NCTECH | MetLife: A Conversation with Data Pros
In today’s data-driven world, organizations like MetLife are increasingly recognizing the pivotal role of data and analytics in shaping their strategies, driving innovation, and delivering exceptional customer service. MetLife partnered with NC Tech's Brews, Bytes, and Insights program to lead a stimulating discussion with industry leaders from over 20 companies in the Triangle about the importance of data in AI strategies.
Here are some key takeaways from the event:
A Holistic Approach to Data
The beauty of data comes alive when a multitude of solutions are integrating and acting together. MetLife’s forward-thinking approach involves viewing data as a cohesive whole across various solutions, rather than in siloed fragments. Gone are the days when teams were hyper-focused on fitting data to specific point solutions. Today, companies should be more interested in enhancing and enabling broader, more connected experiences across platforms. This shift has allowed MetLife to build a data environment that benefits both internal processes and customer-facing services.
The Role of Data in an Effective AI Strategy: Qualitative and Quantitative
In a rapidly evolving landscape, data plays a critical role in shaping effective strategies. MetLife’s teams think about data in two ways: qualitatively and quantitatively. For quality, prioritize responsible use, ensuring that data is fit for purpose and is unbiased. Customer insight tools, including churn models, risk assessment models, and customer lifetime value analysis empower MetLife to make strategic decisions that better support customers. From a quantitative perspective, modernizing infrastructure to ensure the right volume of data to drive informed decisions. The commitment to data quality really extends to every facet of MetLife’s operations.
The Benefits and Expectations of Data Sharing
Data sharing is a complex landscape that involves many ethical considerations, security practices, and potential benefits. When it comes to customer data, it is imperative that industry leaders honor and respect their trust – or as MetLife calls it, the Unspoken Contract. Not only do customers expect that their data will be protected and used responsibility, but there is an increasing expectation that customers will benefit from sharing their data. Beyond utilizing personal data for internal use, MetLife prioritizes creating more personalized experiences, enhanced company interactions, and improved products or services. It is an expectation –and responsibility– to uphold this end of the deal for customers.
Curiosity fuels innovation
One of the greatest opportunities in moving innovation forward is to stay curious. MetLife's team is very focused on pushing the thinking and imagination to new heights to come up with creative ways to be more effective and strategic with data and how to use it. That said, MetLife is also very mindful and intentional with its innovation. Innovation for innovation’s sake is a waste of time. Prioritizing privacy, security, reliability, and safety is the key to success.
The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion when it comes to Technology
Leaders in the technology industry have a responsibility to create a culture of inclusion and accountability for all. Emerging technology like AI creates an inflection point to do just that. Harnessing the power of these tools can help empower different and unique voices in tech – and enable a profound impact on the world’s most pressing challenges.
MetLife is committed to building an inclusive and purpose-driven culture that enables everyone to make a difference. MetLife is excited to host its annual Triangle Tech X, which gathers leaders in technology and business to address the essential role women in STEM play in driving innovation and moving the industry forward.
For more information about the NC TECH + MetLife Center for Technology Workforce Innovation: Center for Technology Workforce Innovation (nctech.org)
To learn more about new career opportunities on MetLife’s expanding technology team: Technology (metlifecareers.com)