here if you want to read the complete report. https://lnkd.in/gU8RpcE5 #DataManagement #AITechnology #BusinessStrategy #DataCulture #MITTechnologyReview #Databricks #Leadership

I just read a great article by D.J Murphy on Adam Burns' insightful webinar, Maximize Data & AI Potential: Lessons from High Performance Businesses, highlighted key lessons for businesses aiming to become truly data-driven. Alongside experts Emili Budell-Rhodes and Veronika Durgin, they emphasized that technology alone isn’t enough—culture, adaptability, and the right approach are critical for success. Here are three major takeaways: - Culture drives change – A transparent, inclusive, and learning-focused culture determines if transformation thrives or fails. - Embrace failure – Progress comes from agility and the willingness to learn from setbacks. - Build data unicorns, not dinosaurs – Focus on simplicity, breaking down silos, and aligning data initiatives with business goals. Ready to lead with data? Start by building a culture that supports it. #DataDriven #AITransformation #Leadership #FutureReady https://lnkd.in/g29GHQ9p

In 2024, CDAOs are in the midst of the AI whirlwind and the productivity and efficiencies that may result. Data and analytics leaders are moving quickly to evolve with the digital landscape. More than 350 CDAOs have shared their priorities in our annual survey – here’s what they reported. #EvantaCDAO #CDAO #Leadership #AI

In 2024, CDAOs are in the midst of the AI whirlwind and the productivity and efficiencies that may result. Data and analytics leaders are moving quickly to evolve with the digital landscape. More than 350 CDAOs have shared their priorities in our annual survey – here’s what they reported. #EvantaCDAO #CDAO #Leadership #AI

In 2024, CDAOs are in the midst of the AI whirlwind and the productivity and efficiencies that may result. Data and analytics leaders are moving quickly to evolve with the digital landscape. More than 350 CDAOs have shared their priorities in our annual survey – here’s what they reported. #EvantaCDAO #CDAO #Leadership #AI

In 2024, CDAOs are in the midst of the AI whirlwind and the productivity and efficiencies that may result. Data and analytics leaders are moving quickly to evolve with the digital landscape. More than 350 CDAOs have shared their priorities in our annual survey – here’s what they reported. #EvantaCDAO #CDAO #Leadership #AI