CDO Matters Podcast

Episode OverviewIn this episode of CDO Matters, host Malcolm Hawker talks with Barr Moses, CEO of Monte Carlo, to break down what data observability really means and why it matters. They explore how leading organizations are using it to catch data issues early, drive trust, and scale reliability— plus where the space is headed next.Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Barr Moses on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewIn this episode, Malcolm welcomes Mark Stouse back to unpack the Delaware court ruling that's sending shockwaves through boardrooms. They cut through the BS on what fiduciary duty now means for data leaders, why ROI theater won't cut it anymore, and how CDOs must evolve their approach to value or risk becoming irrelevant.Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Mark Stouse on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewIn this episode of the CDO Matters Podcast, Malcolm Hawker welcomes Jane Urban, the CDAO of Improzo, for a deep dive into the transformative role of data and AI in healthcare.From predicting patient outcomes to improving care delivery, Jane shares practical insights drawn from her extensive experience. Whether you're in healthcare, pharma, or life sciences, this conversation highlights how data can drive real-world impact.Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Jane Urban on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewIn this episode CDO Matters, Malcolm Hawker speaks with Gavin Hupp, VP of Technology at United Parks and Resorts, about the balance between long-term planning and short-term adaptability. Gavin shares how data and AI are used to anticipate guest needs, optimize experiences, and stay resilient amid disruptions like economic shifts and demographic changes.The conversation also touches on the evolving role of tech leadership, the importance of mentorship, and how data teams can enable agility while staying focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences.Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Gavin Hupp on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewIn Episode 76 of CDO Matters, Malcolm Hawker dives into the timely intersection of data and tariffs, exploring how organizations can navigate shifting global trade dynamics with smarter data strategies. With global tensions rising, this conversation is more relevant than ever.Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewEnterprise data isn't just about governance anymore — it's about growth, agility, and survival.Malcolm Hawker and Apurva Wadodkar of Autodesk dive into what it takes to build a data function that keeps pace with change, sharing hard-won lessons and forward-looking strategies along the way.Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Apurva Wadodkar on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewThe expanding data landscape is increasingly complex, making the role of the Data Architect more critical than ever before. On this week's episode of the CDO Matters Podcast, Pete Cooney, the Lead Enterprise Architect with Jackson, shares his wealth of experience on how CDOs can leverage their data architecture to drive maximum value for their organizations.Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Pete Cooney on LinkedIn

Episode Overview“We are all librarians” is a quote from this week's guest on the CDO Matters Podcast, Jessica Talisman, the Senior Information Architect at Adobe. In this episode, Malcolm and Jessica go deep on the topic of why Knowledge Management – including many of the concepts practiced for centuries by librarians – is increasingly becoming a ‘must have' skill in modern data organizations.Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Jessica Talisman on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewWhy do companies keep investing in data without seeing results? CDO Matters host Malcolm Hawker and Ken Stott, Enterprise Field CTO at Hasura, explore the Data Doom Loop—a cycle of complexity, tech overload, and stalled progress. Is there a way out? Tune in to find out! Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Ken Stott on LinkedIn

