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Sam Hamilton
SVP, Global Head of Data & AI
Visa
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As the Head of Data and AI at Visa, Sam Hamilton oversees the Data and AI platform team to drive value creation through the use of data and AI. Prior to Visa, he held leadership roles at PayPal, Shopping.com, Yahoo, Selectica, and Informix (now IBM) and has several patents in digital and real-time intelligence. As an advocate for "Data for Good" and "Responsible AI," he leads a skilled team at Visa dedicated to these principles.
Learn more about the San Francisco CDAO community here.
Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
I began my career as a software engineer, focusing on the development of database engines and products. Later, I led an engineering team through the process of going public, gaining valuable experience. Over the years, I have worked on projects that required high-scale computing and provided near-real-time insights. I've also led teams that used AI to enhance areas such as advertising, shopping, and most recently, financial services.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
Lead by example.
What is the greatest challenge data leaders face today, and how are you addressing it?
Navigating Digital Transformation: The rapid pace of technological advancement requires executives to continuously adapt and innovate. They must effectively integrate new technologies into their business operations and culture. Successful digital transformation is a journey, not a one-time event. It requires ongoing effort, adaptation, and commitment. This involves several steps:
- Strategic Planning
- Employee Engagement and Training
- Customer-Centric Approach
- Agile Implementation
- Collaboration
- Security
- Compliance
- Measure and Adjust
What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CDAO?
Vision: A clear vision for the department aligned with the company’s goals and the ability to communicate it effectively to the team and stakeholders.
How do you measure success as a leader?
To me, success is a combination of a few measurements. I measure my own team’s success by evaluating:
- Team Performance and Productivity
- Employee Satisfaction and Engagement
- Achievement of Strategic Objectives
- Adaptability
- Cultural Impact
What is the value of being a member of the Evanta community?
Exchange and Collaboration: Engaging with seasoned executives allows me to acquire important knowledge and tactical guidance useful in my position. Equally, I can share my own insights and proven tactics, enhancing the community's expertise. Joining a network of top-level executives allows for relationship building, cooperative initiatives, and possible strategic alliances. In exchange, I contribute my network and willingness to collaborate, nurturing a more robust and interlinked collective community.
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