January 28, 10:05 – 10:30am
Data Culture Battleplan at Merck: Uniting for a Data-Driven Future
In this presentation, we will introduce Merck’s Data Culture Battleplan, tailored for various target groups: Senior Managers, Managers, Experts, All Employees, and Physical Operations. We will discuss three key tactics:
- Communications: Strategic communication to enhance data awareness and transparency.
- Learning Experiences: Interactive learning formats to strengthen data literacy at all levels.
- Community: Building a data-driven community that fosters exchange and collaboration.
Together, we will shape a robust data culture!
Roundtable Topic: Scaling Data Culture Across the Organization
Stefanie Babka, Global Head of Data Culture and her Data Culture Warriors | Merck
Stefanie Babka studied business administration with focus on marketing. She has over 15 years experience in various digital fields within several large corporations (Daimler, GM, Nestlé, Merck). After working in digital marketing and social media she turned to broader digital transformation topics like implementing a digital workplace or an enterprise data strategy. She is currently Global Head of Data Culture at Merck KGaA in Darmstadt.
January 28, 10:30 – 10:55am
The State of Data Culture: From Awareness to Impact
Carsten will highlight common challenges, including the connection between data culture and company culture, and the importance of measuring the progress and benefits of data-driven initiatives.
Dr. Carsten Bange, CEO & Founder | BARC
Dr. Carsten Bange is the founder and managing director of BARC. He is one of the leading experts in the successful implementation of information technology for business intelligence & data management within the framework of the transformation to data-driven companies. As a neutral market observer he has been the coach & strategy consultant for companies of the most varied industries, frequent speaker at conferences, seminars and the author of numerous industry publications and market studies.
January 28, 11:15 – 11:40am
Data Literacy: Cultivating a Digital Business Culture
In an era where data is the new currency, understanding and nurturing a robust data culture is paramount for any modern organization to thrive.
This talk delves into the symbiotic relationship between data culture and digital business models, highlighting how the former can be the key enabler for the latter.
We’ll explore the concept of data maturity, offering insights into how businesses can measure their data capabilities and maturity levels. Through this, you’ll learn how data literacy and a strong research foundation play critical roles in advancing your organization’s data maturity.
Nadja Schäfer, Global Lead Data Culture & Research | Roche Diagnostics Information Solutions
Leading, implementing and advising on complex strategic programs with a focus on digital and data-driven transformation. Significant experience in leading people (multinational) of large-scale projects including the appropriate engagement and candid interaction with relevant stakeholders. Passionate about ecosystem thinking, driving real impact and change with focus on staying cutting edge.
January 28, 11:40am – 12:05pm
The AI Era- Essential Skills for a Data and AI influenced world
Explore the transformative potential of Inner Development Goals (IDG) in navigating the challenges of the AI-driven world. This presentation provides an introduction to IDG, an overview of its framework, and its crucial role in fostering resilience, adaptability, and ethical decision-making. Through practical applications, discover how IDG empowers individuals and organizations. Conclude with a call to action to integrate these principles for personal and collective growth in the AI era.
Roundtable Topic: Driving Transformation – Buildings Skills aligned with Inner Development Goals (IDG)
Bianca Scheffler, Director AI Technology & Solutions | KPMG
January 28, 12:05 – 12:30pm
Roundtable Pitches
Get an overview of all Roundtable and Workshop Topics and get to know the other moderators.
Roundtable: No AI Innovation and Governance without Data Culture
Sarah Lewandowski, Global Technology & Innovation Lead | Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
As Global Head of Innovation & Technology at Bayer, I identify and asses emerging technologies to future proof our business. In addition I ensure the strategic fit and value creation for Bayer and create transparency on status and potential of technologies.
Roundtable: Key Success Factors for Effective Data Literacy Programs
Jasmin Weimüller, Data & AI Academy Lead | BASF
Jasmin Weimüller is a passionate data science team lead at BASF – the world’s largest chemical producer, working in Germany. After starting as a data scientist herself, she took over leadership responsibility in 2022 at age 26 and is nowadays also responsible for the topic of AI Enablement @BASF. With the internal Data & AI Academy, they provide learning offers on all topics Data, Analytics and AI to everyone in BASF – from production workers to top management. In her free time, Jasmin is volunteering as data science mentor. Since 2022 she hosts her own tech podcast „Diaries of a Data Scientist“ together with coworker and friend Kate Nazarova.
