Strategic insights transformation: 7 key steps for success

Change management is one of the most challenging aspects of our work, especially when it involves large organizations. 

But for insights leaders, it’s important to get right. Because change management is essential for successful insights transformation. 

We recently held a talk with Kate Schardt, Sr. Director of Global Insights at PepsiCo, to learn how she transformed insights within the organization from being reactive and disconnected to proactive, strategic partners. 

Read on to get her seven recommended steps for successful insights transformation.

"It's essential to communicate the purpose and benefits of the transformation to all stakeholders. Without their buy-in, the process will face significant hurdles." 

Change management is crucial for any transformation initiative. And according to Kate, clear communication is the cornerstone of this process. 

That’s why it’s important to ensure that all stakeholders understand the purpose and benefits of the transformation. Providing comprehensive training and support (which we’ll get into next) can also help teams adapt to new processes and technologies, fostering a smooth transition.

"Investing in regular training sessions and development opportunities not only enhances our team's capabilities but also promotes a culture of innovation and improvement."

Kate emphasizes the importance of empowering teams through continuous learning and development. 

By offering regular training sessions and development opportunities, organizations can equip their teams with the latest skills and knowledge. This not only enhances their capabilities but also promotes a culture of innovation and improvement.

"Creating cross-functional teams to work on insights projects ensures that diverse perspectives are considered."

Successful insights transformation requires breaking down silos and encouraging collaboration across various departments. 

Kate suggests creating cross-functional teams to work on insights projects. This approach ensures that diverse perspectives are taken into consideration, leading to more comprehensive and strategic insights.

“Advanced technologies enable us to gather, analyze and interpret data more effectively, providing deeper and more actionable insights.”

Staying on top of technological advancements is essential for maintaining a competitive edge. 

Kate recommends investing in advanced data analytics tools and methodologies. These technologies enable teams to collect, analyze and interpret data more effectively, for deeper and more actionable insights.

"Setting measurable goals and regularly evaluating performance against these benchmarks allows us to make necessary adjustments and improvements."

To track the progress and impact of the transformation, it is vital to establish clear metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs). 

Kate advises setting measurable goals and regularly evaluating performance against these benchmarks. This continuous evaluation allows for adjustments and improvements, ensuring that the transformation remains on track.

"Presenting insights in a way that directly ties to business objectives and outcomes is key. This helps in securing our place as essential strategic partners by showing how our insights contribute to achieving business goals."

One of the critical aspects of moving from order-takers to strategic partners is demonstrating the strategic value of insights. 

Kate suggests presenting insights in a way that directly ties to business objectives and outcomes. By clearly showing how insights contribute to achieving business goals, insights teams can secure their place as strategic partners.

“Engagement with stakeholders helps us understand their needs and expectations, fostering trust and collaboration."

Building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders is fundamental for the success of insights transformation. 

Kate recommends regular engagement with stakeholders to understand their needs and expectations. By fostering trust and collaboration, insights teams can ensure that their work is aligned with business priorities and drives real impact.

Transforming insights teams from order-takers to strategic partners requires a holistic approach that includes change management, continuous learning, collaboration, technology adoption and clear communication. 

Kate's recommended steps offer extremely helpful guidelines for organizations to keep top-of-mind as they navigate this transformation, with the ultimate end-goal of unlocking the full potential of their insights teams and driving business success.

For more, catch the full talk below.