Women in Data Podcast

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!

Ep.87 Co-hosted - How to increase your visibility in the workplace

In this episode of the Women in Data® podcast, hosts Karen and Cecilia explore a crucial and often overlooked aspect of achieving success in the data space: workplace visibility. They dive deep into effective strategies that can help individuals stand out and leave a lasting impact among their colleagues. They also provide valuable insights on the art of self-promotion, guiding listeners on how to confidently share their accomplishments, projects, and contributions without coming across as boastful. 

This episode serves as an invaluable guide for anyone looking to increase visibility in the data workplace, whether you are just starting out or seeking to advance your career. You can expect actionable strategies and practical tips that will empower you to excel and make a significant mark in the industry. Tune in to gain invaluable insights and unlock the power of workplace visibility in the data field. 

 

Enjoy!

Ep.86 Liz Henderson - Transformation: An Opportunity, Not a Threat

In this podcast episode featuring Liz Henderson, Executive Advisor at Capgemini, the focus is on navigating change and making valuable contributions to overall business transformation. Liz and Karen discuss change management and how individuals and organisations can successfully navigate change. Join to hear valuable advice for becoming comfortable with business transformation and embracing it as an opportunity rather than a threat.  By becoming champions of change, Liz believes individuals can drive positive shifts and create a culture that is receptive to innovation.  While change is a topic that touches everyone, Liz approaches it with a data hat on.  Given that around 90% of data science initiatives do not achieve their objectives, she shares strategies to mitigate risks and increase the likelihood of success in data-driven projects. 

Enjoy! 

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Show notes: 

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Liz’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizhendersondata/ 

Ep.85 Elevate your career in data with a better approach to learning

Join Karen and Cecilia in this insightful episode as they dive deep into the crucial topic of learning and development, a subject close to Karen's heart and frequently discussed in mentoring conversations. With the rapid pace of the field, navigating the vast array of skills and knowledge can often feel overwhelming, leaving us with limited time to address them all.

During their conversation, Karen and Cecilia share their top strategies for approaching learning in a sustainable and impactful manner. Discover invaluable insights on effectively deciding what to learn, prioritising topics or skills, and crafting a comprehensive development plan. Moreover, gain practical advice on overcoming common blockers that hinder progress in the learning journey.

Tune in and equip yourself with the tools and guidance to embark on a successful and fulfilling path of continuous learning in the dynamic world of data. 

Enjoy!