About
Christian J. Ward
EVP and Chief Data Officer at Yext
Entrepreneur since 1999. Always learning, mostly from other people. I watch how my family and friends actually use technology, and that shapes my professional understanding as much as anything at work. This newsletter is how I think in public.
The Story
The internet convinced me to become an entrepreneur. I started my first data company in 1999 and have been building data businesses across different industries ever since. I learn from others, through practice, and by paying attention to how the people around me, family and friends included, actually adopt new technology.
Currently I'm EVP and Chief Data Officer at Yext, helping clients structure their knowledge for AI and search applications. Before Yext, I served as Chief Data Officer at Arizent and Data Axle, and Global Head of Content Innovation at Thomson Reuters. I've founded and sold two structured data companies, one in financial analytics, one in media analytics.
I wrote Data Leverage with my brother, James J. Ward (an attorney), because this book didn't exist and we thought it should. It became an Amazon #1 bestseller. I started this newsletter because I enjoy thinking in public, and we're living through the most exciting shift since the internet itself.
But I believe it still comes down to two things: what data you have, and what data you can access or partner to get.
I've been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Adweek, Fortune, and Forbes, and speak regularly on data strategy and AI.
What Is My Newsletter?
I write Original Thinking about how AI and data strategy connect. Your data has more say in the outcome than the latest tool does.
I started it after seeing professionals drowning in data and still struggling with AI. I also enjoy thinking in public. A newsletter seemed a reasonable way to make a habit of it.
What I Write About
Data for AI
Practical frameworks for getting your data ready.
Lean data
Why a smaller set of good data can work better.
Useful formats
Getting the right data into a form AI can use.
One letter a week, mostly. I want to help you put these ideas to use, with enough room to keep asking questions. It's free, and you can unsubscribe anytime.
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Where This Shows Up
Beyond the NewsletterPublications and Events
Keynotes, panels, and the places this work has appeared.
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One letter a week, mostly.