
Technically Minded
By Credera
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Technically MindedMar 20, 2023

Data vs. marketing: Who should control the view of the customer?
The importance of being in touch with customers, to the extent that actions are predicted and communications are tailored, is more necessary than ever. With this being the case, who in the organization should have responsibility over customer data?
In this episode, we’re joined by brothers Mike Queenan, CEO and co-founder of Naphos Technologies, and Mike Queenan, Managing Consultant at Credera UK, for the big Data vs. Marketing data ownership debate.

The ins and outs of agile marketing
At Credera, we often receive questions from CMOs about the ins and outs of agile marketing. What is it? What are the macro-guiding principles? What tools do we need?
Two of Credera's MarTech experts, Lyeanne Beckford-Jones and Greg Gough, take a deep dive into this topic and share some of their key learnings from working with clients within this space.

Looking back and looking forward: What technology will dominate 2023?
Credera UK CTO, Marius Rubin and Credera US Partner, John Jacobs share their thoughts on what technology trends will take centre stage in 2023. We also revisit some of the predictions from our 'Tech trends and traps to avoid' podcast from 2022 to assess how correct Marius was this time last year.

Understanding the benefits and dangers of large language models
Large language models have the opportunity to drive huge economic value for businesses, but also have substantial potential negative consequences. So how can technology leaders thoughtfully use large language models while avoiding major privacy and ethical issues?
Jason Goth and Vincent Yates make the case that leaders must be thoughtful about what unforeseen consequences there might be and how can we learn from past experiences.

Back to the edge? The rise of edge computing
According to the IDC, worldwide spending on the edge is expected to hit $176 billion in 2022, representing a 14.8% increase over 2021. Many organizations are headed back to placing compute close to where data is created, as many did in the era before the cloud.
Jason Goth and Vincent Yates discuss why edge computing has become an increasing priority, the primary benefits and drawbacks, and how organizations should (or should not) be using it.

The value of employee engagement
The past couple of years have seen a a dramatic shift in ways of working, with an increasing number of companies now offering flexible work-from-home arrangements. With this change, the need to evaluate and prioritise employee engagement has never been more pressing.
In this episode, Credera’s HR representatives Warsame Iman and Betsy Scatlan discuss the importance of developing and sustaining employee engagement in the workplace. Reflecting on recent years gone by, they also explain how Credera has adapted to maintain its diverse and inclusive culture in times of change.

Data architecture vs. application architecture: Where should organizations focus?
At Credera, we always say that data outlives applications. But over the last 20 years, organizations have been generally focused on application issues opposed to data issues. Why is this? And how do we swing back to a place where data is the primary focus? Credera's Chief Data Officer Vincent Yates and Chief Technology Officer Jason Goth discuss the need for a data-first approach.

Credera reacts to Adobe's $20 billion Figma acquisition
The big tech news is that industry giant Adobe has acquired Figma for a whopping $20 billion. Credera's Chief Data Officer Vincent Yates and Chief Technology Officer Jason Goth react to the news, and discuss a few other news stories from the tech world.

What different paths can you take to get into engineering?
In this episode, we discuss alternative career paths into coding and engineering and why a graduate degree may no longer be the 'golden ticket' needed to succeed.

MLOps best practices: Part 2
In Part 2 of our MLOps best practices series, Chief Data Scientist Vincent Yates, Chief Technology Officer Jason Goth, and Credera Senior Architect and MLOps expert Amanda Aschenbrenner, dig deeper into the engineering challenges associated with getting MLOps into production.

Maximizing your organization's cloud transformation journey
With the increase of cloud investment, it’s no longer a question of if the cloud is a differentiating factor, but how leaders can leverage cloud strategy for differentiated value. Learn how Credera’s cloud transformation framework unlocks the “how” with innovation at enterprise scale, all while maintaining cloud security.

MLOps best practices: Part 1
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) can undoubtedly offer significant benefits to most organizations, but only when used correctly. So what does it take to get a machine learning application into development, and into development reliably, securely, and repeatably?
Today we’re focusing on the challenges associated with MLOps and discussing a few solutions for CDOs and CIOs to implement in their organizations.

