Good data makes lives better

There’s a famous Simon Sinek video where he presents the main concept that made him famous: Start with why.

It’s compelling in a number of ways. Simon is an excellent speaker. The diagram he draws is simple and communicates clearly. He gives illustrations (Apple) that tickle our imagination and nostalgia.

But most importantly, he presents a vision for work we all desperately want: a meaningful “why” for what we are doing.

We want a purpose, a deep driver, something at the innermost circle to make show up each morning at our desk.

What’s the why for working with data?

Let me present one idea that I’ve settled on for myself over the years for why I work with data:

Good data makes lives better.

There is a lot we could unpack in that sentence (and we will in the coming days), but for now, I offer it to us as a starting place. If you haven’t articulated “why” you work with data (or whatever your professional work is), then maybe that statement can get the creative energy flowing for you.

In the next few emails, we will talk more about this “why” statement.

What is “good data”?

How does it “make lives better”?

What does a “better” life look like?

Before you go today, tell me this - what is your “why” for your career, profession or job? Hit reply and tell me about it.

I’m here,

Sawyer