Nachiket Mehta, the Head of Data and Analytics Engineering for Global Operations at Wayfair joins today to discuss navigating the last mile of data decision making. Nachiket shares his extensive experience in software development, consulting, and data engineering. They also discuss the importance of translating data into actionable insights and the best practices in data governance and AI application. Nachiket emphasizes the importance of stakeholder alignment, data contracts, and automated governance. He also explores upskilling employees for AI and the role of data in making better strategic decisions.

Key Takeaways:

• Focus on Business Impact: Always start with the question of what business impact you're trying to achieve.
• Data Contracts and Governance: Implement a solid governance model with data contracts. This could include defining roles, maintaining clear ownership, and using a versioned repository for data contracts to avoid miscommunication and errors.
• Handling Ad Hoc Requests: Differentiate between ad hoc and long-term data use cases. For urgent, short-term needs, use scrappy solutions temporarily but ensure anything productionalized meets governance standards.
• Balancing Speed and Governance: Develop a balance between the need for quick answers and the adherence to governance policies. Establish a flowchart or decision tree that guides staff in correctly prioritizing tasks.
• Structured Planning Processes: Link your data initiatives to the company’s strategic planning processes. Make sure data-related goals are clear and aligned with the company's larger objectives.

Quote of the Show:

• “  Don't try to overcomplicate it and add a lot of additional layers, middlemen, middle steps.” - Nachiket Mehta

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nachiketmehta/
• Website: https://www.wayfair.com/

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6PpvYXoXjAYl8auDpmShYi
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-better-decisions-leaders-in-data/id1739178505
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5e2ec300-0c66-4e24-8b01-0586af60235c/making-better-decisions-leaders-in-data
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/making-better-decisions-leader-5672586
• Transistor: https://www.makingbetterdecisions.live/episodes
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MakingBetterDecisions/podcasts