Section 1.1: Strategies to Avoid Poor Decisions

In the realm of data analytics and decision-making, best practices are continuously evolving. Research from G2 and the "Future Today Institute" highlights essential trends. If you are new to this publication, consider it your go-to source for weekly insights on Data, AI, and Analytics. We sift through the most significant data stories and present what’s currently trending.

Don’t have time to read? Watch the Weekly Vlog here. If watching isn't your thing, you can listen to the Weekly Podcast here. Plus, there’s a special surprise at the end of this post: a downloadable slide deck filled with valuable resources and links.

Let’s dive into the five key stories in Data, AI, and Analytics for this week!

1. Centralizing Data, Decentralizing Analytics

   Tom Davenport’s perspective, based on Randy Bean's research, asserts that decentralized data can lead to inefficient silos. While businesses must oversee "what and why" analytics, the "how" often falls to a centralized data team. Davenport argues that initially centralizing analytics can help manage resources and cultivate a skilled talent pool, ultimately benefiting job satisfaction among analysts. What’s your stance on this? Consider other factors such as "Producers vs. Consumers of Data" and "The Role of Data Education."

This article reminds me of an insightful interview!

2. Data Streaming & Scaling: Insights from Reddit

   A captivating interview featuring Jack Hanlon, Reddit’s VP of Data, conducted by Matt Turck from FirstMark Capital, discusses managing a data analytics team of over 100 in a company with approximately 800 employees. The talk covers the transition from a single person's management of over 55 billion daily events to implementing personalized experiences across platforms, utilizing tools like Amundsen, Lyft's data dictionary.

3. Improving Decision Meetings: A McKinsey Perspective

   McKinsey’s research reveals that executives spend nearly 40% of their time making decisions, with many deeming this time unproductive. By streamlining roles and clarifying decision-making processes, organizations can reduce meeting time by up to 30%. Key roles include Decision Makers, Advisers, Recommenders, and Execution Partners, each with distinct responsibilities.

Aaron De Smet emphasizes that making decisions quickly is not enough; execution is crucial. Including more participants can sometimes enhance the speed and quality of decisions.

4. Lessons from Industry Leaders on Data's Future

   My inaugural post on Google Cloud’s blog is live! Featuring insights from industry leaders like Fabrice Nico from Veolia and Diego Kiner from Unity Technologies, it showcases customer journeys and strategic transformations.

5. Customer Spotlight: Rackspace

   This week's Customer of the Week award goes to Juan Riojas, Rackspace's Chief Data Officer, who will share insights about their modernization journey at an upcoming event titled "Predicting Your Customer Needs with Modern Data."

Thanks to all collaborators for their contributions!