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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

Wednesday Sep 18, 2024
Ep.120 Ditch the Guilt: Your Stress Management Doesn't Have to Look Like Everyone Else's
Wednesday Sep 18, 2024
Wednesday Sep 18, 2024
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.

Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
Ep.119 Nadia Zaheer - Proving Your Worth in Data Science: Expert Tips on Adding Value
Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
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.

Wednesday Aug 28, 2024
Wednesday Aug 28, 2024
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.

Wednesday Aug 21, 2024
Wednesday Aug 21, 2024
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.

Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
How I Got Into Data 3/5 - Savannah's Journey from Medical Science to Data Analytics
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
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.

Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
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.

Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
How I got into data 1/5 - Elodie's Journey from Teacher to Lead Data Scientist
Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
In August, Cecilia is taking the reins of the podcast in a mini series featuring women who transitioned into data from a different career.
For the first episode of this mini series, Cecilia speaks to Elodie Hudson. Elodie transitioned into data in 2023 from being a teacher for 16 years and also working in Science to become a Lead Data Scientist at a technology and training company for the railway industry. She has an incredible and inspiring journey about career change.

Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
Ep.113 Unlocking Success in Data: A Journey of Resilience and Community Impact
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
In this episode, Cecilia takes the reins as solo host for the first time. She interviews Jennifer Mezzio, the Global HR Data Officer at First Citizens Bank and the Strategic Community Executive Director for Women in Data in the US, who shares her inspiring journey from bank teller to data leader. Jennifer recounts her pivotal experiences at Silicon Valley Bank, where she played a crucial role in developing the HR Data Office, especially during the bank's collapse in March 2023. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and maintaining one's identity beyond the job.
Jennifer discusses her impactful work in the data community, sparked by her article on women in the field and her connection with the organization's founder, Roisin. Her efforts aim to expand the community's presence in North America, mirroring its success in the UK and India.
The conversation also covers how yoga helps manage stress, the significance of community in data, and the experiences of women in male-dominated industries. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on career resilience, community building, and personal growth.

Wednesday Jul 03, 2024
Ep.112 Tamanna Haque - Turning Vehicle Data into Gold- A Data Scientist's Journey
Wednesday Jul 03, 2024
Wednesday Jul 03, 2024
This week, Karen and Cecilia speak with Tamanna Haque, a lead data scientist at Jaguar Land Rover, about her career journey from retail to automotive. Tam discusses transitioning into data science from data analytics through self-training, proving the value of data science and AI, and learning to work with larger cloud datasets. She shares insights on overcoming industry transition challenges like new data, culture, and pushback by ensuring her work spoke for itself. Passionate about cars, Tam explains how she leverages connected vehicle data to improve Jaguar Land Rover's products, customer experience, and retailer relationships.

Wednesday Jun 19, 2024
Ep.111 Roshni Daswani - Empowering Career Strategies: Building Confidence
Wednesday Jun 19, 2024
Wednesday Jun 19, 2024
In this episode, Karen is joined by Roshni Daswani, Head of Data Strategy and Transformation at a leading consulting firm in the UK. From navigating language barriers and cultural shifts to overcoming challenges in a male-dominated industry, Roshni shares invaluable insights and actionable advice for professionals at every stage of their careers. Join us as we explore the power of resilience, confidence-building, and effective leadership, and learn how to own your career, command any room, and achieve your fullest potential. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro, this conversation is packed with wisdom and inspiration to help you thrive in the world of data and beyond.
Find Roshini on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roshni-daswani-01b4854a/
