Data plays a vital role in helping companies develop a competitive advantage, but it’s the data evangelist who gathers and leverages those insights to help organizations understand the story their data is telling them. Today, on Analytics on Fire, we discuss how to become a data evangelist with data storyteller, leader, and lifelong learner, Santosh Kanthety. At the time of recording this episode, Santosh was the IT Technology Manager for NextEra Energy Resources. Now, he is Head of Data Analytics and the leader of a growing internal data visualization community at EverBright, a solar financing solutions company and a subsidiary of NextEra.
Tuning in, you’ll gain step-by-step instructions for becoming a rockstar data evangelist , including three things to consider before you get started. We also take a look at the top functions of an internal data visualization community, how to get your executive team on board, and how to overcome some of the challenges that data evangelists are likely to encounter along the way. For actionable insights into how to build a thriving community, transform data culture from the inside out, and more, make sure not to miss this episode!
“I would describe a data evangelist as someone who builds a critical mass of support for using data in decision making and then establishes it as a culture.” [07:47]
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3 Knowledge Bombs
- Santosh on the three things you need to consider before becoming a data evangelist - One, assess the maturity of your organization when it comes to leveraging data for operational insights. Here, quality of data and ease of access is key, and it’s important to gradually build the skillset and bring awareness to data quality gaps in your foundational systems. Two, be curious! You’re going to have to get comfortable with getting your hands dirty and be excited by the prospect of learning about new tools almost constantly. Three, gauge your ability to create content. It can be as simple as turning data into a recommendation or an insight for a business outcome, but remember, content is king!
- Santosh on the three top functions or core selling points of a data visualization community - Firstly, the community sets the standard for consistent data presentation and clearly illustrates how to leverage data to its maximum advantage for your organization. Secondly, proper data visualization not only enables quicker access to meaningful organizational insights at scale but also helps your teams communicate them more effectively, and ultimately, make better decisions. Finally, a data community helps your organization stay relevant by inviting industry experts to the table and facilitating skill building.
- Santosh on the benefits of being tool agnostic - When it comes to data visualization, there are a growing number of tools available, and it is becoming more and more difficult for one solution to solve all of your data needs. Being tool agnostic is one of the most powerful ways to build a data visualization community that supports both your team and business goals. To be an effective data evangelist, you need to learn to evangelize the benefits of the practice, not the tool!
In this episode, you'll learn:
- [06:16] - More about NextEra, one of America's largest capital investors in infrastructure.
- [07:10] - Defining what a data evangelist is and how the internal data visualization community at NextEra was born.
- [08:48] - Why Santosh decided to nurture and grow this community and switch from IT to data.
- [09:55] - What the game of cricket taught Santosh about being a team leader.
- [13:55] - Three things to consider before becoming a data evangelist: the maturity of your organization, your curiosity, and your ability to create content.
- [19:16] - How often the data community meets and some of the topics that come up.
- [20:50] - The three core selling points of a data community for your company: consistency better decision making, and relevance.
- [24:19] - Tips for obtaining essential executive buy-in and support.
- [26:52] - Becoming tool-agnostic: how to evangelize the benefits of the practice, not the tool.
- [29:34] - A look at membership and how to determine who joins your data community.
- [31:40] - KPIs, WIGs, and OKRs to measure the success of your community.
- [34:13] - How data evangelists can overcome resistance while building a community.
- [36:20] - What percentage of technology budgets should be allocated to community, change management, and upskilling.
- [38:50] - How Santosh is inspired by the people he interacts with on a daily basis.
- [43:21] - How Santosh can help you visualize your fitness data from Garmin or Strava!
- Right-click here and save-as to download this episode to your computer.
“Addressing the change management aspect of [community development] and upskilling people and then investing the money [in tools] would be the right way, not the other way around.” [35:56]
Links and Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Check out his Business Intelligence Experience blog: mybyeexperience.blogspot.com
- Take a look at EverBright’s website: www.goeverbright.com
- Santosh's favorite books and resources:
- Evan Carmichael’s YouTube Channel, where he interviews entrepreneurs and experts who share their views on how to build a successful business and turn your dreams into reality.
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