The Pivot Required to Become Data-Driven

The Pivot Required to Become Data-Driven

October 16, 2025 (last modified)
By Mark Dumay
Despite widespread investment in data and analytics, most organizations struggle to become truly data-driven. Find out how to unlock the full potential of data-powered initiatives that drive tangible business impact.

Benchmarks show that data analytics & AI an unlock business impact equivalent to 20% of annual revenue, depending on the industry. Research reveals that 75% of large organizations have appointed a Chief Data or Analytics Officer (CDO/CAO) to capture this potential. Yet, only 25% report meaningful progress toward becoming truly data-driven. So, what’s missing? What pivot is required?

1. Dream: Focus on Strategic Impact  

  Effective data teams must say “no” more often.

Many data teams operate as internal service providers, treating all requests equally. This leads to a flood of reports and dashboards — many of which go unused.

High-performing organizations take a different path. They prioritize strategic goals and develop only those data products that deliver tangible business impact.

2. Design: Treat Data as a Product  

To pivot successfully, data teams must adopt a product mindset. Key shifts include:

  • Strategic alignment with leadership to deliver measurable business value.
  • Cross-functional teams combining business and data expertise to reduce handovers.
  • Automation of data ingestion and transformation to accelerate delivery.
  • Self-service enablement through well-documented, reusable data products.
  • Accountability for data quality tied to meaningful business metrics.

3. Do: Deliver Measurable Value  

  Measure business impact instead of stakeholder satisfaction.

Ideas only matter when they drive results. That’s why leading organizations operate in 90-day value cycles:

  • Commit to a few high-impact, measurable bets.
  • Empower agile squads with both business and technical skills.
  • Deliver incremental value frequently.
  • Measure outcomes—cost savings, growth, customer satisfaction.
  • Scale what works, stop what doesn’t.

The Role of Today’s Transformation Leaders  

The CDO/CAO plays a critical role in enabling a data-driven transformation. This leader must bridge business strategy and technology execution—interfacing directly with both executive leadership and the CIO/CTO.

Why Act Now?  

  • Generative AI is moving beyond hype — executives now expect real results.
  • Consumption-based pricing models demand that data initiatives deliver clear ROI.
  • Top talent is hard to attract — and even harder to retain — unless they work on meaningful, high-impact data products.