Data strategists accelerate digital transformation

• Data strategists are central to unlocking untapped potential in the field of data and AI
• In recent times, the role has become more specialized. Three new data strategist profiles have emerged as organizations accelerate their digital transformations.
• In the coming years, even more specialization is expected

Companies that want to become data-driven need data strategists. These new technical business experts have specialized skills that bridge the gap between strategy and data science, allowing firms to unlock the potential of data and AI.

Data strategists connect business and data teams, allowing each element to focus on what they do best. When we wrote about the topic in 2019 and 2020, we discovered that organizations can’t just rely on the generalist talents of existing staff to fulfill all the roles of data strategists. Firms need the support of individuals with increasingly specialized skills.

In this article we will discover three new data strategist profiles, offering some key information on the characteristics of each.

Three new types of data strategist

The increasingly complex demands asked of the strategist has meant the evolution of the role into three profiles: Transformation Leader, Operation Leader, and Product Owner.

• Transformation Leader: These people work at a large scale. As they explore a company’s overall data and AI strategy, they push for the right data culture — defining priorities for an entire organization.
• Operation Leader: These specialists turn thinking into practical action. Hungry for the processes and workflows that create maximum data impact — they make the opportunity for a business to chase the most efficient and robust form of management and data governance.
• Product Owners: These experts shake up products. Not only do they identify new, innovative features and set priorities for developers — they also help to discover the broader picture of where a company should go next with their product.

Even more specialization is around the corner

Over the next five years, as companies confront the next stages of the digital transformation, data and AI will have to do more complex tasks, more quickly. These increasing demands will lead to specialization of the role of data strategist beyond the three profiles mentioned above. So, while there will still be a need for generalists, the emphasis will be on larger firms deploying individuals with expertise in specific functions.

Build awareness about data strategist profiles

It can also be mentioned that, as many organizations look to enhance their data and AI capability at the same time, experienced talent will become more expensive and harder to find. In this context, awareness of the potential of data strategists is crucial. The more businesses know about the role, the easier it is for them to create the teams they need fast.

Do you want to find out more about data strategists? Read our article about the evolution of the role.