The Data Files explores the rapidly evolving world of data, information and people.

A light-hearted limited series hosted by Barry Panayi (Chief Data Officer at John Lewis Partnership) and Tony Cassin-Scott (ex-CIO & CDO, now Advisor). They chat with some of the minds responsible for the past, present and future of the development of the data space and explore what’s worked, what’s not worked, and what the future might hold – both for organisations and for the data profession itself.

The series is sponsored and produced by Practicus. Find out more at https://www.practicus.com/

Welcome to The Data Files! 5 years ago we sat down with Barry Panayi and Tony Cassin-Scott to discuss the future of the data world and rise of the Chief Data Officer. 5 years on we revisit some of those predictions and see how the space has evolved.

Barry and Tony are joined by Rachel Purchase (Head of Data Product, Insights and Data Science at Admiral). We discuss some of the ‘myths & legends’ that have surrounded the data profession and what the reality is like for most businesses.

Lydia Collett (Data & Insight Product Lead at John Lewis Partnership) joins Barry and Tony to discuss the growth of data products. What are they? How do businesses use them? How will product and data combine in the future?

Barry and Tony delve into the world of leadership with Steve Green (Executive Director & Head of EMEA Data Office at SMBC). They explore what makes a good data leader, whether data leaders are any different to other leaders and how communication is vital to success.

The role of the CDO and impact of getting the right leadership for the right job. Helen Crooks (NED & Chair, Transforming Digital Advisory Board at the Parliamentary Digital Service) joins Barry and Tony and makes them re-think some things by offering her experience of seeing the space evolve over the last 40 years.

Data veteran and multiple CDO, Brian Price, joins Barry and Tony to chat through what he’s seen work, not work and change over the last two decades of businesses and people working with data.

Strategy, leadership, team structures, collaboration, culture; you name it, Barry, Tony and Pete Williams (Director of Data at Penguin Random House) discussed it! A blueprint on how to maximise the impact of data and data teams.

Transcript: Episode 7 Pete Williams

Further resources:
Organisational design