Data Podcast for Nerds!

Learn all about how a problem solving enthusiast uses data to solve the world's problems, one business improvement at a time.

Ever wondered what makes a data team truly exceptional? The latest episode of the Data Podcast for Nerds is a bit different this week as we dive deep with Ollie Hughes, co-founder of Count, to uncover the secrets to building a highly effective data team that stands out above the rest!

After sharing his journey from mechanical engineering into data, Ollie pivots to a comprehensive and structured framework he's been working on to revolutionize the way data teams work together with the organization.

This framework is called The Tenets of Highly Effective Data Teams and includes 4 pillars:

1. Seeking operational clarity

2. Solving business problems

3. Minimizing time to decision

4. Measuring yourself

If you're ready to level up your data career and become the problem-solving hero your business needs, tune in to this insightful episode and start your journey to data effectiveness!

Where to find Ollie

LinkedIn

e-book

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Data Career Coaching

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This podcast episode is AI generated, using the tool NotebookLM and summarizes Joy Buloamwini's book "Unmasking AI".

Listen in to learn about the groundbreaking insights from Joy Buolamwini's powerful book, Unmasking AI, exploring her personal journey and pivotal research.

Key Takeaways from this episode:

• AI systems inherently carry algorithmic bias from biased creators and unrepresentative "pale male datasets," leading to disproportionate failures for marginalized groups, especially darker-skinned women.

• AI harms extend beyond technical errors, causing profound societal consequences like wrongful arrests and denial of essential services, highlighting the need for a "sociotechnical" understanding of AI.

• Algorithmic justice requires shifting power, mandating accountability, ensuring explicit consent for data, and recognizing that not building or deploying certain AI systems is a vital choice.

• Driving change in AI requires interdisciplinary collaboration and courageous advocacy, humanizing harms through diverse communication like technical research, art, and personal storytelling, and empowering marginalized voices to influence policy.

You can find Joy's book here

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Audit Analytics & AI Consulting

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Learn all about how an IT Auditor uses data to solve the world's problems, one SOX control at a time.

In the latest episode of the Data Podcast for Nerds, we spoke with Arpna Aggarwal, a Senior IT Auditor specializing in data governance and compliance in the healthcare industry. Arpna shares her fascinating journey to becoming an IT audit expert, highlighting the critical intersection of data analytics and IT auditing.

Highlights 🔦

- Understanding and addressing AI ethics, data biases, and robust data governance frameworks are becoming increasingly crucial for auditors

- Leveraging data analytics tools like Alteryx and PowerBI can greatly enhance audit efficiency

- Experimenting with and comparing results from various GenAI tools can aid in research and creative tasks

Arpna reminds us that "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world," as quoted by Nelson Mandela.

Where to find Arpna

LinkedIn

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Data Career Coaching

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Learn all about how an open source advocate uses data to solve the world's problems, open source tool at a time.

In the latest episode of Data Podcast for Nerds! we talked with the amazing Atanas Bosakov to explore his fascinating journey into the world of data analytics.

Learn about his unconventional path that didn't start with computers or traditional quantitative fields, and how college economics classes ignited his passion for using data to answer questions.

Atanas is a big advocate for open source tools and shared his philosophy about using open source tools along with the best approaches to implementing them at an organization.

Highlights 🔦

- Leveraging open source tools for their practical benefits

- Promoting your data analytics work to showcase the full value you provide

- Committing to learning new tools and staying current in the dynamic data landscape to remain adaptable

Atanas also shared how playing video games taught him how to perform better when faced with a higher level of difficulty instead of giving up.

Tune in if you're ready to sharpen your skills and understand the real-world impact of data!

You can find Atanas on LinkedIn and Nostr, at Greeky npub1yhv3ql7svt2swhp75tgs9d8tl46tevw5yy44gnpq3c8gch872ysqjstq44

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Data Career Coaching

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Learn all about how a Community Leader uses data to solve the world's problems, one data conference at a time.

In the latest episode of Data Podcast for Nerds!, we talk with Phoenix, who shares an inspiring journey from studying statistics to becoming an analytics engineer. Phoenix offers fantastic insights perfect for anyone exploring a career in data, showing how to be a leader as an individual contributor.

We explore how unique past experiences are a superpower in data, how community helps you thrive, and some cool ways AI can actually be your learning buddy!

