Women in Data Podcast

Screenshots of dashboards. Dashboards no one uses. Naming conventions we regret. In this cohosted episode, Cecilia and Karen unpack the everyday habits in data that might just make us cringe in 20 years.   Inspired by the Future Data Cringe, https://www.futuredatacringe.com/, where 50 data leaders shared what they think will age badly, this conversation is full of laughs, reflection, and a reminder that we're all learning as we go. 

In this episode, Cecilia welcomes Riya Joshi, a Data and Applied Scientist on the Microsoft Edge Browser team, to demystify the wide world of data roles. Riya breaks down the field into four core paths—analyst, engineering, science, and product—explaining the purpose, required skills, and career fit for each. Drawing from her journey from India to the USA, Riya offers guidance on how to assess your strengths, explore industry niches, and build skills that align with your goals. The conversation covers everything from storytelling with data and domain knowledge to navigating job descriptions and preparing for technical interviews. Riya shares tips on building real-world experience through projects and bootcamps, structuring CVs, and preparing for interviews. Whether you're switching careers or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration to help you break into and thrive in data.

In this episode of the podcast, Cecilia speaks with Celine Liu, who transitioned from nonprofit coaching to leading global analytics at Uber. Celine's story is a testament to how data is one of the most transferable and empowering skills across any industry.   Together, they explore the top three non-technical skills for success in data: everyday communication, strategic thinking, and business acumen. Celine shares how asking the right questions and understanding business context can amplify impact far more than technical expertise alone.   They also discuss the importance of fostering data literacy within organisations, how leadership influences data culture, and how to rethink AI as a useful tool. Celine wraps up with practical advice on finding your niche, shifting from doing to thinking, and staying proactive in the age of automation.   This episode promises motivation for anyone looking to grow or pivot in the world of data.

In this episode, Karen is joined by Dora Boussias, an Award-winning Data & AI Exec & Founder with 30 years of experience across industries. Dora shares her journey from Greece to the USA., and from corporate leadership to full-time coaching and mentoring.     Together, they explore the importance of soft skills in a data-driven world—especially communication, self-awareness, and personal branding. Dora reflects on managing imposter syndrome, differentiating yourself beyond technical skills, and the importance of understanding stakeholder needs to drive impact.     They also dive into topics like career negotiation, building confidence through small steps, and how to future-proof your role in the age of AI. With memorable personal stories and thoughtful insights, Dora encourages listeners to find their voice, know their value, and lead with authenticity.  This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to grow, pivot, or lead with more purpose in the data space 

In this episode, Caroline Florence, founder of Insight Narrator, discusses the essential non-technical skills required to become a leader in data, and what they look like and evolve at every stage of one's career. She emphasises that being a data leader is about leadership first, with transferable skills like communication, influence, and managing teams becoming even more critical in the AI era. Caroline highlights the challenge for data leaders in letting go of technical tasks to focus on vision-setting, empowering teams, and influencing across organisations.  She touches on the loneliness that can come with data leadership, stressing the importance of peer networks and community support. Caroline also introduces Women in Data's LEAP program, designed to help future leaders develop these skills and advance authentically in their careers.  

In this episode of Women in Data, Bindu Bakrania, Head of Data Analytics for Capital Investments at Legal & General shares her journey from a risk analyst to heading an entire Data Analytics team.     She discusses the importance of strategic career moves, embracing sideways transitions, and stepping into business roles to gain a broader perspective. Bindu highlights networking, leadership development, and the importance of managing imposter syndrome. She also discusses time management and prioritisation for effective leadership. Listen to this episode for valuable insights on navigating a career in data, advocating for women in the field, and fostering a strong data culture in organizations. 

This episode explores the tough decision of staying in or leaving a role. Karen Is joined by Marli van der Merwe and Rianna Kelly share personal experiences, discussing career growth, work environment, and well-being.   Marli, a Data Engineer, had only been in the UK for a few months when she decided to leave her role.  Rianna, a Senior Manager for Data Analytics Engineering, on the other hand decided to stay when she found herself in an organisation where uncertainty was constant.  The episode offers a structured approach to decision-making, considering non-negotiables, financial and emotional factors. It also addresses external constraints like visa status and how circumstances may affect your decisions on your career.   

