Evolving Skills in a Data Driven World

The final meeting of the Data Impact Leadership Forum for 2024, brought to you by MBN Solutions, examined the topic of 'Evolving Skills in a Data-Driven World'.The Forum heard keynotes from Data & Technology Consultant Elizabeth Hollinger and Mark Hunter, VP of Analytics and Product Operations at Wise, with both giving keynotes before the Roundtable opened up to a group discussion on the topics.?Attended by over 30 data leaders from a range of sectors, a key focus of the session was exploring how the role of data leaders and data teams is evolving, and the challenge of keeping up with the rapid pace of technological change and adoption within data driven business environments.

Can read the round table report in full here - Evolving Skills in a Data Driven World .pdf

Our 10 key takeaways from the session we are as follows:

1. 1) The distinction between skilled roles is diminishing and cross functional teams are more effective for collaboration and knowledge sharing?
2. 2) Looking beyond traditional STEM qualifications can yield talent with strong communication and creative skills, essential for impactful data work?
3. 3) Upskilling existing employees, especially in the context of AI and emerging technologies, is a cost effective way to address skills gaps?
4. 4) Cross-skilling across engineering, data visualisation, analytics and governance roles is becoming increasingly common but requires careful management to avoid overwhelming team members?
5. 5) Mark Hunter of Wise highlighted the importance of career maps to ensure analysts have clear & consistent growth opportunities within a large decentralised organisation
6. 6) Wise’s approach to mission driven, empowered teams to make decisions and set their own roadmaps?
7. 7) Engaging legal teams early in data projects helps align business goals with regulatory requirements, preventing potential roadblocks?
8. 8) As organisations scale, centralised governance teams are crucial to maintain consistency and support decentralised structures effectively?
9. 9) Technological changes demand that data teams and organisational structures be flexible and adapt continuously, led by strong, visionary leadership.?
10. 10) Establishing a solid governance framework is essential for enabling decentralised data structures and maintaining consistency as teams grow. This helps ensure that all teams follow standardised practices and speak the same language when it comes to data, preventing chaos at scale.

MBN Solutions have also been busy working AI & Data positions.

• Data Scientist, up to ￡70,000 + 10% Pension + Benefit, Edinburgh (Hybrid) - https://www.dhirubhai.net/jobs/view/4149723624
• Pricing Data Scientist (Actuarial) Up to ￡110,000, London (4 days per week) - https://www.dhirubhai.net/jobs/view/4165274250
• Senior Credit Risk Modeller (IRB) London (Hybrid), Up to ￡140,000 + Bonus - https://www.dhirubhai.net/jobs/view/4144109962
• Data Solutions Architect (Methods & Tooling) Up to ￡100,000 + 15% bonus + benefits - Can be based from Glasgow, Newcastle or Chester office (hybrid with real flexibility) - https://www.dhirubhai.net/jobs/view/4153803971
• AI Engineer – Startup (AI Consultancy) - London (Hybrid) Upto ￡95k +shares - https://www.dhirubhai.net/jobs/view/4104128856
• Principal Econometrician, ￡60,000-￡65,000, West London: Flexible Working - https://www.dhirubhai.net/jobs/view/4161913021
• Senior AI Engineer – Startup (AI Consultancy) - London (Hybrid) Upto ￡115k +shares - https://www.dhirubhai.net/jobs/view/4141675511

You can see all of our jobs here - Data Science / Analytics / IT Recruitment | MBN Solutions | MBN

And here on LinkedIN - https://www.dhirubhai.net/company/mbn-recruitment-solutions/

About me...

With over 19 years of experience in high-level recruitment, I've had the privilege of helping organisations around the world build and scale world-class data science, analytics, and AI teams.

Specialising in retained executive searches and team builds, the MBN Solutions team and I have successfully placed over 4,000 top-tier professionals in roles that are driving the future of data-led innovation.

I partner closely with forward-thinking companies to understand their strategic objectives, ensuring that each hire is not just a fit for today, but a key player for long-term growth.

My expertise spans from C-level and VP roles to Senior Data Science and AI leadership positions, delivering talent solutions that empower businesses to stay ahead in the competitive landscape.

Key Highlights

- 19 years of experience in data science, AI, and analytics recruitment

- Over 4,000 successful placements in high-impact roles

- Deep understanding of data leadership challenges and opportunities

- Partnering with organizations to build teams that drive data-led transformation

Whether you're looking to elevate your leadership team with top-tier talent or seeking your next executive opportunity, let’s connect to explore how we can work together to achieve success.

[email protected]

What Now

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