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. 

 

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 

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.

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.

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.

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!

In this episode of the Women in Data® podcast, hosts Karen and Cecilia explore a crucial and often overlooked aspect of achieving success in the data space: workplace visibility. They dive deep into effective strategies that can help individuals stand out and leave a lasting impact among their colleagues. They also provide valuable insights on the art of self-promotion, guiding listeners on how to confidently share their accomplishments, projects, and contributions without coming across as boastful. 

This episode serves as an invaluable guide for anyone looking to increase visibility in the data workplace, whether you are just starting out or seeking to advance your career. You can expect actionable strategies and practical tips that will empower you to excel and make a significant mark in the industry. Tune in to gain invaluable insights and unlock the power of workplace visibility in the data field. 

 

Enjoy!

In this podcast episode featuring Liz Henderson, Executive Advisor at Capgemini, the focus is on navigating change and making valuable contributions to overall business transformation. Liz and Karen discuss change management and how individuals and organisations can successfully navigate change. Join to hear valuable advice for becoming comfortable with business transformation and embracing it as an opportunity rather than a threat.  By becoming champions of change, Liz believes individuals can drive positive shifts and create a culture that is receptive to innovation.  While change is a topic that touches everyone, Liz approaches it with a data hat on.  Given that around 90% of data science initiatives do not achieve their objectives, she shares strategies to mitigate risks and increase the likelihood of success in data-driven projects. 

Enjoy! 

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Show notes: 

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Liz’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizhendersondata/ 

Join Karen and Cecilia in this insightful episode as they dive deep into the crucial topic of learning and development, a subject close to Karen's heart and frequently discussed in mentoring conversations. With the rapid pace of the field, navigating the vast array of skills and knowledge can often feel overwhelming, leaving us with limited time to address them all. During their conversation, Karen and Cecilia share their top strategies for approaching learning in a sustainable and impactful manner. Discover invaluable insights on effectively deciding what to learn, prioritising topics or skills, and crafting a comprehensive development plan. Moreover, gain practical advice on overcoming common blockers that hinder progress in the learning journey. Tune in and equip yourself with the tools and guidance to embark on a successful and fulfilling path of continuous learning in the dynamic world of data.  Enjoy!

In this episode, Karen is joined by Tori Tompkins, Senior Data Science Consultant at Advancing Analytics and founder of Girls Code Too, which she runs in collaboration with Girls in Data to create curriculums that inspire the next generation of data and tech professionals.    During the conversation, Tori discusses her training in forensic computing and the journey that led her to the data science and machine learning fields. She also details the work that Girls Code Too and Girls in Data to do get more young women into the field. Tori also gives tips on how to balance maintaining a side hustle and giving back to the community, all while working full time.   

Enjoy! 

 

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Show Notes 

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Tori’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tompkinstori/ 

 

We mentioned: 

Squiggly career on Stress tolerance: https://www.amazingif.com/listen/stress-tolerance/ 

Girls code too https://girlscodetoo.co.uk/#about 

Girls in data: https://girlsindata.co.uk/ 

 

Tori recommends  

AI weirdness: https://www.aiweirdness.com/ 

In this second co-hosted episode, Karen and Cecilia discuss cross-functional collaboration, building on episode 76 with Wendy Lynch. They talk about Wendy's role as an Analytics Translator, which particularly resonated with Cecilia - bridging the gap between technical and non-technical teams that do not always fully understand each other's work.  The pair also consider examples of when strained working relationships with other teams get in the way of good business outcomes.  How can this can be overcome, leading to greater impact and better personal relationships?  Finally, Karen and Cecilia ponder how to answer the classic question of what you do for a living to non-data experts.

In this episode of the Women in Data podcast, Karen is joined by Niamh Broderick, Data Scientist at Monzo Bank, who shares her experience of transitioning from a manager to an individual contributor (IC). She talks about how realising she was getting her energy from working on technical challenges and coding rather than managing people lead to the change in direction.  

Throughout the episode, Niamh and Karen discuss the differences and overlaps between the role of a manager and that of an IC, as well as the challenges Niamh encountered in both roles.  This episode is a must-listen for anybody considering management roles as a way to have a broader impact 

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Show notes: 

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Niamh’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niamh-broderick-69623376/ 

She recommends:

Staff Engineer: Leadership beyond the management track  

https://staffeng.com/book 

 

In this episode of Women in Data, Karen is joined by Cecilia Oliveira, new co-host of the series, as she recounts her transition from a career in sales and hospitality to the field of data. Cecilia talks about the challenges she faced as she tried to navigate a new industry and how imposter syndrome became a challenge when meeting graduates who had taken a traditional STEM route into data. 

Cecilia and Karen discuss the advantages of life skills and industry experience when starting a job in a new industry and how to use skills gained in other fields to one’s advantage. 

Cecilia's story is an inspiration for anyone who is considering making a career change or trying to transition into a new field.  

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Show notes: 

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Cecilia’s LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciliagoliveira/

We mentioned the following episodes: 

Ep.79 Jackie Carter - Thinking creatively about talent pipelines into data careers 

Ep.76 Wendy Lynch - The value of Analytics Translators 

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.

