Table Of ContentMaking Data Work
Making Data Work
Enabling Digital Transformation,
Empowering People and Advancing
Organisational Success
Edosa Odaro
First edition published 2022
by CRC Press
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ISBN: 978-1-032-23192-1 (hbk)
ISBN: 978-1-032-22443-5 (pbk)
ISBN: 978-1-003-27827-6 (ebk)
DOI: 10.1201/9781003278276
Typeset in Minion
by SPi Technologies India Pvt Ltd (Straive)
This book reflects the author’s present recollections of experiences over time. Some names
of persons and organisations have been changed to protect their privacy. Some events and
dialogues have been compressed.
To my late mum. You touched the lives of so many. You continue to
guide me in all my earthly endeavours and to inspire my drive to create
positive change.
Contents
Endorsements for Making Data Work ...........................................................ix
Acknowledgements .........................................................................................xv
Author .............................................................................................................xvii
Introduction ....................................................................................................xix
PART I Stakes Beyond Borders: Encountering
Implications of Data Challenges on a Global Scale
Chapter 1 A Crossfire of Consternation .....................................................3
Chapter 2 Too Small to Save? .....................................................................17
Chapter 3 The Disclosure Conundrum ....................................................31
PART II In the Heat of Frustration: A Deep Dive into
the Implications of Organisation-Wide Data Obstacles
Chapter 4 Harnessing the Power of Frustration .....................................47
Chapter 5 Why Did It All Go Wrong? ......................................................55
Chapter 6 The Awakening ..........................................................................65
PART III A Path Towards Resolution: Exploring
Experiential Solutions for Achieving Effective Mindset Shifts
Chapter 7 The Wars of the Roses ...............................................................83
Chapter 8 Reset – Interactional Scope Redefined ...................................95
Chapter 9 Reverse – Peeling Back the Layers ........................................105
Chapter 10 Reward – Empowering Flow ..................................................117
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viii • Contents
PART IV Bringing It All Together: Exposing Recombinant
Evolutions of Technical Solutions and Their Practical
Applications
Chapter 11 Approaching a Cliff’s Edge ....................................................131
Chapter 12 Beyond the Whiteboard .........................................................145
Chapter 13 Leaving People Behind ...........................................................163
Chapter 14 To What End? ...........................................................................175
Appendix: Some Key Terms Explained ......................................................187
Index ................................................................................................................193
Endorsements for Making
Data Work
Odaro has penned a book – based on a broad and important experience
in the world of data – that is packed with real-life stories and conversations
that give the reader plenty of food for thought in areas they may not have
seen themselves. In a market with lots of “data books,” this one stands out
as it does not purport to have the silver bullet but instead leads with
business situations and links them to the data issues and strategies that
could help solve them. This makes it an accessible and enjoyable read
which puts us “in the room” of some of the most significant data challenges
in recent times.
– Barry Panayi,
Director of Data, Insights and Analytics at John Lewis Partnership
This timely book exposes powerful examples of the root causes of data
challenges and provides deep insights into their implications for businesses.
It is a wake-up call that not only highlights where things go wrong but also
provides invaluable insights into how to make data work. Edosa’s insights
are invaluable for every leader of today.
– Gunilla Svensson, CEO at Dina Forsakringar
At last, the quintessential voice of an accomplished Chief Data Officer has
spoken and opens up the stage doors for more award-winning CDOs to
join the conversation. In this groundbreaking work, Edosa clearly places
Chief Data Officers in the driving seat of the dialogue. A counterweight to
the many other voices telling us, about “who we are” and “what value we
bring.” At this crucial time in history, the world desperately needs to build
back stronger from the ills of the pandemic and tackle our climate
challenges, yet, the airwaves are cluttered with “white noise” from authors
with insufficient depth or breadth in data. This essential work cuts through
the noise and brings crystal clarity. Its unique perspective simplifies
seemingly impossible data problems through real-life storytelling. It
exposes the world of data to business people – without the need to become
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