January 28, 1:30 – 3:30pm
Roundtables
The Roundtable Sessions are designed to encourage conversation and innovation in data-driven practices. These sessions provide a dynamic environment where attendees can choose from up to 6 engaging topics, each exploring a unique aspect of data culture. Each session provides an open forum for sharing knowledge, challenges and best practices to help shape your organisation’s data culture.
No AI Innovation and Governance without Data Culture
Moderator: Sarah Lewandowski | Bayer
Key Success Factors for Effective Data Literacy Programs
Moderator: Jasmin Weimüller | BASF
Driving Transformation: Building Skills Aligned with Inner Development Goals
Moderator: Bianca Scheffler | KPMG
Scaling Data Culture Across the Organization
Moderator: Stefanie Babka | Merck
January 28, 1:30 – 3:30pm
Workshops
The Workshop Sessions provide a comprehensive framework for building a sustainable data-driven culture within organizations, both theoretically and through the use of tools and consultancy. These interactive sessions will guide participants through the creation of a theoretical action plan, covering core principles such as fostering data literacy, aligning data with organizational values and overcoming cultural barriers. Participants will leave with actionable steps to drive data engagement and alignment at every level.
Workshop 1: 1:30-2:30 pm
Building and Scaling Data Architectures with Data Contracts
Data management is evolving, shaped by the decentralisation of data ownership, increasing demands for high-quality data, and the growing role of AI in driving insights and innovation. Traditional, centralised approaches often fall short in meeting organisational needs for speed, accessibility, and scalable data solutions.
At the heart of this transformation lies the concept of data contracts—a practical and effective method for managing data with precision and agility, while ensuring it is fit for both operational use and AI-driven applications.
In this workshop, you will explore:
- The Essentials of Data Contracts: What they are and how they balance speed with robust governance, supporting consistent, reliable data.
- Practical Implementation: How to design and integrate data contracts into any existing technology stack, enabling scalability and AI-readiness.
- A Holistic Approach: How people, processes, and tools can align to support a data-contract-driven strategy that meets both current and future organizational needs.
Guillaume Bodet, Chief Product Officer | Actian
Guillaume Bodet is responsible for defining and driving the data management and intelligence product vision, strategy, and roadmaps. Guillaume brings over 15 years of experience in the data industry, spanning various domains including project management, infrastructure, architecture, innovation, machine learning, and analytics. His deep understanding of data challenges, coupled with his entrepreneurial drive, fuels his passion for building market-leading products. Prior to Actian, Guillaume co-founded and served as CPTO of Zeenea, a data catalog company that Actian acquired in 2024, where he honed his expertise in product leadership and development
Worshop 2: 2:30-3:30 pm:
Data Culture Kick-Start: Practical Steps towards a Data-driven Culture
Data Culture Kick-Start: Practical Steps towards a Data-driven Culture
Many organizations find it challenging to determine where to begin and how to effectively implement a data culture. This workshop aims to provide a comprehensive guide to kickstarting your data culture journey. Develop your data culture roadmap with our Data Culture Canvas. Explore typical data culture assets, such as trainings, interactive games and workshops along our real-world case studies.
Join us to learn how to get started transforming your organization into a data-culture powerhouse that not only adapts to change but thrives in it:
- Where to begin: Can-Do-Want Our essential guide on how to understand and structure the underpinning core dimensions of a data cultural initiative.
- What to do: Data Culture Canvas – Explore practical tools to ideate, plan and implement data culture assets such as gamified engagement, Meeting in a Box, Communities of Practice, events and many more.
- How it’s done: Adopt proven techniques and learn from our case studies. Explore key data culture assets, find out what value they brought our clients and how they can be created.
David Schlepps, Head of Academy | statworx
David has a decade of experience in conceptualizing, developing and rolling out AI systems, as well as enabling people to work and thrive in AI-supported working environments. David has build the AI Academy to support companies on their way to a data-driven culture, with scalable and custom enablement concepts, as well as strategic guidance on data and AI awareness, literacy and culture.
January 28, 4:00 – 5:00pm
Results Discussion
Get an overview of all the results of the roundtable discussions. Find out what perspectives were developed in the other groups and take away the learning from each topic.
Any questions? Get in contact.
