W2: Data Team Building: Building a Highly Capable Architecture, Development and Operations Team

Data is a crucial business capability that we can no longer have sitting alone, in the corner, only engaging when called upon by others. Though it seems the applications development side of the house has evolved rapidly, our data teams lag further behind. Our data teams must become an engine that powers innovation and operations throughout our organizations.

This will only be possible if we change the way our teams are structured, motivated, and measured. We need to apply some of the innovative processes that have been developed in the application development domain. Agile, DevOps, and Lean methodologies are a good starting point, but how do they apply to the data space?

This is what we will explore. We will look at process improvement opportunities within our data teams and learn how to maximize the output from our people. It is time for our teams to experience a rapid capability growth that parallels the data technologies we use!

Forming and structuring the roles in a highly-motivated and effective data team
Changing the conversation between the data team and the business from a one-directional “order taker” mentality to a collaborative, bi-directional partnership
Balancing the development and operational roles: how to empower with accountability and turbocharge the motivation of the team
Developing new governance structures aligned with the powerful tools now available

Anthony J. Algmin helps businesses use data to get better at what they do best. He is the Chief Data Officer at Uturn Data Solutions (uturndata.com), a Chicago-based consulting firm at the nexus of data and cloud technologies. Anthony leads development of the Uturn Data Engine, a data processing accelerator combining cloud technology and data management expertise within a highly-adaptable, modular design. The Uturn Data Engine helps businesses of all sizes unlock the value contained in data, from the most simple to highly advanced scenarios.

With many years of experience as a data strategy and management consultant, Anthony leads data-driven transformations of organizations in both public and private sectors. He also served as the first Chief Data Officer at the Chicago Transit Authority. Anthony speaks internationally on data and leadership topics, and writes a regular column in the Data Administration Newsletter (TDAN.com). He earned a BA from Illinois Wesleyan University and an MBA from Northwestern University.