SAS Voice - Analytics is a team sport
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AI skills. Data confidence. Stories that inspire.
Analytics in Action
What does it take to build a strong analytics team? For Hennie Visser, leader of the data analytics team at Pepcor Lifestyle, it’s all about people, process, and persistence. In this interview, Hennie shares how the Analytics Leadership Program (ALP) helped shape their journey, why teamwork matters, and what skills will drive the future of analytics and AI.
Leading with purpose
Hennie heads up a team that covers everything from enterprise reporting to advanced analytics and AI. Their work touches every part of the business, from procurement to logistics to the final customer. The team is split into analysts, engineers, and data scientists. Together, they solve business problems and build solutions that matter.
Learning never stops
The biggest lesson from the Analytics Leadership Program: There are no shortcuts. Building a mature analytics capability takes time, effort, and a strong foundation. Hennie believes that success comes from having the right people, clear processes, and solid governance. The program reinforced this belief and helped Hennie spot blind spots and validate their direction.
Hennie also learned that analytics is a team sport. Collaboration is key. No one can do it alone. Bringing people together to brainstorm and solve problems leads to better results. After the program, Hennie created a new role—Data Product Manager—to glue the team together and drive projects forward.
Frameworks for growth
After the Analytics Leadership Program, Hennie added new frameworks to their team’s toolkit. The Delta Plus maturity model now sits alongside their annual data governance self-assessment. This helps the team measure and grow both governance and analytics maturity. Hennie stresses the importance of stepping back to look at the big picture and making sure the strategy stays on track.
Skills for tomorrow
What skills matter most for the future? Hennie says understanding business processes is just as important as knowing AI. Without context, AI can’t deliver real value. The plan for the next year is to focus on business processes, unpack them, and see how AI can make them faster and better. The combination of process knowledge and AI skills will have the biggest impact.
Advice for future leaders
Thinking about joining the ALP? Hennie’s advice is simple: “Do it.” The program helps you validate your work, spot blind spots, and learn from others. The frameworks, networking, and mastermind sessions accelerate growth. Leadership is about setting direction, creating clarity, and removing barriers. Persistence is key—things go wrong, but you keep going and show what’s possible.
Sharing success
Hennie wants to share stories of real business problems solved, including the pitfalls and reasons for success. These stories help others learn and grow. Looking back after a year or two, the progress made can inspire new leaders and teams.
Starting with a smile
What gets Hennie up in the morning? Knowing the team adds real business value. When people in the company say, “Give them the problem—they can solve it,” that’s the best motivation.
Growing as a leader
Hennie plans to spend more time on personal and leadership development. It’s not just about solving business problems, but also about growing the skills needed to lead in analytics and AI.
Join the journey
The Analytics Leadership Program is more than training. It’s a place to learn, grow, and connect with others who want to shape the future of analytics and AI. If you want to build your skills and lead with impact, check out the upcoming public Analytics Leadership Program dates. Your story could be next.
