So you hired a data scientist … now what? Key players in a data-driven business.

When organizations first acquire a data scientist or an analytics team, they may be unsure how to properly maximize their new-found talent. Analytics teams cannot create business value in isolation. This requires engagement from stakeholders across verticals and pay-grades. Below are the “prototypes” of stakeholders needed to make the most of a company’s analytics team.

Key players in a data-driven company

The Advocate

A business leader who champions analyses from the data team and shields them from inconsequential work. Ideally, this is someone in a strategic position that is well-regarded within the organization. Migrating from a managerial-driven to a data-driven strategy can be difficult in companies with traditional management structures. Therefore, it is important to have someone with the mandate to push analytical recommendations into strategic operation.

The Translator

Analytics can be complex and should, therefore, be simplified for the relevant audience and given an authoritative voice. In cases when analysts cannot effectively communicate findings, you will need to find someone who can clearly communicate insights to all levels of an organization. Even if…