(US and Canada) Brad Burke, American Family Insurance Chief Engineering and Data Officer, speaks with Michael C. Fillios, Ally Founder & CEO, about data ethics, increased opportunities, leadership advice for young data professionals, talent retention, and future challenges for CDOs.

Burke states that data ethics is a multilayered problem with multiple disciplines. He reveals that he and the company’s chief legal and risk officers are creating a program focused on responsible data and AI usage. Burke considers this responsible usage to be as crucial as the cybersecurity movement.

During his remarks, Burke mentions management, risk, and audit as the three tiers of defense inside a company; it all boils down to working together. He recalls the 90s when not closing a payroll cost the organization a million-dollar server. However, organizations can split thousands of servers with the cloud in seconds. Burke points out that data must be sourced responsibly while prioritizing consumer privacy.

As a data leader, Burke believes having a degree in data science is not enough. He urges future data professionals to acquire business experience and data science degrees.

While discussing talent retention amid the Great Resignation, Burke addresses the importance of understanding organizational strengths. As a leader at AFI, he helps develop talent by providing continuous growth opportunities. He mentions AFI’s strong venture arm, which promotes startups from within the organization.

Next, Burke focuses on creating regional leaders across the company. He highlights the changing skill sets and HR principles required for running data teams in alignment with business needs. He also discusses the challenges CDOs must address for a better future: cybersecurity, consumer rights, and return on investments. Data officers should create groups of products to offer businesses, Burke concludes.

See more from Brad Burke:

Data Is A Gift That Must Be Respected

The Digital Edge of Systems Is Not Built to Last