Understanding the role of the Chief Data Officer
While the role of the CDO is on the rise, most Chief Data Officers still struggle with the ambiguity of their role and the massive responsibility of transforming their organization to become data-driven.
In our latest podcast, Chief Data Scientist Vincent Yates and Credera's CTO Jason Goth discuss a few key questions about the role of the CDO:
What are the blockers to a CDOs success? How they can navigate those to find success? Who should CDOs report to? What does the role of the CDO need to include? If organizations don’t have a CDO, should hire internally or externally? What is the best way for CDOs to drive value?Referenced in the show:
Strategy& Data and AI Leadership Executive Survey 2022
6 practices for successful AI/ML investments
Machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) have revolutionized industries and our daily lives, so why is it that 90% of ML models still never make it to production?
Credera's CTO Jason Goth and Chief Data Scientist Vincent Yates are discussing the top lessons they've learned over years working with clients in this domain. Here are the 6 practices they recommend for ensuring your AI/ML investments are successful:
Take a Design-First Approach Keep it Simple Know the Limitations of Your Data There’s More Engineering in an AI/ML Solutions than AI or ML You Can’t Decompose Modeling Problems Like Software Domains Data Scientists Don’t Know How Much Things Cost
Blockchain part 3: 10 reasons blockchain isn't what you think it is
In the third and final installment of our blockchain series, Credera CTO Jason Goth and Chief Data Scientist Vincent Yates share the 10 reasons blockchain isn't what people think it is.

Is low-code the future for marketing?
It used to be that when companies needed new information systems, they had to hire a developer or use off-the-shelf software. Now, however, there’s a third option: Low-code and no-code applications. But how can leaders know when they’re right for your organization?

Real ways to make development go faster
As businesses plan new ways to integrate software into their companies, many believe the challenge becomes, "how can we code faster?" For most large organizations, the real problem with writing code has nothing to do with actually writing code.
In this episode, Jason Goth and Vincent Yates make the case that the real challenge for organizations when integrating new software efficiently is how to take a holistic process view and iterate faster.

Blockchain part 2: Should executives be buying in?
In part 2 of our blockchain series, Credera's Chief Data Officer, Vincent Yates, and Chief Technology Officer, Jason Goth, discuss several issues with blockchain that executives should be aware of before investing.

How can environmental sustainability be implemented into everyday business decisions?
In this episode, we explore what actions individuals and companies can take to ensure environmental sustainability is at the heart of all decision making and why it's important in terms of future-proofing your business.

Blockchain part 1: Should executives be buying in?
Blockchain is among the top priorities of enterprises pursuing deep-tech solutions, with 74% of tech-savvy executive teams believing there's huge business potential. But is it really the next big thing, or the next overrated technology fad?
Credera's Chief Data Officer, Vincent Yates, and Chief Technology Officer, Jason Goth, are back on Technically Minded to host a discussion with Credera's San Francisco Partner and blockchain proponent, Ben Rhodes. They're discussing what blockchain is, why there's excitement around it, and opposing opinions on if leaders should invest.

Navigating marketing transformation: What is modern marketing today?
“Modern Marketing Transformation” has been a discussion of marketers for years. But as the rate of change continues to increase, what does modern marketing actually mean today, and what do leaders in the marketing space need to do to continue to transform?
In this episode, we had the privilege of hosting John Gim, Global Chief Marketing Sciences Officer at RAPP and Head of Decision Sciences at Omnicom Precision Marketing Group, Tim Sutton, Management Consultant at Credera UK, and Matt DiBona, Partner and lead of Credera’s MarTech capability at Credera US.
These three leaders discuss strategies to lean into the evolving customer experience, what issues they see CMOs facing today, and how Marketing Analytics Platforms enable true modern marketing.

International Women’s Day 2022: Breaking biases within your organization
Whether deliberate or unconscious, bias can affect our decisions in all areas of life, but especially in the workplace. So what can individuals do to combat it?
In this episode, we had the privilege of hosting Nickoria Johnson, Chief Diversity Officer from Credera US, Keisha Garcia, the VP Digital Foundations Programs at bp, and Emma Johnson, DE&I Lead at Credera UK. Drawing on this year’s International Women’s Day #BreaktheBias theme, these three leaders discuss their own DE&I journeys and how they are working to build diversity and inclusion into the fabric of their organizations. They also outline some of the positive actions that individuals and organizations should take to become a more inclusive leader and better ally.

Why your organization needs great product managers
New product failures are often the rule, not the exception. So why do so many new products fail to produce any meaningful return? And how can an organization know what products to build or know which innovative ideas will make their products better than the competition?
In short, have a great product manager.
In this episode, three Credera leaders discuss the value of a product manager, how the role differs from that of a project manager, and what it takes to be a successful product manager.

Becoming a better leader: Tips from Credera CEOs
Leadership and culture are intrinsically linked. They affect an organisations' tangible outcomes, from retention to profit. But what are some of the key qualities that define a good leader?
In this episode, Credera leaders discuss how to embrace the fundamental aspects of leadership to help build a sustainable culture of trust and collaboration. We also discuss the impact of the 'new normal' on leadership teams, unwrapping how leaders can embrace this brave new world and continue to support their people and clients alike.

Tech trends and traps to avoid
Our CTOs discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly tech trends and how to avoid tripping up when adopting the 'next big thing.'

