In a recent interview with the D^3 team, Debbie Botha, a global Digital, Data, and AI coach, as well as a D^3 industry council member and steering committee member of D^3’s upcoming conference, “AI Elevate: From Readiness to Exponential Growth”, shared insights on the rapidly evolving field of AI and data leadership. She discussed trends shaping AI’s future, steps for companies to become AI-first, and the role of diversity in AI. Below are some highlights from that conversation. You can also join Debbie on November 7, 9 – 10:30 am EST / 6 – 7:30 pm GST, for a discussion with an expert panel of CDOs (Chief Data Officers).
As a Digital, Data, and AI Coach for executives globally, what are some of the latest trends you are excited about?
Key Insight: The Rise of Chief AI Officers (CAIOs)
“I am excited and passionate about the roles of Chief Data, Analytics Officers (CDAOs), Chief Data and AI Officers (CDAIOs), and Chief AI Officers (CAIOs), and the impact they can have in industry organizations.”
Debbie Botha
Debbie highlights the rise of Chief Data, Analytics, and AI Officers and data-driven roles across industries. Governments in the U.S. and Dubai are appointing CAIOs to leverage AI’s transformative potential and, by mid-2024, the U.S. had appointed 57 federal CAIOs and 22 governmental CAIOs were in place in Dubai. Debbie says she is part of a community of over 130 CAIOs in the Middle East more broadly and, with executives now embracing AI, she points out that data literacy and collaboration with CAIOs are driving rapid business value creation.
What steps do you feel companies can take to efficiently transform their business models to become digital and AI-first?
Key Insight: Follow Proven Methodologies with Dedicated Leadership to Avoid Common AI Pitfalls
“First of all, organizations need a decision maker whose sole purpose is to drive the data, analytics, and AI agenda in your organization, and he or she should be responsible for the budget and the team.”
Debbie Botha
Debbie notes the technology and consulting firm Gartner’s latest prediction that 30% of gen AI projects will be abandoned, due to poor data quality and unclear business value, by 2025. However, by adhering to structured methodologies like those of renowned thought leaders in data analytics and AI strategy, Bill Schmarzo, companies can avoid these pitfalls. Schmarzo’s approach begins with AI literacy, identifying business initiatives, and empathizing with stakeholders. Debbie stresses that AI’s potential lies beyond cost reduction and can foster innovative business models when implemented properly.
To foster a culture of AI-driven innovation, she suggests focusing on empathy, adaptability, inclusivity, resilience, AI literacy, and ethics.
You have recently conducted research on Chief Data and Analytics Officers across the UAE. What are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing leaders in the Middle East? What keeps them up at night?
Key Insight: Scaling AI Requires Overcoming People Challenges
“It is interesting that around 70% of these [data and analytics] leaders struggle to scale AI due to people challenges. Resistance to change, training, and skills are still key reasons holding back their AI implementations.”
Debbie Botha
Debbie’s research shows that while 38% of UAE leaders report success in AI initiatives, most face fragmented AI deployments. People challenges—resistance to change and lack of skills—are the greatest barriers to scaling AI, with 80% of AI failures attributed to these issues.
However, companies are addressing this with widespread AI literacy programs. Debbie notes that 90% of leaders have such initiatives in place, empowering staff at all levels. She also highlights that, while investments in AI tools are growing, attention to ethical AI, sustainability, diversity, and inclusion remains insufficient, with only 27% of budgets allocated to these areas.
What are the ingredients for success while establishing a Chief Data, Analytics, and AI Office? Are there any nuances unique to the region?
Key Insight: Success Depends on Generating Business Value
“All success boils down to the most important ingredient—generating business value.”
Debbie Botha
Debbie explains that the role of the Chief Data, Analytics, and AI Officer (CDAO) is not just about overseeing technology but about driving measurable business outcomes. In the Middle East, 82% of AI leaders believe that data functions should report directly to the CEO, underscoring the strategic importance of data. However, only 21% of CDAOs currently report to the CEO, with many still reporting to business or technical executives such as COOs or CIOs. This highlights an ongoing challenge in the region, where data leadership is still often viewed through a more technical lens rather than as a core business function.
