Morgan Templar on Overcoming Personal Challenges and Building Resilience

Designing Successful Startups

Summary

Morgan Templar, founder of First CDO Partners, shares her journey from starting as a secretary to becoming a successful entrepreneur. She discusses the importance of data governance and the role of a chief data officer (CDO) in organizations. Morgan emphasizes the need for good data management and governance, especially in the era of AI. She also opens up about the personal challenges she faced, including her daughter's health issues and her husband's medical condition. Despite the difficulties, Morgan's determination and resilience have propelled her career and led to the founding of her own company.

Takeaways

Data governance is crucial for organizations, especially in the age of AI.

The role of a chief data officer (CDO) involves managing data strategy, bringing together business and technology teams, and ensuring data quality and governance.

Personal challenges can shape one's career and provide the strength and determination to overcome obstacles.

Resilience and a positive mindset are key to navigating difficult times and achieving success.

Scaling a company requires careful planning and consideration, including potential funding rounds and an exit strategy.

Sound Bites

"We're seeing the downside of not having good governance, especially as all of a sudden AI is all anybody wants to talk about. You have to have good data to have good AI."

"Life is to learn."

Links

Please leave us a review: https://podchaser.com/AdventuresOnTheCanDo

Think Like a Startup Founder (book): https://www.manning.com/books/think-like-a-startup-founder

Jothy’s website: https://jothyrosenberg.com

The Who Says I Can’t Foundation: https://whosaysicant.org

Jothy’s TEDx talk on disabilities: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5A

Morgan’s books

“Get Governed: Building World Class Data Governance Programs” by Morgan Templar

https://www.amazon.com/Get-Governed-Building-Governance-Programs/dp/069295175X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1506495103&sr=8-1

“A Culture of Governance” by Morgan Templar

https://www.amazon.com/Culture-Governance-Morgan-Templar/dp/0692185100/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=a+culture+of+governance&qid=1616373445&sr=8-6

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Small Talk

01:39 Background and Current Work

05:28 The Role of a Chief Data Officer

07:26 Identifying an Unsolved Problem in the Market

09:16 The Challenges of Being a Chief Data Officer

10:02 Gaining Confidence to Start a Company

12:09 Breaking Glass Ceilings and Overcoming Adversity

14:36 The Impact of Personal Challenges on Career

19:33 The Effect of Family Challenges on Career

24:16 Balancing Work and Personal Life

28:42 Medium and Long-Term Vision for the Company

32:07 Expectation of Selling the Company

35:49 Conclusion and Reflections