Leaders of Analytics

In this episode, I’m joined by the remarkably versatile Akshay Swaminathan, a polyglot who speaks 11 languages and has carved a unique path from medicine to data science.

Currently an MD-PhD candidate at Stanford, Akshay's work has taken him from building clinics in Bolivia to pushing the boundaries of healthcare through data science.

Akshay's journey is not just about his professional achievements but also his personal commitment to continuous learning and making a global impact.

His transition from medicine to data science was driven by his desire to leverage technology for social good, particularly in healthcare.

We also explore Akshay's book "Winning with Data Science" aimed at business professionals seeking to integrate data science into their operations.

In short, Akshay might just be the most interesting person you’ll come across this year.

Previous episode: Ultralearning: How to Master Hard Skills and Accelerate Your Career with Scott Young

Akshay's website: https://www.akshayswaminathan.com/

Akshay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akshay-swaminathan-68286b51/

My guest in this episode is Coert du Plessis, an impressive data and analytics executive, entrepreneur and general lover of life.

Coert shares his wealth of knowledge and experience gained through a career and life full of interesting twists and turns.

In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk about:

• Coert’s journey from South African farmland to Australian board rooms
• How Coert became the CEO of MaxMine
• Why our ability to tackle climate change depends on the mining industry
• How to build and sell successful data products
• Coert’s approach to building a fulfilling and rewarding career in data and analytics
• The importance of taking risks and running life experiments, and much more.

Coert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coertdup/

My new book, 'Data-Centric Machine Learning with Python': https://www.packtpub.com/product/data-centric-machine-learning-with-python/9781804618127

My guest on this episode is Nikolaj van Omme, CEO and co-founder of Funartech.

Funartech is a Canadian company specializing in AI-driven solutions to complex industrial optimisation problems.

The company’s secret sauce is combining the two disciplines of Operations Research and Machine Learning.

Operations Research is about making the best decisions and solving problems in a structured way, using maths to optimize outcomes.

Machine learning on the other hand, is really good at spotting patterns and making predictions from lots and lots of data.

The cool part happens when we bring these two together.

ML is the detective finding clues in a sea of information, and OR is the strategist, using those clues to make the best moves.

By working together, they can tackle challenges neither could face on their own.

Find Nikolaj on LinkedIn or via Funartech's website.

Previous episode discussed in this interview: Using Data to Build a Better World with Dr Alex Antic

Sandy Iyer has been General Manager of Data Science at Sportsbet since the beginning of 2023, leading a dynamic team that leverages data in innovative ways.

But what does it take to lead in such a data-driven environment? How does one balance the promotion of betting products with social responsibility? And how does data shape the strategy of a betting giant like Sportsbet?

These are just a few of the questions we'll explore today.

I’ve watched Sandy's career trajectory skyrocket in the last few years, and It's been nothing short of inspiring. In this conversation we explore the key elements behind her impressive progression, including the leadership lessons has she gleaned from her time in the trenches of data science.

And more importantly, Sandy explains how can you apply these insights to your own career.

From discussing unique data science use cases that have propelled Sportsbet's success, to exploring emerging trends that will shape the future of the betting industry, Sandy offers a wealth of insights.

She also shares personal stories of challenges faced and overcome, revealing the qualities essential for any budding data scientist aspiring to become a senior analytics leader.

In this digital age, data is the lifeblood of business. Just as computer literacy became a non-negotiable skill in the 21st century, data literacy is now an essential competency in our increasingly data-driven world.

Yet, despite its critical importance, it's an area where many individuals and businesses stumble.

Understanding, interpreting, and effectively using data can be challenging, even daunting.

The lack of data literacy skills can lead to misinterpretation, misuse, and missed opportunities for businesses and individuals. Many struggle to find a structured approach to elevate their data literacy skills, often feeling lost in the vast sea of numbers and metrics.

My guest in this episode, Angelika Klidas, wants to change that.

Angelika is a data literacy expert and author of the book Data Literacy in Practice. In this conversation, she shares her invaluable insights and practical tips on mastering data literacy.

Whether you're a novice or a seasoned data professional, Angelika's expertise will empower you to upskill yourself, your team, and your organisation, one data project at a time.

Angelika on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelikaklidas/

More about Data Escape Rooms here.

Many large organisations have the data to pull off sophisticated marketing strategies, but only if they avoid the common pitfalls that limit the potential.

In this episode I interview Tejas Manohar on the huge – and typically unexploited – potential for data-driven marketing and personalisation.

Tejas is co-founder and co-CEO of Hightouch. Hightouch is a reverse ETL platform that helps organisations synch their data warehouses with business facing tools and technology. Their products are used by big name corporations like Warner Music, Chime, Spotify, NBA, and PetSmart.

