Tales From the Cloud Data & Analytics Crypt #8 - A new job and what's now...

Greetings, my dear victims, err, I mean readers!

Let me tell you a tale of horror and chaos in the business world, where companies are plagued by a dreadful curse: their data estate is in complete disarray! And guess who has to save the day? The new Head of Data from first day at work!

But fear not, my dear reader, it's all about laying the foundation for the company's data strategy. You need to focus on several key points to ensure that the curse of chaos is lifted and order is restored.

In the world of data strategy, the first six months of new Head of data person can be make or break for establishing a solid foundation. As already mentioned many companies continue to suffer due to their haphazard approach to managing their data estate. They jump from one buzzword to the next, whether it's data mesh, data fabric, data hub, or data-driven, without any clear direction or focus. It's like trying to build a plane while already flying it - a recipe for chaos and disaster.

STOP! To successfully implement a data strategy, you must start by defining it. This means understanding your business priorities and goals. It's not enough to simply focus on the latest technologies and trends, e.g. data mesh may or may not be the buzzword it all depends if organization understands its potential benefits and challenges before jumping on that bandwagon.

Ah, I sense a glimmer of uncertainty in your voice. "So you are asking where to start?" Well, my friend, that is the million-dollar question, isn't it?

"Let me show you," I said with a sly grin, beckoning you to follow me deeper into the dark and twisted world of data strategy. Be warned, my friend, it's not for the faint of heart. But with a steady hand and a sharp mind, we'll navigate the murky waters together and emerge victorious on the other side.

1. Prepare a Data Strategy.

Be careful here conventional data strategies miss focus on business outcomes, that's why it's so important to identify and break down business use cases at a high level. Start asking simple, however insightful questions. Try not to ask:

? What data should be collected?

? Who can access which data?

? Who is responsible for the data?

? Where should the data be stored and how is it integrated?

Focus on business needs and try to understand:

? How does data generate value?

? What are our critical data assets?

? What is our data ecosystem?

? How do we govern data??

Based on the business goals and needs, develop a Data Strategy that outlines the short-term and long-term goals for data management, governance, analytics, and insights. This activity is complex, the cost of this activity will depend on the number of stakeholders involved and the complexity of the data infrastructure, however this will really help you understand a company direction. Now it's time to focus on technology

2. Modernization before innovation

Almost every single organization want's to jump into innovation area: advance analytics, machine learning, openAI. Let me comment this with one image:

Just pause, think and do it differently!

3. Establish a Data Governance Framework

One of your priorities should be to establish a Data governance overview - Cloud Adoption Framework that outlines the rules, policies, and procedures for managing the company's data assets. In other words implement data mesh without the data mess :)

4. Build a Data Team

Depending on the size of the company, it may be necessary to build a Data Team. Size and roles will be different, exactly as the people skillset. It's really important to understand which direction company is going and bring right people to the team. If you need to start fast you must be prepared to hire really senior people who can jump in and start doing, at the same time you need to invest in "mids" and juniors who can learn working with hand in hand with the senior ones. Also do not ignore people you already have onboard, sometimes with small shift and fast ramp-up they will help you to achieve your goals much faster than you think.

Make sure to check and Understand the roles and responsibilities for cloud-scale analytics in Azure - Cloud Adoption Framework. Of course this is guidance only

5. Develop Data Training Programs

Develop training programs to educate employees on the importance of data and how to use Data Analytics and Reporting tools. Organization which really knows how to use data must not only go through technological change, but also organizational and cultural change. Here are a characteristics of data driven organizations:

Cultural | Creativity | Fast-failing | Agile | Sketching | Focused | Observing | Scientific | Skilled | Precise | Transparent | Open | Flexible | Scalable | Growth mindset | Knowledgeable | Analyzing | Feedback

By the end of the first six months, the company should have a clear Data Governance Framework, a Data Team in place, and a Data Strategy that outlines the short-term and long-term goals for data management, governance, analytics, and insights and for you as Head of Data, the real journey is just starting!