Driven by Data | The Newsletter, Edition 57

What a week it's been and we are already halfway through April! ????

Let's catch up on all the Orbition happenings below. We have a lot in store for you, so let's dive in!

Driven by Data | The Podcast

In Episode 24, of Season 4, of?Driven By Data: The Podcast , Kyle Winterbottom was rejoined (3 years later) by?Christopher B. , Group Chief Data Officer at?QBE Insurance . They discuss how they are productionising GenAI use cases from scratch within 8 weeks, which includes being a CDAO/Group CDAO in multiple organisations/sectors, the importance of international experience and being allergic to the term ‘data strategy’, amongst other topics.

Listen here: https://orbitiongroup.com/driven-by-data-podcast/

20 Rising Stars in Data & Analytics Judging Day

Just a few days ago, our expert panel of judges, consisting of Helen Blaikie , Tolu Adebekun , Katy Gooblar , and Kyle Winterbottom , were working hard to select the top 20 Rising Stars in Data & Analytics out of 68 unique and talented entries. The chosen finalists have already been contacted and we will be announcing their names in the upcoming second edition of Driven by Data, the Magazine!??

New panel addition to our Upcoming LinkedIn LIVE Discussion: Data Culture Transformation in 2024

The latest addition to the panel is Cali Wood . Cali is the Head of Data Strategy & Culture at 安盛 and has a wealth of experience in the field of data culture. She joins esteemed speakers from prominent organisations including Hannah Davies , the Head of Data Culture & Excellence at Admiral Group Plc ; Josh Cunningham , the Group Head of Data Culture at Lloyds Banking Group ; and Sandra Oudshoff , the Global Analytics Engagement Lead at The HEINEKEN Company .

Kyle Winterbottom will host the event, as the panel explores the role of data culture in organisational transformation and strategic decision-making. You can also take part in the Q&A session and directly engage with our panellists.

To secure your spot, register now: https://www.dhirubhai.net/events/7165305479538139136/about/

Can't attend the event? No problem! You can still catch up on all the action by registering and watching it on demand later.?Feel free to share this event with anyone you think would be interested, or anyone in your team who may find it relevant.

The Driven by Data Mentorship

We're still accepting applications for experienced professionals to serve as mentors for the Driven by Data Mentorship programme. As a mentor, you'll play a crucial role in guiding and supporting individuals on their career paths within the Data & Analytics industry. This initiative is tailored for senior managers and seasoned professionals who are eager to share their insights and network within the field. You could make a significant impact on someone's career as well as advance your career simultaneously. Apply now to become a mentor for our upcoming June cohort: https://lnkd.in/gRaxpc_3 .

Rethinking CVs in the Data & Analytics Industry?

This week's insight blog is brought to you by Sophie Muscat

A CV serves as the first point of contact between an applicant and a potential employer or recruiter. This initial encounter, albeit indirect, plays a crucial role in shaping the employer's perception of the candidate. They'll look through job experiences, educational background, and skills, attempting to piece together a mental image of who this applicant really is and whether they're worthy of further consideration. With just a quick glance, often lasting no more than a couple of minutes, the fate of a candidate's future employment hangs in the balance. That's why it's absolutely vital to present oneself in the best possible light. Yet, it's a shared frustration and missed opportunity on both ends when a CV fails to accurately portray the applicant and their true capabilities.?

At Orbition Group , our repertoire of building teams for various businesses has made us aware of a problem that keeps popping up. We've noticed a glaring disparity between the first impression gained from a CV and the actual skills and knowledge possessed by the applicant. This discrepancy highlights a broader challenge within the industry, where fancy jargon and buzzwords often overshadow practical details and real-world results. This trend keeps going as job descriptions themselves are filled with buzzwords, prompting candidates to tailor their CVs accordingly. However, this mismatch between what's written and what's truly meaningful can shadow candidates' real potential and negatively affect hiring decisions.?

One pattern worth noting in CV writing is the growing emphasis on an outcome-driven approach. It's not just about throwing around fancy words or listing technical skills anymore. People are beginning to recognise the importance of showcasing achievements and real-world applications. It's not enough to simply have ideas and theories – you've got to demonstrate that they actually work in practice. Data & Analytics leaders, who act as hiring managers, increasingly value candidates who can exhibit how their skills have directly contributed to concrete results. This current shift calls for both job seekers and companies to rethink their approach to applications, with a new focus on highlighting achievements and measurable impacts rather than just technical skills and industry buzzwords. They need to take responsibility for presenting CVs that properly demonstrate the value that candidates can bring through their experience and knowledge.?

Therefore, based on this, candidates must keep their skills sharp and remain up to date with the latest developments in the Data & Analytics world. Job seekers should take every opportunity to develop and learn. They can do this through various methods, such as online courses, industry meet-ups, or earning new certifications. By demonstrating a keen and active interest in continuous learning in their CVs, applicants are highlighting their ability to adapt and show themselves off as dynamic individuals ready to make an impact. Putting together a great CV isn't just about showing off past achievements but it's also about showing off the potential for future growth with the company they’re applying to.?

The gap between the skills mentioned in CVs and the actual abilities of candidates in the field of Data & Analytics is a major issue that needs to be addressed by both job seekers and employers. It is important to include specific information about the application, outcomes, and results of previous experiences in CVs. By doing so, candidates can provide a more accurate representation of their abilities and experiences, allowing better matching with job opportunities that line up with their skills. This will ultimately lead to more successful and fulfilling careers for candidates while also benefiting organisations by providing them with the right talent for their business needs.?

And finally, the data joke of the week:

Why did the data scientist's resume go viral?

Because it had perfect algorithmic seasoning and just the right amount of byte! ??

See you next week! ??

Team Orbition