Data Driven Leadership

Data is not just a tool. It's a transformative force, shaping our present and defining our future.

As we reflect on season three, host Jess Carter reveals how the power of data extends far beyond the business realm. From unemployment mitigation to sports innovation, data serves as a guiding force for positive change in every facet of our lives.

We're also looking forward to what's next for the podcast: an education mini-series with Dr. Curt Merlau. He'll shed light on how policy is influenced, the players involved, and the role of data in policy formation.

Whether or not you're in the education space, this mini-series will provide new perspective on data-driven innovation. You don't want to miss it!

In this episode, you will learn:

• What to expect from the upcoming education mini-series with Dr. Curt Merlau
• Jess's takeaways from each episode of season three
• How data acts as a transformative force in every facet of our lives

Data-driven decisions are the future of employment.

In this conversation, Indiana Department of Workforce Development Chief of Staff Josh Richardson shares how data can shape employment strategies and personal career paths.

Josh shares his journey of working on the development of Pivot, an innovative tool designed to empower individuals experiencing job loss. He explains the importance of data sharing, collaboration, and feedback in launching the tool.

Throughout the conversation, we explore the intersection of data, leadership, and public policy in Indiana's approach to workforce readiness.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How Indiana's DWD is leveraging data to connect people with jobs
• How to manage skeptical feedback (and why it's actually a good thing)
• How to minimize the effort required by users to achieve meaningful outcomes

Ten years of determination led Nick Elam, assistant professor and program director at Ball State University and consultant for the Canadian Elite Basketball League, to change the future of a 130-year-old institution: the game of basketball.

In 2007, he realized that over-reliance on the clock in the fourth quarter brought even the most exciting basketball game to a grinding halt. Nick introduced a (literal) game-changing concept based on data and focused on enhancing the excitement of the game's conclusion, which became known as the Elam Ending.

In this conversation, Nick shares how he developed the Elam Ending and the dedicated years of perseverance required to see his vision from concept to the court. He explains the importance of speaking in terms of outcomes, incorporating feedback, and remaining patient in the face of resistance and disinterest—and how these concepts translate into leadership of any type.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How to overcome resistance and disinterest in implementing change
• How to incorporate feedback while staying true to your vision
• How to translate data into tangible benefits

A sports-like approach to work can keep teams enthused and motivated. Gamifying your team's day-to-day could be the boost needed to reach the next big milestone.

In this conversation, Resultant Client Success Leader Preston Howell dives into a concept called the Great Game of Business (GGOB), which brings financial and business literacy and transparency to every employee in an organization through an exciting sports-like environment.

Preston highlights the importance of data and business metrics comprehension for employees, which is essential for questioning and improving outcomes. He shares how telling the stories behind the numbers along with balancing the financials is part of keeping a business thriving. From managing PTO spikes to the nuanced impact of sick time on revenue, we cover the strategies for smarter forecasting.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How to empower team members through open-book management
• How to drive change with minigames and creative incentives
• How to effectively communicate data and impact

The speed of your business intelligence can make or break success in any fast-paced environment.

Businesses that tap into the power of real-time data easily stay ahead of the competition.

In this episode, Tinybird co-founder Jorge Sancha shares his insights on the impact real-time data has on business leadership making informed decisions. He dives into the compounding effect of real-time analytics and automation on revenue. Jorge also provides guidance on conveying the value proposition of data warehouses to leadership.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How real-time data revolutionizes decision-making
• How to use data warehouses to unlock the power of historical insights
• How to turn data into revenue with the right infrastructure

In this episode of Data Driven Leadership, Donatos Pizza CIO Steven Graves details how he calmly navigates the intersection of tech and business amidst the feverish pace of both.

Steven shares with host Jess Carter stories and lessons learned throughout his impressive career—including building a major retailer's first e-commerce site on a limited budget and turning it into a $400 million success story.

Steven says the tech part is the easy part; it's organizational change management that can make or break a transformation's success. The conversation includes mastering empathy, winning hearts, and nurturing change champions within your organization.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How to effectively embrace change and advancements in AI
• How to drive transformational initiatives with empathy
• How to leverage data to listen to and delight your customers

The heart of data-driven decision-making lies in understanding the purpose behind the numbers—why we collect specific data and how it can drive our missions forward.

No one understands this more than Peter Krombach, director of data operations, governance & engagement at the Indiana Department of Health. His journey in the public health sector has taught him that collaboration and the strategic use of data save time and lead to truly impactful outcomes.

In this conversation, Peter and host Jess Carter dissect the priorities and action steps of data-driven leaders in the public sector. Peter shares how building a community with your team that values camaraderie, mutual understanding, and the blending of diverse skills can markedly retain talent and drive success.

If you're an executive leader looking to transform your organization's data culture, press play to hear insights on creating shared understanding in projects, blending public health and data skills, and nurturing a data-centric culture that thrives on collaboration and innovation.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How to confront fear and embrace feedback to drive data-centric innovation
• How to take a human-centered approach to data-driven leadership
• How to effectively initiate a shift toward becoming a data-driven organization

This episode discusses the groundbreaking lawsuit just filed by The New York Times against OpenAI and Microsoft for copyright infringement, citing allegations of using millions of articles without payment or permission in the training and operating of their Ai tools.

Jess Carter breaks it down in simple, relatable terms; shares an eye-opening conversation she had with ChatGPT about its sources; and points out the actions all data-driven leaders need to take now to treat their data as an asset and define and ensure their policies about the use of AI in their organizations.

Sources mentioned, plus two new articles about the suit:

Hannah Malmstrom "10 AI Best Practices for Businesses: Using AI Safely and Ethically."

Dillon Michael White Instagram reel @dillonmichaelwhite

The New York Times: "The Times Sues OpenAI and Microsoft Over A.I. Use of Copyrighted Work"

MSN: "New York Times sues OpenAI, Microsoft in copyright clash"

'Tis the season to be jolly… and to set your sights on the new year.

In this festive edition of #DataDrivenLeadership, host Jess Carter and producer Chelsea Gill share their insights, reflections, and resolutions for the new year. From discussing New Year's resolutions to habit tracking, they delve into the power of data in their everyday lives, sprinkled with some holiday cheer.

They also share their hopes and dreams for the podcast in 2024, hoping to hear inspiring stories from you about how the podcast has impacted and transformed your data journey.

If you'd like to share how the show has helped or inspired you, send a note to

Jess Carter on LinkedIn.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How to realistically approach New Year's resolutions
• How to leverage data for meaningful progress
• Practical tips for setting and tracking goals

In our fast-paced world, software tools and professionals have grown increasingly specialized and fragmented. However, we're now shifting toward integrated solutions and data generalists.

Tarush Aggarwal, a seasoned data engineer and CEO of 5X, has witnessed firsthand the transformation of the data industry. From working on data problems for large organizations to leading a 100-person data team at WeWork, Tarush has experienced several shifts in the industry.

In this episode, you'll learn about the rise of the data generalist, the importance of having the right tooling in place, and the benefits of fully managed, end-to-end data platforms. Tarush also explores the challenges of fragmentation and the allure of best-in-breed solutions to help you understand the secrets to effective data management and how it impacts the success of a business.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How to embrace the rise of the data generalist
• How to move beyond fragmented data management
• How to boost ROI by building a cohesive data platform