Women in Data Podcast

Ep. 138 - Data Teams Habits that Make us Cringe

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. 

Ep. 137 - What Data Job is Right for you? Breaking down Data roles

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.

Ep. 136 - Data: The Most Transferable Skill

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.

Ep.135 - Success in Data & Tech: Lessons from 30+ Years in the field

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 

Ep.134 - The Path to Data Leadership: Skills, Challenges, and Growth Strategies for Every Career Stage

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.  

Ep.133 - From Risk Analyst to Data Leader: Bindu's Journey and Key Career Lessons

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. 

Ep.132 - Should You Stay or Walk Away? Making the Toughest Career Decision

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. 

 

Ep.131 - How Data Teams and Stakeholders Can Work Better Together

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! 

Ep.130 Data Protection 101: What Every Data Professional Should Know

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. 

Ep.129 Breaking Barriers:Skills and Strategies for Data Career Growth

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.