#SASVoice - Plan. Trust. Lead.
Steven Evans has led factories and big change programs. Now he helps small businesses in Australia shape their next steps. He likes to turn complex ideas into simple actions.
From steel
He started as a materials engineer in the steel industry in South Africa. He later led teams in manufacturing and also worked in recycling for a short time. After moving to Australia, he took several General Manager and CEO roles.
About two years ago, he changed direction. He wanted a pace he could control. Today he works as a local advisor in the Trusted Advisor Network and supports several clients at once.
Value first
When Steven joined the Analytics Leadership Program, he expected a few useful tools. He did not expect how much it would change the way he explains value to others.
One big takeaway was the multiple dimensions of ROI. ROI means “return on investment.” Steven knew the classic finance view of ROI. But the Analytics Leadership Program added something new: the value of ethics in AI. For him, ethics is part of trust. And trust is part of value.
He also liked the analytics lifecycle. It starts with a question and ends with an answer. Between these two points, you need clear steps. Steven said the visual model felt familiar, because it is close to continuous improvement work in manufacturing.
The use case canvas was his practical favorite. It helps you slow down before you rush into a project. It brings you back to the “why.” It also helps you spot stakeholders early. Steven has seen projects fail when the right people were not involved from the start.
He also liked the idea that value comes in different forms. Some value is measurable, like cost savings. Some value is harder to measure, like time saved, trust, or better decisions. For Steven, good leadership is about naming both kinds of value.
Human edge
Steven is clear about the next one to two years. Tools will change fast. But people skills will still matter most. He talks about communication, influence, and even the skill of staying quiet at the right moment.
He also sees one skill rising fast: ethics of AI. He says trust takes time. People did not trust cars or planes in the beginning. AI can feel the same. Steven believes we should introduce AI step by step, so people can learn, test, and build confidence.
He puts it in simple words: humans bring common sense, empathy, and creativity. Machines bring speed, scale, and complex calculations. The future needs leaders who can connect both worlds, and keep people at the centre.
Next steps
Steven’s story is a reminder that analytics is not only about numbers. It is also about choices, people, and trust. And in many cases today, it is also AI.
If you want a structured way to lead analytics and AI work in your organization, take a look at the upcoming public dates for the Analytics Leadership Program. You can join, learn with peers, and take new ideas back to your team.
