Hub & Spoken.

What's in this podcast?

In this episode, Jason talks to Tom Goodwin, the author of Digital Darwinism, about digital disruption, innovation and what companies should focus on to really make a difference using data. 

Listen to this episode on Spotify, iTunes, and Stitcher. You can also catch up on the previous episodes of the Hub & Spoken podcast when you subscribe.

What are your thoughts on business disruption and innovation? We’d love to hear from you; join the #HubandSpoken discussion and let us know on Twitter and LinkedIn.

To find out the strengths of your data strategy – and where best to focus next to add value, check out our on-demand Data Strategy Webinar.

One Big Message

There’s a lot of hype around digital disruption, but in reality the term is rarely defined. In fact, many companies sacrifice the true potential of data in attempting to be completely disruptive, when instead data can be successfully utilised to enhance human experiences.

[01:53] How Tom moved from being an architect into the data world

[03:53] Defining disruption

[08:00] Examining whether innovation is driven by customer needs, or the companies that want to create change in the world

[11:31] The process of rewriting Digital Darwinism for the 2nd Edition

[13:50] Tom’s opinion on the new normal, what’s changed and what remains the same

[25:20] How companies use data to grow their companies, and if big data companies focus on the right things

[32:20] Why you need to ask the question “What would your company look like if you built it today?” and keep coming back to reassess the answer

What is disruption in the data world?

In the world of business, there’s a constant battle to stay ahead of the competition. Companies are always looking for ways to disrupt their industry and create new markets. In the data world, this means finding new and innovative ways to collect, process, and use data to drive greater value for businesses and consumers alike. Usually this change is centred around the needs of the consumer, however trailblazing companies regularly innovate and propel their companies forward by experimenting and innovating to improve their own product. 

Create meaningful change with data

In a post-pandemic world it can feel impossible to make a difference when faced with all of the problems in the world. However, data can still help companies have a huge impact. By collecting and analysing data, companies can identify trends and patterns that can help us understand what is happening and how we can make things better. Data-guided decisions are essential for creating meaningful change, and with the right tools, data can be accurately collected and effectively used.

Are we in a new normal?

It’s been a few months since the pandemic officially ended, and many of us are wondering if we’re really in a new normal. Although things have changed in some ways, others remain exactly the same.

Since the pandemic the workplace has evolved, and there have been changes in how people view work-life balance. Companies are starting to see the importance of offering flex time and other benefits in order to retain their employees. Employees are also more willing to take advantage of these benefits and are looking for jobs that offer them. The line between work and personal life is becoming more blurred, which can be a good or bad thing depending on your perspective.

But some things have clearly not changed. In certain places around the world there really isn’t a ‘new normal,’ because everything has quickly reverted back to the way things were before the pandemic. This proves that while the workplace and education have readjusted by embracing technology, there are some things that will never change.

Keep your organisation current

Constantly ask yourself “What would your business look like if you built it today?” This will help you to reassess your priorities and check if you are utilising the best methods and practices available. It is also the best way to see if your old systems and processes need updating. 

To summarise

Human nature will always remain the same, however data can be used to amplify our experience. By attempting to drive innovation companies sometimes forget that data is really there to support people make better decisions and assist them. If you keep your focus on providing better service and products for your employees and customers, you will never be led off track.