Vincent Anciaux, Team Leader DataOps at European Commission   Doubtlessly analytics is crucial in organizations nowadays as it has a transformative impact by providing data-driven insights that enhance decision-making, optimize operations, and uncover opportunities for innovation.   In this article Vincent Anciaux shares challenges and insights on the journey of the European Commission in building a unified understanding, laying the groundwork for effective utilization of AI analytics.   The primary objective in the European Commission was to improve decision-making within the organization.  In essence, our challenge lies in harmonizing the technical and business dimensions, making better use of unstructured data and formulate future strategies.   Establishing analytic thinking within the organization requires addressing varying levels of understanding and expectations among colleagues. The challenge is to align everyone at a common level.   A pivotal moment arose when we strategically onboarded colleagues from both the business and IT realms simultaneously for comprehensive training. This initiative aimed to address various facets of AI and analytics, fostering collaboration and shared insights. By bringing together diverse expertise, we aim to build a unified understanding, laying the groundwork for effective utilization of AI analytics within the European Commission.   The Analytics Leadership Program served as the ideal catalyst. The timing was perfect, aligning with our organizational mission and creating a unified approach to harnessing the potential of data.   Throughout the course, it became evident that adapting the content was necessary to accommodate different expectations and questions. This adaptability was crucial for initiating the journey and program effectively. It highlighted the importance of recognizing the varied levels of comprehension among participants regarding AI analytics, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches to ensure a meaningful learning experience for all.   In essence, the training broadened the perspective, recognizing the multifaceted nature of successful advanced analytics. It underscored the importance of transparent communication to alleviate concerns and demonstrated that, beyond technical prowess, ethical considerations and collaborative engagement are integral to the successful initiation of such transformative programs. ... View more

(Experience from participants at Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority / FSA, Finansinspektionen)   We had the opportunity to converse with Swedish FSA and learn about their experience and vision on analytics leadership. The perspective shed light on the core elements of analytics leadership, the impact of the program Analytics Value Training, and the future of this evolving field.   Defining Analytics Leadership About their definition of analytics leadership, they experience that it encompasses having a clear vision and the ability to inspire others to embrace analytics. They emphasized the importance of understanding where and how analytics can lead an organization and where it can bring positive change and quick results based on the organizations maturity score stage.   Establishing analytics mindset Establishing analytics mindset within an organization requires a strong leader who can set the direction. They stressed the significance of starting from your current stage and encouraging individuals to think beyond conventional norms and to embrace analytics. Being open-minded and fostering an environment of experimentation, where failures are seen as learning opportunities, greatly contribute to nurturing a data-driven culture.   Personal benefits Swedish FSA underwent the program Analytics Value Training already in 2019. Participants with a technical background, the training helped to see the business side of analytics and the leadership challenges associated with adopting a new way of thinking. They recognized the value of mastering not only the technical aspects but also the softer, more personal side of self- leadership. The program opened the eyes to the need to consider business challenges alongside technical aspects and ultimately broadened their perspectives. Set and working with common analytics models and methods, I e Analytics Use Case Canvas, open up the communication parts across the functions.   Impact on the teams and organization The number of participants in the program has grown to 15 participants, creating a community of like-minded individuals and they have an impact on analytics leadership for the organization. This growing cohort allowed them to collaborate, share knowledge, and influence the organization's approach to analytics. The organization became more proactive, adopting machine learning and automation, and actively seeking opportunities to leverage data-driven insights.   Approaching projects with a data-driven mindset Swedish FSA acknowledged that the journey toward a data-driven approach to projects has been gradual, taking small steps in the right direction. They remain about making bigger strides in the future and continue to work towards aligning the organization's mindset with analytics principles.   Development steps for aspiring Analytics Leaders To those aspiring to become analytics leaders, the advice is to take a leadership-oriented perspective. They encourage individuals to look beyond technical aspects and gain an understanding of the business challenges involved. Emphasized that this transformative journey requires time, effort, and the willingness to change mindsets.   The future of Analytics Leadership The analytics and AI landscape is poised for significant growth. They noted that discussions surrounding analytics are prevalent and show promise. Although anticipates challenges and potential backlash, firmly believes that the ongoing movement towards analytics cannot be stopped, it is a journey. Swedish FSA credited Analytics Value Training for its positive impact on personal development, team dynamics, use case and project approaches, understanding the business side of analytics and working with common analytics and AI methods.     ... View more

