# #230: From Walmart to ASB Bank: Achieving some of the largest data transformations in the world, with Bora Arslan

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/data-futurology-leadership-and-strategy/230-from-walmart-to-asb-bank-achieving-some-of-the-largest-data-transformations-in-the-world-with-bora-arslan
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/data-futurology-leadership-and-strategy/230-from-walmart-to-asb-bank-achieving-some-of-the-largest-data-transformations-in-the-world-with-bora-arslan.md
Podcast: [Data Futurology - Leadership And Strategy in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science](https://stenobird.com/podcast/data-futurology-leadership-and-strategy)
Published: 2023-04-19T01:34:41+00:00
Episode link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/datafuturology/episodes/230-From-Walmart-to-ASB-Bank-Achieving-some-of-the-largest-data-transformations-in-the-world--with-Bora-Arslan-e22kkqt
Audio file: https://anchor.fm/s/3fab060/podcast/play/68882717/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2023-3-18%2Ffcf6a1a4-d517-5861-b590-3973ec75035a.mp3
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Duration seconds: 2530

## Resource

Data executives must move beyond IT support roles to become strategic business partners. Bora Arslan shares how to drive large-scale transformations by aligning data initiatives with executive business goals.

## Highlights
- Strategic positioning: Avoid being nested in IT to prevent being viewed as a mere support function
- Practical takeaway: Use the language of business leaders (COOs, CMOs) rather than technical data terminology to gain buy-in
- Failure mode: Neglecting mid-management during change management can stall even the most C-suite approved initiatives
- Main idea: Start with a centralized data team to build foundational 'buttons' before attempting to embed experts into business units
- Practical takeaway: Focus on the cultural and people aspects of transformation, not just the technology stack

## Topics

Chief Data Officer, Data Transformation, Change Management, Data Strategy, Executive Leadership, Organizational Structure, Business Intelligence, Stakeholder Management

## Chapters
- 1:00 — The Importance of Cultural Change: Why upgrading technology stacks fails without addressing the human and cultural aspects of transformation.
- 4:10 — From Mathematics to Applied Utility: The transition from pure mathematics to solving real-world business problems.
- 7:20 — Global Career Trajectory: Navigating executive roles across Silicon Valley, the UK, and Australia.
- 10:30 — Communicating the Transformation Journey: The necessity of translating data milestones into a narrative that resonates with every employee.
- 13:30 — Defining the North Star: Breaking down long-term organizational goals into actionable departmental components.
- 16:40 — Avoiding the IT Support Trap: The strategic importance of positioning the CDO outside of the traditional IT reporting structure.
- 19:50 — The Pitfalls of C-Suite Only Focus: Why securing executive buy-in is insufficient if mid-management is not engaged.

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## Transcript

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