Understanding Organizational Needs to Drive Data Strategy | Pete Williams (Director of Data and Online at Penguin Random House)

On this episode of the Data Storytellers podcast, Pete Williams shares insights from over 25 years in the data industry, discussing his career path to data leadership and lessons learned along the way. Williams reflects on strategies for understanding organizational needs, building relationships, and implementing data strategies that deliver tangible business value. He also offers perspectives on qualities that make an effective data leader, including communication skills, change management experience, and balancing expertise with humility.

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00:00 - Introductions

09:09 - Pete Williams' career

17:21 - Current work at Random House

21:15 - Understanding organizational needs

26:34 - Sales strategies for software vendors

31:38 - Separating product and technical roles

37:53 - Prioritizing key stakeholders

46:21 - Building trust and credibility

52:25 - Creating a data-driven organization

59:32 - Organizational roles and data literacy

1:07:18 - Data-driven decision making

1:14:31 - Qualities of effective data leaders

1:21:39 - Leadership qualities in data analysis

1:27:38 - Advice for future data leaders