In this episode of our In Good Company podcast, we sit down with Hodge’s CTO and Head of Data Services to explore the realities of building and evolving a data function. The conversation looks beyond technology to explore the tangible concerns faced by organisations as their data capabilities mature. They take us through the journey from the foundations of culture and upskilling through to advanced analytics, governance and, ultimately, AI.

 

Throughout the conversation, a defining feature of Hodge’s approach to data shines through: it is highly practical. The team are constantly asking themselves the questions that matter to guarantee that their initiatives are adding value across the organisation. Data expertise is aligned with business knowledge to ensure that advanced analytics translate into decisions and action, rather than simply producing interesting insights.

 

We also explore the role of governance and the challenge of finding the right balance. Establishing enough structure to keep data safe, reliable and trusted, without creating unnecessary friction for the people using it. Giving the business greater access to information while maintaining appropriate control.

 

Towards the end of the episode, we turn to AI and what it means to be genuinely ready to use it. This includes the importance of the foundations that sit underneath AI, the questions organisations need to consider before moving into real-world use cases, and where the opportunities and risks need to be weighed carefully.

 

Spanning everything is the importance of having the right team and culture behind your data capabilities. This theme emerges in many ways throughout our conversation, in both obvious and less expected places.

 

Rather than presenting a single model or prescribed approach, the discussion offers an honest perspective on the challenges, decisions and lessons that emerge along the way. There are no easy answers, but it’s inspiring to hear how it’s done at an organisation who have made significant headway on their data journey.