When Everyone's a Data Scientist, No One Is
Adam Morton
Empowering data leaders with tech-agnostic, ROI-driven data strategies, design and execution | Best-Selling Author | Founder of Mastering Snowflake Program
Thank you for reading my latest article When Everyone's a Data Scientist, No One Is
At Future Proof, I regularly explore the evolving landscape of next-generation tech jobs and emerging technology trends here on LinkedIn. To stay updated on our insights, join our network or click 'Follow.' You can also connect with us through our YouTube channel for more in-depth content.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last month, I walked into a meeting with a CEO who was beaming with pride about their data democratization initiative. "Everyone can access everything!" he proclaimed. "We're a truly data-driven organisation now."
Six months earlier, I had cautioned them about rushing into democratization without proper guardrails. But like many leaders caught up in the excitement of transformation, they were convinced that more access automatically meant better decisions.
This reminded me of a pivotal moment early in my career. I was working at a manufacturing company where we had just rolled out our first self-service BI tool. The enthusiasm was electric - everyone from the shop floor to the C-suite could now create their own reports and dashboards.
Then came the quarterly board meeting. The CFO presented the revenue numbers, only to be challenged by the Sales Director who had different figures. The Marketing Lead chimed in with yet another set of numbers. Three hours later, instead of discussing strategy, we were still debating whose numbers were "right."
That day taught me a lesson I'll never forget: access without governance isn't democratization - it's chaos.
When I returned to visit my recent client, I found a hauntingly familiar scene. Their "data-driven culture" had produced:
The irony? With all this "democratization," they were making fewer data-driven decisions than before. Teams were either paralysed by conflicting information or simply chose the numbers that supported their existing beliefs.
The Key Takeaway
True data democratization isn't about giving everyone unlimited access - it's about providing the right data, to the right people, in the right way. It requires:
Like any democracy, it needs structure, rules, and education to function effectively. Otherwise, you don't get democratization - you get data anarchy.
What's your organisation's approach to data democratization? Are you building a data democracy, or are you creating data chaos?
Consider this: Sometimes the bravest thing a leader can do is slow down a transformation to ensure it's done right. The goal isn't to restrict data access, but to ensure that when people access data, they can trust what they find and know how to use it effectively.
To stay up to date with the latest business and tech trends in data and analytics, make sure to subscribe to my newsletter, follow me on LinkedIn, and YouTube, and, if you’re interested, stay ahead in the tech job market with my latest book, Future-Proof: Navigating the Next Generation Tech Job Landscape. I break down how emerging technologies like quantum computing and AI will reshape the industry. Get your copy here on Amazon.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About Adam Morton
Adam Morton is an experienced data leader and author in the field of data and analytics with a passion for delivering tangible business value. Over the past two decades Adam has accumulated a wealth of valuable, real-world experiences designing and implementing enterprise-wide data strategies, advanced data and analytics solutions as well as building high-performing data teams across the UK, Europe, and Australia.?
Adam’s continued commitment to the data and analytics community has seen him formally recognised as an international leader in his field when he was awarded a Global Talent Visa by the Australian Government in 2019.
Today, Adam is dedicated to helping his clients to overcome challenges with data while extracting the most value from their data and analytics implementations. You can find out more information by visiting his website here.
He has also developed a signature training program that includes an intensive online curriculum, weekly live consulting Q&A calls with Adam, and an exclusive mastermind of supportive data and analytics professionals helping you to become an expert in Snowflake. If you’re interested in finding out more, check out the latest Mastering Snowflake details.