Building a Strong Data Foundation: Insights from Citigroup’s Analytics Leader

A recent discussion between Starburst CEO Justin Borgman and Murli Buluswar, Head of U.S. Consumer Analytics at Citigroup, highlighted the importance of building a robust data foundation and fostering a proactive data culture for maximizing data value. Buluswar emphasized the need for data professionals to transition from a reactionary mindset to one that is proactive and curiosity-driven, encouraging a deeper understanding of the business context. Additionally, he stressed the importance of balancing data infrastructure development with accountability to ensure alignment with organizational goals. The conversation also covered the strategic use of proofs of concept (POCs), advocating for well-defined objectives and success metrics to align POCs with long-term organizational visions. AI was discussed as a tool that should be integrated not just for mechanization but as an enabler of creative, strategic decision-making, promoting collaboration between humans and machines. Clear and comprehensive success metrics were deemed essential for measuring the impact of data initiatives, ensuring all stakeholders understand their business implications. The discussion underscored the evolving roles of humans and machines, with humans focusing more on creativity and interdisciplinary thinking, highlighting the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the data landscape.