60 seconds with a data leader: Coman Wakefield, CTO

Welcome to 60 Seconds with a data leader — a series where data leaders uncover their journeys, perspectives, and insights on the ever-evolving world of data

In this edition, Coman Wakefield, CTO at Experian Data Quality, shares his journey into the world of data and technology, the evolution of the data landscape, and the role of AI in shaping the future.

What inspired you to pursue a career in data and technology?

I graduated in Mathematics and Computer Science and have always had a passion for technology. The ‘geek’ in me loves data and making order out of chaos. It didn’t take me long to realise the power of well-organised and high-quality data, even if it’s just to analyse how your favourite sports team is performing.

I was fortunate to have an early opportunity in my career to work on data management technology, and it evolved from there.

What’s the most exciting part of being a CTO at Experian Data Quality?

I’m quite a hands-on CTO, and I love being at the heart of our innovation. It’s exciting that we are investing in our technology to grow our data management capabilities. Our latest data governance offering is a great example of this.

My goal is to create lovable data management solutions that can be put in the hands of business users, and it’s thrilling to see our team grow as we achieve this.

How has the role of data evolved since you started your career?

I began my career quite a long time ago, and the landscape has evolved significantly. The amount of data has exploded in size over the years, largely because we now capture anything and everything we can.

It means that business decisions are almost always fully data driven, rather than the old ‘gut feel’. The challenge today is how to make effective use of such data volumes.

How do you see the role of AI and machine learning shaping the future of data?

This is an intriguing topic, especially as trust issues arise with the increasing prevalence of AI. If you train an AI model with conflicting information, it will struggle to provide trustworthy answers.

I believe the governance of data used to train models will become crucial, especially when dealing with personal data. Ensuring that data is accurate and reliable will be essential to building trust in AI systems.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to businesses looking to improve their data management practices?

I’d say, “Know your data.” Data fuels businesses and impacts everything from revenue to reputation.

By understanding the quality of your data and its influence on your operations, you can prioritise efforts to maximise the return on your investment in data quality.

Thank you for joining us for this insightful Q&A with Coman

Stay tuned for more expert insights in our next edition of 60 Seconds with a Data Leader. Speak to our team if you’d like to find out how our data quality solutions can help you unlock the full potential of your data.

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