Collaboration between data teams and stakeholders isn't always smooth. Misaligned expectations, shifting requirements, and a lack of mutual understanding can lead to frustration on both sides.     In this cohosted  episode, Karen and Cecilia dive into the key challenges data teams face when working with stakeholders —and, more importantly, how to overcome them. They share practical strategies to:  Get stakeholders to bring problems, not just predefined solutions  Align expectations early and avoid last-minute changes  Build empathy and trust between technical and business teams    Tune in for actionable insights that will help you work better with stakeholders and maximise the value of data analytics! 

Data privacy isn't just for legal teams—it's a responsibility shared by everyone working with data. In this episode, Karen sits down with Sachiko Scheuing, European Privacy and AI Governance Officer at Acxiom, to explore the crucial role privacy plays in the data industry and why it matters more than ever.  They discuss:  How data privacy differs from other roles in data and why strong communication is key  The role every data professional should play in protecting personal information  Common misconceptions, including the truth about consent and "consent fatigue"  How to handle situations where you're asked to share customer data but feel uncertain about privacy risks  The complex intersection of privacy laws and how to navigate them  How AI is impacting the field  With evolving regulations and growing concerns about data and AI ethics, this conversation is packed with practical insights to help you take responsibility for privacy in your work. Tune in to learn how you can be proactive in protecting data—and the people behind it. 

In this episode of the Women in Data podcast hosted by Cecilia, Manca Vitorino shares her journey from journalism to a data leadership role at ICIS, part of LexisNexis. Initially a markets reporter, Manca's exposure to data-driven journalism led her to identify automation and data visualization opportunities, sparking her transition into data.   She discusses how skills from journalism—investigating, verifying, and storytelling with data—are directly transferable to data analysis. Manca emphasizes the importance of solving problems and articulating solutions for career growth, rather than just seeking out job titles. She also highlights the growing need for data literacy across all industries.   Reflecting on her own experience, Manca talks about the challenges of moving into a technical role, managing imposter syndrome, and leveraging her communication skills to excel. This inspiring episode encourages listeners to explore how their existing skills can open doors to data-driven careers.

What does it take to build a personal brand that truly stands out?   In this episode, Karen dives into the world of personal branding with two inspiring guests, each offering unique perspectives and strategies:  Robin Sutara, Chief Data and Strategy Officer at Databricks, who shares her journey from being behind the scenes to building her personal brand and being a visible thought leader. Robin emphasises the importance of consistency and overcoming imposter syndrome when sharing expertise online, especially on platforms like LinkedIn. She also shares how she makes time for content creation and advocating for opportunities to present work.  Olivia Arnold, Communications Director for Women in Data, who provides actionable strategies and advice for building your personal brand online. Livi stresses the importance of understanding your motivations and goals before sharing content. She breaks down how to engage your audience effectively, structure compelling content, and align your online persona with your offline presence. From writing in your authentic voice to analyzing what resonates with your audience, she offers practical advice to help you build connections and grow your visibility.  Listen to this episode for actionable tips to help grow your visibility and excel in the data community! 

More often than not, we start looking for a new job when it's already too late. We're unhappy in our current role, and the rush to apply for anything we find online can lead to dissatisfaction down the line.  In this episode, Karen and Cecilia explore a more strategic job search process for data professionals.  From defining your ideal role to navigating the complexities of applications, they share strategies that will set you up for success. Whether you're starting your search or looking to optimize your approach, this episode provides actionable insights.  Tune in for tips on how to stand out in the data job market, build your network, and maintain your mental health throughout the process. 

What does it take to find your space and thrive in the data industry?  For the last episode of 2024, Lizzie Harris steps into the hosting seat to interview Karen Jean Francois in front of a live audience at Kingfisher. Over the past two years, Karen has made courageous career decisions—voluntarily taking redundancy, leaving a job that wasn't right for her without having another lined up, and ultimately joining B&Q as a Data Product Manager in a role that stretches her beyond her comfort zone.  In this candid conversation, Karen shares insights on:  The emotional and practical side of making bold career moves—and lessons learned  How networking and relationships can supercharge your data career  Breaking down misconceptions about what it means to work in data  Tips for finding mentors and being an ally in the data space  The journey of starting and hosting a podcast for women in data  With audience Q&A and real-world advice, this episode is packed with inspiration for anyone navigating their path in the data world. Don't miss it! 

