CDO Matters Podcast CDO Matters Ep. 88 | Building Allies, Not Frameworks
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Oct 31, 2025 Rebecca O'Kill, Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Axis Capital, reveals how to transform skeptics into data allies through listening and delivering value. She discusses the importance of prioritizing data initiatives based on business needs and evolving delivery models to incorporate agile practices. Rebecca also highlights the role of AI champions in driving adoption while balancing central control with federated innovation. Emphasizing a growth mindset, she advocates for experimentation and continuous learning in data governance.
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Prioritize By Value And Logical Sequence
- Prioritize work by estimated business value and logical sequencing tied to core data building blocks.
- Align foundational platform work with immediate business needs so governance and ingestion progress together.
Use Cross-Functional Agile Squads
- Move toward agile delivery with cross-functional squads that include design, build, and governance skills.
- Let the people who design solutions lead delivery to keep alignment and speed.
Create AI Champions In The Business
- Centralize data science and AI delivery under the CDO while creating AI champions in each business area.
- Train champions to filter ideas, upskill teams, and shape requests before they enter the central pipeline.