Carrie Cobb, Chief Data Officer at Blackbaud, speaks with ElectrifAi CEO Ed Scott, in a video interview about examples of success with data, the importance of establishing KPIs and metrics, and the experience of being one of the top women in data at a public company in the U.S.
Blackbaud is a cloud solutions company that provides cloud software, services, expertise, and data intelligence for social good.
Cobb says that Blackbaud has a proven history of delivering results and developing accessible, powerful, and responsible AI solutions for modern fundraising. She mentions the company’s recently released “prospect insights” that allow organizations to automate or simplify and improve their major giving cultivation processes.
In addition to the right technology and skills, Cobb highlights people as a key factor for success. She discusses how Blackbaud leans into the experiences and the expertise from across the company while making way for experimentation, learning, curiosity, and discussion.
Speaking further on the topic, she reveals that the teams have clear and measurable goals alongside continuously seeking feedback from key stakeholders. Cobb says that getting these right can drive business results. Project success comes down to the people on the initiatives and the behaviors that they demonstrate, and is not always about the technology, she states.
When asked about the need for establishing KPIs and metrics up front, Cobb explains that everyone needs to see where they are going, understand the organization's corporate goals, and realize how they are changing the world and impacting the business. It sheds light on employee engagement too.
Adding on, Cobb describes how data leaders must gain buy-in and support across the entire organization, and retain the stakeholders in the technology. She adds that it can make AI and machine learning concepts more accessible, and providing evidence to showcase successful implementations in the past can reinforce support.
Next, Cobb goes on to share her experience of being one of the top women in data at a public company in the U.S. She describes the experience of working alongside other women within and outside Blackbaud as “humbling,” and says that bringing that expertise to the table makes way for diverse, and different conversations.
It can spark debate, challenge assumptions, and drive innovation, Cobb concludes.
CDO Magazine appreciates Carrie Cobb for sharing her insights with our global community.
