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-takers
• Enabling the business to create value through data-driven solutions
• The rise of Data & Analytics structures is driven by the fear of being left behind
• Embedding data-driven decision-making across the organisation
• Demonstrating the value of Data & Analytics as an investment, not a cost
• The importance of leading indicators – measuring the actions that influence key outcomes
• How an MBA can help transition from a technical leader to a business leader
• The concept of 'purple people' – bridging technical and business skills to create high-performing teams
• Leveraging individual strengths to enhance team performance
• Why great leadership is about building the right team, not knowing everything
• Creating the right conditions for innovation and psychological safety
• Innovation doesn’t have to be complex – it just needs to solve real-world problems
• The role of the client/sponsor in championing data products internally
• Positioning Data & Analytics as a strategic consulting partner within the business
• The ongoing challenge of shifting perceptions of Data & Analytics from a support function to a value driver
• The critical role of emotional intelligence in leadership
• Why cultural change is essential for fostering innovation
• Recognising and rewarding contributions to maintain motivation within data teams
• Ensuring time is allocated for innovation to thrive within organisations
• The best ideas often come from those closest to the problem – creating space for grassroots innovation

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