Data Driven Leadership

Do you really know how your customers feel, or are you just guessing?

In this episode, Jack Walker, president of Walker Information, reveals why listening to customer feedback is the key to great customer experience. Jack shares the story of his family-run company, which has used data for over 85 years to drive business success by speaking directly to customers.

He explains why testimonials, especially negative ones, provide valuable insights for businesses willing to take action. Real feedback is the most valuable data a company can have, surpassing any assumptions made on a customer's behalf.

Simply collecting feedback isn't enough—customers expect you to listen, respond, and improve.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How to transform customer feedback into actionable insights
• Why negative feedback is an opportunity for growth, not failure
• The value of customer surveys despite digital advancements

Things to listen for:

• (00:00) An introduction to the episode with the guest, Jack Walker
• (04:17) The evolution of Walker's data collection over 85 years
• (08:00) The advantages of being early tech adopters
• (11:00) Why feedback is more important than any other data point
• (13:49) How to turn customer feedback into action
• (19:09) The future of CX: Gen AI and predictive modeling
• (22:24) Build leadership skills through hands-on experience

"Ultimately, the goal of a data team should be to have a direct stake in the company's P&L."

According to Lina Mikolajczyk, director of reporting and analytics at Bumble, data should play a role in driving real business impact.

In this episode, Lina shares her journey of transforming Bumble's data team from a reactive service into a proactive force, empowering teams across the company with self-service tools and actionable insights.

A key part of the transformation was building a data-driven culture, where leadership buy-in was critical to implementing changes across the organization. With leadership support, the advanced data analytics team evolved into strategic partners for the business.

When you leverage data to its full potential, you can make smarter decisions, improve user experience, and measure impact in any industry.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The importance of leadership buy-in for innovation and change
• Strategies for prioritizing and tracking data projects
• How to turn analysts into key problem solvers for business growth

Things to listen for:

• (00:00) An introduction to the episode with the guest, Lina Mikolajczyk
• (06:18) Advice for early-career data professionals
• (09:15) Bumble's advanced data analytics team
• (11:11) Building a self-service data model for stakeholders
• (13:56) Assessing the impact of Bumble's data team
• (19:49) The data maturity curve
• (22:37) Which projects should data teams prioritize?
• (26:01) Using data to drive true business value
• (28:16) How data and analytics help improve Bumble's user experience

Resources:

The Chief Data Officer's Playbook, Carruthers and Jackson

Scale at Speed, Velarde

Access to the right data can reshape the public sector, driving efficiency and paving the way for more effective justice.

In this episode, Darren Dang, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer at Orange County Superior Court, discusses how one of the largest court systems in the U.S. modernized its operations. Through the Snowflake platform, Orange County centralized its data, leading to more streamlined processes, reduced case backlogs, and enhanced collaboration with other counties.

Their innovative data approach has improved efficiency and secured millions in funding, making Orange County the blueprint for other court systems to follow.

• How data can streamline public sector operations
• Scalable data solutions for organizations of all sizes
• How to present data to secure funding and resources

Things to listen for:

• (00:00) An introduction to the episode with the guest, Darren Dang
• (03:51) The modernization of Orange County courts
• (08:31) Operational efficiency and the CASE Framework
• (09:27) How real-time data helped Orange County courts reopen swiftly during COVID
• (13:20) Statewide data sharing and collaboration
• (16:24) Advocating for resources with data-driven evidence
• (19:32) Embracing AI and data for improved public service
• (25:19) Shifting from private to public sector work

Some of the most valuable leadership lessons come from challenging life experiences.

In this episode, host Jess Carter and producer Chelsea Gill get personal as they talk about battling cancer, from receiving their diagnosis to deciding on a treatment plan—and the way data played a part in their decisions.

Now both in remission, Jess and Chelsea reflect on how their journeys have influenced their approach to leadership. They explore how paying attention to your body can help you make better choices. Through their experiences, they learned to be patient when making decisions, to consult with experts, and to trust their judgment—skills that carry over into work and life.

This episode is a reminder that data is relevant everywhere, and listening to your body can significantly impact personal well-being and job performance.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How physical and emotional awareness can improve leadership skills
• The role of self-advocacy in pursuing better outcomes, whether for health or work
• The importance of collecting multiple data points before finalizing a decision

Things to listen for:

• (00:00) An introduction to the episode with Chelsea and Jess
• (02:11) Chelsea and Jess' diagnoses
• (05:42) How body awareness can help you as a leader
• (11:45) Advocating for yourself in both health and professional decisions
• (12:20) Collecting data on treatment and care
• (18:01) Why you should prepare for low-chance outcomes
• (22:45) Pause before making a decision
• (24:34) You have the ability to decide what's best for you
• (29:29) Leadership lessons from battling cancer

To address workforce issues plaguing the country, the public and private sectors must come together to find a solution.

In the fourth episode of the workforce miniseries, Workmorphis founder and CEO Emily Fabiano joins guest host Michael Schmierer to discuss how cross-agency collaboration can drive change. With shared goals and a solid implementation plan, state agencies and nonprofits can transform workforce policies for good.

This episode highlights the importance of trust, communication, and data-driven decision-making to address skill gaps and employment outcomes.

In this episode, you will learn:

• What successful cross-agency collaborations look like in practice
• How data transparency can empower individuals and leaders alike
• Why employers need to be involved in creating sustainable workforce programs

Things to listen for:

• (00:00) An introduction to the episode with the guest, Emily Fabiano
• (02:18) Navigating cross-agency collaborations
• (06:40) Building Ohio's TechCred program
• (13:26) Why partnerships fail
• (19:18) How Workmorphis unites the public and private sectors
• (21:01) Engaging employers in workforce initiatives
• (27:30) How to be creative and courageous in using data

Resources:

Ohio's TechCred Program

Indiana Department of Workforce Development

While many programs are designed to help job seekers, the lack of coordination between each initiative thwarts the impactful results everyone seeks.

