top of page
IMG_0976 (2).jpg

Keynote at the Chief Data and Analytics Officer Conference in Dallas

I was invited to speak on a panel, that turned into a solo keynote. I used my experience as a consultant to discuss key strategies for navigating organizational change, particularly in data-driven transformations. Here are some of the critical topics I covered:

🔹 Overcoming Barriers to Change – Resistance to change often stems from entrenched processes, fear of job displacement, or misalignment with leadership priorities. Leveraging data to identify pain points, measure adoption rates, and personalize change management strategies has been essential in addressing these challenges.

🔹 Ensuring Sustainable Cultural Change – True transformation isn’t just about surface-level adjustments. Embedding change into company culture requires continuous reinforcement, leadership buy-in, and a balance of qualitative and quantitative insights. Culture shifts when employees see tangible benefits and leaders consistently model new behaviors.

🔹 Balancing Quantitative and Qualitative Data – Employee surveys and performance metrics provide measurable trends, but they must be complemented by qualitative insights—like sentiment analysis and direct feedback—to capture the full picture of cultural shifts. A data-informed approach helps ensure change is both effective and meaningful.

🔹 Preparing for AI-Driven Workforce Changes – With AI reshaping job roles and skill requirements, organizations must proactively upskill employees and foster adaptability. Leadership qualities such as empathy, strategic foresight, and the ability to manage human-AI collaboration will be crucial in navigating these shifts.

🔹 Navigating Resistance to Change – Resistance can be constructive (raising valid concerns) or harmful (rooted in fear or power struggles). Distinguishing between the two allows leaders to address concerns thoughtfully while preventing stagnation. When resistance comes from senior leadership, aligning change with business objectives and demonstrating ROI is key to gaining buy-in.

🔹 Defining Success in Transformation – Success in organizational change isn’t just about implementation; it’s about long-term impact. Tracking engagement metrics, employee retention, productivity gains, and cultural alignment over time ensures that transformation efforts deliver real value.

These discussions reinforced the importance of data-driven decision-making, empathetic leadership, and a long-term mindset in building organizations that thrive in an evolving digital landscape.

IMG_0810.jpg

Three-Time Panelist at the Chief Data and Analytics Officer Conference in Boston

Panel 1: My Story – The Journey of the Chief Data Officer

This panel featured Alex Golbin (CDO, Hudson Bay Capital Management) and Chris Bennett (CDAO, Vanguard) sharing their journeys to the top of data leadership. They reflected on the challenges they faced early in their careers, key breakthrough moments, and the evolving role of the Chief Data Officer (CDO) in an AI-driven world.
🔹 Overcoming Early Career Challenges – Both leaders emphasized the importance of resilience, adaptability, and strategic decision-making in navigating their career paths.
🔹 The Critical Skills for Future CDOs – A blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and leadership skills will be essential as the role evolves.
🔹 Shaping the Future of Data Leadership – AI and automation will redefine the CDO’s responsibilities, making cross-functional collaboration and ethical data governance even more critical.

Their insights provided valuable guidance for aspiring CDOs looking to build a long and impactful career in data leadership.

Panel 2: Fireside Chat – Change Management and Communication: Leading Effective Change to Drive Culture Transformation

This discussion focused on the human side of digital transformation, exploring how to navigate resistance and foster a data-driven culture.
🔹 Addressing Resistance to Change – Resistance is natural, but proactive engagement, transparency, and tailored communication strategies can ease the transition.
🔹 The Power of a Clear Vision – Change initiatives succeed when they align with broader organizational goals, ensuring that employees understand and buy into the transformation.
🔹 Building a Data-Driven Culture – Embedding data literacy across all levels of an organization ensures long-term adoption and impact.

The session underscored that effective change management isn’t just about technology—it’s about people, communication, and leadership.

 

Panel 3: Data Insights from Hospital and Healthcare

This panel explored the critical role of data in healthcare and how insights are shaping patient care, operational efficiency, and innovation. Data-driven healthcare isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about saving lives and improving patient experiences.
🔹 Driving Better Patient Outcomes – Advanced analytics and predictive modeling are revolutionizing healthcare by enabling early diagnosis, personalized treatments, and improved patient care.
🔹 Operational Efficiency Through Data – Hospitals are leveraging data to optimize staffing, reduce costs, and streamline administrative processes.
🔹 Challenges in Healthcare Data Management – Data privacy, interoperability, and ethical considerations remain top priorities as healthcare organizations scale their data strategies.

Panel Host at the Chief Data and Analytics Officer Conference

I had a great time at the Chief Data and Analytics Officer Conference in Boston where I was invited to host a panel, What's Next in Data Storytelling? Achieving Buy-In for Data Projects Enterprise Wide.

We discussed using data to make the business case for critical decisions, navigating internal considerations, and achieving buy-in across all levels of an organization.

Guest on the Scott Becker Business Leadership Podcast

I got to the opportunity to speak with Scott Becker on the Becker Group Business Leadership podcast.

We talked about #Data, #Strategy, #Innovation,

#Covid19, and what I do to stay centered.

Data collection is important, but the role of an analyst is to ask the right questions to get meaningful results.

That's just one of the many things I learned as a Health Policy and Administration student at Penn State University, where we worked with data every day.

Guest on #Project 1000 Hires

In this installment of 1000Hires, I got the chance to speak with Ephraim Yarmak. Listen in if you want to hear about my approach to #learning, how I overcame a big challenge, and what I am looking for in a #career.


#Communication #Covid19 #Leadership #OpenToWork

bottom of page