Elon Musk knows a thing or two about having a vision, sacrificing everything to achieve that vision and the importance of determination in his quest to seriously change the world.

When Musk sold his share in PayPal, he made $180m. Most people - especially those with a background like his - would have taken the easy road and enjoyed the new found fortune. But that's not the path he chose.

Determined to create businesses that will ultimately save humanity, Elon Musk invested (nearly blew) his $180m as such:

• $100m into SpaceX ($66b market capitalisation now)
• $70m into Tesla ($25b market cap now)
• $10m into SolarCity ($3b market cap now)

Whilst these investments seem particularly shrewd given the total value of his companies - $94b combined - for most of their existences they faced near certain bankruptcy. SpaceX and Tesla were ridiculed as the fanciful whims of a crazed billionaire. At some points Musk had to borrow money for rent and was a regular couch-surfer among his wealthy mates.

Elon Musk believed (and still does) in his vision and objective so much that he never gave up fighting for them to succeed. He believes 100% that his mission in life is to save humanity from itself and to make humans an interplanetary species. No one can fault his determination and (now) no one can doubt his success.

Simply put, Vision + Determination = Success.  

You might  be thinking - "thanks for the book report, Craig. How is this relevant to data & analytics?" Fair point.

I am drawing a parallel between the vision and determination Musk has exhibited and the need for data & analytics (D&A) leaders to show the same characteristics to succeed in driving their roles within their businesses.

I've been privileged to speak to a large number of people in the South African and UAE markets regarding the growth of D&A in their organisations. Most agree that they need to drive the functions up the corporate agenda yet feel that the pathways to success are littered with obstacles. Installing a CDO and/or CAO is a particularly big challenge and all too often those making the final decision don't share the vision.

My message to you is that you need to have unwavering belief in your vision, you need to articulate that vision across the organisation and then you need to lead with the utmost determination to achieve that vision.

Granted your vision may not be as lofty as creating a human colony on Mars but without your passion for seeing it come to life, it will wallow in the depths of the organisation. Regardless of the grandeur of the situation you are in, if you push hard enough and are persuasive enough then you will achieve what you set out to achieve. At times, it will be hard to get a sponsor and budget; you will have to fight in the trenches to get buy-in; and you will have to sell even if you are not a sales pro.

Eventually as your organisation comes around to your idea - like the world has come around to the idea of re-usable rocket technology and electric cars - they will witness the value you always set out to create.

The good news is there are people out there fighting the same fight as you. You can lean on them and learn from them. Reach out - you'll be surprised how many people share the same vision as you.

You might have guessed that I admire Elon Musk. In truth I never knew much about him - other than his South African heritage, his companies and his wealth - until recently. I've just finished reading "Elon Musk" by Ashley Vance. This is not a traditional university-led book on leadership. It's an unforgiving glimpse into how Musk operates. Well worth the read if you're looking for inspiration.

By Craig Steward:

Craig Steward is the Content Director for Corinium’s CDO and CAO Forums in Africa. His research is uncovering the challenges and opportunities that exist for CDOs and CAOs and the Forums will bring the market together to map the way forward for these important roles. For more information contact Craig on craig.steward@coriniumintelligence.com