In a recent SASchat 7 thought leaders discussed with interested participants why analytics leadership is essential for a prosperous modern organization. This article is a summary of a lively discussion of the following experts:   Jack Phillips – CEO & Co-Founder of International Institute of Analytics (IIA) Prof. Riaan de Jongh – Director Centre of Business Mathematics and Informatics (BMI), Senior Manager - Chief Scientist Dr. Daniel Yar Hamidi – Expert by Research and Practice; Corporate Governance & Digital Transformation Christer Bodell – Director Automotive and Manufacturing at Capgemini Josefin Rosén – AI & Analytics Leader at SAS Murray de Villiers – Director Education at SAS Patric Hellgren – Director Analytics Value Training EMEA at SAS 7 thought leaders explored various aspects of analytics leadership. They defined analytics leadership as encompassing both analytical leadership and leaders of analytics, emphasizing the ability to make analytics valuable, understandable, and drive change.   They highlighted the importance of investing in analytics leadership for long-term organizational success, enabling informed decision-making based on data driven insights, leading to optimized profitability and reduced costs. It serves as a catalyst for driving strategic initiatives, identifying growth opportunities, managing risks, and ensuring sustained business success.   The key disciplines of analytics leadership were identified as mathematics, statistics, AI, machine learning, operations research, and information systems. Additionally, analytics leaders should have a deep understanding of the application area, proficiency in project management methodology, and creative thinking. They should address disciplines such as the Analytics Lifecycle, Competencies, Organizational Analytics Maturity, Business Deployment, Value, and Ethics. Collaboration among Business, IT, and Analytics disciplines was stressed, along with establishing a common understanding of AI.   Critical qualities for analytics leaders included business knowledge, understanding the unique aspects of AI transformation, operationalization, and use cases, as well as empathy and a people mindset. They should possess a combination of hard skills in technology and AI, along with soft skills in communication, problem-solving, curiosity, and teamwork. Analytics leaders should demonstrate a balance of IQ, EQ, XQ, and AQ, foster collaboration, and have a track record of successful project delivery.   To develop necessary skills and competencies, experts suggested focusing on developing weaker areas, gaining hands-on experience through diverse analytical projects, participating in structured Analytics Leadership Programs, and engaging with industry networks and communities for knowledge sharing.   In terms of universities' role, it was discussed that they can integrate theory with practical examples by involving professionals from the business and public sectors to share insights on applying AI, including compliance and ethics. Collaboration between industry and universities, with government support, was emphasized to address the skills gap. This collaboration can lead to specialized programs, investment in training, and the establishment of data science communities. Universities can engage with the industry through industry-standard methods, hackathons, and aligning AI use cases with business issues. Higher education institutions were seen as crucial in training future leaders, offering relevant programs, conducting research, and promoting knowledge sharing. Industry support was expected in providing opportunities and financial assistance.   Overall, the spirited discussion emphasized the crucial role of analytics leadership in harnessing the power of data and driving organizational success in the digital age.   ... View more

  This article was created based on an interview with Ralf Eggermann. Ralf Eggermann R+V Allgemeine Versicherung AG CRM & Customer Intelligence The changes we are experiencing in the insurance industry are to some extent a reflection of the way society is evolving. There are vast amounts of data and processes in the insurance industry that we can support, such as actuarial processes, pricing issues, and fraud detection. Therefore, analytics is increasingly making its way into marketing as well: potential analyses, customer segmentation, and targeting concepts – everything where large amounts of data are being used. The goal is always to analyze customer and business interests as best as possible and to get better insights every day.   In our company, units are being established that did not exist before. Previously, there were smaller groups or experts who dealt with analytics. Today, there are entire units that professionally operate in data science. Usually, there is a specialized core that deals with it intensively. Employees of these units are usually well-trained in analytics. Analytics is always a means to an end, not the end product - so to speak, an enabler for processes.   How to successfully Anchor Analytics in Companies Overall, we are only at the beginning. Analytics is increasingly coming into focus - in all areas. We have not yet seen the end of it. In order to tackle data-driven topics within a company, it needs to be anchored across hierarchies in the organization. This is a process that requires leadership. If you want to establish analytical thinking throughout an organization, you need commitment from the board and management. Data-driven decision-making processes must become an entrenched core value in the company.   The Benefits of the Analytics Value Training in our Organization One of our employees participated in the Analytics Value Training last year. Afterwards, she presented what she learned during our "Internal University" - an internal format for knowledge transfer. She shared insights on how to develop and implement use cases in the most meaningful and value-driven way possible. The templates and procedures provided helped internalize analytics and approach topics in a more structured manner. This structured approach is particularly helpful for qualified evaluation. The first question should always be what benefits are generated. Another benefit of the training was the discussion with participants from other companies, providing insights into their ways of working. Overall, the training was a selective measure. To turn a company into a data-driven organization, naturally, more is required. When it comes to transforming an organization, changing mindsets, and fostering a widespread recognition of the topic's significance, the Analytics Value Training can be a valuable step. An analytical mindset provides the impetus for changing the way of working or approach things. This applies to all hierarchical levels.   The crucial factor is engaging with this topic.       ... View more