Driven by Data | The Newsletter, Edition 83

Wow, the time has flown by! It's hard to believe that we're already halfway through October. We're getting ready to launch Cohort 8 of the DbD Mentorship, so we've been busy matching mentors and mentees.

Driven by Data: The Podcast

In the Season 4 finale of Driven By Data: The Podcast , Marion Shaw , Head of Data & Analytics at Chaucer Group , shares insights on how data success is a marketing exercise, highlighting the importance of curiosity, technology differentiation, and understanding the path to market and profit growth.

Podcast LIVE: New guest announcement

Yesterday we announced the newest speaker for our LIVE Driven By Data: The Podcast event: Sarah Barr Miller is the Director of Data and Automation at British Airways .

Don't miss your chance to attend the first-ever LIVE recording of Driven By Data: The Podcast where you will be able to ask your questions live to our dynamic and insightful line-up of guests.

Our already-announced guests are:

• Davin Crowley-Sweet , Chief Data Officer, National Highways
• Aimee Smith , Director of Data, Metropolitan Police
• Ranil Boteju , Chief Data & Analytics Officer, Lloyds Banking Group
• Daniel Hulme , Chief AI Officer, WPP & CEO, Satalia
• Loretta Franks , Global Chief Data & Analytics Officer, Kellanova

WATCH: Putting the ‘C’ in CDO

Gartner recently stated, "CDOs must make a measurable impact and earn their seat at the table as c-suite business leaders or risk fading into irrelevance."

Last week, we hosted a LinkedIn Live event, “Putting the ‘C’ in CDO”, where we explored how CDOs can create measurable impact and secure their place in the executive suite.

We were joined by three industry leaders:

• Kinnari Ladha , Chief Data Officer at Merlin Entertainments
• Martin Houghton , Director of Data at Kier Group
• Simon Ferriter , CEO at Anmut

Together, we delved into the critical reasons why CDOs often struggle to measure their impact, the essential attributes and capabilities needed to drive substantial business outcomes and proven strategies for quantifying the value that CDOs bring to their organisations

Simon Ferriter introduced Grace, Anmut ’s platform designed to help Data Leaders manage data as a strategic asset by understanding their data assets and risks, prioritising performance-boosting initiatives, and building value-maximising strategies. Anmut is offering a 3-month FREE trial of Grace, exclusively for Driven by Data Community Members. If you're interested, get in touch with Kyle Winterbottom or someone from the Anmut team.

Rewatch and catch up with the event here:

Driven by Data: The Mentorship, providing insight and connection with the world's best data analytics leaders

This free programme, with over 200+ partnerships, is designed to develop, upskill and progress the next generation of leaders in the data analytics industry; by providing access to the Orbition Group community’s elite mentors made up of high-profile and respected thought leaders in the global data and analytics space, including business leaders, published authors, and keynote speakers.

We are closing applications for Cohort 8 in two weeks. Now is your chance to apply and join the November cohort. Find out more and apply here:

Check out what mentor Andy Sutton had to say about his experience:

Have you tried our new FREE tool yet?

Our Data, Analytics & AI Talent Scorecard Assessment provides organisations with a comprehensive analysis of their ability to identify, engage, assess, attract, and retain industry-leading talent. With a focus on three critical areas, we assess how your data and analytics function operates and is perceived both internally and externally.

Interested in taking the assessment for your organisation? Get in touch with us or message Kyle Winterbottom and we will send you the link.

The Power of Storytelling in Data Analytics with Stefania Gvillo

In one of our most listened-to episodes from the last few months of Driven By Data: The Podcast , we welcomed Stefania Gvillo , SVP, Chief Analytics & Insights Officer at Domino's , who shared her invaluable insights on the transformative power of storytelling in the data realm.

Storytelling: Essential for Both B2B and B2C

Stefania began by discussing the vital role storytelling plays in both B2B and B2C environments. She highlighted that storytelling isn’t exclusive to consumer-facing businesses; it is equally crucial in the B2B space. By crafting compelling narratives, she has been able to secure additional resources and funding for her team. Stefania’s experience underscores the idea that regardless of the business model, effective storytelling is essential for communicating complex insights and driving growth.

Hiring for Storytelling Skills

When it comes to building an effective data and analytics team, Stefania places a strong emphasis on hiring individuals who possess storytelling skills, particularly for managerial roles. While not every position requires this ability, it becomes increasingly important as one ascends the organisational ladder. In her hiring process, she often prioritises assessing candidates’ storytelling capabilities and their ability to influence stakeholders, recognising that these traits are crucial for leadership roles.

Stefania explained that her team thrives on diversity in skill sets, yet storytelling remains a common thread that unites them. By focusing on the specific needs of each role, they can adapt their approach to ensure the right mix of skills is present to meet the evolving demands of the business.

Case Study: Transforming Data into Actionable Insights

Stefania shared a compelling case study that illustrates the impact of effective storytelling. In a situation where her team presented an extensive study filled with data but lacking actionable insights, they undertook a significant transformation. By distilling a lengthy presentation into a concise deck that emphasised key business implications, they were able to engage leadership effectively and influence strategic decision-making. This approach not only clarified their findings but also ensured the study became a part of the organisation’s ongoing strategy.

Furthermore, Stefania has evolved the structure of their quarterly business reviews. Rather than relying solely on data visualisations, her team now focuses on answering key questions and providing context. This shift illustrates the importance of understanding the audience and tailoring messages to meet their needs.

Practical Tips for Improving Storytelling Skills

Stefania offered valuable advice for individuals looking to enhance their storytelling abilities:

1. Know Your Audience: Understanding your audience’s needs and motivations is critical. This insight allows you to tailor your message effectively, whether you’re presenting to senior leadership or a broader team.

2. Shift Your Perspective: Step away from the data and adopt a business-oriented mindset. Consider how your insights can drive decision-making and create value for the organisation.

3. Support Your Points: Focus on driving action and ensure you have strong supporting evidence for your claims.

4. Create a Safe Space: Practice is essential for improving storytelling skills. Share your stories with trusted peers or record yourself to gain feedback. Leverage available tools like AI, but remember to infuse your narrative with a personal touch.

5. Embrace Continuous Learning: Storytelling is a skill that evolves. Stay open to learning and refining your approach as you grow in your role.

Final Thoughts

Stefania’s insights highlight the critical importance of storytelling in the data and analytics landscape. By understanding the audience, focusing on actionable insights, and continually refining their storytelling skills, professionals can harness the power of data to influence decision-making and drive business success. As we navigate the complexities of the data-driven world, embracing these principles can empower leaders to transform their organisations and achieve impactful results.

And of course the data joke of the week...

Why did the data storyteller break up with their spreadsheet?

Because it just didn’t understand their emotional range!

See you next week!