Roberto Maranca, The Path to Chief Decision Officer

The Praxi Pod

In this conversation, Roberto Maranca discusses the role of data in business and the challenges of implementing data initiatives. He emphasises the importance of agile data modelling and the need for a digital twin and enterprise intelligence. Roberto also highlights the challenges of sustainability and data centres. He explores the hype cycles surrounding AI and GenAI and the role of a Chief Data Officer. Finally, he emphasises the importance of people and business outcomes and provides key takeaways for listeners.

In this episode, Andrew speaks with Roberto Maranca, Data Officer at an energy business, about the challenges and considerations of implementing new technology and data-driven processes. They discuss the limitations of viewing new technology as a panacea and emphasize the importance of having a well-designed architecture. They also explore the resistance to change and the difficulty of switching off old systems. Additionally, they highlight the value of lean thinking and streamlining processes to create more customer value. Finally, they stress the significance of effective communication and understanding in data initiatives.

Takeaways

• Data plays a crucial role in business and should be treated as a product that requires continuous improvement.
• Agile data modeling is essential for adapting to the complexity and changing demands of the business environment.
• Sustainability and the impact of data centers on CO2 emissions are important considerations for data leaders.
• The concept of a digital twin and enterprise intelligence can provide valuable insights and support decision-making.
• The hype surrounding AI and GenAI should be approached with caution, and the focus should be on translating these technologies into tangible business outcomes.
• The role of a Chief Data Officer evolves from focusing on dashboards to data to decision-making, with a strong emphasis on understanding the business and translating data initiatives into business value. Viewing new technology as a panacea is a mistake; it is important to have a well-designed architecture and consider the limitations of any new tool.
• Resistance to change is common, and organizations often struggle with switching off old systems.
• Applying lean thinking and streamlining processes can help create more customer value and improve efficiency.
• Effective communication and understanding are crucial in data initiatives to avoid miscommunication and alignment issues.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:10 The Role of Data in Business

06:24 The Importance of Agile Data Modeling

09:12 The Challenges of Sustainability and Data Centers

11:19 The Need for a Digital Twin and Enterprise Intelligence

15:22 The Hype Cycles and the Role of AI and GenV

20:47 The Journey of a Chief Data Officer

25:49 The Importance of People and Business Outcomes

28:57 Key Takeaways

31:47 The Limitations of New Technology

32:33 Resistance to Change

33:18 Lean Thinking and Streamlining Processes

33:47 The Importance of Communication and Understanding

With almost 30 years of IT and data experience, Roberto worked at Nissan, Ford, General Electric Capital, Lloyds Banking Group, and Schneider Electric. In 2023, he became Schneider Electric Energy Management BU's Data Officer, focusing on sustainability. He holds a master's degree in Aeronautical Engineering from "Federico II" Naples University and enjoys sailing, gardening, and cooking.