{"product_id":"the-data-hero-playbook-isbn-9781394310647","title":"The Data Hero Playbook","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFor thirty years, “best practices” in data have delivered bigger platforms, thicker slide decks, and disappointing outcomes. The problem isn’t technology. It’s mindset.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Data Hero Playbook\u003c\/i\u003e reveals how limiting beliefs—learned helplessness, all-or-nothing thinking, externalized blame—have kept data from becoming truly transformational. The cure is a growth mindset, put into action through practical steps any data professional can take.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eYou’ll discover how to:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003ePut customers at the center of every decision.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eApply product management principles to data work.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eQuantify value in revenue, cost savings, and risk reduction.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eRun data as if it were a P\u0026amp;L.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eDeliver fast wins with a Data Strategy MVP in weeks, not months.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUnflinching about what hasn’t worked yet unapologetically hopeful about what’s next, this book is a call to arms for data leaders ready to escape the status quo.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIf you want to stop explaining why data should matter and start proving it with measurable results, \u003ci\u003eThe Data Hero Playbook\u003c\/i\u003e is your guide. Become the data hero your company actually needs.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIntroduction xv\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 1: The Data Hero Origin Story 1\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 2: The Data Hero Superpower: A Positive Mindset 17\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat’s a Mindset? 17\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMindset and Corporate Culture 21\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTraits of a Positive Mindset and Acts of Data Heroism 24\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdaptability and Willingness to Change 25\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eResiliency 27\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInnovation and Risk-Taking, Reduced Fear of Failure 30\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOpen to Feedback and Criticism 34\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeeks Opportunities to Collaborate 36\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 3: The Anti-hero: Limiting Mindsets 41\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAll-or-Nothing Thinking 42\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLack of Accountability 45\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBlaming Others 49\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvoid Challenges, Reluctance to Take Risks 52\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEmbrace the Status Quo, Resist Change 56\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFailure to See Positive Intent 59\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 4: The Wrath of the Anti-hero in Data and Analytics 63\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Unwillingness to Quantify the Value of Data 64\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eData Literacy and Blaming Customers for Product Failures 69\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eExtreme Forms of “Data First” or “Data Driven” 76\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eData Culture Is a Dependency to Deliver Value and Is Somebody Else’s Problem 80\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGarbage In, Garbage Out 83\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeeing Negative Intentions in Others 88\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDeterministic, “All-or-Nothing” Thinking in a Probabilistic World 96\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 5: Reinforcement Mechanisms in Data and Analytics 103\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarket Realities 105\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInformation Technology Ecosystem Feedback Loop 105\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnalyst Influences 112\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsultant Influences 120\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eVendor Influences 128\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSocial Media Influences 133\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTechnology Influences 140\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 6: Putting Your Customer at the Center of Everything You Do 147\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBecome Customer Driven, Not Data Driven 149\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFocus on Customers and Their Business Processes, Not Technology 152\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAssume Positive Intentions, Have Empathy 153\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBetter Aligned Incentives and Success Metrics 155\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eProactive Engagement and Feedback Loops 157\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRevisit Organizational Structures, Roles, and Responsibilities 158\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 7: Integrating Product Management as a Discipline Within Data and Analytics Teams 163\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe P\u0026amp;L North Star 165\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHire a Product Manager 167\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEmbrace User- and Customer-Centric Design Methodologies 169\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHire a Value Engineer and Measure the Cost and Benefit of Everything 172\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eImplement a “Go to Market” Function; Repackage Governance and Literacy 178\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChanging Your Data Governance Function to a Customer Enablement Function 179\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChanging a Data Literacy Focus to a Customer Training Function 183\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeparate Data Management from Data Product Management (and GTM) 185\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEvolve Your Organization Toward Customer and Product Centricity 187\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eData Supply Chain Management 189\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eData Product Manufacturing (or Development) 189\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eData