Interview with Morgan Templar
Morgan Templar
JULY 17, 2024 | 00:43 | Episode 27
Morgan Templar on Overcoming Personal Challenges and Building Resilience
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.
ABOUT MY GUEST
Morgan Templar, CEO CDO Partners
Morgan Templar is the CEO of a data management consulting company called CDO Partners. As a boot-strapping founder, she and her partner wear every hat as they grow their clientele. Morgan is no stranger to different hats. Her journey started as an entry-level role and she has worked her way up to the VP of Information Management of a $22Billion healthcare provider before branching out to found her own company. Today we’re going to talk about Grit and Determination, which Morgan credits for her success.
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."
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
Links
Morgan’s company: https://www.firstcdopartners.com
Please leave us a review: https://podchaser.com/DesigningSuccessfulStartups
Tech Startup Toolkit (book): https://www.manning.com/books/tech-startup-toolkit
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
“A Culture of Governance” by Morgan Templar