How do you give busy execs time back?
Days of reporting to 75% faster decision-making
The problem
Viacom18's leadership needed instant visibility into OTT viewership performance, but data was scattered across 10+ disconnected systems. Analysts spent hours pulling from each source, manually updating Excel spreadsheets, and reconciling conflicting numbers. A question like 'how did X perform?' should take 5 minutes. It was taking hours of analyst time and multiple emails.
What I did
Started with the decisions executives actually needed to make, then worked backward to the data and visualisations that would enable them. Mapped all 10+ sources, built connectors for automated refresh, created a unified data model. Built a Power BI dashboard with four layers (executive, business unit, operational, competitive), each calibrated to its audience.
Outcomes
What I learned
The real problem was understanding what decisions executives needed to make and working backward to the data.
My first dashboard had too many metrics because I wanted to be comprehensive. Simplifying to essentials paradoxically increased adoption.
The 75% number came from tracking time from 'executive asks question' to 'executive receives actionable answer' before and after. Measuring ROI requires discipline.
Got a similar problem?
Tell me what you're working on. I'll tell you if it's a fit.
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