Episode Overview Have you ever wondered exactly what Data Virtualization is? What about a virtual data warehouse? If you're a CDO eager to learn why Data Virtualization should be a part of a strategy to modernize your data ecosystem, then this episode of CDO Matters with Alberto Pan, the CTO of Denodo, is for you! Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Alberto Pan on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewIn Episode 70 of CDO Matters, Malcolm Hawker explores the future of MDM as AI, cloud migrations, and unstructured data reshape the field. Covering market trends, AI's role, ROI challenges, and vendor shifts, he shares insights from the latest Magic Quadrant for MDM Solutions to help data leaders refine their 2025 strategy. Tune in for expert guidance on navigating the evolving MDM landscape.Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewIn this episode of the CDO Matters Podcast, Malcolm and his guest Samir Sharma discuss a wide array of data topics, including the biggest cultural and regulatory differences between Europe and the US and their impact on global data leaders. While the US appears poised to de-regulate, the influence of growing regulations in Europe, particularly around ESG, are debated in this energetic discussion between two of the data world's most engaging personalities. Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Samir Sharma on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewWhat will 2025 hold for professionals in the world of data and analytics? Join Malcolm Hawker as he shares his top predictions for the year ahead.From data governance to AI and everything in between, Malcolm unpacks all of the most hype-worthy trends in the data world, cutting through the buzzwords and sharing insights on the topics that will likely be front-of-mind for data professionals over the coming year. Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewData leaders have a massive opportunity to drive transformational value with AI, but many are running on outdated operating models. On this episode of the CDO Matters Podcast, Katharine Shaw Paffett, the Cross Solution AI lead for UK and Ireland at Avanade, shares insights on how CDOs can re-envision their organizations to be more AI-ready. Katharine is at the forefront of the early adoption of GenAI for many large organizations, and her guidance for any company seeking to implement AI is not to be missed.Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Katharine Shaw Paffett on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewLooking back on 2024, what were some of the biggest, most notable events in the world of data and analytics? Join the host of the CDO Matters Podcast, Malcolm Hawker, and he discussed the death of the data mesh, the growth of the fabric and AI, data products, and many other key data trends that were top of mind for many CDO's over the past year.Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewAre you looking to learn more about Knowledge Graphs, and the role they will increasingly play in a modern data ecosystem? If yes, then you need to check out the latest episode of the CDO Matters Podcast. Sumit Pal, ex Gartner analyst and Strategic Technology Director at Ontotext, shines a light on the world of knowledge graphs, and the important ways they differ from, and complement, more traditional data analysis and persistence methods. If you're a data leader and you're not yet embracing knowledge graphs, then this episode is for you!Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Sumit Pal on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewYour familiar with all the processes your marketing organization is utilizing for managing its data? Are you familiar with the marketing data lexicon, and can you define key terms like onboarding, activating, or harmonizing? Are you working closely with data scientists in your marketing organization? If you answered no to any of these questions, then you should definitely check out the latest episode of the CDO Matters Podcast. In this episode Malcolm and his guest, Shubh Sinha, the CEO of Integral, go deep into the world of marketing data, and what data leaders should know about this rapidly evolving space.Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Shubh Sinha on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewAre you working to become a better leader? Are you seeking insights on the traits and behaviors that you need to develop to become a more authentic, change-oriented leader in your company? If yes, then you need to check out the latest episode of the CDO Matters Podcast, where our guest, Meagan Boson, shares her insights on what it means to be a more authentic leader, and all the ways you and your company will benefit from it. Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Meagan Boson on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewAre you confused about all of the hype around data products? Are you interested in understanding what the benefits of data products are and how you would implement them? If yes, you need to check out the latest episode of the CDO Matters Podcast as Malcolm cuts through all of the hype around data products to provide clarity on what all data leaders should be conserving around data products, and why. Listen as Malcolm demystifies the swirls surrounding data products, providing actionable and understandable insights on this popular trend in data.Episode Links & ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewThere are many companies just now evaluating moving all or a portion of their mission-critical data or infrastructures to the cloud. In this episode of the CDO Matters Podcast, cloud computing expert Ayman Husain shares his insights on the key considerations all CDOs must make when considering the role that cloud-based platforms will in their data architectures. From cost drivers to cloud migration plans and everything in-between, Ayman shares a wealth of insights from years of experience in helping companies move their data to the cloud. Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Ayman Husain on Linkedin

