of data leaders
report an increase in responsibilities; only 2% say theirs have reduced.
Chief Information Overload
Chief Information Overload
Why Data Leaders Are Surviving, Not Thriving
The new reality for data leaders: more responsibility, higher expectations, and a growing gap between what’s asked and what’s possible.
Data leaders are facing a surge in responsibility
87% say their role has expanded, but only a minority feel equipped to thrive. The pressure is relentless: cybersecurity, governance, AI readiness, regulatory demands, and talent gaps are all competing for attention. Burnout risk is rising, and the cost of fragmented data is holding organisations back.
of IT leaders
say data silos hinder digital transformation.
of employers
identify skills gaps as the biggest barrier to business transformation (World Economic Forum).
of data leaders
in the East Midlands are close to burnout; Scotland shows highest levels of strain (43% overstretched).
“What AI is doing is making the impact of data visible in a way it hasn’t been before. For data leaders, that creates a huge opportunity to lead more of the conversation.”
– Lee Rorison, Founder & CEO of Seriös Group
Why Download the Report?
Finding collated from over 100 data leaders
See how your peers are coping with the pressures of AI, governance, and rapid change
Discover practical frameworks for closing the Data Responsibility Rift
Learn what’s working, and what’s not, across sectors
Access expert commentary and roundtable insights exclusive to Seriös Group
“Can I meet my expectations comfortably? I would say no… It’s a tough job. I don’t think any data job is easy.”
– Helen Terry, Chief Data Officer, Bank of Ireland
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We’ve got answers...
What is Chief Information Overload?
Chief Information Overload describes the reality for data leaders: not a shortage of information, but an excess of it, combined with the expectation that data should consistently deliver outcomes. As responsibilities expand and data volumes grow, leaders face mounting pressure to align, govern, and deliver results, even as foundational structures lag behind.
How can data leaders build trust in their data?
Trust is built by moving from fragmented, siloed data to clear ownership, practical governance, and consistent standards. Data leaders need distributed accountability across business functions, structured environments that reduce duplication, and a focus on data quality. Progress depends on coordinated change, not isolated improvements.
What’s the impact of AI on data teams?
AI is making the impact of data more visible, accelerating innovation and increasing the pace of change. As AI tools become more accessible, more teams engage with data, but this also exposes weaknesses in data foundations and governance. Data leaders must address gaps in quality and consistency to ensure AI delivers value, not just complexity.
How long does an AI readiness assessment take?
It depends on the complexity of your data ecosystem and business goals. Every roadmap is tailored to your organisation’s maturity and designed for practical implementation. We aim to deliver value within 8 weeks, keeping momentum, focusing on clear use cases, and ensuring measurable outcomes that matter to you.
Why do data silos matter?
Data silos hinder digital transformation, erode confidence, and make it difficult to establish a single, trusted view. Without clear strategy and governance, data remains fragmented, limiting its value and increasing risk. 81% of IT leaders say silos are a major barrier to progress.
Want the full findings from the report and practical recommendations
Download the full report for actionable insights, sector breakdowns and practical steps to move from information overload to clarity.
Download the full report
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