#USA #Boca Raton #AI Transformation #Data Strategy #Sujay Dutta

New Book: Data as the Fourth Pillar

In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the business landscape, Sujay Dutta and Siddharth Rajagopal present a compelling call to action for organizational leaders with their latest publication, Data as the Fourth Pillar. This insightful book serves as an essential guide for CEOs, board members, and decision-makers across various industries, outlining a transformative framework to position data as a key organizational pillar alongside people, processes, and technology.

Published by Taylor & Francis, Data as the Fourth Pillar emphasizes the importance of treating data as a strategic asset. With detailed guidance for achieving data maturity, the authors aim to help organizations leverage AI to drive business value and enhance competitiveness. The book encourages leaders to shift their perception of data from a simple operational concern to a critical business driver.

The Case for Data as the Fourth Pillar

Dutta and Rajagopal argue that in today's fast-paced and AI-centric environment, data's role is no longer peripheral; it is vital for success. They propose a comprehensive maturity framework that outlines how organizations can accelerate their transitions into data-centric enterprises. The authors introduce key performance indicators (KPIs) such as Total Addressable Value (TAV) and Expected Addressable Value (EAV), which measure the effectiveness and impact of data initiatives.

Additionally, the book discusses the integral relationship between data and AI, illustrating how both entities bolster each other to foster innovation and operational excellence. The transformative potential of data is exemplified through real-world case studies, including one from Audi AG, highlighting practical applications of these concepts in leading organizations.

A Blueprint for Organizational Change

The structured approach recommended in this book urges leaders to systematically elevate their data strategies. By integrating the QCS framework—Quality, Compliance, Speed—business leaders can understand their data intensity needs better and develop scalable data operating models (DOM). These models will enable companies to track practical business value metrics, ensuring a clear pathway to data maturity.

Realizing the pressing need for this guidance, industry leaders like Sandeep Kalra, CEO of Persistent Systems, endorse the book for its actionable frameworks. Kalra states, “To delay is to risk irrelevance.” The text empowers executives to view data not merely as IT or operations, but as a vital business function that demands accountability at the highest levels of leadership.

Essential Reading for the AI Era

The book is targeted towards a diverse audience, including board directors, C-level executives (CEOs, CGOs, CTOs, CDOs, COOs), and even CHROs, making it indispensable for anyone intent on driving organizational value through AI and data.

As Rajagopal emphasizes, “The book introduces a maturity framework to help leaders evaluate and develop their organization's data capabilities, transitioning from fragmented initiatives to comprehensive, AI-driven transformation.” This is crucial for both Fortune 500 companies and burgeoning startups seeking to harness the power of data in the modern economy.

Conclusion: Time for Action

With Data as the Fourth Pillar, Dutta and Rajagopal provide a timely and powerful message: every organization must become a data-centric business to thrive. By adopting the principles outlined in this book, leaders can move swiftly to integrate data into the core of their operational strategies, ensuring growth and sustainability in an increasingly AI-focused world.

The book is available for pre-order at major retailers or directly at datathefourthpillar.com.

For media inquiries, contact:

• - Siddharth Rajagopal at (+31) 619510410
• - Sujay Dutta at (+46) 730578571

About the Authors

Sujay Dutta and Siddharth Rajagopal are recognized thought leaders in enterprise data strategy and transformation, bringing extensive experience from advisory roles with Fortune 100 entities, operating model design, and AI-enhanced business transformation.

This must-read book prepares executives for the evolving landscape dominated by AI and reinforces the idea that data is not just a support function but foundational to business success.