Episode OverviewNew technologies never exist in a vacuum, and getting value from any new innovation requires the right combination of multiple enabling competencies, including people and processes.In this episode of the CDO Matters Podcast, Dr. Michael Proksch, author of the Wiley book 'AI Value Creation', shares insights on how some of the biggest global brands are generating value from AI-based solutions. Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Michael Proksch on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewIn this insightful episode of Data Hurdles, hosts Chris Detzel and Michael Burke welcome Malcolm Hawker, Chief Data Officer at Profisee, for an in-depth discussion on the evolving landscape of data management and the role of Chief Data Officers (CDOs) in today's organizations.The conversation kicks off with Malcolm sharing his journey from product management to becoming a prominent figure in the data management space. He provides valuable insights into his experiences at Dun & Bradstreet and as a Gartner analyst, which have shaped his perspectives on data governance and strategy.Episode Links & ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow on Michael Burke LinkedInFollow on Chris Detzel LinkedIn

Episode OverviewAre you struggling to better understand what it means to implement a modern data platform, and why doing so is relevant to your business?If yes, check out this week's episode of the CDO Matters Podcast, where Emerson Gatchalian, the CDAO of the Blackbelt Team within Microsoft, shares his insights on how his largest clients and Microsoft are implementing more adaptable, scalable, and AI-ready data infrastructures.Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Emerson Gatchalian on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewJoin the CDO of Profisee, Malcolm Hawker, as he explores the problem of how the increasing prevalence of dark data is playing a role in helping to create a growing sustainability challenge in the world of data and analytics. Malcolm explores the root of the problem, the impacts its having on the environment, and the practical steps that data leaders can take today to make their data management practices more sustainable.Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewUnlock the secrets to becoming a powerful public speaker and learn how to craft presentations that secure C-level funding for your data projects! Tune in to the latest episode of the CDO Matters Podcast, where Dr. Joe Perez shares invaluable tips and strategies for data leaders and practitioners. Discover how to captivate your audience, tell compelling stories, and present your ideas with confidence and clarity. Whether you're a seasoned CDO or an aspiring data leader, mastering these skills is essential for your success. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your public speaking game!Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Joe Perez on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewIn this episode of CDO Matters, please join Anjali Bansal and Malcolm Hawker as they unpack the intricacies surrounding the journey to becoming a data-driven organization, emphasizing the critical role of data leadership on data culture. From the nuanced insights gained through real-world experiences to expert perspectives on overcoming cultural barriers, Anjali and Malcolm with explore strategies for cultivating a culture where data takes center stage.Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Anjali Bansal on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewSanjeev Mohan is an experienced and knowledgeable expert in the world of data and analytics, and on this episode of the CDO Matters Podcast, he shares his insights on the rapidly evolving world of semantic layers.Join Malcolm and Sanjeev, both ex-Gartner analysts, as they break down the complexities of these new technologies into simple and approachable concepts, and the important role they will play in the future of the data function. Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Sanjeev Mohan on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewEddie Short is an outspoken and experienced CDO who has managed the data and analytics function for some of the biggest companies on the planet – and he's recently returned to graduate school with the goal of quantifying the value of Chief Data Officers.In this engaging conversation, Eddie shares valuable insights from his decades of experience – focusing on a core message that CDOs *must* develop the leadership skills needed to challenge the status quo and quantify the value of the solutions they provide.Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Eddie Short on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewWhile many CDO's inherit large teams, it's also common for CDO's to be hired into a role with the expectation they will build a data and analytics function slowly over time.In this episode of the CDO Matters podcast, Joyce Myers, the CDO of Modern Technology Solutions Inc (MTSI), shares her insights on how she's overcoming the many challenges that accompany CDOs who are starting small, and are highly reliant on the engagement of other teams for their individual success. Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Joyce Myers on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewJordan Morrow is a visionary thought leader and prolific author in the world of data and analytics, and on Episode #51 of the CDO Matters Podcast, he joins Malcolm to discuss data leadership and building a ‘next gen' data team.In this engaging and provocative discussion, Jordan and Malcolm discuss the most important roles and responsibilities that are today missing on most data teams but are increasingly critical to succeed in an AI-driven world of constant change and disruption. Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Jordan Morrow on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewIn the 50th episode of the CDO Matters podcast, host Malcolm Hawker delves into a data-driven examination of the podcast's journey. Conducting a thorough review of the past fifty episodes, he identifies notable patterns and insights. He carefully assesses achievements and identifies areas for improvement, covering a range of aspects, from refining technical elements to strengthening community connections. Join him as he applies analytical rigor to evaluate past performance and chart a course for future improvement in this landmark episode! Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewThe explosion of LLMs and AI is causing a tectonic shift in the world of data and analytics, and on this episode of CDO Matters, Malcolm and Jon Cooke discuss how CDOs can leverage the discipline of product management to best capitalize on these massive changes. From data products, to the data mesh, and beyond – Malcolm and Jon enjoy a lively discussion on the many evolving attributes that will increasingly define a world focused less on data (and datasets), and more on knowledge and business insights. If you're a CDO and you're interested in learning more about how your operating model will necessarily need to shift over the coming years to adapt to a new AI-driven world of insights, then this episode is a must-listen.Episode Links & ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Jon Cooke on LinkedIn

