When most organisations invest in data, the first question is usually: “Which tool should we buy?”
In a recent episode of Data with Dexter, Steve Prokopiou, Head of Data Literacy & Enablement at Ortecha shared on main message: that technology alone does not deliver transformation and that the magic happens when people feel confident using data – when it becomes part of everyday conversations, decisions and ways of working.
Here are five key takeaways from Steve’s discussion with Mark Dexter.
1. People before platforms
The discussion highlighted a truth we see time and again: tools are important, but they are only part of the story. Without the right culture, technology risks gathering dust. A thriving data culture helps people use whatever tool they have at hand—whether it’s Tableau, Power BI or even Excel—with purpose and confidence.
2. Sponsorship and communication are essential
Rolling out new ways of working with data requires visible leadership support. But sponsorship on its own isn’t enough. You need communication that lands. Think of it as a marketing campaign: repeated messages, engaging stories and clear “what’s in it for me?” benefits.
That’s how adoption sticks.
“You cannot over-communicate, right? Think like it’s a marketing campaign for data literacy — make it fun, interesting, engaging. Help people understand what’s in it for them and why it’s important.”
– Steve
3. ROI comes from business outcomes
Counting training sessions and logins is useful, but it’s not the full picture. The podcast made clear that the real return comes from:
- Reducing wasted time searching for data
- Improving customer experiences and satisfaction
- Enabling faster, more confident decision-making
- Reducing risk through trusted data use
These outcomes are what prove the value of culture change and they resonate with both leadership and frontline teams.
4. Governance and culture belong together
We often hear governance and culture spoken about as separate initiatives. In reality, they are two sides of the same coin. Governance provides trusted guardrails. Culture ensures those guardrails are used to create value. Together, they give people confidence – especially in the era of AI – where trust and accountability matter more than ever.
“…the tool doesn’t matter as long as the tool’s fit for purpose. Don’t think that buying the tool solves the answer. That is a common mistake leaders make.”
– Mark
5. Start where you are, build momentum
Every organisation starts from a different place. Some can launch with board-level backing, others begin with small pilot teams. What matters is momentum. Find allies, deliver value, share stories widely and build belief across the business. Over time, small wins become the foundation for enterprise-wide change.
What’s next?
A strong data culture isn’t built on tools – it’s built on people, sponsorship, communication and trust. Organisations that get this right unlock the full value of both their data and their technology.
For today’s organisations, that means one thing: don’t treat data literacy as optional. Treat it as essential.
The return isn’t just on your training budget – it’s on every investment you’ve already made in people, data and technology.
Thank you to the podcast host Mark Dexter, The Data Talent Scout, for inviting Ortecha to speak on the podcast!
Watch the full podcast episode here:
Steve Prokopiou
Head of Data Literacy & Engagement
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