As a recruitment leader, Roisin McCarthy noticed that her team was placing less and less women in data related roles year on year. She kept hearing stories of women being passed over for promotion. So she set on a mission to bring gender parity in the data industry. 10 years later, Women in Data has become a powerful force, advocating for women and creating spaces where they can excel. In this episode, Roisin raconts her inspiring journey, highlights key milestones, from representing the community at influential policy discussions to growing retention rates among senior female leaders. While there's been progress, with women now holding 19% of top data roles, challenges remain, especially in reducing talent loss and bridging the gender pay gap. Roisin's vision is clear: a future where gender parity is the norm, and where Women in Data continues to empower every woman in the field. 

In this episode, Cecilia is joined by Konstantina Kapetanidi and Anna O'Donohue to talk about how embracing neurodiversity can bring unique strengths and perspectives to the workforce, as well as to day-to-day life. They share personal experiences with neurodiversity, discuss the importance of diagnosis, and address workplace challenges such as misinformation and inclusion. Having recently ran a successful lunch and learn on the topic with Women in data recently, they continue the conversation and dive into questions they didn't have time to answer during the event.  

In this episode, Jade Emmanuel, a Customer Science Analyst, reveals how she took ownership of her career by starting with curiosity and pursuing what excites her. You'll get actionable advice on how to take control of your own career, whether it's through engaging in curious conversations, shadowing others, or approaching senior leaders with confidence. Learn how to leverage informal learning experiences and develop a growth mindset to create opportunities and build strategic relationships that elevate your professional journey. 

Did you know that 70% of adults will experience imposter syndrome at least once in their lives?   In this two-part episode, Karen dives deep into the world of imposter syndrome, exploring how it impacts professionals and how to break free from its grip.  In Part 1, Holly Wall, a Data Governance Analyst, candidly shares her personal battle with imposter syndrome. She opens up about the challenges she faced, the self-doubt she's overcome, and how it has shaped her career in data.  In Part 2, Michelle Hall, a Data Leader and Career & Leadership Coach, recounts her own fears—once afraid of being exposed as a fraud and even escorted off the premises. Michelle offers invaluable advice on how to conquer these feelings and unlock your full potential.  Tune in to learn how to:  Manage the overwhelming feelings of imposter syndrome  Confidently discuss these feelings with your manager without diminishing your credibility  Build lasting confidence while navigating the complexities of a career in data   

In this episode, Jackie Clayton, Analytics & Data Science Lead at Mars, discusses creating effective learning cultures in data teams. Drawing from her experience establishing data academies, Jackie shares insights on:  Integrating learning into daily work  Making the most of your learning budget  Learning without having to spend money for it  Involving all team members in the learning process  Extending data education across organisations  She offers practical advice for fostering a learning environment in both large and small teams, emphasising the importance of aligning learning with business goals and sharing knowledge. Jackie also touches on how one can strategically use learning budgets when available. 

Two data professionals get real about managing stress and finding work-life balance in a rapidly changing world. From failed meditation attempts to CrossFit obsessions, Cecilia and Karen share their personal journeys of discovering what actually works for them to stay sane in high-pressure tech careers. With candid humour, they discuss the pressures of "self-care" culture, the importance of setting boundaries at work, and their go-to strategies for decompressing - which aren't always what you'd expect. Whether you're struggling to step away from your desk or searching for your own stress-busting routine, this relatable conversation offers practical tips and a reminder that there's no one-size-fits-all solution to finding balance. 

In this episode, Karen and Dr. Nadia Zaheer tackle one of the most important topics in data: ensuring and demonstrating the value of data science work. Nadia shares practical strategies for prioritising projects using impact vs. effort matrices, the importance of quantifying results, and effective ways to communicate value to stakeholders. She emphasises the need for data professionals to understand how their work fits into the bigger business picture and contributes to revenue growth or cost reduction. She also offers advice on overcoming imposter syndrome and the importance of continuously learning and adapting in the fast-evolving field of data science. This conversation is packed with actionable tips for data professionals looking to enhance their impact and advance their careers.   

For the last episode of this summer mini series, we have a truly inspiring guest, Padma Varatharajan, who recently transitioned back into the workforce after a career break of over 20 years. She shares her incredible journey from raising her son to becoming a data engineer at Cap Gemini. We delve into the challenges she faced re-entering the workforce, the steps she took to rediscover her passion for data, and how a supportive community played a crucial role in her success. Whether you're looking for inspiration to start your own career in data or just love hearing stories of incredible women, this episode is for you.

