Why most data transformation projects fail, according to Benny Benford

How much does your data actually cost you? Most organizations focus on the price of the contract, but the real expense lies in the complexity of integration, workflow disruption, and manual support. In this episode of Data Product Mindset, Anthony Cosgrove sits down with Mike Salk, a seasoned commercial data executive with decades of experience managing data products at scale. Mike shares hard-won insights from his career — ranging from the high-stakes world of stock data at the Associated Press to the modern challenges of cloud-based AI. In this episode, we explore: The Utility Trap: Why the best-built data product in the world is worthless if it doesn't solve a specific "job-to-be-done" for the end user. The Hidden P&L Killer: Why a single customer phone call reporting an error is the most expensive part of your data operation and how to prevent it with built-in quality checks. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Mike explains his unique philosophy of obsessing over the customer's TCO to build long-term trust and "free up wallet" for future growth. Archaic Tech in Modern Markets: Why much of the financial world is still running on mid-1980s FTP standards and the massive opportunity this presents for modernization. The Generative AI Shift: How AI is acting as the "new calculator," enabling non-technical users to build their own solutions and forcing data product owners to "unlock" their assets. Whether you are a product manager, a data engineer, or a business leader, this conversation offers a masterclass in thinking about data not just as a file, but as a deeply integrated business tool. About Our Guest: Mike Salk is a commercial data executive focused on optimizing P&L and managing data products across diverse functions and industries. He has led major data initiatives at organizations like the Associated Press, Moody's, and now Inveniam, focusing on mass customization and customer-centric delivery.

In this episode, Sanjiv Kumar shares hard-won lessons from nearly four decades in data at companies like Moody's, Bear Stearns, and Freddie Mac. He challenges the traditional warehouse-first approach to data, arguing that organizations should start with value and work backwards. Sanjiv explains how defining specific data products — rather than piling data into lakes and warehouses — can reduce risk, break down silos, and unlock the data needed for AI. A must-listen for anyone rethinking their data strategy.

Join us for a conversation with Liz Henderson, "Data Queen" and executive advisor, as we explore what really matters in data products. In episode 11 of the Data Product Mindset, Liz shares her pragmatic perspective on: - How data products emerged from the hype of data mesh - Learning from past technology initiatives when approaching AI - The critical importance of "why" in any data initiative - How businesses can take meaningful ownership of their data assets - The surprising role CFOs can play in data leadership Drawing from her experience advising FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 companies, Liz offers practical wisdom on avoiding common pitfalls and focusing on business value.

This week, we bring you a fun conversation about data product management and portfolio thinking with Nicolas Averseng, Founder & CEO of Yooi (acquired by DataGalaxy). In episode 10 of Data Product Mindset, Nicolas shares practical insights on: - Moving from data-driven to value-driven transformation - Managing data products as a strategic portfolio - Scaling data product capabilities across the enterprise - The evolving relationship between data and AI products Nicolas brings a fresh perspective on how organizations can build fewer, but more impactful data products. Whether you're just starting your data product journey or scaling your existing capabilities, this conversation offers valuable insights for data leaders and practitioners alike. This podcast was produced by Jaspar Casey. Original music by Alistair Welsh.

Join us for an insightful discussion between Diego Rodriguez, Product Management Principal at Cotality (known until 2025 as CoreLogic), and Harbr's Anthony Cosgrove as they explore the evolution of data products and solutions in today's market. In this 23-minute episode, they cover: The crucial distinction between data products and solutions Cotality's approach to delivering data — and value — to customers The journey from raw data assets to refined data products Innovation mindset and AI opportunities in data Real-world customer use cases and applications Whether you're a data product manager, business leader, or data professional, you'll gain valuable insights into how industry leaders are thinking about data quality, productization, and the future of data solutions. And if you'd like to learn more about Cotality's innovative use of its Harbr data marketplace, check out the case study. This podcast was produced by Jaspar Casey. Original music by Alistair Welsh.

How do you build — and sell — a value proposition for data products? Join our conversation with Neil Forrest, a data product GTM leader at Equifax, as he shares his extensive experience from startups to large enterprises. Drawing from both worlds, he offers practical wisdom on product development, sales strategies, and organizational challenges in the evolving data landscape. Here's what you can expect to learn: The crucial distinction between data products and solutions Why a clear value proposition is at the heart of any successful data product — and how to decide where on the value chain to position your solution The golden rule of product-market fit: "Sell the same proposition three times to the same type of customer," rather than trying different approaches with each customer Why data product development is inherently iterative How to overcome the challenges of "fail fast" in corporate settings Why we should look beyond GenAI and seek out the untapped potential in other data technologies and prediction models This podcast was produced by Jaspar Casey. Original music by Alistair Welsh.

Beth Lyons, a consultant at Assured and a former product leader at Tableau and KAWA, sits down with Harbr co-founder Anthony Cosgrove to discuss: When (and how) data becomes a product The nuances of data product management and data engineering — and where one ends and the other begins Her unique design process and approach to building data products Link to Tristan Handy article mentioned by Beth about why analytics is not an assembly line. This podcast was produced by Jaspar Casey. Original music by Alistair Welsh.

This episode is your blueprint for creating powerful, in-demand data products. Harbr founder Anthony Cosgrove talks with smart city expert Peter Bjørn Larsen about creating multi-modal data products with user-centric design and ROI at the core. Join their conversation as they go deep on data product management: Moving beyond tables: Discover how to design multi-modal data products that include APIs, dashboards, and apps to cater to different user needs. Funding your data dreams: Learn how to identify a wide range of use cases for your product, opening up diverse funding opportunities. Template magic: Maximize your return on investment by using the same data product template across different contexts. Decoding user desires: Uncover the secret to understanding what users truly want. (Hint: it's not just the data, it's the actionable insights.) This podcast was produced by Jaspar Casey. Original music by Alistair Welsh.

Why do some data projects fail to deliver on their promise? According to David Hardoon, AI Global Head at Standard Chartered and former CEO of Aboitiz Data Innovation and CDO of UnionBank, the problem lies in not looking at data projects through a business lens. Join David's lively conversation with Harbr co-founder Anthony Cosgrove as they discuss: The required shift in mindset to data and AI being seen as a business product that drives business results The importance of starting with smaller, achievable projects that demonstrate value and gain user adoption Why having a strong data foundation is essential for successful AI implementation This podcast was produced by Jaspar Casey. Original music by Alistair Welsh.

Why do most data transformation projects fail? And more importantly, how can data leaders buck this trend and write their own success story? Benny Benford, founder of Datent and former CDO of Jaguar Land Rover, explains to Harbr co-founder Anthony Cosgrove his key lessons about delivering value through data. They discuss: The reasons why most data transformation projects don't succeed What you should be measuring with data products Why you shouldn't worry about technology This podcast was produced by Jaspar Casey. Original music by Alistair Welsh.