May 23, 2025
Key Takeaways
- Data mesh is the next big thing for removing information silos between business functions and getting more out of your data
- Most organizations are excited and looking to invest in the data mesh concept
- Data mesh implementation projects are often technically successful but fail because of cultural challenges
- Those who can overcome the cultural and change management issues to adopt data mesh will drastically outpace the competition
Big Data London 2023 was a huge event, and the buzz this year seemed to be centralized on data mesh, not necessarily on its successes but on how data culture, lack of buy-in, and deficient data fluency impact its success.
I sought out fellow practitioners who had been through the school of hard knocks with at least one data mesh implementation. The common thread to what works is the data contract and treating data assets as products. What doesn't work? The inability to gain buy-in across the company despite executive sponsorship.
We've all read the articles, blog posts, and books about how data mesh is the next best thing since sliced bread. Yet, many are struggling or have given up entirely on the idea—relabeling it as a “data mess.”
Big Data London 2023 was a huge event, and the buzz this year seemed to be centralized on data mesh, not necessarily on its successes but on how data culture, lack of buy-in, and deficient data fluency impact its success.
I sought out fellow practitioners who had been through the school of hard knocks with at least one data mesh implementation. The common thread to what works is the data contract and treating data assets as products. What doesn't work? The inability to gain buy-in across the company despite executive sponsorship.
We've all read the articles, blog posts, and books about how data mesh is the next best thing since sliced bread. Yet, many are struggling or have given up entirely on the idea—relabeling it as a “data mess.”