Women in Data Podcast

Ep.124 Empowered by Neurodiversity

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.  

Ep.123 Elevate Your Career: Growth Mindset, Strategic Networking, and the Power of Curiosity

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. 

Ep.122 Feeling Like a Fraud? Here’s How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

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 

 

Ep.121 - Strategies for Building a Learning Culture in Data Teams - Jackie Clayton

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. 

Ep.120 Ditch the Guilt: Your Stress Management Doesn't Have to Look Like Everyone Else's

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. 

Ep.119 Nadia Zaheer - Proving Your Worth in Data Science: Expert Tips on Adding Value

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. 

 

How I Got Into Data 5/5 - Padma's Journey to Data Engineering After a 20-Year Career Break

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.

How I Got Into Data 4/5- Karyna Naminas' Journey from Customer Support to Tech Leadership

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.

How I Got Into Data 3/5 - Savannah's Journey from Medical Science to Data Analytics

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.

How I Got Into Data 2/5 - Carla's Journey from the Mining Industry to Data Entrepreneurship

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.