Mavens of Data – Details, episodes &amp; analysis

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Why Data Scientists Can Make Great Algorithmic Traders (w/ Jason Strimpel)

Season 3 · Episode 2

vendredi 14 novembre 2025 • Duration 00:15

Data scientists have the skills to model complex systems, work with messy data, and uncover hidden patterns.

Quant scientists do all of that, but with the added thrill (and pressure) of putting real money on the line.

In this episode, we sit down with Jason Strimpel, Founder of PyQuant News and Co-founder of Quant Science, to explore why data scientists are uniquely positioned to excel in algorithmic trading.

Whether you're a data scientist curious about finance, or simply interested in seeing your models have a more personal impact, this show offers a fresh perspective on how your skills can translate into the world of algorithmic trading.

What You'll Learn:

How your Python, stats, and modeling skills transfer directly into the markets
The mindset shifts required
Why reproducibility, auditability, and backtesting discipline are the data scientist's secret weapon
Common pitfalls when transitioning into quant roles, and how to avoid them
The tools and workflows Jason recommends to get started fast

🤝 Follow Jason on LinkedIn!

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Making Smart Smarter: Decision Intelligence in Action (w/ Joe Dery)

Season 2 · Episode 25

vendredi 29 août 2025 • Duration 56:01

In this episode, we sit down with Joe Dery, Vice President of Customer Success at Aera Technology, to explore a concept that's shifting how organizations think about analytics: Decision Intelligence.

We unpack what decision intelligence really means (hint: it's not just another buzzword), why some data scientists still resist it, and how this discipline helps surface causal insights — not just correlations. Joe brings firsthand use cases from the field, showing how DI is helping organizations not only analyze what's happening but also decide what to do about it.

Whether you're a data scientist, product manager, or exec who wants to move from dashboards to decisions, this one's for you.

What You'll Learn:

What decision intelligence is — and what it isn't
Why some in the data space push back against it
How DI gets you closer to causality (not just correlation)
Real-world use cases where DI created business impact
Why decision metadata is the secret sauce for long-term success

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Disrupting Data Governance and The AI Revolution (w/ Laura Madsen)

Season 2 · Episode 24

vendredi 22 août 2025 • Duration 54:26

AI is moving fast, but are organizations prepared to keep up?

In this episode, data professional Laura Madsen joins us to unpack why most companies are lagging behind, how tech debt is holding businesses back, and why knowledge graphs are the way forward.

Join us for a bold conversation on why the AI revolution needs better data governance, not just bigger models.

What You'll Learn:

Who's thriving in disruption, which industries embrace AI, and why others are stuck
The hidden cost of tech debt and why most organizations avoid real transformation
The power of knowledge graphs, and why they're the key to making AI work at scale
What AI still can't do for us, and the gaps we need to fill with human expertise

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Data Literacy in the Digital Age (w/ Kathy Rondon)

Season 2 · Episode 23

vendredi 15 août 2025 • Duration 42:18

We live in a world where people are concerned about social media tracking their data—but at the same time, willingly send their DNA to companies like 23andMe.

Why does this happen? What do companies actually do with our data? And how can we, as individuals, become more data-literate to make informed decisions?

In this episode, we sit down with Kathy Rondon, author of "We The People: A Playbook for Data Ethics in a Democratic Society," data expert and advocate for data literacy.

If you've ever wondered how to take control of your digital footprint, make sense of statistics, or separate fact from fiction in a world full of data, this episode is for you.

What You'll Learn:

How companies collect and use your data—sometimes in ways you wouldn't expect
Why do we trust some organizations with our most personal data while fearing others
The power of statistics and how understanding the basics would help everyone better navigate news, research, and even politics

📚 Be sure to check out Kathy's book: "We The People: A Playbook for Data Ethics in a Democratic Society"

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Beyond the Basics: Key Statistical Methods and Career Strategies for Data Analysts (w/ Josh Starmer)

Season 2 · Episode 22

vendredi 8 août 2025 • Duration 51:41

If you were only going to learn a few statistical techniques as an analyst, where should you focus?