Episode SummaryIn an age of constant disruption and AI-enabled business transformation, Master Data Management (MDM) is a must-have capability that all businesses must embrace. In this episode of the CDO Matters podcast, the leading global authority on MDM, Malcolm Hawker, shares his insights on the four keys to successfully and quickly implementing MDM at your organization. Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewIn this episode of the CDO Matters Podcast, Robert Hawker (no relation – at least none that we're aware of!) joins for a discussion on Practical Data Quality – which is all a programmatic approach to data quality that focuses on business benefits, quick wins, and the highest priority challenges.Data quality issues are a major hindrance to the AI and digital transformation aspirations of most companies, so having a roadmap to resolve those issues is a strategic imperative for all data leaders. Please join Malcolm and Robert as they discuss a practical, value-driven approach to overcoming the perils of low-quality data. Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Robert Hawker on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewIn a world of exploding volumes of data, the ability to add the context needed to show the complex relationships that exist within and across datasets is of critical importance. Making the jump from data management to knowledge management is a key enabler of a next generation semantic layer, as described by Lulit Tesfaye, a Partner and Vice President with Enterprise Knowledge. In this 46th episode of the CDO Matters Podcast, Malcolm and Lulit go deep on next gen semantic layers, and how the output of these systems is driving value through improved search, analytics, and generative AI.Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedinFollow Lulit Tesfaye on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewThe ability of an organization to be more resilient to change, to be more flexible and adaptable, and to use data for decision making – are key traits of high-functioning companies. In this episode of the CDO Matters Podcast, Malcolm talks with Jason Foster, the CEO of Cynosure, about how CDO's can become more ready for AI, or any other major disruption to their business. While becoming ‘AI ready' is extremely important, Jason makes a compelling case that data leaders need to take a more holistic approach to becoming more change resilient – which would also include a focus on value, design thinking, and being more commercially focused – among many other important traits to CDO success outlined in this broad-reaching discussion.Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Jason Foster on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewOn this episode of the CDO Matters Podcast, Piethein Strengholt, author of the O'Reilly book ‘Data Management At Scale', and current CDO of Microsoft Netherlands, shares his perspectives on a variety of emerging technology trends in the world of data, including the data fabric, data products, MDM, AI – and many others – even blockchain for data management. Malcolm moderates a lively discussion on these trends, with a focus on how data leaders can better understand these concepts, and their value and purpose in a modern enterprise data architecture. Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Piethein Strengholt on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewIn this 43rd episode of the CDO Matters Podcast, Malcolm interviews Santona Tuli, a former Nuclear Physicist turned data scientist. Santona shares some provocative and actionable insights to data leaders looking to take a more practical approach to implementing AI and data science into their organizations. If you're looking to show value from AI, quickly, Santona shares her recommendations for everything that data leaders should be considering in their search for the optimal way to embrace these transformative new technologies.Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Santona Tuli on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewAre you a data professional interested in better understanding what the top trends that could affect your work will be in 2024? What is the future of data products? How will AI influence data governance and data management? Malcolm covers these topics and many, many more as he shares his perspectives on the direction of the industry of data and analytics in the coming year. Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewIn this live episode of the CDO Matters Podcast, Malcolm welcomes Erik Zwiefel, the CDAO of Microsoft Americas. Malcolm and Erik go deep on many of the biggest topics front-of-mind for many CDOs today, including Artificial Intelligence – especially how CDOs can best position themselves and their organizations to be more AI ready, and some practical tips on how to operationalize LLMs within their organizations - today.Other timely topics for CDOs include the Microsoft Fabric and the concept of ‘One Lake', a single environment for enterprise data management, persistence, and compute.Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Erik Zwiefel on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewIt's the end of yet another incredibly busy and exciting year in the world of data and analytics, and CDOs looking for an energetic and entertaining perspective on the top trends of the year should put this episode at the top of their podcast playlist. From the growth of AI to the demise of the data mesh, Malcolm provides his perspectives on the last year in data in a way that only he can – with a witty combination of passion and provocation that will surely leave you wanting more. Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewMany CDOs believe that transitioning their companies to a data-driven culture is the #1 roadblock to fulfilling their data strategies. In this episode of CDO Matters, Malcolm provides his insights on what behaviors and mindsets are needed from CDOs to model the culture they wish others outside the data and analytics function to embrace. Malcolm posits that meaningful culture change must necessarily start within data teams and that until CDOs themselves embrace being more data-driven, they can't realistically ask others to do the same. Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewIn this 38th episode of the CDO Matters Podcast, Malcolm interviews Mark Stouse, the Founder and CEO of Proof Analytics. An accomplished business leader with decades of experience in leading data science initiatives, Mark shares his perspectives on the growing frustration that many organizations are experiencing because of an inability to realize significant benefits from investments in data management and data science.The risks of CDOs saying they aren't ‘ready' to provide business value from AI and data science are real and increasingly unwelcome from companies looking for more immediate returns from their data teams. This is producing an immediate need for CDOs to be unabashedly lean, with an unrelenting focus on a very limited number of specific business needs and outcomes.Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Mark Stouse on LinkedIn