Redefining data governance
Many consider data governance a boring topic. In reality, data governance is something that every organization should be paying close attention to.
In this episode, we explore what isn’t working when it comes to traditional data governance and a new approach to governance that shifts ownership away from people and onto machines. We also discuss some of the challenges that companies typically face when implementing these changes.

Mental Health: Sharing our stories
Everyone's experience of mental health is different. What may be freeing for one person may be anxiety triggering for another. What may be easy for one person is the biggest challenge that another faces. We all have our own stories to tell.
In this episode, our consultants talk about their stories and how they have responded to their mental health challenges. We hope that through telling these stories that we can help you tell your own.

How does shaping a diverse workplace lead to successful business outcomes?
Over the years, it has become increasingly apparent that organisations with a strong diversity strategy in place are more likely to yield better business outcomes. So what do we really mean when we talk about diversity in the workplace?
In this episode, we explore how embracing diversity in its different forms can help organisations to unlock real value for their customers and workforce.

Cloud optimisation: Is it simply about costs?
Many consider the move to cloud as a destination to be reached and once there, find themselves wondering - what next? To extract the best value from it, organisations need to embrace the latest technologies that the cloud has to offer and learn to continually evolve and adapt with it.
In this episode, we explore the true meaning of cloud optimisation, why it matters, and how organisations can implement strategies for successful optimisation.

How can consulting firms best support LGBT+ colleagues in the workplace?
In this episode, we are joined by consultants from Credera, KPMG and PWC to discuss the common challenges faced by LGBT+ consultants in the workplace, highlighting where employers, colleagues, and wider LGBT+ communities can make changes to better promote inclusivity and support for LGBT+ colleagues.

The barriers and opportunities to creating a single view of the customer - part 2
How does 'connectedness' play a role in developing personalisation and a single view of the customer? We explore the final two key areas of 'connectedness' in "Connected Organisation" and "Connected Technology".

The barriers and opportunities to creating a single view of the customer - part 1
How does 'connectedness' play a role in developing personalisation and a single view of the customer? We explore the first two key areas of 'connectedness' in "Connected Data" and "Connected Insights".

Is your governance agile enough to meet your data aspirations?
Recent circumstances have forced us into an increasingly digital world, catalysing innovation and deepening the oil well of data, but is traditional data governance now a limiting factor? In this episode, we discuss how agile principles can be applied to data governance, allowing it to be an enabler which is flexible and adaptable to an organisation's needs rather than hamstringing their data aspirations.

Is it good to adopt data openess by default?
In this episode we discuss the intrinsic benefits of data openness, the practicalities involved, and whether this shift in approach to data can lead to organisations generating social good

What are the drivers to delivering successful business change?
In this episode, we discuss the key drivers and benefits of business change whilst exploring the good, the bad, and the ugly of successful change delivery. Following our recent rebrand to Credera, we approach this discussion with a fresh lens and new perspective.

How do we challenge the gender diversity issue in tech?
In this episode, we discuss the benefits of gender diversity within the tech community and explore, in line with the International Women’s Day theme of “Choose to Challenge”, how individuals can break down barriers to empower and support gender diversity within tech.

Is brand loyalty a dying trait in banking? (Part 2)
In this two part special, we explore disruptive forces for more traditional banking products such as savings and mortgages. We discuss opportunities for innovation and digitisation with our friends from Whitecap Consulting and theorise what could be next for these services.
It was a pleasure to collaborate with our friends at Whitecap Consulting on this. You can find out more about them at https://www.whitecapconsulting.co.uk/

Is brand loyalty a dying trait in banking? (Part 1)
In this two part special, we explore disruptive forces for more traditional banking products such as savings and mortgages. We discuss opportunities for innovation and digitisation with our friends from Whitecap Consulting and theorise what could be next for these services.
It was a pleasure to collaborate with our friends at Whitecap Consulting on this. You can find out more about them at https://www.whitecapconsulting.co.uk/

Should cloud be a part of your green strategy?
The race to become net zero is a hot topic, so defining your organisation's green strategy has never been more important. Organisations are also pivoting towards adopting cloud, and this week we discuss how these two areas are interlinked and why moving to cloud could help fast-track your green goals.

How do you become a data-mature organisation?
Getting to a place where your data delivers meaningful insights and influences decision-making involves implementing the right strategy, having a mature approach to data analytics, and ensuring the output is easily understood by all.
However, achieving this goal can be a real challenge, so in this week's podcast our consultants discuss common obstacles and how to overcome them.

How has or is COVID19 changing business forever?
Has COVID-19 changed business forever? And is your business ready for the second wave? In this month’s podcast, our consultants share their insights into the changes that businesses have been forced to make and what successful adaptation looks like. They also discuss how organisations can continue to adjust in a world increasingly shaped by unforeseen external circumstances.