Josh Starmer, Founder of StatQuest, shares how learning these skills can boost your career. We dive into why linear regression is the bedrock for advanced statistical tests like the t-test, and why understanding Principal Component Analysis (PCA) can give you an edge in working with complex datasets.

But it's not just about the math—we also explore how expanding your skill set beyond the numbers can make you a stronger candidate for promotions and new roles.

From building a diverse portfolio of skills to positioning yourself effectively in quarterly reviews, we discuss strategies to ensure you stand out in your organization and the broader job market.

Whether you're early in your data career or looking to sharpen your expertise, this episode gives you actionable insights to grow both technically and professionally.

What You'll Learn:

Core statistical methods every analyst should know, including why linear regression is the foundation for advanced analytics
How learning tangential skills like Principal Component Analysis (PCA) can set you apart in the field
Positioning yourself for success in quarterly reviews and career conversations

Be sure to check out Josh's Illustrated Guide to Machine Learning and his YouTube channel!

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Transitioning to Analytics when You're Established, Experienced, and Possibly Well-Paid (w/ Andrew Madson)

Season 2 · Episode 21

vendredi 1 août 2025 • Duration 53:39

Thinking about transitioning into analytics but worried about starting over?

Andrew Madson has been in your shoes. Once a compliance executive, Andrew successfully pivoted into analytics and now is a Professor of analytics at five universities. In this episode, we dive deep into what it really takes to make a career shift when you're already successful.

Don't miss this conversation packed with real insights for professionals considering a move into analytics!

What You'll Learn:

How to handle the fear of leaving a high-paying career for something new
Why transitioning is different from starting fresh—and how to use your experience as a superpower
Bootcamp vs. Master's—what's worth your time and money?
The must-have skills and topics when evaluating an analytics education

To hear even more from Andrew, you can check out his YouTube channel

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Cinematic Techniques for Data Storytelling (w/ Angelica Lo Duca) | Mavens of Data

Season 2 · Episode 20

vendredi 25 juillet 2025 • Duration 49:50

What if your next data presentation felt less like a spreadsheet and more like a blockbuster movie?

In this episode, we're joined by Angelica Lo Duca, Researcher at IIT-CNR and a master of transforming numbers into narratives, to explore the intersection of cinematography and data storytelling.

Learn how to extract a "hero" from your data, structure your analysis like a compelling story, and tailor your presentations for different audiences to ensure maximum impact.

Angelica reveals how the techniques filmmakers use—focusing on key characters, building tension, and delivering climactic resolutions—can be applied to data storytelling. She'll also discuss the role of the data storyteller as a guide and how to strike a balance between clarity and creativity.

Whether you're presenting to executives, stakeholders, or teammates, this episode will help you level up your communication skills and make your insights unforgettable.

What You'll Learn:

How to identify and extract a "hero" from your data to drive a compelling narrative.
Cinematic techniques that turn complex analyses into engaging stories.
How to tailor your data presentation to resonate with different audiences.
The responsibilities and creative power of the data storyteller.

Angelica is the author of Become a Great Storyteller: Learn How You Can Drive Change with Data. Find it here!

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Leveling Up: Analytics in the Gaming Industry (w/ Carly Taylor)

Season 2 · Episode 19

vendredi 18 juillet 2025 • Duration 59:20

In this episode, we'll chat with Carly Taylor, Field CTO of Gaming at Databricks, to explore the fascinating world of data analytics in the gaming industry, where every click, quest, and respawn generates insights that shape the games we love.

Carly shares her experience working in gaming to help harness data for better gameplay and smarter monetization. She'll break down what analysts, data scientists, and sales engineers actually do in gaming and how teams turn raw data into real-time decisions.

Whether you're a player, a data nerd, or someone who wants to turn both into a career, this episode is your walkthrough guide to data in gaming.

What You'll Learn:

How gaming companies use data to optimize player experience and business outcomes
What it's like to work in a field engineering or customer-facing analyst role
The tools, KPIs, and best practices for success
How to break into a data role in gaming and what skills to focus on

Stay updated with Carly's latest by subscribing to her Substack

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