This week, Karen is joined by Nicole Ramsden, Chief Data Office Lead at JP Morgan. Throughout her career, Nicole has worn various hats in many locations, but when she was appointed to build a new data function for JP Morgan, she found herself leading outside of her comfort zone. In this episode, hear how she overcame these challenges to build a high-performing chief data office while ensuring a diverse talent pipeline. 

 

Enjoy! 

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Show notes: 

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Nicole’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-ramsden-71731224/ 

She recommends 

Gallup’s strength assessment: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/252137/home.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=uk_branded_cs_ecom&utm_term=gallup%20strengths&gclid=CjwKCAjw8JKbBhBYEiwAs3sxN405VarwaMjnMwlVHNPcMn7p2C6a0rrBD3NBIKMbHc2OQAhsOVrEUxoCE8EQAvD_BwE 

JP Morgan’s reading list: https://www.jpmorgan.com/news/jpmorgan-launches-23rd-annual-summer-reading-list  

A race for tomorrow: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/58950517-race-for-tomorrow 

CEO Excellence: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-on-books/ceo-excellence 

This week, Karen is joined by Jackie Carter, Professor in Statistical Literacy at the University of Manchester, to talk about how to make data analytics careers accessible to all. In this episode, Jackie highlights the importance of opening the field to more diverse backgrounds as many university degrees now include courses in data analytics. She explains how social science students, for example, add value to data teams, bringing a different perspective focusing on the why of behaviours. She touches on the need to solve the diversity issue before it reaches the workplace, speaks about the barriers to entry and how to solve them. Finally, she shares her best advice for students looking to build some work experience. 

Enjoy! 

 

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Show notes:  

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Jackie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjackiecarter/ 

Jackie’s book: https://uk.sagepub.com/en-gb/eur/work-placements-internships-applied-social-research/book253221 

Developing a future pipeline of applied social researchers through experiential learning: The case of a data fellows programme: 

https://content.iospress.com/articles/statistical-journal-of-the-iaos/sji210844 

This week, Karen is joined by Zandra Moore, Co-Founder, and CEO of PanIntelligence. With only 1% of capital deals going to female-founded teams, Zandra joined a government task force to increase opportunities for women starting, growing and scaling their businesses. In this episode, she shares her journey to founding her own business, as a woman and a mother, as well as the challenges she faced along the way and what helped her succeed. She also talks about the barriers encountered by female founders in the data and tech space and what can be done to address them. 

Enjoy! 

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Show notes: 

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Zandra’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zandramoore/ 

She recommends: 

• Crossing the Chasm: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crossing-Chasm-3rd-Disruptive-Mainstream/dp/0062292986 
• Getlatka: https://getlatka.com/podcast 
• TechCrunch: https://pod.link/found  
• Datacated: https://www.datacated.com/ 

The Women in Data flagship event is approaching, and I don’t know about you, but I am super excited. Roisin McCarthy, founder of Women in Data joined me on the podcast to give you a sneak peek into the event. Inspiring speakers, workshops, robots, gigantic LEGO minifigure, etc.. Women in Data went all out, and I can’t wait. Will you be there? 

 

Register to the community and event here: https://womenindata.swoogo.com/registration/Flagship_2023

 

This week, Karen is joined by Wendy Lynch, founder of Analytic-Translator.com. Passionate about analytics and communication, Wendy made a career of mixing the two together, helping data analytics and business teams understand each other. It took her 20 years to realise that her role was that of a translator and in this episode, she shares her best tips to bridge the gap between data and business. She starts by talking about the strain caused by poor communication in our field, then moves on to provide a clear definition of the role of an analytics translator and how they help solve the problem. In this conversation, Wendy also highlights the crucial skills required to be a good translator and through an exercise, demonstrates how we can find answers by simply finding the time to think about the question.  

 

Enjoy!   

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Show notes:  

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Wendy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendylynchphd/  

Wendy’s online course: www.analytic-translator.com  

 Get 30% off Wendy's courses until 15th March 2023 with the code WOMEN30

Wendy’s books:  

Become an Analytics Translator: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Become-Analytic-Translator-Business-Analysts/dp/0578316803/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2HI5W9CSYQ4XE&keywords=become+an+analytics+translator&qid=1664381036&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjg5IiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=become+an+analytics+translator%2Caps%2C83&sr=8-1  

Get to What Matters: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Get-What-Matters-Transform-Conversations/dp/0692934359/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1664381097&refinements=p_27%3AWendy+D.+Lynch+PhD&s=books&sr=1-3&text=Wendy+D.+Lynch+PhD 

 

This week, Karen is joined by Jannat Maqbool, Interim Executive Director at Smart Cities Council Australia New Zealand. In this episode, Jannat starts by sharing the misconceptions about smart cities before moving to the role data plays in this field. Listen to hear about the importance of data context, how it is secured and examples of use cases. 

Enjoy! 

