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Welcome to the Women in Data Podcast, where every other week your host, Karen Jean-Francois interviews some of the most inspiring women working in data. Through each episode, they share their invaluable experience and knowledge. Leaving no stone unturned, the WiD Podcast series will provide you with information on the use of data in various industries, plus helpful tips for career development. More importantly, it will enable you to become the data professional you want to be.
Episodes

7 hours ago
7 hours ago
In this candid and empowering episode, Karen sits down with Maaike Van Der Branden, Chief Data Officer, to explore the real, unfiltered experience of returning to work after maternity leave. From battling imposter syndrome and skill gaps to rebuilding confidence and reshaping leadership, Maaike shares insights that every working mum, colleague, and employer should hear.
Together, they discuss what it’s really like to return to your job as a new mum: the double guilt, the pressure to catch up, the fear of falling behind, and how crucial it is to be given time, space, and support. Maaike opens up about how motherhood has changed her—not just personally, but professionally—and how it’s made her a more empathetic and inclusive leader.
They also tackle the values that drive career choices post-parenthood, from rejecting toxic industries to focusing on meaningful impact.
Plus, don't miss the rapid-fire round on favourite books, tools, and leadership advice.
🎙️ Whether you're a mum in tech, a team leader, or someone navigating the messy middle of career and family—this episode will speak to you.

Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
Ep.139 - Stay Relevant or Fall Behind:Thriving in the Age of Generative AI
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
Karen is joined by Cindi Howson—Chief Data & AI Strategy Officer at ThoughtSpot and host of The Data Chief Podcast. If you saw her speak at the Women in Data flagship conference, you’ll know how inspiring and bold her perspective is.
In this episode, Cindi shares her take on where data and AI are heading—and it’s not business as usual.
They explore:
- How generative AI and AI agents are already changing the landscape of work
- What it means for data professionals, particularly women, and their careers
- How to stay relevant through continuous learning and adaptability
- The pressing need to address bias in AI and create more inclusive data cultures
Cindi asks: “If you can’t do this, then who?”—a challenge to step forward and lead the change in tech.
Whether you're a data leader, practitioner, or just curious about the future of AI, this episode is packed with insight, practical advice, and a call to action.
Cindi recommends:
- Coded Bias
- Race after technology

Tuesday Jun 10, 2025
Ep. 138 - Data Teams Habits that Make us Cringe
Tuesday Jun 10, 2025
Tuesday Jun 10, 2025
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.

Tuesday May 27, 2025
Ep. 137 - What Data Job is Right for you? Breaking down Data roles
Tuesday May 27, 2025
Tuesday May 27, 2025

Tuesday May 13, 2025
Ep. 136 - Data: The Most Transferable Skill
Tuesday May 13, 2025
Tuesday May 13, 2025

Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
Ep.135 - Success in Data & Tech: Lessons from 30+ Years in the field
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
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

Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
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.

Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
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.

Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Ep.132 - Should You Stay or Walk Away? Making the Toughest Career Decision
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
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.

Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Ep.131 - How Data Teams and Stakeholders Can Work Better Together
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
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!