Supercharging Collaboration While Ensuring Data Integrity

Tembi Hommes, Global Chief Data Officer at Arup
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Episode Summary

In this episode, Markus Zirn and Tembi Holmes explore the critical role of being data-driven in achieving sustainable and resilient global solutions. As a leader at Arup, Tembi discusses the importance of data integrity in real-time information exchange and the complexities of managing extensive data ecosystems. She shares her diverse background in financial services and tech, highlighting how these experiences influence her leadership. They delve into the challenges of standardizing processes across a global company and the impact of generative AI on productivity and efficiency in engineering and architecture. Tembi's insights underscore the future of data-driven practices and the value of hands-on experience for data leaders.

  • Episode Key Takeaways

    Episode Key Takeaways

    • Data Integrity is crucial: Ensuring the integrity of data as it moves through various processes and systems is vital. It’s not just about transferring data; it needs to maintain its accuracy and quality at every stage.

    • Collaboration is key: Strong internal and external collaborations are necessary to tackle complex projects. Engaging with multiple stakeholders, from engineers to architects and clients, ensures a collective approach toward achieving goals.

    • Utilize custom applications and innovations: Invest in developing and leveraging custom applications that can support specific industry needs, such as parametric design for engineers or specialized simulation tools.

    • Start small with GenAI: Begin with manageable use cases of GenAI to understand the value it can bring to your company and identify any gaps in your data management strategies.

  • About Tembi

    About Tembi

    Tembi is a seasoned data and analytics leader with a track record of developing and implementing data strategies across a range of industries, both as a trusted advisor and business leader. As Arup's Global Chief Data Officer and Principal, Tembi leads the delivery of our firm's data strategy and oversees Arup's data governance plans. She formerly was accountable for the delivery of global best-in-class data solutions with the company, Okta. Prior to joining Okta, Tembi was part of the CIO leadership team at Peloton where she led the Enterprise Data team. She began her career at accounting giant, PwC, and has previously held leadership roles at boutique consulting firm, CrossCountry Consulting, and also at Australia’s largest bank, the Commonwealth Bank. Tembi holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting, and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. She loves to hike and is an avid squash player. She is passionate about causes that empower women and children and has held various advisory roles supporting female-led companies.

  • Top Quotes

    Top Quotes

    “We always ask, as data leaders, is how do we make sure that the business consumer who's not technical can leverage this technology? A lot of technology can be highly technical, the barrier to entry can be really onerous and complex. And that makes it really difficult, especially if you want to federate some of the data services that people need to be able to do by themselves. And so you need something that's at least visual, that has a process mind behind it because a lot of business consumers are thinking about the process and what they need to get to, not necessarily the technical complexity behind it. So, I agree with you that I think the visual component, the simplification is really powerful.”