Capturing data is the easy part. Analyzing and using data to make smart, strategic business decisions … that’s the challenge. Equipping and empowering companies to do just that is what I love to do and where I have spent my entire career.As the Chief Data Officer for Truist’s Wholesale business, I lead the transformation of our business with modern cloud data tools and platforms, to accelerate insight, agility, and efficiency, while managing risks and maximizing benefits.Previously, as a Partner of the Cloud Platform Services practice at IBM, I specialized in helping financial services companies define a data and cloud strategy that supports their goals for growth. Strategy leads to execution of data transformation programs and projects that deliver greater insights, efficiency, and agility while managing risks and maximizing benefits.The projects are large, often executed on a global scale, and I work closely with each firm’s Chief Data Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and IT executives as well as leading my own team. It’s immensely satisfying to see many threads—multiple projects, numerous technologies, interwoven processes—come together to create a strong, flexible fabric for managing data across the enterprise.While at Deloitte Consulting, I invested time in advancing my communication and presentation skills, to complement my technical knowledge and experience. Now, I pride myself on the ability to convey very complex technical concepts and details in clear, simple terms. I speak business as well as technology, and that makes it easier to lead transformative change initiatives. When everyone understands the rationale, the process, and the value, they jump on board.When I joined Accenture right out of college, I had no thoughts of specializing in data. But an early engagement opened my eyes to the need and the potential … and captured my interest in the immense and growing power of data in business decision-making. Now, the Chief Data Officer is an essential member of the leadership team of forward-thinking companies. It’s an exciting time for those of us leading the charge for more useful, insightful, accessible, valuable data to drive strategic and profitable growth for businesses of all types and sizes.My areas of expertise: Data Strategy, Data Vision, Digital Transformation, Cloud Transformation, Data Governance, Information Technology, Stakeholder Management, Data Operations, Data Infrastructure, Project Management