On being a leader: picture yourself at the finish line

Earlier this year, we learned about something that made me and my team so very proud. For the second year in a row, EY was recognized as a leader in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for data and analytics services providers[1]. Just to point to one example, our “ability to execute” rose significantly on that axis in the Leaders Quadrant.

For me, this recognition is about all the people who have been involved in building up our analytics practice over time, especially the data analytics professionals who work across EY today.

While our achievements are very much a team effort, I am often asked about what it takes to be leader in this fascinating world of data science. A leader:

Thinks big

If you want your team to achieve great things, you need to encourage them to think big and to believe that great things are possible. Set out a clear vision and explain the strategy for achieving that vision. Then get your team to visualize where you need to be – a bit like an athlete envisioning herself at the finish line while she is still waiting for a race to start. For example, the EY wavespace? center in Madrid supports the data analytics team to think big. We use the center to help our clients create radical solutions for their major business problems; to think about addressing challenges in new or sometimes unexpected ways.

Has energy, creativity and passion

Energy, creativity and passion drive progress and turn visions into reality. So, a leader who has these qualities has a huge advantage to maintain momentum. Leaders need to show conviction and help people understand that that they are being asked to buy into a goal that absolutely can be achieved. I believe that energy and passion must start at the top if they are to filter down through a team. People who are on my team should not simply like what they do, but love what they do. That’s because people who love what they do are completely committed and able to be the best version of themselves. 

Is authentic, inclusive and humble

A good leader is an authentic leader – and a humble leader. Our data analytics professionals are all leaders who go out into the world every day, helping our clients to solve huge business problems while being true examples of brand values. When we share our knowledge in this way, we are being open and humble. Humility also underpins our culture of meritocracy, which recognizes the contribution of people with diverse array of personal and professional backgrounds.

Collaborates with others

Data and artificial intelligence are the principal agents of transformation in today’s world. Many businesses are struggling to capitalize on them, however.

That’s why, EY’s collaboration with our partner ecosystem is so significant. We are disrupting the market by embedding AI straight into the operations of a company, which opens a new paradigm. Why to build the intelligence in an analytical environment separated from where the operations and the customers stay? Companies that are able to learn by the second with every transaction, become fifty times more efficient that the ones that learn nothing.

What’s next?

While I am thrilled by the achievements of our analytics team to date, I also have some big plans for the future. I want the practice to help shape the future of industries and address some of the world’s most pressing economic, environmental and social problems. How can we make sure that everyone has enough to eat? How can we all live longer, healthier lives? How can we provide a good standard of education for all so that everyone, everywhere has the mindset and the skills to benefit from technological change? How can we predict climate events to minimize the fall-out from natural disasters? In each of these challenges, there’s a there’s a role for data analytics, and it’s up to us to find it. It’s also up to us to encourage the next generation of data scientists – here, our global data science challenge for university students worldwide is a real example of our belief this initiative.

This is the greater sense of purpose that I am privileged to communicate to my team, so they continue to love what they do, and they have the freedom and inspiration to commit to excellence, both personally and professionally. As far as I’m concerned, being a data leader includes making the world a better place to live and work, while always looking ahead, and always with the vision of crossing the finish line first.

[1] Gartner Inc., Magic Quadrant for Data and Analytics Service Providers, Worldwide, 12 February 2019, ID G00354917 Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.