Women in Data Podcast

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!

Ep.84 Tori Tompkins - Inspiring the next generation of data and tech professionals

In this episode, Karen is joined by Tori Tompkins, Senior Data Science Consultant at Advancing Analytics and founder of Girls Code Too, which she runs in collaboration with Girls in Data to create curriculums that inspire the next generation of data and tech professionals. 
 
During the conversation, Tori discusses her training in forensic computing and the journey that led her to the data science and machine learning fields. She also details the work that Girls Code Too and Girls in Data to do get more young women into the field. Tori also gives tips on how to balance maintaining a side hustle and giving back to the community, all while working full time.   

Enjoy! 

 

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Show Notes 

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Tori’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tompkinstori/ 

 

We mentioned: 

Squiggly career on Stress tolerance: https://www.amazingif.com/listen/stress-tolerance/ 

Girls code too https://girlscodetoo.co.uk/#about 

Girls in data: https://girlsindata.co.uk/ 

 

Tori recommends  

AI weirdness: https://www.aiweirdness.com/ 

Ep.83 -Cross-Functional Collaboration - using your data translator skills

In this second co-hosted episode, Karen and Cecilia discuss cross-functional collaboration, building on episode 76 with Wendy Lynch. They talk about Wendy's role as an Analytics Translator, which particularly resonated with Cecilia - bridging the gap between technical and non-technical teams that do not always fully understand each other's work.  The pair also consider examples of when strained working relationships with other teams get in the way of good business outcomes.  How can this can be overcome, leading to greater impact and better personal relationships?  Finally, Karen and Cecilia ponder how to answer the classic question of what you do for a living to non-data experts.

Ep.82 Niamh Broderick - From manager to individual contributor: a journey back to data science

In this episode of the Women in Data podcast, Karen is joined by Niamh Broderick, Data Scientist at Monzo Bank, who shares her experience of transitioning from a manager to an individual contributor (IC). She talks about how realising she was getting her energy from working on technical challenges and coding rather than managing people lead to the change in direction.  

Throughout the episode, Niamh and Karen discuss the differences and overlaps between the role of a manager and that of an IC, as well as the challenges Niamh encountered in both roles.  This episode is a must-listen for anybody considering management roles as a way to have a broader impact 

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Show notes: 

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Niamh’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niamh-broderick-69623376/ 

She recommends:

Staff Engineer: Leadership beyond the management track  

https://staffeng.com/book 

 

Ep.81 Cecilia Oliveira - Pivot to data: the story of a successful career changes

In this episode of Women in Data, Karen is joined by Cecilia Oliveira, new co-host of the series, as she recounts her transition from a career in sales and hospitality to the field of data. Cecilia talks about the challenges she faced as she tried to navigate a new industry and how imposter syndrome became a challenge when meeting graduates who had taken a traditional STEM route into data. 

Cecilia and Karen discuss the advantages of life skills and industry experience when starting a job in a new industry and how to use skills gained in other fields to one’s advantage. 

Cecilia's story is an inspiration for anyone who is considering making a career change or trying to transition into a new field.  

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Show notes: 

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Cecilia’s LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciliagoliveira/

We mentioned the following episodes: 

Ep.79 Jackie Carter - Thinking creatively about talent pipelines into data careers 

Ep.76 Wendy Lynch - The value of Analytics Translators