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Show notes: 

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Jannat’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jannat-m-64633/

This week, Karen is joined by Cathy Herbert, EVP of Customer and Partner Enablement at Arria NLG. Integrity is important to Cathy and because of this, she is passionate about building win-win solutions. In this episode, she describes her approach to ensuring the development of useful products that won’t get shelved. She highlights the importance of communication and good design, and talks about how to make a great first impression, as well as sharing what makes the difference between building a product that makes customers' lives better, and one that doesn't. 

Enjoy! 

 

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Show notes: 

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Cathy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathy-herbert-616846/ 

 

She recommends to follow: 

Simon Sinek – How great leaders inspire action https://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action?language=en 

Geoffrey Moore - http://geoffreyamoore.com/ 

This week, Karen is joined by Diana Akanho, Managing Consultant - Data and AI Advisory at Capgemini. Before moving to Capgemini, Diana was feeling stuck in her career. She wanted to change roles, but was unsure of what she wanted to do next. With the help of a mentor, Diana took a pragmatic and structured approach to dealing with the issue. In this episode, she reflects on her journey to ‘getting unstuck’ and finding her next role: from experimenting outside of her day-to-day to having an ‘aha!’ moment when she understood the skills that naturally come to her.  

Enjoy! 

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Show notes 

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Diana’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-akanho/ 

 

She recommends: 

HBR: https://hbr.org/ 

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/ 

Karen recommends: https://www.amazingif.com/listen/exploring-and-applying-for-a-new-job/ 

This week, Karen is joined by Lizzie Harris for the last of this two-part episode covering redundancy and looking for a new job. In this conversation, they talk about the recruitment processes they went through, and how they believe they can be improved. Hiring processes are expensive, and data professionals are sparse. Can we fix inefficiencies and processes that are not inclusive?

 

Enjoy!

 

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Show notes:

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Lizzie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-harris-a1499a16/

Ep.33 on salary negotiation: https://womenindata.co.uk/women-in-data-podcasts/#item7879

This week, Karen is joined by Lizzie Harris for the first of a two-part episode covering redundancy and job searching. In this conversation, they share their respective experiences of going through redundancy earlier this year. They talk about what happened, how they felt, how they reacted and what they did to help cope with the stress and anxiety. They then move on to discuss job hunting, including writing their CVs with a view to encourage forward-focused conversations, rather than what they had done in the past.  Thus allowing them to pitch themselves at the right level, in a market where job titles are all over the place.

Enjoy!

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Show notes:

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Lizzie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-harris-a1499a16/

Ep.1 on Furlough fear: https://womenindata.co.uk/women-in-data-podcasts/#item7784

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.

This week, Karen is joined by Jena Zangs, Deputy Chief Data Officer & Director of Institutional Data, Analytics & Reporting at the University of St. Thomas (MN). In a field that is constantly evolving and where job hopping is becoming the norm to upskill and get promoted, Jena chose to stay and grow in her organisation. In this episode, she shares the challenges and fears brought by this decision as well as how she has overcome them. You will hear her thoughts on "not having enough time", how she stays up to date with the latest tech development and how she is upskilling herself and teammates to stay attractive to the market. 

Enjoy! 

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Show notes: 

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Jena’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenaz/ 

She recommends: 

Invisible Women: https://carolinecriadoperez.com/book/invisible-women/ 

The 5am club: https://www.robinsharma.com/book/the-5am-club 

This week, Karen is joined by Sadiqah Musa, Lead Analyst at TrustPilot, and cofounder of Black in Data. While DEI has been making the headlines for a while now, Sadiqah highlights the fact that, with only 3% of data professionals being Black, the work on diversity has barely started. In this episode, she talks about the impact the lack of diversity has on employees’ confidence, as well as their ability to be themselves in the workplace. People of colour will find tips to become more comfortable in a non-diverse environment, and organisations will hear about how they can become more inclusive.

Enjoy!

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Show notes:

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Sadiqah’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadiqah-musa-9b169495/

Black in Data: https://www.blackindata.co.uk/

Sathya Bala’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sathya-bala-mystory/

This week, Karen is joined by Itoro Liney, Data Science Manager at Principality Building Society, and AI Ethics Researcher, to discuss one of the most important issues in our field: algorithmic bias. In this episode, Itoro uses a simple, yet powerful example to highlight the impact of biased data, especially when amplified by Machine Learning algorithms. You will also hear practical advice on how data scientists can gain clarity on possible bias in their data, and how to account for it. 

Enjoy! 

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Show notes: 

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Itoro’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisliney/ 

 

She recommends reading:  

Radical Candor: https://www.radicalcandor.com/ 

The five dysfunctions of a team: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Five-Dysfunctions-Team-Leadership-Lencioni/dp/0787960756 

 

This week, Karen is joined by Candace Ohm, Director of Product Analytics at Cardlytics. Being a first-generation college student, Candace faced a number of challenges in her journey to become a leader in data science. In this episode, she shares a story of self-discovery and of overcoming limiting beliefs that were stopping her from feeling like she belonged in a career in data. But most of all, she shares a story of courage. 

Enjoy! 

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Show notes: 

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Candace’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candaceohm/