Thread by @v_vashishta

Companies need a technology turnaround right now and that's a huge opportunity for mid to senior Data Scientists and leaders.

Playing a key role in a turnaround is a career maker. I've been part of 4 and here are some lessons learned.
1/12
#DataScience #MachineLearning #Strategy

Companies only change when they've been through enough pain. That low point and the months immediately after it are where Data Scientists can put forward ideas that will gain traction. Don't push the elephant. Let it lead.
2/12
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Companies usually plan without enough information to build a good plan. Data Scientists can help the business understand the possibilities created by our work. That knowledge is critical from the earliest stages.
3/12
#DataScience #MachineLearning #Strategy

Data is a critical success factor for planning. The business must learn about itself, its customers, and the marketplace. Data will provide insights into all 3 and give Data Scientists a seat at the table.
4/12
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Quick wins are essential. Businesses need to show investors and customers that their turnaround plan is working from the earliest stages. Deliver value quarterly but setup for longer term projects.
5/12
#DataScience #MachineLearning #Strategy

Run 2 cost savings and 1 revenue generating Data Science project per quarter if you have the resources. Deliver those incrementally over the course of a year if you don't, but deliver results every quarter.
6/12
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That means breaking projects into parts where each deliverable fits into a quarter and produces revenue or cost savings while working towards the larger, end of year goal.
7/12
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The Data and Analytics org does not run the business. Senior leadership decides the direction. The D&A org must move forward with the business not try to force it in a different direction.
8/12
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Even if the plan's a mess, the goal is to deliver better results. Whatever the D&A org is given, the job is to make it better. Provide better options supported by data and trust leadership to continuously improve the plan.
9/12
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This process builds trust in the D&A org. Senior leadership should see the team as a lever for free cash flow and margin preservation. Once they do, relentlessly deliver the next 2 quarters. Then present a long term vision.
10/12
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Senior leaders trust results. Once the D&A org establishes a track record senior leaders are ready to put more of the business's growth into the D&A org's hands. We can't talk long term without trust.
11/12
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That's what being a difference maker during a turnaround means for a Data Scientist or Data Science leader. This formula sets us up to succeed and drive results. That's a career maker.
12/12
#DataScience #MachineLearning #Strategy