S5 | E12 | Executive Leadership: The Barriers to Innovation with Murtz Daud, Director of Data & AI at British Gas Business

In Episode 12, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Murtz Daud, Director of Data & AI Director of Data & AI at British Gas Business, to discuss the barriers to data innovation, which includes:The different views on what a Data & Analytics function is – starting with the fundamental question: why do we need this department?Why Data & Analytics should be decision-makers, not ticket-takersEnabling the business to create value through data-driven solutionsThe rise of Data & Analytics structures is driven by the fear of being left behindEmbedding data-driven decision-making across the organisationDemonstrating the value of Data & Analytics as an investment, not a costThe importance of leading indicators – measuring the actions that influence key outcomesHow an MBA can help transition from a technical leader to a business leaderThe concept of 'purple people' – bridging technical and business skills to create high-performing teamsLeveraging individual strengths to enhance team performanceWhy great leadership is about building the right team, not knowing everythingCreating the right conditions for innovation and psychological safetyInnovation doesn’t have to be complex – it just needs to solve real-world problemsThe role of the client/sponsor in championing data products internallyPositioning Data & Analytics as a strategic consulting partner within the businessThe ongoing challenge of shifting perceptions of Data & Analytics from a support function to a value driverThe critical role of emotional intelligence in leadershipWhy cultural change is essential for fostering innovationRecognising and rewarding contributions to maintain motivation within data teamsEnsuring time is allocated for innovation to thrive within organisationsThe best ideas often come from those closest to the problem – creating space for grassroots innovationThanks to our sponsor, Data Literacy Academy.Data Literacy Academy is leading the way in transforming enterprise workforces with data literacy across the organisation, through a combination of change management and education. In today's data-centric world, being data literate is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity.If you want successful data product adoption, and to keep driving innovation within your business, you need to start with data literacy first.At Data Literacy Academy, we don't just teach data skills. We empower individuals and teams to think critically, analyse effectively, and make decisions confidently based on data. We're bridging the gap between business and data teams, so they can all work towards aligned outcomes.From those taking their first steps in data literacy to seasoned experts looking to fine-tune their skills, our data experts provide tailored classes for every stage. But it's not just learning tracks that we offer. We embed a deep data culture shift through a transformative change management programme.We take a people-first approach, working closely with your executive team to win the hearts and minds. We know this will drive the company-wide impact that data teams want to achieve.Get in touch and find out how you can unlock the full potential of data in your organisation. Learn more at www.dl-academy.com.