Six Pack Series: Why Digital Transformation Fails Without Data: Stop Wasting Time and Resources
Before you dive into digital tools and dashboards, ask yourself: Is your data strategy ready to support real transformation?
Why Do Organisations Struggle with Data Transformation? Despite investing in tools, consultants, and initiatives, many organisations find themselves stuck in an endless loop of inefficiency, misaligned priorities, and wasted potential. The journey to becoming a data-first organisation is rarely a straight path. It often takes navigating a series of repeated missteps before realising the core truth: transformation starts with culture, not technology.
This Six-Pack Release graphic breaks down this journey into six key phases, highlighting the common traps and turning points organisations face when striving to embed data at the heart of decision-making. Understanding these phases can help you identify where you are on this journey—and how to take the next step toward true transformation.
What Can Organisations Do About It?
1️⃣ Recognise Your Phase
Start by identifying where you stand in the Six-Pack Release framework. Are you overly reliant on tools? Are cultural barriers holding you back? Pinpointing your current phase is the first step toward progress.
2️⃣ Align Leadership
Ensure the CIO, CTO, and other decision-makers are on the same page about the strategic importance of data. Leadership alignment can dismantle silos and foster a unified vision.
3️⃣ Create Clear Expectations
When hiring data professionals or engaging consultants, ensure goals and outcomes are explicitly defined. Misalignment wastes time, money, and effort.
4️⃣ Focus on Culture First
Tools and consultants won’t fix a broken culture. Build a data-driven mindset across teams by prioritising transparency, accountability, and collaboration.
5️⃣ Invest in Scalable Practices
Develop repeatable, scalable data lifecycle practices that evolve with your organisation. This ensures long-term sustainability beyond short-term wins.
Closer
Transformation Takes Time, But You Can Shorten the Curve
The Six-Pack Release framework isn’t just a cautionary tale—it’s a roadmap for change. By recognising common pitfalls and focusing on culture, alignment, and strategy, you can bypass unnecessary cycles and fast-track your data transformation journey.
Remember: becoming data-first isn’t about tools or buzzwords—it’s about leadership, discipline, and a relentless focus on creating measurable value from your data.
Where does your organisation stand in the Six-Pack journey? Let’s start the conversation and turn insights into action.