Cecilia is chatting today with Karina Naminas, the CEO of Label Your Data. Karina's journey is a fascinating one, beginning with liberal arts and journalism and evolving into a leadership role in the tech industry. She started her career in customer support, took on various roles, and eventually co-founded a company specializing in data annotation for AI development. We'll explore her unique path, the pivotal moments that shaped her career, and the lessons she learned along the way.

Cecilia chats with Savannah Brown, who shares her incredible journey from the medical field to becoming a data and insight analyst.  This episode promises to be filled with valuable insights and inspiration, especially for those considering a major career transition. Savannah's story highlights the power of transferable skills and the endless possibilities within the data industry.

Today, Cecilia has a very special guest: Carla Rodriguez. Carla and Cecilia go way back to our days in hospitality school, and over the years, they've both transitioned into the world of data. In this episode, they'll dive into Carla's fascinating journey from hospitality in the mining industry to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the data field. We'll also discuss the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry and the invaluable lessons she learned along the way. Get ready for an inspiring conversation that highlights the power of trusting yourself and embracing change.

In August, Cecilia is taking the reins of the podcast in a mini series featuring women who transitioned into data from a different career. For the first episode of this mini series, Cecilia speaks to Elodie Hudson. Elodie transitioned into data in 2023 from being a teacher for 16 years and also working in Science to become a Lead Data Scientist at a technology and training company for the railway industry. She has an incredible and inspiring journey about career change.

In this episode, Cecilia takes the reins as solo host for the first time. She interviews Jennifer Mezzio, the Global HR Data Officer at First Citizens Bank and the Strategic Community Executive Director for Women in Data in the US, who shares her inspiring journey from bank teller to data leader. Jennifer recounts her pivotal experiences at Silicon Valley Bank, where she played a crucial role in developing the HR Data Office, especially during the bank's collapse in March 2023. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and maintaining one's identity beyond the job. Jennifer discusses her impactful work in the data community, sparked by her article on women in the field and her connection with the organization's founder, Roisin. Her efforts aim to expand the community's presence in North America, mirroring its success in the UK and India. The conversation also covers how yoga helps manage stress, the significance of community in data, and the experiences of women in male-dominated industries. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on career resilience, community building, and personal growth.

This week, Karen and Cecilia speak with Tamanna Haque, a lead data scientist at Jaguar Land Rover, about her career journey from retail to automotive. Tam discusses transitioning into data science from data analytics through self-training, proving the value of data science and AI, and learning to work with larger cloud datasets. She shares insights on overcoming industry transition challenges like new data, culture, and pushback by ensuring her work spoke for itself. Passionate about cars, Tam explains how she leverages connected vehicle data to improve Jaguar Land Rover's products, customer experience, and retailer relationships. 

In this episode, Karen is joined by Roshni Daswani, Head of Data Strategy and Transformation at a leading consulting firm in the UK. From navigating language barriers and cultural shifts to overcoming challenges in a male-dominated industry, Roshni shares invaluable insights and actionable advice for professionals at every stage of their careers. Join us as we explore the power of resilience, confidence-building, and effective leadership, and learn how to own your career, command any room, and achieve your fullest potential. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro, this conversation is packed with wisdom and inspiration to help you thrive in the world of data and beyond.     Find Roshini on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roshni-daswani-01b4854a/

Join Karen and Cecilia as they discuss common pitfalls in data analytics and how to avoid them. From understanding the request and sense-checking numbers to documenting code and providing regular updates, they share personal stories and tips to help you refine your data analytics skills or support others in delivering impactful insights. Don't miss this insightful episode packed with practical advice!    Follow Karen on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-jean-francois/ Follow Cecilia n LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciliagoliveira/

In this episode of the Women in Data podcast, Karen and Cecilia are joined by Rachel Escott, Director of Development at FIS. Rachel discusses her somewhat unorthodox journey into a data leadership role via a Danish brewery and Kent farm. The group also discuss taking a career break, particularly due to childcare commitments, and how to navigate a return to a full-time role. Rachel offers practical advice on working with a younger cohort and the advantages of leveraging corporate programmes designed to help people who have taken a career break.  Listen to learn Rachel's fascinating career so far and gain insight on how to manage career breaks and successfully return to the office after a long absence.    Find Rachel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-escott/

