INTERVIEW
Sandro Scordo is president of DAMA Portugal and Head of Data Strategy & Governance at BI4ALL
By: Marta Díaz
President of DAMA España
First of all, congratulations on the launch of DAMA Portugal! What inspired you to start the Portuguese chapter?
SANDRO SCORDO:
Hi Marta and everyone in the Spanish Chapter. I’m truly delighted to be here with you today.
My journey with DAMA began a few years ago while I was working in London. I had already been a DAMA-I member for several years and was actively putting the DMBoK principles into practice in my daily work.
Eventually, BI4ALL Data Consulting – a Portuguese company – offered me the opportunity to lead their Data Strategy & Governance Center of Excellence.
Naturally, one of the first things I did was look for a local DAMA Chapter in Portugal… but to my surprise, there wasn’t one.
So, as the saying goes: «If the mountain won’t come to Muhammad, then Muhammad must go to the mountain».
“There’s a widespread need for improved data literacy across the entire organization, especially within leadership positions.
This is exactly where DAMA chapters can make a difference”
What do you see as the main data challenges organizations are facing today and how can a DAMA chapter help address them?
One of the key challenges organizations are facing today is the gap between data investments and tangible business value. Many are quick to adopt new technologies, but without strong foundations in data management — things like clear ownership, data quality, data governance, and a shared language — it’s hard to scale or sustain value over time.
Data silos and fragmentation are another major issue. Different teams manage data in isolated ways, leading to inconsistency, duplication, and a lack of trust in the data.
And finally, there’s a widespread need for improved data literacy across the entire organization, especially within leadership positions.
This is exactly where DAMA chapters can make a difference. By offering a neutral, community-driven space, we help professionals come together to share experiences, adopt best practices like the DMBoK, and elevate the maturity of data management in their organizations.
You lead the Data Strategy & Governance Center of Excellence at BI4ALL. What does your day-to-day work look like, and how do you connect that with your role at DAMA?
My day-to-day varies greatly — no two days are the same. When I’m deployed on a project, I take the lead and I bring it to life.
So I might be running a data maturity assessment, conduct workshops to deliver a data strategy roadmaps, I might be hands on the creation of a Data & AI Governance Framework or playing the role of Enterprise Architect, etc.
When I’m not directly involved in a project, I focus on several other areas: supporting pre-sales engagements, structure projects by responding to RFPs, contributing to marketing initiatives, managing relationships with our strategic partners, and I enable internal knowledge sharing.
“One of the key challenges organizations are facing today is the gap between data investments and tangible business value”
Together with my CoE, I also work on developing what we call “accelerators” — reusable resources and frameworks designed to generate value for our customers.
About connecting this to DAMA. Through DAMA, I get to learn from and collaborate with other data professionals, contribute to industry discussions, and stay sharp on global best practices.
It’s a two-way street: the challenges I see at BI4ALL keep DAMA conversations grounded, while DAMA’s thought leadership helps me bring fresh ideas back to my team.
Plus, it’s a great reminder that good data management isn’t just about rules—it’s about people, trust, and shared knowledge.
From your perspective, how can different DAMA chapters collaborate more?
Any ideas for building bridges between Spain, Portugal, and beyond?
- Working on projects together (e.g. sectors Benchmarking)
- Bouncing ideas
- Co-hosting events
- Working with the EMEA coordination
Looking ahead, what are your top priorities for DAMA Portugal in 2025?
We are focusing on:
-To be the essential resource for data management professionals in Portugal
-Develop and curate the chapter websites and social media
-Create and then foster a community of data professional in Portugal to enable networking and knowledge sharing
-Host events (e.g. workshops, webinars and conferences) to deep dive on data related topics.
-Recruit and retain members
-Partner up with other Chapters and Organizations and secure sponsorships to support chapter activities
-Develop educational programs, partnering with Academic institutions
-Support women in data management
Lastly, any advice for data professionals trying to break into governance, stewardship, or data strategy roles?
- Invest in your listening & communication skills
- Be curious
- Read the DMBok!
Bonus – Rapid Fire
(One-word or short answers!)
- Favorite data principle?
→ Data management must be pragmatic: Don’t Boil the Ocean!
- Book you recommend?
→ DMBoK?! The v3 is coming and it will be a greatly improved one!
- Coffee or tea?
→ An Italian cappuccino to start the morning, a smooth British decaf latte in the afternoon, and on weekends—a rich café con leche or a creamy meia de leite!
- Structured or unstructured data?
→ Let’s embrace the diversity of both of them
