Chief Data Officer's — First 90 days

After spending around 18 years in the data community, I was able to climb to the position of CDO, but that opened up access to other data leaders and their amazing processes. The first 90 days are crucial for any title, no matter senior or junior.

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In the age of GenAI, the Chief Data Officer’s (CDO) role becomes crucial inincreasing a company’s value through the successful execution of data strategies. When searching for a CDO, companies should look for candidates with a vision and strong skills in team development and mentorship, in addition to technical expertise. Including team members in the interview process can be an effective way to evaluate the candidate’s mentorship skills.

Drawing on my own experiences and insights from global data leaders, I propose a plan for the initial 90 days of a CDO’s tenure, focusing on ensuring a smooth transition and rapid value creation.

First 30 Days: The Phase of Understanding and Discovery

1. Grasping Business Operations: Gain an extensive understanding of how data drives various business processes.
2. Mapping Data Collection: Identify every point of data collection and understand how these integrate into the broader data architecture.
3. Engaging with the Data Team: Encourage open communication to comprehend the team’s strengths, challenges, and goals.
4. Introducing Your Work Style: Set clear expectations about your approach and philosophy towards data strategy.
5. Mutual Learning: Share your knowledge while also learning from the team’s on-the-ground experiences.
6. Assessing Data Maturity: Evaluate the current level of data maturity within the organisation.
7. Studying the Data Architecture: Conduct an in-depth analysis of the existing data architecture, as it’s fundamental for future success and growth.

Next 30 Days (Days 31–60): Building Relationships and Identifying Opportunities

1. Interacting with Other Departments and Stakeholders: Understanding their Data requirements and challenges.
2. Spotting Opportunities: Identify areas for immediate and long-term improvements in data processes.
3. Promoting a Data-Driven Culture: Foster an environment where decisions are predominantly based on data.
4. Implementing Quick Wins: Execute small changes that meet immediate business needs to show adaptability and responsiveness.
5. Laying the Groundwork: Begin planning the roadmap and identify gaps in the architecture that could hinder growth, such as platform or resource needs.

Last 30 Days (Days 61–90): Establishing a Foundation for Growth and Success

1. Executing the Data Strategy: Focus on high-impact areas while putting your data strategy into action.
2. KPI-Driven Approach: Set clear objectives and success metrics for the team.
3. Fostering Experimentation: Develop or refine models for experimentation, crucial for evaluating potential improvements and measuring outcomes.
4. Roadmap: Present a blueprint of your planned architecture, highlight current deficiencies, and identify necessary support from executive teams.
5. Building Trust: Implement strategies to enhance the Data Trust Index across the business value chain.
6. Structuring Governance: Establish robust governance and feedback systems, ensuring clear ownership of data processes.

“Building trust and fostering collaboration across departments should be a top priority for a Chief Data Officer in their first 90 days, as it will be key to the success of future data initiatives.” — Karen White, Data Integration Expert

In a nutshell: Its Discover — Plan — Act — Measure — Repeat

The first 90 days for a CDO are about laying a robust foundation for a data-centric future. By deeply understanding the business, developing a strategic vision, and implementing it effectively, a CDO can significantly drive value. Platforms like Decube are instrumental in this journey, providing a comprehensive solution for data management that meets the modern needs of data and AI trust. This period is a golden opportunity for CDOs to shape their organisation’s data landscape, steering it towards a future where data is not only a valuable asset but also a driver of innovation and growth.