Artwork for podcast Driven by Data: The Podcast
S5 | E9 | Value as the North Star with Paul Hollands, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at AXA
Episode 928th January 2025 • Driven by Data: The Podcast • Orbition Group
00:00:00 00:50:14

Share Episode

Shownotes

In Episode 9, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast. Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Paul Hollands, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at AXA where they talk about value as the North Star, in which they discuss:

  • How structuring the data agenda can drive impact as the first CDAO at the UK & Ireland level.
  • How a clear North Star helps AXA UK & Ireland focus on the commercial impact of data and AI.
  • Building strong foundations to execute data and AI use cases effectively.
  • Balancing central coordination and business unit autonomy with a federated operating model.
  • How business sponsorship from engaged CEOs supports the data mission.
  • The value of having a team fully aligned behind a clear vision.
  • Using a strong North Star to simplify complex processes and stay on track.
  • How understanding the business environment helps measure data leaders’ performance.
  • Tackling the irony of CDOs being expected to excel at measuring value but lacking clarity on their metrics.
  • Why being business-focused in theory doesn’t always translate to practice.
  • The difficulty of measuring the value of certain data processes.
  • How stakeholder management and strong relationships drive data success.
  • Encouraging CDOs to share more stories about their impact.
  • Building knowledge-sharing communities to promote value-driven data practices.
  • How GenAI is being industrialised and trust is being built around its use.
  • Exploring how AXA and its staff are using GenAI in practical ways.
  • Adapting data strategies over time as GenAI shapes the direction of data and AI.
  • Avoiding distractions from shiny new trends in data and analytics by staying focused on long-term value.

Thanks to our sponsor, Data Literacy Academy.

Data Literacy Academy is leading the way in transforming enterprise workforces with data literacy across the organisation, through a combination of change management and education. In today's data-centric world, being data literate is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity.

If you want successful data product adoption, and to keep driving innovation within your business, you need to start with data literacy first.

At Data Literacy Academy, we don't just teach data skills. We empower individuals and teams to think critically, analyse effectively, and make decisions confidently based on data. We're bridging the gap between business and data teams, so they can all work towards aligned outcomes.

From those taking their first steps in data literacy to seasoned experts looking to fine-tune their skills, our data experts provide tailored classes for every stage. But it's not just learning tracks that we offer. We embed a deep data culture shift through a transformative change management programme.

We take a people-first approach, working closely with your executive team to win the hearts and minds. We know this will drive the company-wide impact that data teams want to achieve.

Get in touch and find out how you can unlock the full potential of data in your organisation. Learn more at www.dl-academy.com.

Links

Chapters

Video

More from YouTube