In this episode of the Women in Data podcast, we dive deep into the remarkable career of Pranjali Ajay Parse, a data scientist at Autodesk, as she shares her journey into the dynamic world of data science. This episode is a must for anybody who wishes to land their first data science role.    Pranjali outlines her journey from mobile app development to the emerging world of data science which was booming across a range of industries, recounts her journey from India to the USA and explains the power of courses, education and internships to get a role. Pranjali also explains of the power of taking on leadership roles, including hers as an ambassador for women in data science with a major US college.    Listen to learn practical tips on how to land your first data science role and discover Pranjali's unique journey into the data space and her transition between cultures.    Pranjali on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pranjali-ajay-parse/  Get mentored by Pranjali - https://topmate.io/pranjali_ajay_parse  Pranjali on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@pranjali_parse 

In this co-hosted Women in Data episode, Karen and Cecilia devote an entire episode to a topic that was key in the special 100th episode: networking. The pair discuss advice for networking, understanding why networking is crucial for career advancement, building skills, and establishing personal connections. They also discuss how to reach out to find mentorship, especially with people who may be very busy.  Karen and Cecilia give practical tips on how to enjoy and gain benefit from networking events including arriving early and having clearly defined objectives beforehand.  This episode is a must listen for people who are keen to develop their soft, interpersonal, and networking skills. Don't miss it!

This month marks the 4th anniversary of the Women in Data Podcast, featuring a special guest, Megan Lieu, a Data Advocate at Deepnotes, LinkedIn Instructor, and Data Influencer with over 100k followers. In this episode, Megan reflects on her journey from a finance career to Data Science, highlighting her initial obsession with coding before realizing her strengths lay in communication, project management, and strategic thinking.   Karen and Megan delve into the crucial role of Data Advocates in ensuring the usability of data products, emphasizing the importance of understanding user experience and addressing pain points for effective product development.  Additionally, they discuss the provision of valuable resources and interaction with users to facilitate the efficient utilization of products and tools.  They talk about content creation, navigating social media, and the parallels with Megan's advocacy role. Megan also shares insights on finding support during career transitions without an established network.    Megan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganlieu/ 

In this episode, Karen is joined by Raquel Seville, CEO of Dataffluent Limited. They discuss Raquel's remarkable journey from a data analyst to an entrepreneur, highlighting her impact as a female leader in the Caribbean tech industry. While the conversation delves into the state of data in Jamaica,  the main focus is on the unique challenges women face in balancing career aspirations with personal life, addressing specific female health challenges that can disrupt career progression.   There is no separation between being a woman and being a professional, and Raquel shares her experience going through myomectomy, severe pre-eclampsia, child loss, and multiple miscarriages. She highlights the fact that black women are much more likely to face life-changing health issues than women of other ethnicities, particularly around fertility. As a data professional, Raquel finds it difficult to just accept these as facts and is determined to discover the why as well as solutions.  Find Raquel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquelseville/ 

How do you find career clarity in Data? How do you find the right leader? What are the questions to ask to determine that someone is the right leader for YOU? Also, how does a leader stay current after years in a role? If these are questions you ask, this podcast will help you enormously.   Antje Bustamante and Neha Wadhawan share their experiences on how they navigated their careers and eventually thrived, even when leadership wasn't people-focused. Hear how they quiz leaders to discover if their values align with their own.   Also hear how they would deal today with inadequate leadership or bias that they encountered in the past.  You will hear surprising insights about the utility of vulnerability, openness and information transparency in leadership.   In their roles, Antje and Neha distinguish ‘management' from what they see as genuine empowerment.  Find out how to establish boundaries and draw your own red lines while seeking out leaders yet, at the same time, taking responsibility for your career.    Find Neha on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nehawag/ Find Antje on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/antje-bustamante-a44143bb/

The countdown has begun, and we are buzzing with excitement!  In this thrilling episode, Karen is joined by Roisin McCarthy, the founder of Women in Data, and Chole Aboud, Partner Relations Executive for WiD, to provide you with an exclusive sneak peek into the flagship event happening on March 7, 2024. Tune in to discover details about the incredibly inspiring guest speakers, engaging workshops, hackathon, and partnerships for the day!  If you're attending, don't forget to come say hi! See you there! 

