CIGNA International, CDAO: A Good Data Playground Allows Data Analysts to Democratize Data in an Agile Manner

(Asia) Ram Kumar, Cigna International's CDAO, speaks with Andy Sajous, AHEAD's Field CTO, Central Region, about how an aspiring data leader can structure their data strategy and get the most out of their data assets. Kumar advises data leaders not to get carried away by the hype and buzz surrounding data and analytics, AI, machine learning, and so on, as this is a constantly changing industry in which technology will come and go.

As a result, as a leader, you should not focus on selling these buzzwords to the firm. Instead, associate these buzzwords with bot value to develop successful business use case examples. Kumar emphasizes that leaders must remember organizational transformation is a process that demands patience, persistence, and practical and proactive intiatives. According to him, it is critical for a leader to first understand the organization's or business' data analytics capacity, and then apply appropriate data-driven value, developing initiatives by striking the correct balance. Building data foundations is an investment for the future, not a cost to create substantial value, since business executives must be trained. Digitization is digital, and this changes business priorities. Push for data literacy, data storytelling, and the implementation of a sensible data governance structure. Leaders should be able to investigate data to generate and find value and then strike the correct balance between data-driven value creation and acceptable data use (data privacy and data ethics). Finally, data leaders should set a good example. By investing in competence, talent development, and growth, you can inspire your team and create an atmosphere that brings out the best in them.