VIDEO | Eminent Data Consultant: We Cannot Separate Data and Leadership

(US and Canada) Prominent data consultant Meethun Panda speaks with Kellie de Leon, Senior Director of Marketing at Treasure Data, in a video interview about the intersection of data and leadership and the pitfalls that can impair digital transformation program acceleration.

Panda is passionate about technology, solving complex data challenges, and implementing data governance programs. Discussing the intersection of data and leadership, he says it is impossible to separate the two, particularly when an organization embarks on a data-driven journey. Panda adds that leaders and decision makers now know how to use data to gain insights to make more impactful decisions to improve customer experience, identify new opportunities, optimize cost, and foster a culture of data literacy.

Highlighting why some companies are still unable to make progress with digital transformation, Panda notes the following reasons:

• Complex technology landscapes and processes impact data proliferation agility and efficiency.
• Industries such as health care and banking are heavily regulated and have complex requirements that often change.
• IT and business are operating in complete silos with no or minimal collaboration.
• Teams are not aligned with an organization’s vision.
• MorelLeadership buy-in is needed, or there are other leadership issues.
• Limited skills and capabilities prevent teams from performing desired functions.

Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of organizations understanding their customers' needs and involving them in the digital transformation process.

Panda, discussing key principles that help achieve organizational alignment with large-scale digital transformation initiatives, mentions the following:

• All stakeholders must align with the organization's vision for digital transformation.
• Engaging stakeholders early in the transformation process and providing a robust feedback loop are essential.
• Developing a detailed and realistic transformation plan — including a timeline, budget, resources, key milestones, and progress measurement — is imperative.
• Every milestone should add incremental value to the organization and its customers during digital transformation.
• The team must have relevant skills and capabilities and receive the necessary training.
• Azure-driven, agile-based transformation is recommended.

CDO Magazine appreciates Meethun Panda for sharing his insights and data success stories with our global community.