If you are wondering about where and how you fit into the world of Data, this episode will provide a great perspective. Anusha Adige moved from India to Scotland, and from Banking specialist to Business Analyst, and now Data and Analytics Manager. Though she came from a non-technical background, she learned to work with programmers to generate powerful business insights. Karen and Cecilia were fascinated to hear about the transferable skills of someone who is a naturally curious person. Discussions between business people and data people often get lost in translation. So, Data needs “really efficient data translators” and stories supported by numbers.  Hear how you can develop in confidence and bring more to the business.  Anusha Adige on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anusha-adige-474b7287/   

85% of the jobs that will be available in 2030 have not been invented yet! How do we make career decisions today and plan for the future? In this episode, Karen is joined by Sarah Victor, Co-Head of Data Governance, Chief Data Office, Corporate & Investment Bank at J.P. Morgan, who shares strategies that she deployed to navigate an unconventional career path that led to Data. When you move from India to the USA, switch from Engineering to study for an MBA, and start a new role in the Finance sector: what are the risks, and how do you make informed choices? One suggestion is to listen to a diversity of ideas.   Discover more insights as Karen and Sarah cover a range of predictability, from becoming too comfortable in a job, to learning how to get comfortable being uncomfortable.    Sarah Victor on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-victor-a381703 

In celebration of the 100 episodes, Karen and Cecilia invited to the show Alex Smith and Lara Harris, two members of the production team. They dive into the most valuable career advice shared throughout the podcast's journey, focusing on the listeners' favourite topic: navigating a successful career in the world of data. Covering pivotal career phases, from determining your next move to resiliently facing redundancy, this episode extracts wisdom from key moments, including:  Episode 73: How to figure out your next step  Episode 62: Future-proofing your career  Episode 64: Establishing yourself in a new role  Episode 71: Redundancy and job-hunting experiences  As a bonus, join the celebration on LinkedIn for a chance to win a ticket to the highly anticipated Women in Data flagship event in March.    Follow Karen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-jean-francois/  Follow Cecilia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciliagoliveira/ 

Hear about Wuraola's veracious appetite for learning and where and how she finds online tools to develop her understanding of data science. In this episode, Karen and Cecilia are joined by publisher and technical instructor, Wuraola Oyewusi, who describes her journey in Data. Two take-aways are ‘curiosity is not language dependent' and ‘the internet is generous.' To acknowledge the online sources and teachers who helped her with free content, and to give back to the community, Wuraola publishes inspirational content on Linkedin and YouTube. After listening to her speak here, you will want to explore further to find her videos that range in topic from data visualisation, delivered in Yoruba, to How to Switch to a Tech Career.  Find out how to combine available self-help content and structured courses to enjoy learning and plan your development in Data.  Wuraola Oyewusi on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/wuraolaoyewusi/  Wuraola Oyewusi on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@wuraoyewusi 

In this year-end special, Karen and Cecilia warmly invite you to join them in reflecting on the passing year. They explore the significance of retrospectives, sharing valuable insights and personal strategies for both personal and professional growth. Offering different structures for your own retrospective, they candidly delve into their individual journeys, opening up about mistakes, lessons learned, and memorable moments. Join them for a thoughtful and inspiring discussion as they bid farewell to 2023. 

Ever wondered how transferable skills can shape your career path? Karen spent some quality time with the remarkable Sumathi Thiyagarajan, VP of Business Strategy and Analytics for the Milwaukee Bucks, to discuss this exact topic. Sumathi has lived the reality of transitioning across industries, from healthcare to academia, and finally making her mark in the world of sports and entertainment. In this episode, Sumathi shares her journey and her strategies to build credibility, emphasising the power of transferable skills in data and highlighting the often-overlooked non-technical skills that have proven instrumental in her career so far. The conversation then takes an inspiring turn as Sumathi shares her personal experiences as a woman of colour navigating data and analytics leadership, and how her position at the top allows her to bring diverse talent and perspectives to the organisation. Get ready to be inspired, challenged and empowered.

Does Generative AI have the potential to revolutionise your business strategy? In this episode, Karen is joined by Rehgan Avon, CEO of Align AI and founder of Women in Analytics, to discuss Generative AI and how it is affecting data strategies. Prepare to unravel the pros and cons of the hype cycle surrounding Gen AI, as well as how organisations should navigate this landscape by conducting proofs of concept and tackling the task of educating their teams about this groundbreaking technology. Listen to Rehgan talk about how business and AI strategy should not be separated from each other in order to avoid the pitfalls of impulsive decisions and ineffective data practices. 

