How to Build Data Strategies That Actually Work

Transformed With Data

The episode of Transformed with Data podcast, Graeme Crawford talks with Dylan Anderson, head data strategist at Profusion and creator of the Data Ecosystem newsletter, about why most data strategies fail and how to build systems that actually deliver business outcomes. Dylan shares insights from his recent study of 25-30 data leaders, revealing that successful data transformation requires focusing on business value over technology choices, and that most organizations are more excited about using AI to improve data quality and existing infrastructure than pursuing cutting-edge agentic AI. The conversation explores the critical gap between data architecture and action, emphasizing how data teams must connect their work directly to business strategy and develop strong stakeholder relationships to succeed.

Chapter Timestamps:

0:00 - AI knowledge and marketing strategy

4:30 - Data leaders research study overview

7:45 - AI adoption in enterprise reality

11:50 - Using Claude for newsletter writing

16:20 - Visual frameworks and Excalidraw tools

19:45 - Business strategy temple framework

23:30 - Shared definition of business success

27:00 - Data maturity assessment introduction

29:15 - Learning to leverage team expertise

33:20 - Poor data infrastructure costs

37:10 - CRM implementation challenges

41:25 - Growing newsletter to 7500 subscribers

45:30 - LinkedIn algorithm and content strategy

48:00 - Future hopes for data industry