Why Data Culture Matters More Than Fancy Tools, Insights from Dr. Chad Musick

In today’s world, businesses are rushing to buy new technologies. From cloud systems to dashboards, everyone wants the latest tools. But do these tools solve real problems?

As highlighted in The Executive Outlook, Dr. Chad Musick, a global data expert and Principal at It Runs on Data, believes there’s a better way to start: build a strong data culture first.

How a Game Changed Everything

Chad’s story didn’t begin in a lab or a tech office. It began with an online game.

While others were in college, Chad was playing a game that taught him how to code. That unexpected skill led him to jobs in Silicon Valley in the 1990s. Over time, he became more interested in how data shapes decisions.

His journey reminds us that learning can come from anywhere. And sometimes, playful curiosity leads to serious success.

The Problem with Jumping Straight to Technology

Many companies believe that buying new tools will make them “data-driven.” But Chad says this often leads to wasted money and confusion.

“If you don’t even have analysts, you shouldn’t be hiring data scientists or building massive data stacks,” he said.

Without the right foundation, these tools sit unused or worse, lead to bad decisions. The real problem is not the lack of technology. It’s the lack of understanding and collaboration around data.

What a Healthy Data Culture Looks Like

So, what exactly is data culture?

Chad explains that it’s about how teams treat data, share it, and trust it. In some companies, data becomes a power game, people hold it tightly and don’t share. In others, data is wide open with no rules, which also causes problems.

The right approach sits in the middle. Strong data culture means people feel safe to ask questions, leaders encourage clear data discussions, and teams speak the same language when reporting numbers.

It’s not about locking everything down or giving full access. It’s about creating shared goals, building trust, and keeping everyone on the same page.

Why Too Much Excel Is a Warning Sign

Dr. Chad Musick highlights a common issue in many companies: everyone is building their own Excel files.

“If ten people are doing the same thing in Excel, that’s ten times the work and ten times the chance of mistakes,” he said.

This shows that something is broken. Instead of working together, everyone is solving problems alone. And when Excel becomes the main tool for tracking business numbers, important insights can get lost or misunderstood.

Chad believes Excel is powerful, but it should not be the core of a company’s data system. It's a temporary fix, not a long-term solution.

When to Start Building a Data System

You don’t need a big event to know when to begin your data journey. Chad says the moment comes when someone on your team starts creating their own reports or tracking numbers manually.

That’s a signal. It means your team is trying to solve problems on their own and needs better support.

Leaders shouldn’t take control, they should step in to guide, mentor, and provide the right tools. When someone is showing interest in data, that’s the perfect time to help them do it better, not stop them.

Reduce Manual Work, Reduce Mistakes

Another big problem Chad pointed out is manual data entry. When people type in numbers by hand, even small mistakes can grow into bigger issues.

A smart system should reduce manual work. It should help employees focus on understanding and using data, not just collecting it.

Creating systems that catch errors, automate routine tasks, and keep records organized leads to better decisions with fewer headaches.

Cloud Isn’t Always the Best First Step

Chad also spoke about the cost of using cloud tools. While many platforms start free, the bills can grow fast once your data and team grow.

For small teams or beginners, Chad suggests using something simple like MariaDB on a local computer. It offers full control and a chance to learn without risking a big budget.

He shared how one company saved $200,000 a year by simply adjusting their AWS cloud settings. The lesson? Know your tools, and make sure they match your goals.

Learning Together Makes Teams Stronger

Chad believes that when one person asks a data question, others are probably wondering the same thing. That’s a great opportunity to teach, share, and grow together.

Workshops, quick training sessions, and easy-to-understand documentation can go a long way. They make teams smarter and more confident.

In strong data cultures, people don’t keep knowledge to themselves, they share it so everyone can succeed.

A Simple But Powerful Closing Thought

Chad ended with a line that every business leader should remember:

“Don’t throw money at the problem. Build it right. Build it together.”

That’s the real key to being data-driven.

It’s not about having the latest technology. It’s about asking smart questions, working as a team, and growing your data habits step by step.

Final Takeaway

Before buying more tools, take a closer look at your team. Are they confident with data? Do they share ideas and questions? Do they trust what they see?

If not, start by building a data culture. That’s where the real transformation begins.

As shared in this deep-dive feature on The Executive Outlook, Dr. Chad Musick’s journey reminds us that the smartest businesses don’t rely on the newest tech, they rely on people who ask the right questions, share knowledge, and grow together.

Want to read the full article and gain even more valuable insights? Check out the full story on The Executive Outlook.

#Data #Tech #Business #Growth #Analytics #Innovation #Leadership #Strategy #Insights #Digital