Unlocking strategic potential through data maturity

For senior leaders, CDOs, and transformation owners aiming to turn strategic ambition into tangible outcomes. 

We’ve seen it in several organisations: an organisation with great data ambition, a clear business strategy, set OKRs, large investments into data platform, and an eager leadership team – but a frustrating sense of waiting to see the effects of the investments. 

Recently, we worked with a leading B2B SaaS provider of financial management who was in exactly that position. They knew data was the key to achieving their business goals, but enablement wasn’t strong enough to execute. The result? A lack of valuable data insights to fuel marketing, product, customer success, and other parts of the organisation. 

Data-ready on paper, stuck in practice

Our assessment revealed a common but critical truth: some organisations primarily need to strengthen their data foundations, while others must address organisational challenges around governance, collaboration, and skills. In this case, it was the latter. 

Despite having a robust data platform, analytics work was largely reactive, the data strategy was fragmented, and there was limited alignment between business goals and data initiatives. Without that alignment, the organisation couldn’t fully leverage its assets – and, for instance, AI-readiness in business domains was still a distant goal. 

Three key insights that accelerate data impact

1. A strong data strategy is only as effective as the organisation behind it
Data strategy should enhance the business strategy – but it can’t be executed until ownership, governance, and ways of working are in place.

2. Foundations enable acceleration
By reorganising data and analytics capabilities, clarifying ownership, and improving data accessibility, the organisation could finally move from firefighting to forward planning.

3. Data maturity is the runway for AI
AI initiatives aren’t just about algorithms and models – they require clean, accessible, well-governed data and a culture ready to use it. This work laid exactly that groundwork. 

The outcome of getting data maturity right

With a new organisational posture around data, 20 prioritised initiatives, and clear roadmap – spanning strategic alignment, operating model, data platform improvements, and value creation – the organisation has started to unlock its ability to move forward. Strategic initiatives that had been stalled for months were given the foundation to start generating the value that the company had made investments for. 

Ultimately, improving the capability and capacity of working with data does not only help here and now – it helps position the organisation to be ready for the next phase, from advanced analytics to AI-driven innovation. 

Our takeaway for leaders

If your organisation is “ready” on paper but progress feels stuck, don’t underestimate the foundational work. Strengthening both the technical and organisational sides of data maturity might feel like slowing down, but it’s the fastest way to turn ambition into action – and to stay ready for what’s next. 

Ready to start extracting value from your data efforts?

Curious about where to start, or want to discuss your specific challenges? Contact us today and let’s talk about how we can help you turn your data into a true business asset. 

About the authors 

Hannes Söderlund and Martin Karlsson are Senior Experts in Data and Analytics at Curamando. Daniel Aston is a Management Consultant specialising in operating models and strategy.