One thing I do, is focus on the value of the Information that stakeholders need. By identifying the business needs for information, you can correlate the need for data changes. What are the issues and or opportunities that the business might not achieve without the required change. Consider the categories of information that the business needs for innovation, quality, performance, cost, schedule, risks and many other attributes. The focus for those categories relates to the Products and/or Services or other types of value you deliver to your clients.

When facing pushback from non-technical stakeholders on data architecture changes, it's important to focus on clear communication and align the technical changes with business outcomes. Simplify the explanation by connecting the benefits of the new architecture to their priorities, like cost reduction, faster decision-making, or improved customer experience. For example, I once led a data modernization project for a healthcare provider where stakeholders were initially resistant. By demonstrating how the new architecture would enable better patient care and streamline operations, we gained their buy-in. Always emphasize how the changes will solve pain points or create value for the business.

When facing pushback from non-technical stakeholders on data architecture changes, it’s essential to bridge the gap between technical terms and business impact. Start by translating technical jargon into real-world benefits that they can easily understand—how will these changes improve efficiency, reduce costs, or drive growth? Use case studies or pilot projects to demonstrate tangible results. Most importantly, engage in active listening. Understand their concerns and address them directly, fostering collaboration rather than resistance.

Communicating data architecture changes to non-technical stakeholders can be challenging but rewarding. Here are some effective strategies: 1. Know what concerns or interests your stakeholders have. Focus on how the changes will impact their work, such as improving efficiency, decision-making, or customer experience. 2. Highlight the advantages of the changes. Discuss how they will solve existing problems, enhance performance, or provide new opportunities. Quantify benefits when possible (e.g., faster reporting times). 3. Diagrams, flowcharts, or infographics can help convey complex ideas clearly. Visual representations make it easier for non-technical stakeholders to grasp the architecture.