VIDEO | Texas Department of Family and Protective Services CDAO: Change Doesn't Happen in a Vacuum

(US and Canada) Besa H. Bauta, Chief Data and Analytics Officer, State of Texas, Department of Family and Protective Services, speaks with Jeff Strane, Director of Government Strategy, SHI International Corp, in a video interview about digital transformation, change management, and IT leadership’s changing scope.

She defines digital transformation as digital enablement allowing individuals and organizations to achieve individual and organizational goals. Bauta describes the two types of transformation as gradual (incremental) and cataclysmic. She notes that the COVID-era transformation in systems to enable citizens to function and work is an example of the latter.

Sharing her view on ROI, Bauta says it is not limited to monetary terms. There are also plenty of social, mental, or emotional well-being returns. 

Speaking about change management and transformation-related disruption, she describes change as shifting things to a new paradigm that requires adaptation. Bauta stresses that change doesn't happen in a vacuum but in relational interaction. 

Next, Bauta highlights five transformation focus areas from her playbook:

1. Don't touch it and don't fix it if it’s not broken. Everything can be imperfect as long as everything is working.

2. Perform root analysis if it doesn’t work.

3. Address people factors such as skills and alignment. 

4. Check processes to ensure people interact and collaborate to achieve organizational goals.

5. Automate processes to allow more time for achieving operational goals.

Regarding the relationship between transformation, the IT department, and data leaders’ changing scope, Bauta says that the increasing reliance on technology has expanded the field to include privacy, security, and other areas.

She points out that the technology field is getting too big for one chief, making way for multiple leaders such as CDOs, CDAOs, and CISOs. Bauta stresses they must have a foundational understanding of the business operation and be supported by a cadre of individuals working together.

CDO Magazine appreciates Besa H. Bauta for sharing her insights and data success stories with our global community.