Data Bytes

(Intro 00:00:00) Generative AI discomfort.

(00:00:36) Excited for data and MLOps.

(00:01:10) First one-on-one chat.

(00:02:29) Career transitions and "aha" moments.

(00:03:05) Bored easily, switched roles.

(00:05:22) Starting with startups.

(00:07:27) Learning skills at startups.

(00:09:26) Startups vs. big companies.

(00:11:55) Best time to join startups.

(00:13:41) Risky career, conservative money.

(00:15:27) Startups in twenties ideal.

(00:16:03) Label Box overview, responsibilities.

(00:19:50) Importance of data quality.

(00:24:05) Exciting Gen AI use cases.

(00:27:56) Future of AI agents.

(00:31:12) Justifying data quality investment.

(00:36:54) AI concerns and excitement.

(00:42:50) Building your community.

Join Women in Data's Datathon for free here: (https://womenindata.mn.co/spaces/10708034/about)

(00:00:21) Importance of soft skills for technical professionals

(00:00:39) Introduction to the guest's extensive career and leadership in the military and data fields

(00:01:16) Discussion on breaking barriers in a male-dominated field

(00:01:45) Leadership journey and pivotal moments in career

(00:02:12) Starting a non-traditional career and early involvement with data

(00:03:04) Returning to federal service after 9/11 and subsequent roles in intelligence

(00:03:30) Impact of being selected as a White House leadership fellow

(00:04:25) Importance of breadth and depth in skill development

(00:05:19) How to lead without authority or official title

(00:06:02) Developing emotional intelligence (EQ) and soft skills

(00:06:27) Importance of partnerships and collaboration in the data and AI community

(00:07:03) Challenges of soft skills for technical professionals

(00:07:45) Practical advice for developing soft skills and teamwork

(00:08:44) Peer mentoring and the value of collaborative learning

(00:09:54) Adaptability in a rapidly changing tech environment

(00:10:38) The need to dream big and be prepared for future roles

(00:11:09) Lifelong commitment to curiosity and upskilling

(00:12:00) Encouragement to apply for challenging roles

(00:13:10) Starting an office from scratch as a Chief Data Officer

(00:14:15) Using an agile approach to deliver capability and value

(00:15:16) Building partnerships and collaborating with military executives

(00:16:27) Importance of strategic communication in leadership

(00:17:34) Balancing technical skills with leadership responsibilities

(00:18:22) Fostering innovation and creativity within data and AI teams

(00:19:34) Hosting hackathons and datathons to solve hard problems

(00:21:00) Providing a safe environment for team creativity and risk-taking

(00:21:51) Balancing technical knowledge with leadership roles

(00:22:48) Staying current through teaching and continuous learning

(00:24:13) Teaching as a way to learn and stay relevant

(00:25:01) Encouraging participation in datathons and hackathons

(00:25:52) Advice for emerging leaders on staying relevant and dreaming big

(00:27:30) The importance of lifelong learning and curiosity

(00:27:55) Plans after retirement and ongoing impact in the data field

(00:30:10) Building the next generation of leaders through volunteering and advising

(Intro 00:00:00) Introduction by Maggie

(00:00:19) Data science roles evolving

(00:00:34) Guest Introduction - Maggie Ma

(00:00:56) Maggie’s diverse data science background

(00:01:12) What drew Maggie to data?

(00:01:35) University majors and early internships

(00:02:37) Discovering geospatial data science

(00:03:08) Predicting COVID-19 spread

(00:03:29) Logistics and transportation data science

(00:03:34) Geospatial data complexity

(00:04:13) Advice for geospatial data work

(00:04:43) Maggie’s journey to freelancing

(00:05:55) Impact and imposter syndrome

(00:06:03) Research team experiences

(00:07:13) Content creation feedback

(00:08:09) Overcoming imposter syndrome

(00:08:36) Challenges in tech industry

(00:09:57) Handling imposter syndrome daily

(00:10:20) Focus on self-improvement

(00:11:32) Authenticity on social media

(00:12:14) Behind the scenes content

(00:13:03) Sharing authentic daily lives

(00:13:41) Building a social media presence

(00:14:39) Staying updated in data science

(00:15:50) Managing information overload

(00:16:59) Career moves within data science

(00:17:27) Unplanned career progression

(00:18:03) Switching roles within data

(00:19:10) AI’s impact on data jobs

(00:19:31) Specific roles in data science

(00:20:10) Lower barrier of entry

(00:21:30) Using AI to debug code

(00:22:00) Advice for aspiring data scientists

(00:22:42) Importance of reflection

(00:23:49) Making peace with your path

(00:24:13) Future business and personal growth

(00:24:33) Building an AI startup

(00:25:42) Customized data science projects app

(00:26:27) Target release date for app

(00:27:01) Incorporating AI in learning

(00:28:07) Encouraging the community

Join us for an insightful episode of the Data Bytes Podcast featuring Gaia Bellone, Chief Data Scientist at Prudential Financial. Gaia's illustrious career spans roles such as Senior Vice President at KeyBank and Executive Director at Chase, highlighting her expertise in data science and AI.

In this episode, Gaia shares her career journey, from her academic beginnings at Carnegie Mellon University and Università Bocconi to leading groundbreaking projects in the financial services industry. Listen in as she discusses the evolving role of data science, key industry trends, and provides valuable advice for aspiring data scientists on balancing professional growth with personal well-being.

Data Bytes listeners get an exclusive discount to join Women in Data. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View discount here.

Catie introduction (00:00:56)

Research discussion (00:01:21)

Human-robot interaction (00:02:24)

Choreo robotics (00:03:16)

Dance background (00:03:41)

Movement and emotion (00:04:29)

Robot design (00:05:42)

Human expectations (00:06:10)

Googly eyes (00:06:53)

Utility and inspiration (00:08:07)

TED talk (00:08:17)

Doomsday sayers (00:08:48)

Robot origins (00:08:58)

Robot limitations (00:10:14)

Technology misconceptions (00:11:09)

Robotics careers (00:13:08)

Interdisciplinary robotics (00:13:28)

Human interactions (00:14:25)

Entrepreneurial journey (00:16:00)

Zeni app (00:16:23)

Personal challenges (00:17:17)

Resilience and support (00:19:03)

Learning and feedback (00:20:35)

Future of Zeni (00:21:13)

Technological adaptation (00:21:19)

Agency and autonomy (00:23:21)

Vision for the future (00:24:04)

Role of art (00:25:54)

Encouraging play (00:26:19)

Inspirational message (00:27:52)

Gratitude and teamwork (00:28:35)

Data Bytes listeners get an exclusive discount to join Women in Data. ⁠⁠⁠⁠View discount here.