By Grant Broadbent, Managing Director
Timeless Insights: The Wisdom of Experience
Our Co-Founder and Managing Director, Grant Broadbent, reflects on his decades of experience in the data and analytics space in New Zealand.
A Humbling Moment: Embracing the Passage of Time
The other day, a moment caught me off guard. A fine young man on a busy shuttle bus kindly offered me his seat. Naturally, I politely declined, thanked him profusely, and did my best to look as youthful and unruffled as possible. But let’s face it – looking at me now there’s no denying the obvious, but I wouldn’t change a thing about the lessons and experiences I’ve had in the world of data.
Yes, I’m long in the tooth and the years are flying by faster than I’d like. Born in the mid-sixties when World War II was still fresh in collective memory, I grew up in a world of marching drills and wind-up gramophones. My first academic award triumph? Mastering the art of converting pounds, shillings, and pence into decimal currency. These days, my colleagues jokingly point me to the clinic instead of the conference room – or so I sometimes think!
The Value of Experience: Patterns, Wisdom, and Growth
But here’s the thing about age and experience: you begin to see patterns. Trends and technologies come and go, often repackaged and resold as ‘the next big thing.’ You learn from your mistakes – and from others – building a foundation of wisdom that guides future decisions. Despite this accumulated knowledge, history has a habit of repeating itself, often because the lessons of the past weren’t passed on effectively.
That’s why I’m proud that our Seven Essentials have stood the test of time. Introduced in 2008 and validated through hundreds of successful projects, these principles remain just as relevant today for successfully delivering impactful data, analytics, and AI solutions. They aren’t about chasing the latest ‘shiny toy’ but about building a holistic, enduring approach to data and analytics success.
Introducing Stellar’s Seven Essentials:
- Governance – Ensuring alignment, accountability, and ethical use of data.
- Engagement Model – Building relationships that foster collaboration and trust.
- Delivery Model – Structuring for efficiency and effectiveness.
- Performance Insight – Enabling data-driven decision-making.
- Information Architecture – Designing systems that serve business needs.
- Data Management – Safeguarding the integrity and usability of data.
- Technology – Leveraging tools to empower, not overshadow, your strategy.
The Seven Essentials take us away from the tech-first ‘new toy’ approach and remind us that successful data, analytics, and AI programmes extend far beyond ‘IT stuff.’ They require a balanced focus on both technical and non-technical dimensions, creating a foundation for sustainable success.
The Enduring Relevance of Stellar’s Seven Essentials
As someone who has spent much of my career navigating the always-evolving world of data, I can confidently say that the Seven Essentials are more than just principles – they’re an enduring toolkit for driving meaningful change with data, analytics, and AI. These essentials guide us to look beyond fads and fleeting trends, to focus on what truly matters. In my experience, creating lasting impact comes down to timeless fundamentals: delivering value, fostering collaboration, and making informed decisions.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re curious about how Stellar’s Seven Essentials can benefit your organisation, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us on 0800 228 872 or email bi@stellarconsulting.co.nz.