In this episode of the workforce miniseries, founder and CEO of One Workforce Solution, John Pallasch, talks with guest host Michael Schmierer about bringing together different state agencies for seamless service.

Having worked for the U.S. Department of Labor and Kentucky's Office of Employment and Training, John has unique, first-hand insights into how government offices can make it easier for people to access training and job opportunities. He shares examples of how coordinated data efforts can improve the user experience for citizens and remove obstacles to ensure effective delivery.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How fragmented workforce systems impact job seekers
• Why data integration is key to unlocking better employment opportunities
• How to adopt skill-based hiring and utilize AI for better job matching

Things to listen for:

• (00:00) An introduction to the episode with guest John Pallasch
• (01:50) The challenges of bringing together fragmented workforce systems
• (06:35) Successful state programs that serve job seekers
• (09:24) How to break down barriers and bureaucracy
• (15:54) Skills-based hiring and AI matching
• (21:40) An employer's role in workforce development
• (24:58) Serving candidates as one workforce

Resources:

Alabama Talent Triad

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

How can we ensure that veterans find meaningful work after service?

In this episode of the workforce miniseries, Sarah Harrison, interim CEO of INvets, joins guest host Michael Schmierer to explore the unique challenges veterans face as they transition to civilian careers.

Sarah discusses how INvets is using data and technology to help veterans find meaningful work opportunities in Indiana and why community involvement is crucial in supporting these efforts. She also shares compelling success stories and outlines the strategic use of data to make impactful matches between veterans and employers.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How real-time data can improve job placement and workforce development programs
• What role data plays in tracking needs and outcomes for veterans
• How to use data to build and sustain partnerships between organizations

Things to listen for:

• (00:00) An introduction to the episode with guest, Sarah Harrison
• (03:36) Challenges veterans face in transitioning to civilian careers
• (09:11) How the INvets platform connects veterans with jobs
• (13:45) Finding the right fit for veterans and their families
• (18:11) The future of INvets
• (20:23) Supporting veterans in the community

When workforce issues go beyond finding workers, you must dig deeper.

In this first episode of the workforce miniseries, Commissioner Michael Harrington of the Vermont Department of Labor joins guest host Michael Schmierer to discuss the root causes behind the labor shortage.

Harrington explains how Vermont is using cutting-edge technology to improve service delivery and why community-level changes are essential to expanding the state's workforce. He also shares the importance of real-time data collection and meaningful visualization to drive impactful decisions.

Data and AI can improve services, inform decision-making, and offer better outcomes for citizens and businesses.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why real-time data is crucial to achieving desired outcomes
• How AI and digital modernization can transform operational efficiency
• The impact of well-presented data in conveying insights

Things to listen for:

• (00:00) An introduction to the episode with guest, Michael Harrington
• (01:33) The underlying issues affecting Vermont's labor shortage
• (09:18) Modernization of government systems
• (15:48) Upskilling the workforce with AI
• (20:20) Using data to improve efficiency and transparency
• (23:16) Accessing NASWA's data hub

Podcasting has been incredibly popular for over a decade, but you might be surprised to learn that quantitative data is still scarce in this industry.

In this episode of #DataDrivenLeadership, Crime Junkie's award-winning creator and podcast host Ashley Flowers shares the humble beginnings of her show and how she used data to build her media company, audiochuck.

Ashley shares how to make the best use of limited metrics and what she's doing to overcome this hurdle. She also discusses her nonprofit work through Season of Justice, highlighting the power of data in advocacy and social impact.

You won't want to miss it.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Building a data-driven culture, even in creative environments
• The importance of fan engagement and how data helps serve fans better
• Overcoming information barriers in traditional industries with new technology

Things to listen for:

• [00:00] An introduction to the episode
• [01:56] Defining success and passion in business
• [07:16] Data in crime investigations
• [13:18] Running a media business with data
• [18:40] Data is crucial for business success
• [21:07] Advocacy and giving back

Resources

Crime Junkie podcast

audiochuck

Season of Justice

Ashley's book, All Good People Here

Have you ever wondered how to transform dry data into compelling stories that captivate your audience?

Or how top leaders master the art of communication in data-driven environments?

Good news—in this episode of Data-Driven Leadership, host Jess Carter sits down with returning guest Christopher Chin, a renowned leadership communication coach for data and tech professionals, to discuss just that.

Christopher, the founder of The Hidden Speaker, shares his secrets to effective data storytelling, an essential skill for any leader facing complex challenges. He emphasizes why communication skills are more vital than ever, even in technically focused roles, and shares strategies for balancing technical expertise with soft skills to make your data presentations truly resonate.

Christopher also shares his personal journey from shyness to confident speaker, offering valuable tips on mindset and daily improvements.

By tuning in, you'll discover how to frame your presentations as compelling stories that reflect your organization's mission and connect with your audience on a human level.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why it is crucial to weave data into compelling narratives that resonate with your team's human experiences
• Why you need to balance technical precision with soft skills
• How simplifying complex data for your audience clarifies your message and drives your desired outcomes

Things to listen for:

• [00:00] An introduction to the episode
• [06:13] A use case for data storytelling around what transportation students use to go to school
• [07:12] Why data must be tied to a human-centric mission
• [12:42] How data literacy empowers leaders to engage confidently
• [18:50] Overcoming shyness by reframing self-perception
• [23:16] Measurement challenges in learning and development
• [26:05] Discovering the power of your voice

Resources:

Connect with Christopher on LinkedIn

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