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You’ve invested in a modern data stack. You’ve hired brilliant data scientists. So why are you still struggling with inaccurate reports, flawed analytics, and mistrust in your data? The problem might not be your technology or your talent—it’s likely your incentives. Most data quality issues are not a result of negligence, but a rational response to the organizational structures and rewards…

In today’s world, it is hard to look past the value of data. Yet, many businesses treat the quality of that data as a technical cleanup task—something to be dealt with after the important work is done. This approach is a silent strategy killer. The link between poor data quality and missed business goals is often indirect and fragmented, making it easy to overlook until it’s too late. The Silent…

In the era of data-driven decision-making, we’re often told to collect and keep everything. But this “digital hoarding” comes with immense hidden costs: skyrocketing storage fees, increased security risks, regulatory non-compliance, and eroded customer trust. The solution isn’t just better storage; it’s strategic deletion. A modern data deletion policy isn’t about loss—it’s about gaining…

In today’s landscape, access to data is critical for decision making and analytics. But what happens when the wrong people have the keys to the kingdom? The consequences are more than just a headline-grabbing breach—it’s eroded customer trust, massive regulatory fines, and a direct hit to your bottom line. Your first and most critical line of defense is a robust access control policy. But modern…

You’re convinced your organization has a data quality problem. Reports conflict, decisions are made on gut feelings, and your team is constantly firefighting data issues. You know you need to improve data quality, but where do you even begin? The critical question isn’t if you should fix it, but how: through ad-hoc patches or a strategic, lasting solution? While you can tackle data quality…

The question of whether a data asset should have a single owner or a group is fundamental to data governance. While the instinct for clear accountability is correct, the reality is more nuanced. The most effective model is not a binary choice, but a layered approach: a single accountable owner, supported by a governance group of key stakeholders. Let’s break down the pros and cons to understand…

In the modern organization, data is often called “the new oil.” But crude oil has little value until it’s refined, transported, and turned into fuel. Similarly, raw data points become a Data Asset only when they are managed, enriched, and deployed to drive business outcomes. So, what exactly qualifies as a data asset?Examples of Data Assets in the WildFrom Data to Asset: How to Assign…

We’ve all seen them: the incredible, “too-good-to-be-true” clearance sales. I recently stumbled upon one myself—a rack of beautiful, high-quality cotton shorts marked down by over 70%. The fabric was perfect, the stitching was excellent, but the price was baffling. Curious, I asked a store associate what was wrong with them. The answer was surprisingly simple, yet profoundly telling: the…

Your AI model just told the board that customer retention is up 21% — but it’s actually down 7%. The model didn’t lie; it just used data from two different systems with conflicting definitions of a “churn” This isn’t a hypothetical scare story. It’s a daily reality for enterprises where AI is fed data stripped of its meaning. Without the rich context that humans use to interpret information,…

If your company invested in AI tools expecting a universal productivity jolt, you might be waiting a long time. A wave of new evidence suggests that the AI revolution is hitting a very human wall of reality. We’ve been sold a powerful narrative: AI is an unstoppable force for efficiency, a digital tide that lifts all productivity boats. But what if the tide is actually creating a lot of…

Bank Director’s 2025 Technology Survey sends a loud signal: banks are still struggling to turn technology investments into business value. The survey reveals that one third of bank leaders admit their institution’s inability to use data effectively is a top challenge. This isn’t just another operational headache. Banks are being squeezed from every side, fintechs moving faster, regulators…

The Invisible Enemy of Data Quality In the quest for data-driven decisions, organizations invest heavily in tools and talent—yet often overlook a silent saboteur: internal political conflict. When teams or leaders clash over resources, recognition, or influence, data frequently becomes collateral damage. The result? Distorted analytics, flawed strategies, and eroded trust. Here’s how political…

Data may be the new oil – but when internal politics contaminates it, your analytics engine sputters and fails. While technical glitches get blamed, organizational power struggles are often the silent killers of data integrity. Here’s how politics corrupts your data, with real-world examples and solutions. Data Silos: The “Kingdom Defense” MentalityResistance to Data GovernanceMisaligned…

Why your teams struggle with data—and the unsung hero that fixes it. Picture this: Your marketing team spends 3 days hunting for customer revenue metrics. Finance uses a different “sales” definition than operations. A new analyst misinterprets a field, costing R50k in flawed projections. Sound familiar? These aren’t just frustrations—they’re data literacy gaps. And in South Africa’s…

Subtitle: When turf wars and resistance sabotage your data strategy – and how to fight back. The Silent Killer of Data Governance You drafted the policies. You built the frameworks. Yet your data governance initiative is failing. Why?Political resistance isn’t a side issue – it’s the core obstacle. When data access equals power, stakeholders dig in. Departments hoard information. Leaders…

Warren Buffett’s legendary 50+ year track record at Berkshire Hathaway is often seen as unrepeatable – a product of his unique genius, intuition, and once-in-a-lifetime access to market inefficiencies. But what if the core of his success wasn’t magic, but a system? That’s the groundbreaking question Dr. Kai Wu, Founder & CIO of Sparkline Capital, set out to answer. His tool? Not complex…

Heritage Day, a vibrant celebration of South Africa’s rich cultural tapestry, invites us to reflect on our past and embrace our diversity. In an increasingly digital age, it’s crucial to consider how we can preserve our cultural heritage in the digital realm. The Digital Footprint of Our Heritage Our digital world is leaving an indelible mark on how we experience and share our heritage. Social…