Episode Overview:Many CDOs are hired with the expectation they'll become the ‘Chief Change Agent' for their companies – helping to transform old and outdated approaches to data and business management to more digital, efficient, and scalable ones. On this mission many CDOs will most certainly encounter resistance at every level, requiring a deeper understanding of what makes change so difficult. In this 37th episode of the CDO Matters podcast, join Dan Everett as he helps to explain why people are uncomfortable with change, and how modern data leaders can better lead their organizations through it. Episode Links and Resources:Follow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Dan Everett on LinkedIn

Episode Overview:In the 36th episode of the CDO Matters Podcast, Malcolm speaks with Wendy Turner Williams, the ex-CDO of Tableau and VP of Data Strategy for Salesforce. A proven leader in the world of data and analytics, Wendy shares exciting details into her most recent venture, The Association: a community of data and AI practitioners dedicated to helping each other overcome their biggest challenges. Wendy shares her vision for how this new community will help data leaders finally achieve more influence, more value, and more trust at a time when these things are needed more than ever before.Episode Links and Resources: Follow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedIn Follow Wendy Turner-Williams on LinkedIn

Episode Overview: In the 35th episode of the CDO Matters Podcast, Malcolm speaks to Veronika Durgin, the VP of Data with Saks. As a data leader with more of a technical background, Veronika shares her insights on how she's applied the '30% rule' to learn the foreign language of business - a critical key to her success in data leadership. Throughout the conversation, Veronika shares other practical lessons she's learned that make her such a learned and inspiring member of the data leadership community. Her story shows that with plenty of hard work, a dedication to learning, and plenty of self-awareness, a successful career in data is possible regardless of your background.  Episode Links and Resources: Follow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedIn Follow Veronika Durgin on LinkedIn

