New CPO at Dataiku looks to refocus attention on people

At artificial intelligence platform Dataiku, the newly appointed chief people officer, Sandrine Bossard, is spearheading a major shift by refocusing the organisation’s attention on the people department.

In an industry where talent is paramount, Bossard highlights the crucial role HR plays in effectively tracking and nurturing talent.

“I emphasise to my team that working in HR is about serving others, similar to customer service. In our case, it's about focusing on employee satisfaction as a key and critical factor,” she said.

While Brossard is based in Paris, her employer has offices in Singapore, Dubai, New York, Denver, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Paris, London, Munich, Frankfurt, and Sydney.

Ensuring that employees have the necessary resources and a conducive environment to thrive is not just a professional goal, she says, but a personal commitment aligned with the company ethos of ‘Everyday AI, Extraordinary People.’

DEI integral to HR

In her work, Bossard strives to create transparent, agile and aligned HR functions and processes.

“To achieve this, it's crucial for us to have a clear understanding of who to approach for specific needs and maintain a forward-looking perspective on our people strategy for the next two to three years,” she said.

Drawing on her extensive experience with global multicultural workforces, Bossard views diversity, equity, and inclusion as integral aspects of the human resources strategies at Dataiku.

“Diversity and inclusion are not just HR topics but responsibilities for everyone within the organisation,” she said.

To encourage innovation and ownership, Bossard grants employees the freedom to contribute ideas and proposals about DEI initiatives. The company also has active employee resource groups (ERGs) dedicated to diversity and inclusion, covering a wide range of topics.

“By fostering an inclusive dialogue and empowering our workforce, we aim to create a workplace where diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just ideals but lived principles shaping our culture,” she said.

Breaking down silos and collaborating

In her pursuit of creating a collaborative environment, Bossard stresses the importance of breaking down silos across the organisation.

For Dataiku, this translates into practical initiatives, such as involving a diverse group of managers and team members from various business functions when nearing the completion stage of a project.

“By doing so, we can ensure that the upcoming project aligns with people's expectations and minimises resistance from employees and managers. This approach not only helps in achieving better project outcomes but also engages everyone in the change process,” said Bossard.

Acknowledging that the tech industry tends to attract younger candidates, Bossard also prioritises learning and development.

“Ultimately, my goal is to empower individuals within Dataiku to be as successful as possible, contributing to the overall mission of aligning and advancing the company's collective expertise in the tech and digital industry,” she said.

“I want my team to cultivate a culture where everyone feels valued, involved, and motivated to contribute to the company's growth. This approach is fundamental to our mission of enhancing organisational culture and supporting future growth.”