Why Most Data Projects Capsize (And How to Keep Yours Afloat)

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Recently, I decided to get my boat license. Living in Australia, with its stunning waterways and coastal views, it felt like the natural next step in embracing the lifestyle here. But as I went through the process, I couldn’t help but notice how similar it was to launching a data project.

First, there’s the initial excitement. Just like executives eager to dive into AI initiatives or new data platforms, I was ready to get out on the water right away. But reality quickly set in — there was homework to be done first.

The licensing process requires learning about safety protocols, understanding navigation rules, and knowing how to read weather conditions. You can’t just jump in and hope for the best. It struck me how similar this is to data projects, where the foundation work — understanding data quality, establishing…