Expertise
Paul Dakum is a data strategy and analytics leader with more than 15 years of experience turning complex information into systems that help organisations make better decisions and operate more effectively. His career has crossed research, healthcare, education technology and agriculture, giving him an unusually broad perspective on how data must work in real organisations—not just in ideal technical environments.
Paul began his data career in research at the University of Maryland, supporting data collection, analysis and reporting across multiple studies, including work involving research teams in Nigeria. He later brought that analytical foundation into healthcare, where he led the implementation of electronic medical-record systems and worked on improving clinical workflows across healthcare facilities.
As Head of Analytics at uLesson, Paul moved further into the intersection of data, product and commercial performance. His work included building and managing data infrastructure, improving analytics processes and using customer behaviour to inform retention decisions. He later took this experience into agricultural development at myAgro, where his work has involved data strategy, governance, data quality and analytics supporting programmes for smallholder farmers in West Africa.
What connects these very different environments is Paul’s approach: data should not sit apart from the business. It should help leaders understand what is happening, identify where performance can improve and make better operational and strategic decisions.
As Senior Partner, Data Strategy at Thrive Consulting, Paul helps organisations build the data foundations, governance, analytics capabilities and operating practices required to turn information into measurable business value.