How Careers Wales developed a data strategy for national impact

Here's the fastest way to turn complex data into a compelling recommendation: We've noticed junior consultants often struggle with this exact challenge - you have mountains of analysis, but only 3 minutes to make your point stick. Try the 'So What Stack' method: 1. Lead with the outcome: Start with what the client should DO, not what you found 2. One supporting fact: Pick your single strongest data point that justifies the action 3. Address the obvious objection: Acknowledge the main concern they'll have and briefly counter it Example: ❌ ""Our analysis of Q3 data shows a 12% decline across segments..."" ✅ ""You should pause the European expansion. Q3 shows 12% decline there while Asia grew 8%. Yes, Europe is a bigger market, but the trend suggests timing isn't right."" The magic happens when you flip from researcher to advisor. Your job isn't to download everything you know - it's to guide them to the right decision. What's your go-to method for turning analysis into action? #ManagementConsulting #ConsultingSkills #DataStorytelling #ClientCommunication #ConsultingTips #Perswayd

Our Director of Programs and Research, Robin Sokoloski, will be heading to Nova Scotia to lead an interactive, hands-on session exploring how to build a values-driven data strategy. Using a community agreement developed earlier in the day as a case study, participants will walk step-by-step through essential questions: 🔹 What do we need to ask? 🔹 What data should we collect? 🔹 How do we make sense of it? 🔹 How might it be shared? This workshop introduces the foundations of a data strategy rooted in care, accountability, and usefulness – connecting shared values to real-world data practices. Mass Culture is excited to be able to work with our Atlantic colleagues to enhance sectoral data practices! This session is part of Atlantic Presenters Association’s Convergence25! Schedule & details: https://lnkd.in/gJaS3Yuz 

🧠 Midweek Food for Thought: The Power of Data Integrity In fast-paced industries, it's tempting to spotlight numbers that dazzle. But without context, even well-intentioned data can mislead, creating confusion instead of clarity. As professionals, we carry a responsibility—not just to report results, but to ensure those results are rooted in transparency, accuracy, and relevance. Data should illuminate, not obscure. Whether you're publishing a report, presenting at a conference, or sharing a win—ask yourself: Is this data telling the full story? Let’s keep raising the standard as a community. Integrity in data isn’t just good practice—it’s good leadership.

Many councils have invested in dashboards, KPIs, and metrics. But often, the real challenge isn’t the technology - it’s creating the right culture to make that data truly work. The barriers aren’t just systems or data quality. They’re cultural: skepticism, fear, and low data literacy. This blog shares how councils can turn data into real community impact by focusing on three essential pillars. Read here: https://lnkd.in/eDEUUYqS

3 Misbeliefs I had at the start of my career -> Charts and data speak for themselves. They don’t. People need context, emotion, and clarity to understand your message. -> More data = more confidence Not always true. I’ve seen plenty of cases where teams worked with garbage data and made confident but wrong decisions. More relevant and verified data leads to real confidence in your insights. -> Seniority = Knowing everything. It’s not. Seniority is about knowing what matters, ignoring the noise and asking the questions.

So many organisations are drowning in data but starved of insight. The assumption is simple: more data = better decisions. But in practice, it often does the opposite. Past a point, the extra volume doesn’t add clarity - it fragments into competing stories, creating divergence where we need focus. The difference comes from the lens we apply. How we frame, contextualise, and embed the evidence is what makes decisions stronger. Where have you seen the balance tip - when more data sharpened decisions, and when it only added noise?

Earlier this month, we published a new report which sought to learn more about public opinions of data access for research 🙋♀️ In a new blog post from Katie Oldfield, Senior Engagement Manager, discover how we involved the public through workshops on topics including: 🤝 defining 'public good' 💼 private sector access to public sector data 💬 how the public should be involved in how their data is used. Read the blog 👇 https://lnkd.in/e5sKibji

Our accredited researchers gain access to administrative data research to analyse public data for the public good. One of ADR Scotland's delivery partners, Research Data Scotland, has developed a platform called the Researcher Access Service, which will enable researchers to receive the data quicker. Here, Katie, their Engagement Manager, explains how their workshops with the public went, when discussing how public sector data should be accessed for research, for what reasons and by whom. ADR UK (Administrative Data Research UK) Shayda Kashef DARE UK Jane Barr

The 2025 State Chief Data Officer Survey, conducted by the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) and the Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation, reveals the significant growth and increasing importance of the role in government transformation. State CDOs are shaping strategies that bring data to life in ways that improve services and strengthen how agencies connect with the people they serve. One theme that shines throughout the survey is collaboration. The emphasis on data-sharing agreements and cross-agency partnerships reflects the real power of this work. When leaders come together around data, it creates opportunities for smarter decisions and stronger outcomes for communities. It’s inspiring to see this community of innovators leading the way toward a more connected, responsive, and people-centered government. https://lnkd.in/eTKeTTFm #Collaboration #Transformation #Data