Given the enormous impact that Chief Data Officers are already having on organizations in every industry, it is very easy to forget how recently the role emerged – even 5 years ago, the role was rather uncommon. The relative infancy of data and analytics leadership positions is perhaps one of the major reasons that the community is so keen to meet others in a similar role to share perspectives.

Of course, budgetary limits and the need to maximize time in the office can sometimes mean that you are unable to take the opportunity to attend events, which can offer the best chance to gain new insights and make new connections.

So how can you work around these issues, to ensure that you are still connected to the wider data leadership community and benefitting from a wider pool and knowledge and experience? How can you get your most pertinent questions answered by those who have been there before, and remember the days when using the term CDO meant little more than confused faces?

What would you say if I told you that you could pick the brains of one of the earliest appointed Chief Data Officers (and the newly crowned CDO of the Year), Inderpal Bhandari, without needing to leave the office, and at no cost? I’m sure you would jump at the chance!

This is why I’m very excited that we will be hosting a live webinar with Inderpal on August 29, from 4pm to 5pm ET. During the webinar, Inderpal will be sharing his experiences of being a CDO, insight into his Chief Data Officer Blueprint, as well as top tips for you to utilize in your own organization’s data program.

Inderpal is currently IBM’s Global Chief Data Officer, where he is leading the work to transform IBM into a truly Cognitive Enterprise. Prior to this, he previously held the CDO role at Cambia Health Solutions and Express Scripts/Medco Health Solutions, creating and leading their data and analytics strategies from scratch, making him one of the most experienced CDOs in the world.

Be sure to register for your place now – the link to join the webinar will be sent to registered attendees within 24 hours before the event.

The webinar will be a taster of what to expect at the 7th edition of the IBM CDO Summit, taking place at the Boston Park Plaza this October 24-25th. The complimentary, invite-only event is exclusively for senior data and analytics leaders, and will feature over 50 speakers alongside Inderpal, as well as 150+ attendees. It really is ‘the most influential gathering of CDOs’ on the planet!

So, with the chance to learn from Inderpal remotely via the Webinar, or in person alongside the collective wisdom 150+ other data leaders at the Boston event, make sure you’re connecting with the wider CDO community and benefitting from the experience of those who have tackled the same issues you face day-to-day.