Highlights 🔦

- How to actively seek and provide feedback to build trust

- Engaging with data communities for support, technical skill development, and leadership growth

- Using AI tools strategically as a learning partner or interview preparation coach

- Uncovering the "why" behind data requests to build meaningful solutions

Leadership isn't just a title. You can be a leader as an individual contributor by taking initiative, setting expectations, documenting processes, and building relationships across teams.

Tune in to learn how you can also become a leader in the data space!

Where to find Phoenix

LinkedIn

Disruptive Data Leadership Summit

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Data Career Coaching

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Learn all about how a Content Manager uses data to solve the world's problems, one blog post at a time.

This week on the Data Podcast for Nerds!, I talked to Megan Bowers, who pivoted into data analytics after realizing she loved working with data in Excel. She took a bootcamp, landed a role using Power BI and Alteryx, and started blogging about her journey - sharing tips, project insights, and lessons learned.

Some of her most popular blog posts:

✅ "The Life of a Data Analyst" - series

✅ "How Do You Know Your Analysis is 'Right'?"

✅ "Data Science Concepts Explained to a Five-year-old"

That blog led to her current job at Alteryx where she gets to write all about analytics to help others navigate the field... AND... hosts the Alteryx podcast, Alter Everything.

We also talked about the various ways people have used Alteryx for fun personal projects. She mentioned a couple of her own projects, one involving Taylor Swift!

If you're into data, storytelling, and exploring fun analytics use cases, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Where to find Megan

LinkedIn, Medium, Alteryx Community, Alteryx Podcast

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Data Career Coaching

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In the latest episode of Data Podcast for Nerds! we talked with Aaron Wilkerson about his path to leadership.

Key takeaways from our conversation:

- Self-awareness matters and clarity can earn respect

- Tech is just part of the puzzle and choosing the right tools matter

- Spreadsheets can be simple but extremely powerful!

Listen in for insights and real-world advice from a professional data nerd who figured out his path by focusing on what he really wanted (and what he didn’t).

If you're navigating your own career path or considering a pivot, this episode is for you.

Where to find Aaron

LinkedIn

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Data Career Coaching

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Learn all about how a professional storyteller uses data to solve the world's problems, one game show at a time.

We had an interesting conversation with David Cohen, who built a career in consulting and found a passion for using data storytelling to drive real strategic change. But it’s not just about building dashboards. At The end of the day it’s about creating conversations, shifting mindsets, and making data useful and engaging for the people who need it most!

🔦 Highlights

- How human-centered design makes dashboards actually useful

- The balance between strategy (structured) and storytelling (creative)

- Why collaboration (not assumptions) leads to better insights

- How failure teaches resilience and iteration

Oh, and did I mention David is also designing a game show to make data storytelling fun!?

If you're passionate about making data more engaging and actionable, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

Where to find David

LinkedIn

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Data Career Coaching

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If you like what you see, consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠buying me a broccoli⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (it fuels my creativity)

Learn all about how a Cybersecurity Leader uses data to solve the world's problems, one hack at a time.

What happens when a curious kid starts pulling computers out of the trash, takes them apart, and falls headfirst into the hacking scene?

Turns out, you can turn that curiosity into a 20+ year career in tech!

In the latest episode of Data Podcast for Nerds, we got to talk with Rob Whetstine. He gave us a view into how security overlaps with the data space and shared some incredibly helpful career tips.

Highlights 🔦

- Hiring insights for neurospicy minds, why deep technical Qs might not be the best approach

- How to calm your nerves during an interview

- What to do immediately after you make a mistake

Plus, we geek out over 3D printing (because it's the closest thing to a Star Trek replicator), favorite movies, games, and weirdest security problems.

If you love problem-solving, security, or just nerdy conversations, this one’s for you!

Where to find Rob

LinkedIn

Podcast

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Data Career Coaching

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Learn all about how a data leadership coach uses data to solve the world's problems, one pizza at a time.

The latest episode of Data Podcast for Nerds, we talk with Tris Burns, who started in oil & gas as a business analyst, discovered the power of data, and morphed into a data analyst.

Along the way, he worked in banking, scaled data teams at Pizza Hut, and now helps data leaders maximize the potential of their careers.

Highlights 🔦

- The evolving roles of Business Analyst vs. Data Analyst

- Why starting outside of data can make you a stronger data professional

- The trap of promoting ICs to leadership without preparation—and how to fix it

- Why data governance & data quality are the smart career moves in today’s AI-driven world

If you’re looking to break into data (or grow as a leader in the space), this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss! 🎧

Where to find Tris

LinkedIn

Website

Data Leadership Newsletter

Bad Ass Bookshelf -Bookclub

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Data Career Coaching

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