Knowing the Data’s Purpose - Charles Link - Making Better Decisions - Episode #40

Today, Ryan Sullivan is joined by Charles Link, Senior Director of Data and Analytics at ReWorld Waste. Charles shares his extensive experience spanning marketing, financial analysis, IT, and data management. They discuss the importance of understanding the purpose behind data creation, the significance of having clear data definitions, and the value of conversations with both data creators and stakeholders. Charles also emphasizes the importance of artificial intelligence as a tool that needs to be understood properly and integrated thoughtfully. This episode brings practical strategies for balancing data accuracy with practical business processes, securing sensitive data, and embracing AI for future business enhancement.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand the Purpose of Data: Data is created for specific purposes. It's crucial to ensure that you understand the context and intended use of data before acting on it.
• Balance Sales and Data Quality: Organizations need to find a balance between minimizing sales friction and maintaining clean data. This can be achieved by integrating data requirements into the normal workflow of sales activities.
• Adopt a Process-Oriented Approach: View data as an integral part of business processes. Engage with data creators and stakeholders at the beginning of any project to ensure clear data definitions and requirements.
• Implement a Data Dictionary Incrementally: Start with the immediate data needs of current business initiatives and build out your data dictionary graduall. Focusing on what delivers business value will provide compound returns over time.
• Enhance Human Communication: Use advanced technologies to augment rather than replace human interactions.

Quote of the Show:

• “ Look at everything as a matter of process and think of data as the blood cells that flow through the veins of those processes.” - Charles Link

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-a-link/ 
• Website: https://www.reworldwaste.com/ 

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