She draws attention to research by IBM’s Institute of Business Value (IBV), which identifies “data value creators”—organizations and CDOs that are exceptional at linking their data initiatives directly to return on investment (ROI). These companies allocate smaller portions of their revenue to data-related initiatives yet manage to achieve superior business value by aligning their data strategies with broader digital transformation efforts. In her own research, Debbie finds that 4% of data and analytics leaders meet the criteria of a “data value creator”.
Debbie underlines the following areas as key drivers of CDAO impact:
- Strategic Importance: These leaders align data-driven initiatives with business goals to drive innovation and competitive advantage.
- Influence and Decision-Making: They provide data-backed insights that guide informed decision-making and shape key business strategies.
- Business Value Creation: They unlock business value by leveraging data and analytics to optimize processes, enhance customer experiences, and drive revenue.
- Cross-functional Collaboration: These leaders bridge the gap between technical teams and business stakeholders, promoting data-driven decision-making and collaboration.
- Mitigating Challenges: They navigate challenges like data quality, privacy, and organizational resistance by implementing governance frameworks and fostering data literacy.
In essence, Debbie’s approach suggests that a CDAO’s effectiveness is rooted in their ability to tie data initiatives directly to strategic business goals, engage all relevant stakeholders, and ensure both innovation and governance are prioritized.
What makes companies that have the Chief Data and Analytics role in their C-suite different from companies that do not?
Key Insight: CDAOs Create Significant Business Value
“The CDAO’s asset is data. They are responsible for ensuring it is attained, managed well, trusted, used for decision-making, and has a positive impact on the organization.”
Debbie Botha
Debbie highlights that organizations with CDAOs in their C-suites outperform those without. CDAOs ensure data is managed effectively and linked to decision-making, generating measurable outcomes. Research shows that companies with CDAOs are 3.5 times more likely to report improved decision-making.
Data-driven organizations are also more likely to launch new products, grow faster, and retain customers. Debbie cites research from Gartner, McKinsey, PwC, Forrester Research, and others that emphasizes the strong link between data leadership and financial success.
You are a strong advocate of women in AI, having founded a fast-growing community in the UAE and previously led the partnerships team at the global non-profit, Women in AI. How can more women contribute to the field? How can we support those currently growing through the ranks?
Key Insight: Increasing Diversity in AI is Critical for Society
“Companies with equitable representation on the board and c-suite, report 10% better financial performance.”
Debbie Botha
Debbie calls for greater diversity in AI to avoid biased and unequal AI solutions. Women currently represent only 25% of AI professionals, and this lack of diversity can perpetuate societal biases in AI development. Women also leave the field at high rates, with only 12% in C-suite roles.
To close the gender gap, Debbie says she agrees with AI trailblazer, Kay Firth Butterfield’s, thinking, as she advocates for supporting STEM education for women, mentoring female AI leaders, and ensuring equal opportunities. Her work with Women in AI has empowered hundreds of members globally and locally in the UAE, promoting diversity and inclusion at all levels.
What advice do you have for those wanting to establish a career in the field of AI?
Key Insight: Grit and Mentorship are Essential for Success in AI
“You have to be passionate about AI. It takes a lot of hard work to start a career in Data, Analytics, and AI, and grit and resilience to make a success of it.”
Debbie Botha
Debbie advises those pursuing a career in AI to be passionate and resilient. Building a career in AI requires continuous learning and seeking mentorship from multiple sources. She emphasizes the importance of actively engaging with mentors and participating in training programs communities that offer opportunities to network and train.
Her favorite community, Decoding Data Science, offers valuable networking and learning opportunities for aspiring AI professionals, helping them navigate their careers from beginner to expert.
Meet the Speaker
Debbie is the managing director for the Middle East sector at Dalebrook Media. She is a D^3 industry council member and a member of D^3’s steering committee for the upcoming conference, “AI Elevate: From Readiness to Exponential Growth”, which will be held on December 13, 2024, at the Dubai Museum of the Future in Dubai, UAE.
You can join Debbie on November 7, 9 – 10:30 am EST / 6 – 7:30 pm GST for a discussion with an expert panel of CDOs (Chief Data Officers).