Product Management and PMO 190\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinance, Planning, and Analysis 192\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 8: Embrace Agility and a Relentless Focus on Value Delivery 195\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Data Strategy MVP 196\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSuccess Metrics\/Business Cases 199\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eScope, Approach, and Roadmap 201\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Data Governance Model 203\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Data and Analytics Organizational Model 205\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eD\u0026amp;A Product Management 206\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTechnology and Infrastructure 208\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWash, Rinse, and Repeat 210\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 9: Look Inward Before Looking Outward 215\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBe Humble 216\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEmbrace Critical Thinking 219\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLead by Example 221\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMake Room for Failure 228\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBe Practical 232\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 10: Looking Forward 235\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNatively Digital 235\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eData and AI Haves and Have-Nots 240\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDataOps and the Convergence of Data and Product Functions 241\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eData Monetization and Widespread Data Sharing 243\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eData Consortiums and Governance Networks 246\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eData Sustainability 249\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eData as an Asset 254\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn Closing 256\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndex 259\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMALCOLM HAWKER\u003c\/b\u003e is a data strategy and management leader with over 25 years’ experience in the industry. He has authored industry-defining research and has consulted to some of the world’s largest businesses on their data and analytics strategies. He’s a frequent public speaker on data and analytics best practices.   \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePraise for \u003ci\u003eTHE DATA HERO PLAYBOOK\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“In \u003ci\u003eThe Data Hero Playbook\u003c\/i\u003e, Malcolm Hawker offers a timely and insightful guide for data leaders navigating the complexities of AI, transformation, and culture change. His message aligns closely with what I’ve long championed — treating data as an economic asset, fostering a growth mindset, and putting the customer at the center.”\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003e—BILL SCHMARZO,\u003c\/b\u003e The Dean of Big Data and Author of \u003ci\u003eBig Data: Understanding How Data Powers Big Business\u003c\/i\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Malcolm Hawker’s \u003ci\u003eThe Data Hero Playbook\u003c\/i\u003e unveils the essential truths behind achieving impactful results with data. Drawing from insights gathered through thousands of discussions with leaders in the data and AI realm, Hawker’s work is distinguished by its practical approach rooted in real-world observations.”\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003e—PIETHEIN STRENGHOLT,\u003c\/b\u003e Former CDO of Microsoft Netherlands and Author of \u003ci\u003eData Management at Scale\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eBuilding Medallion Architectures\u003c\/i\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Malcolm Hawker’s \u003ci\u003eThe Data Hero Playbook\u003c\/i\u003e is the book I wish every data leader would read, especially those stuck in reactive cycles and legacy mindsets. This book is what happens when a battle-tested data leader gets fed up and decides to hand you the honest no-bs harsh truth of why so many CDOs and data professionals struggle. Not because of lack of tools or frameworks, but because of limiting beliefs, disconnection from customers, and a failure to frame data work around business value.”\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003e—DR. JUAN SEQUEDA,\u003c\/b\u003e Principal Scientist and Head of AI Lab at Data.World and Co-Author of \u003ci\u003eDesigning and Building Enterprise Knowledge Graphs\u003c\/i\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Malcolm Hawker delivers a message every data leader needs to hear: if you want better outcomes, you don’t need more dashboards — you need a better mindset. If you’re ready to move from confusion to confidence, from noise to narrative, this is your playbook.”\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003e—SCOTT TAYLOR,\u003c\/b\u003e The Data Whisperer, Principal Consultant at MetaMeta Consulting, and Author of \u003ci\u003eTelling Your Data Story: Data Storytelling for Data Management\u003c\/i\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Few people have spent more time with more CDO’s across more types of organizations than Malcolm Hawker. Drawing on this experience, witnessing the systemic struggles to deliver value … he has been able to synthesize root cause and the remedy. A cookbook even. \u003ci\u003eThe Data Hero Playbook\u003c\/i\u003e presents all the ingredients CDOs need to be successful.”\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003e—JEFF JONAS,\u003c\/b\u003e CEO and Founder of Senzing \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Malcolm’s honest and proactive approach defies conventional wisdom that hinders true data leadership, presenting a compelling argument for innovation, agility, and a customer-centric way of thinking. The book’s logical progression, going from the origin story of data heroes, to defying anti-hero mindsets, to encouraging agility and value-driven practices, provides an inspiring roadmap to unlocking the Data Hero within.”\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003e—DR. JOE PEREZ,\u003c\/b\u003e Author of \u003ci\u003eFrom Numbers to Narratives that Transform Businesses: Harnessing the Power of Data Visualization\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wiley","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47990203580645,"sku":"NP9781394310647","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9781394310647.jpg?v=1761786892","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/products\/the-data-hero-playbook-isbn-9781394310647","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}