Coaching Toward the Summit: A New Route to Data Leadership

This chapter advocates for a fundamental shift in data leadership, moving from a rigid, data-driven approach to a more holistic, data-informed culture. The work reframes data analytics not as the sole domain of a “data person,” but as a shared, organization-wide responsibility. The proposed data empowerment strategy framework guides leaders and teams toward a shared understanding of data as a powerful tool in organizational culture and cohesion. The data empowerment strategy framework includes three steps: culture, coordination, and collaboration. Drawing on established theoretical models, which include Amelia Parnell’s data identity framework and John Kotter’s eight-stage process for creating major change, the chapter provides practical strategies and exercises to build data capacity across teams and organizations. By using a coaching approach, leaders can proactively address common barriers like imposter syndrome and resistance to change. The chapter utilizes a case study of a university’s journey to turn data silos into a powerful data strategy system, demonstrating how a phased, intentional approach can anchor new data practices into an organization’s identity. The goal of the data empowerment strategy is to empower all individuals within organizations to transform data from an intimidating tool into a foundation for meaningful program improvement, innovation, and strategic decision-making.