Episode Overview: We live in a world of constant change and massive technical and social disruption, yet the way we manage data has largely remained the same.  A continued focus on the same old and tired approaches to data management are no longer serving the needs of data leaders and they must be revisited.  In this episode of the CDO Matters podcast, Malcolm explores what it takes to break free of old mindsets that limit the growth and tenure of data leaders, and to embrace more modern forms of data leadership.  Episode Links and Resources: Follow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedIn

Episode OverviewData Engineers play a critical role in enabling the success of any data and analytics function. In this episode of the CDO Matters Podcast, Malcolm interviews Joe Reis, the co-author of the bestselling O'Reilly book, “Fundamentals of Data Engineering”. In the discussion, Joe gives a sneak peek into the minds of data engineers and what makes them tick. Data leaders, particularly those with less technical backgrounds, should find this discussion a helpful tool to improve their relationships with the people critical to the success of their data and analytics operation.Episode Links and Resources:Follow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedIn Follow Joe Reis on LinkedIn

Episode Summary:Data leaders have long been challenged by the need to make a tangible connection between investments in data and quantifiable business outcomes.  Value Engineering is an evolving competency that CDO's can integrate into their organizations to solve for this mission-critical need.  In this episode, Laurence Young shares his insights as a practiced Value Engineer, sharing his recommendations on the steps CDOs need to take within their organizations to start measuring their business effectiveness.  Episode Links and Resources:  Follow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedIn Follow Laurence Young on LinkedIn

Episode Overview:While the CDO role gains prominence and importance across most organizations, many CDOs are set up to fail from poorly defined roles, a lack of trust, and an insufficient focus on business outcomes. In this 31st episode of the CDO Matters Podcast, Malcolm interviews Allison Sagraves, the founding CDO of M&T Bank, to ask why so many CDOs face these challenges, and what they must do to overcome them.In reference to an insightful HBR article Allison recently published on CDO success, she provides her insights on how CDO's can manage a critical balance between patience and urgency, and the importance of taking the time to recognize where positive strides are being made to deliver on a data strategy. Malcolm reminds CDO's how important it is to ‘pound the drum', a metaphor for the importance of marketing – and celebrating – all the strides companies are making towards becoming more data-enabled.From data literacy, to data quality, to the next generation of data leaders, Malcolm and Allison have a wide-ranging conversation on some of the biggest issues facing data leaders today. Episode Links and Resources: • Follow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedIn• Follow Allison Sagraves on LinkedIn• Read Allison's article on Harvard Business Review, “Why Chief Data and AI Officers Are Set Up to Fail”

Episode OverviewIn this 30th episode of the CDO Matter Podcast, Malcolm has an inspired exchange with the ‘Dean of Big Data,' Bill Schmarzo. Bill is an accomplished author, teacher, and C-level executive with a depth of knowledge in building and running large-scale data operations in service of some of the biggest companies in the world.In the discussion of his most recent book, “AI & Data Literacy,” Bill shares his insights into the six key responsibilities that all consumers of AI must fulfill to optimize their relationship with this transformative technology. In becoming more AI literate, we increase the likelihood that the utility of AI will be maximized for the good of society and not just the corporate bottom line. A critical component of this includes quantifying the concept of ‘ethics,' which Bill strongly advocates is not only possible, but is absolutely necessary.Beyond the topic of AI, Bill and Malcolm touch on some of the bigger challenges CDOs face daily, including the importance of connecting data investments to business outcomes and how to potentially solve the ‘value' equation inherent to every data estate. For CDOs seeking inspiration about the future of data management in an AI-enabled future, look no further than this episode of CDO Matters.Episode Links & Resources:• Follow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedIn• Follow Bill Schmarzo on LinkedIn• Read Bill Schmarzo's new book, 'AI & Data Literacy: Empowering Citizens of Data Science'