Karima Zahrir, former Director of Data, Analytics, and AI at Louisiana Pacific Corporation, speaks in a video interview about the benefit of agile and phased implementation, quantifying business value, and the role of tech-savvy Gen Z in the workplace.
This is the second chapter of the conversation. Explore the first part here.
Speaking about the importance of prioritization and phased implementation, Zahrir notes that success comes from focusing on what matters most rather than trying to tackle everything at once. “It’s all about prioritizing and having an incredible team that shares the load,” she says. “We are working closely with our leaders to identify what’s most important and deliver step by step.” She believes in a pragmatic approach, acknowledging that perfection is unattainable but measurable impact is within reach.
Collaboration with business leaders is a key component of Zahrir’s strategy. She highlights the value of early engagement to understand processes and find solutions that minimize unnecessary complexity. “We’re partnering with our business leaders very early on to understand the process and look at solutions that could help without tons of customization,” she explains.
Zahrir also stresses the need for agility, advocating for a phased approach that demonstrates value quickly while allowing for adjustments along the way. “I appreciate the perfectionists, but we need to move forward as fast as possible in this fast-paced world,” she says. Listening to business leaders is another crucial factor. “Their pain points, their challenges, their ambition — it all helps us readjust our strategy,” she adds.
Ensuring that teams stay current with technological advancements is another priority. Zahrir highlights the importance of continuous training and the value of emerging talent, particularly from Gen Z. “Tapping into new talent, especially with tech-savvy Gen Z professionals, is very important,” she says. Additionally, she underscores the need for robust governance and security, emphasizing that innovation must be accompanied by strong security measures. “Drive innovation, just don’t forget security with it.”
On the challenge of quantifying business value, Zahrir acknowledges that measuring the impact of data and analytics is not always straightforward. “One of the hardest things for data and analytics is to quantify business value,” she says. Her approach involves aligning data initiatives with business goals, translating those goals into meaningful metrics, and ensuring data reliability to support decision-making. “As we advance with each area and provide insights, we can measure impact and validate success,” she explains.
Zahrir sees data as a company’s most critical asset after its people and products. “It is really the new oil, like they say,” she remarks. Organizations with a strong data foundation, she believes, will have a competitive edge.
Reflecting on the role of Gen Z in the workplace, Zahrir sees them as a driving force in reshaping business and technology. “That’s a topic near and dear to my heart,” she says, referencing her Master’s research on how Gen Z would transform the IT landscape.
Further, Zahrir notes that these digital natives are not just working within IT but are embedded across business functions, leveraging their understanding of processes and technology to drive innovation. “It’s helping us tremendously to show value and tap into new opportunities,” she concludes.