In this wide-ranging conversation Tejas and I discuss:

• What a reverse ETL platform is and why we need it
• Why Tejas is bullish on turning data warehouses into marketing engines
• The key steps marketers should take to implement personalization effectively using existing company data and platforms
• The pitfalls and common mistakes businesses make in data-driven personalisation and how to avoid these, and much more.

Tejas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tejasmanohar/

Tejas on Twitter (or is it X?): https://twitter.com/tejasmanohar

Every day, like invisible breadcrumbs, we leave trails of personal data scattered across the digital landscape.

Each click, every search, every purchase - they all tell a story about us.

But do we know where these breadcrumbs lead? Who's picking them up? And most importantly, what are they doing with them?

In an era where data is documenting our lives across a host of platforms, understanding these trails and their implications is no longer a luxury but rather, a necessity.

It's about our privacy, our rights, and our well-being in an increasingly interconnected world.

In this episode of Leaders of Analytics John Thompson and I dive into his newly released book that should be on everyone's reading list - "Data for All".

During our discussion, we'll delve into the eye-opening insights Thompson shares in his book, such as understanding the scope and consequences of companies manipulating and exploiting your data.

We also explore the step-by-step guide he provides on how to navigate this changing landscape.

We’re definitely in AI hype mode at the moment largely driven by the evolution in generative AI.

However, it seems like this progress is not necessarily driving lots of data-related innovation inside organisations that are not AI-first tech companies.

A recent survey published by Randy Bean’s company, NewVantage Partners, confirms this. Here are the main findings compared to when the survey was last run 4 years ago:

• 59.5% of executives say their companies use data for business innovation – the same as four years ago.
• A drop from 47.6% to 40.8% of executives say their companies compete using data and analytics.
• Fewer executives (39.5% down from 46.9%) say their companies manage data as a business asset.
• Only 23.9% of executives now say their companies are data-driven, compared to 31% before.
• Just 20.6% of executives report having a data culture in their companies, down 27% from 28.3% in 2019.

These numbers spell regression, not progress.

Why is it so hard to become a truly data-driven organisation?

In this episode, Randy and I explore the challenges facing Chief Data & Analytics Officers and their teams, including:

• How organizations can create an environment that encourages innovation in data-driven initiatives
• Examples of organisations doing data well, and why
• How to set clear expectations around the responsibilities of CDAOs
• The most important qualities for someone in the CDAO role, and much more.

Randy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randybeannvp/

Randy's website and book, 'Fail Fast, Learn Faster': https://www.randybeandata.com/book

In a world where data is the new oil, being able to understand, analyse and interpret it is a vital skill. As the saying goes, "knowledge is power," and in this case, data literacy is the key to unlocking that power.

I argue that data literacy is as important to individual and organisational success as computer literacy, but unfortunately that is not a consensus view. For many organisations and their leaders, low data literacy is hampering their ability to make effective, data-driven decisions.

What is the key to creating a data literate organisation and unlocking the true potential of your data?

Who better to guide us through the many aspects of this question than data literacy expert Kevin Hanegan.

Kevin is the Chief Learning Officer at Qlik and a renowned author of the books “Data Literacy in Practice” and “Turning Data into Wisdom”.

In this episode of Leaders of Analytics, Kevin will be sharing invaluable insights and expertise from his books and his work at Qlik.

Listen in as we explore:

• How data literacy can transform businesses, boost individual careers, and help us make better-informed decisions
• Practical tips and strategies for developing data literacy skills
• Common misconceptions or challenges that hold people back from becoming data literate, and how to overcome these
• How to foster a data-driven culture within organisations, and much more.

Kevin's website: https://www.kevinhanegan.com/

Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn.

Learn more about the Data Literacy Project.

In a world where data is the new oil, being able to understand, analyse and interpret it is a vital skill. As the saying goes, "knowledge is power," and in this case, data literacy is the key to unlocking that power.

I argue that data literacy is as important to individual and organisational success as computer literacy, but unfortunately that is not a consensus view. For many organisations and their leaders, low data literacy is hampering their ability to make effective, data-driven decisions.

What is the key to creating a data literate organisation and unlocking the true potential of your data?

Who better to guide us through the many aspects of this question than data literacy expert Kevin Hanegan.

Kevin is the Chief Learning Officer at Qlik and a renowned author of the books “Data Literacy in Practice” and “Turning Data into Wisdom”.

In this episode of Leaders of Analytics, Kevin will be sharing invaluable insights and expertise from his books and his work at Qlik.

Listen in as we explore:

• How data literacy can transform businesses, boost individual careers, and help us make better-informed decisions
• Practical tips and strategies for developing data literacy skills
• Common misconceptions or challenges that hold people back from becoming data literate, and how to overcome these
• How to foster a data-driven culture within organisations, and much more.

Kevin's website: https://www.kevinhanegan.com/

Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn.

Learn more about the Data Literacy Project.