Women in Data Podcast

Ep.97 Transcending Industries: Sumathi Thiyagarajan’s Story

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.

Ep.96 Rehgan Avon - Decoding the Hype and Reality of Generative AI

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. 

Ep.95 - Unlocking Your Role: A Guide for Gaining Clarity

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! 

 

Ep.94 - November Update

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.

Ep.93 Michelle Conway and Sarah Schlobohm- Machine Learning in the Real World Lessons from the Experts

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. 

Ep.92 Salla Franzén- Data Leadership: A Journey of Delight and Discovery

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.   

Ep.91 - October Update

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.

Ep.90 Abi Aryan - Small but Mighty: Thriving in Compact Data Teams

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!

Ep.89 Rianna Kelly - Guide to Seamless Data Team Onboarding

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!

Ep.88 - September Update

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!