Ever experienced a lack of clear expectations about what was required for you to progress at work? You're not alone.  Lack of role definition is a common pain point in the data industry, likely due to its dynamic nature and a general lack of data literacy within organisations. Listen in as Karen and Cecilia explore how this uncertainty can make data teams feel more like a service team than a valued asset, and the critical role of leadership in providing clear career guidance.  Moving forward, they shift their focus to stress management and how a lack of control and support at the workplace can dampen motivation among data professionals. They then share some tried and tested strategies to regain control and chart a way forward. Lastly, they craft a comprehensive personal development plan, emphasising the importance of setting clear goals, involving your manager in the process, and regularly reflecting on your strengths and aspirations. Listen to this episode for these insights and more!   

November will be an incredible month on the Women in Data podcast with 3 new episodes coming out. In this month's update, we talk about where we are at with the mentoring competition and introduce the episodes to come.

Welcome to another captivating episode of the Women in Data® Podcast! Today Karen is joined by two exceptional experts in the field: Michelle Conway, Lead Data Scientist at Lloyds Banking Group, and Sarah Schlobohm, Head of AI and Particle Physicist. Together they discuss the world of Machine Learning Ops.  A central theme of the discussion revolves around the lifecycle of MLOps and the concept of Machine Learning as a "solution to a problem”. Michelle, Sarah and Karen delve into this idea, stressing the importance of identifying the right opportunities for Machine Learning to truly be effective. They discuss how businesses can avoid falling into the trap of implementing ML without a clear understanding of appropriate applications.  They also highlight how Machine Learning doesn't operate in isolation but requires seamless integration with other data departments, such as data governance. This comprehensive approach ensures that ML initiatives are well-aligned with the overall data strategy of the organisation, leading to more successful outcomes.  This episode is a must-listen for anybody looking to learn more about ML Ops and the potential applications of this exciting field. 

In this Women in Data® episode, Karen is joined by Salla Franzén, Investment Manager at Navigare Ventures. Together, they delve into a captivating discussion about the crucial role of leadership in shaping successful data-driven organisations.   Salla and Karen highlight how essential it is to maintain a sense of wonder in the world of data. Salla shares her perspective on finding delight in the intricate web of data work and how cultivating this enthusiasm can lead to innovation and learning. The pair also discusses how to provide an environment that encourages individuals to step out of their comfort zones, enabling them to discover their potential and excel in their roles. Salla stresses the importance of creating an atmosphere characterised by kindness, humbleness, and curiosity – values that not only foster collaboration but also drive continuous improvement.  Tune into this Women in Data® episode and discover how to lead with purpose, infuse joy into data work, and inspire teams to excel in data-driven organisations.   

This month, we're making waves with an exciting competition that could land you a 45-minute mentoring session with one of our industry's finest. In this month's update, we share the details of the competition, look back at last month's data conferences we attended in London and South Africa, and talk about what's to come on the podcast in October. You will hear about Big Data London and BI and Innovation Fest, but also about the upcoming episodes on data leadership with Salla Franzen and ML in the real world with Michelle Conway and Sarah Schlobohm.   Follow Women in Data on LinkedIn to stay updated on the competition.

In this episode, Karen and Cecilia are joined by Abi Aryan, a Machine Learning Engineer and author for O'Reilly book on LLMOps. Throughout the episode Karen, Cecilia, and Abby open up about their personal experiences working in very small teams. They chat about the pros and cons and dive into the obstacles they've come across in these setups. They tackle the reality of having a smaller collective voice and the significant responsibility of being the sole data representative, which can sometimes feel overwhelming. Such challenges stress the resourcefulness and resilience required in technical roles, as data professionals must often rely on their own expertise and problem-solving skills to navigate complex challenges.  Enjoy!

In this episode, Karen is joined by Rianna Kelly, Head of Product Analytics & Data Scientist at ZEPZ, to discuss the intricacies of onboarding experiences within data teams.  While the onboarding period may be relatively brief in one's tenure, its significance is undeniable as it sets the scene for what's to come. The realm of data work is notably complex, demanding a grasp of technology, data, processes, and business acumen, rendering onboarding in data teams a unique challenge.    Throughout the conversation, Rianna uses her expertise to describe the components of a great onboarding experience and shares practical strategies to make it easier. She emphasises the significance of documentation in efficiently navigating different data products, providing essential tips to streamline the integration process. Karen and Rianna also debate the optimal speed at which to absorb new information and build connections without feeling inundated by the sea of new faces and challenges.      Enjoy!

We are trying something new! In this special episode, Karen and Cecilia engage in a brief conversation about their summer experiences and share some valuable lessons they've learned. They then shift the discussion towards what you can expect on the podcast in September. Enjoy!