Key Insights
The Importance of Reliable Data
Edgar Núñez emphasizes the crucial role of reliable data in business operations. Starting his career in finance at P&G, Edgar quickly realized the challenges of working with untrustworthy data. This experience ignited his passion for finding better ways to manage and utilize data. He discusses how his background in electronics and finance shaped his approach to data management, focusing on automating processes and creating trustworthy data sources. Edgar’s journey underscores the importance of accurate data in influencing leadership decisions and driving business success. He highlights that even after 20 years, the quest for reliable data continues, demonstrating its enduring significance in business intelligence and analytics.
Navigating Major Organizational Changes
One of Edgar Núñez’s most challenging projects was integrating business intelligence with consumer market knowledge at P&G. This ambitious project required merging two large organizations and managing significant resistance from team members. Edgar shares the difficulties he faced, including losing 12 team members in the first year. Despite these challenges, he successfully led the creation of a multi-domain data science organization that continues to thrive globally. His story illustrates the importance of perseverance, strategic thinking, and effective leadership in navigating major organizational changes. Edgar’s experience shows that significant transformations often come with hurdles, but the results can lead to groundbreaking advancements in data analytics and business intelligence.
The Evolving Role of the Chief Data Officer
Edgar Núñez provides valuable insights into the evolving role of a Chief Data Officer (CDO). He explains that a CDO’s responsibilities extend beyond data governance and compliance. They must also oversee data operations, quality management, and ensure that data drives business value through analytics. Edgar highlights the need for CDOs to be business leaders with technical abilities, constantly staying in touch with business needs. He also discusses the rapid evolution of AI and data technologies, stressing the importance of continuous learning and ethical use of AI. Edgar’s perspective underscores that the role of a CDO is dynamic and multifaceted, requiring a deep connection with both business strategies and technological advancements.
Episode Highlights
Edgar Núñez’s Journey into Data and Analytics
Edgar Núñez shares his unconventional entry into the world of data and analytics. Initially working in finance at P&G, Edgar found himself frustrated with unreliable data. This frustration sparked his interest in data management, leading him to transition into IT. His background in electronics and finance provided a unique perspective, allowing him to approach data challenges with innovative solutions. Edgar emphasizes the importance of trustworthy data in business decision-making and his commitment to automating data processes.
“Fun fact. I didn’t start in the IT organization. I actually started at P&G working in finance. The data back then was scarce and hard to find, and I will say that 20 years later, it is still scarce and hard to pull sometimes.”
Overcoming Personal and Professional Challenges
Edgar discusses a pivotal moment in his career when he was tasked with integrating business intelligence and sales analytics at P&G just weeks before his second child was born. This challenging period tested his leadership skills and resilience. Despite initial resistance and significant team attrition, Edgar successfully merged two major organizations, creating a powerful, multi-functional data team. This experience highlighted the importance of perseverance and strategic leadership in driving successful organizational change.
“It was a key moment of my life. Two weeks before my second child was born in 2015, I get a call from a dear friend[…]. And he said, ‘Edgar, we have your next assignment here.’ So I was in that conundrum — my baby was going be born, and then I got this huge assignment.”
Mentorship and Influences
Edgar reflects on the mentors who significantly influenced his career. He mentions several key figures, including Jose Ignacio Sordo, who encouraged him to never settle and always strive for better. Edgar also highlights Guy Perry and Andy Walter, who helped shape his executive presence and analytical skills. He shares how these mentors provided valuable guidance and support throughout his career, reinforcing the importance of continuous learning and growth.
“Jose Ignacio Sordo was the CIO of Latin America at the time I was given the opportunity to switch from finance to IT. He was always leading by the principle of never settle. Like you always have to strive for better. He wrote a book called The Uncomfortable CEO.”
Staying Ahead in the Rapidly Evolving AI Landscape
Edgar discusses how he stays ahead in the fast-paced world of AI and data technologies. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, leveraging both internal and external resources. Edgar mentions how AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Bard have become integral in his daily work, helping him find answers and stay updated on the latest advancements. He also highlights the collaborative efforts with partners and the need for ethical use of AI, stressing that the human element remains crucial in guiding AI’s application.
“I will also highlight that even the same AI tools that we’re trying to learn have become great teachers on how they work. So I pretty much reduced to a bare minimum my searching and browsing on the internet. And I turned myself into a prompting machine for better answers. So I learned ChatGPT, Copilot, Google Bard, among others, probably every single day.”
