Introduction
Reflecting on data strategy projects from 2024, key lessons include starting with clear business objectives, prioritizing data ethics and security, and fostering collaboration between business and IT teams. Also, I have previously explored the best time to build a data strategy, and these timings are based on entrance into new markets, product launches, and business scale-up, among other factors.
What Does a Data Strategy Solve?
A well-structured data strategy addresses fundamental business needs. It ensures that data initiatives directly support business objectives by aligning data with business goals. It provides accurate, timely, and relevant data for insights, thereby improving decision-making. It optimizes data collection, processing, and usage, enhancing efficiency. It establishes data security, compliance, and ethical use frameworks to manage risks effectively. It also creates opportunities for leveraging emerging technologies like AI and machine learning, driving innovation.
Now, let’s dive into the next steps. If you’re considering implementing or refining a data strategy in 2025, here’s a comprehensive checklist to guide you.
The Checklist: 25 Essentials for 2025
I’ve grouped these essentials into five key categories to keep this actionable. Each category emphasizes a critical aspect of a robust data strategy.
1. Have Clear Business Goals
Understanding your organization and its mission critical parts.
- Business Strategy: Understand your business objectives and strategic goals.
- Key Business Terms: Standardize terminology for consistency.
- Business Rules: Outline rules for your operational needs.
- Business Processes: Know your key business processes.
- Regulatory Requirements: Know the rules, standards and compliance obligations your defined by the authorities your business operates in.
2. Build a Data Foundation
Strong foundations prevent future roadblocks.
- Data Ethics Strategy: Ensure ethical data usage and compliance.
- Data Trainings and Communication: Foster a data-literate culture.
- Data Governance Strategy: Define policies for managing data.
- Operating Model of Data Teams: Structure teams for optimal collaboration.
- Data Model: Create a unified structure for data representation.
3. Optimize Data Management
Streamlined management maximizes data’s potential.
- Data Value Chains: Map how data flows through the organization.
- Change Implementation Path for Data: Plan transitions carefully.
- Data Security Architecture: Protect sensitive data from threats.
- Data Exchange Specification: Standardize data sharing protocols.
- Content and Records Management Strategy: Organize information for accessibility.
4. Foster Data Intelligence
Leverage data for smarter decision-making.
- Data Glossary: Clarify terminology to avoid misunderstandings.
- Data Products: Develop tools and assets to deliver value.
- Business Intelligence Adoption: Drive widespread use of analytics.
- Metadata Strategy: Use metadata to enhance data discoverability.
- Data Quality Strategy and Framework: Maintain high standards for data integrity.
5. Innovate with AI and Change Management
Embrace transformation to stay competitive.
- AI Strategy: Integrate AI into your data strategy
- Data Management Maturity: Assess and improve data capabilities.
- Roadmaps: Create clear paths for achieving data milestones
- Executive Briefings: Secure leadership buy-in with effective communication
- Change Management: Facilitate smooth transitions.
Top Resources and Voices to Get You Started
To build or refine your data strategy, leverage insights from these top data voices and resources, which I have found valuable in my data strategy journey. The book Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK) is a valuable reference. On LinkedIn, influential voices like Samir Sharma, Malcolm Hawker, Dylan Anderson, Eddie Short, and Alex Barakov share practical insights that can guide your journey.
This list is a starting point. I’m curious: What’s on your checklist for 2025? Whether it’s 5 or 105 items, share your insights with us and join the conversation!
My mission is to change your life in how you make everyday decisions based on proper data.
I do this by helping corporate data leaders create and adopt data strategies built on Microsoft platforms using artificial intelligence. Over my 15+ year career, I have gained experience which I use to mentor clients and pass on to the community as a speaker and data leader in the industry.
