This is Episode 8 of the ThinkData Podcast and in this episode, we spoke with Alon Bochman who heads up Privacy, Transparency & Compliance at YouTube Ads.

He has an excellent background in Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning which has seen him build and launch some of the most innovative and cutting-edge AI products for Microsoft, YouTube, and Genpact.

We discussed -

• His background and journey to Google(from a non-classic career in finance to launching and selling his first software firm)
• When should companies look to establish a dedicated Data Product function, and what considerations should they make before making those first hires?
• What is behind the demand and interest in Data Product Management?
• What should people consider before deciding on a career in Data Product management?
• What considerations should candidates consider before deciding whether to join a FAANG or Large Tech firm?
• What does the future hold for AI and ML heading(from a Product perspective)

Here are the resources Alon mentioned for anyone looking to switch to a Product career!

1. Cracking the PM Interview

2. Cracking the PM Career

3. Inspired

4. Product School

5. Exponent

This is Episode 7 of the ThinkData Podcast and we had a great chat with Michelle Ballen who heads up Data & Analytics at Future who are a fast-growing Personal training platform in the US.

We discussed -

• What steps companies should take when establishing a culture and environment of self-service analytics and who is ultimately responsible for the internal adoption of those tools?
• Why Data governance should be embraced and not feared.
• What are the benefits of organizations adopting and fostering an experimentation-based culture regarding product development and analytics?
• What should leaders do in order to create a united workforce and an environment of continual learning?
• What steps did Michelle take to navigate her career which saw her becoming a "Head of Data" within the modern data stack for some of the most exciting tech firms in the US today?

This was a cracking episode for anyone interested in how to create a culture of self-service analytics and fantastic work culture, whilst also appreciating that the success of so many projects within Data start and end with a robust and strict Data governance process!

This is Episode 6 of the ThinkData Podcast and we had a great chat with Tre Williams who heads up Data modeling at Bitly, the world leading Link management platform.

We discussed -

• What is behind the rise in importance and demand for Data modelers with experience in the modern data stack
• How DBT has become the modeling tool of choice
• How Tre navigated his way through to his current role, despite not having the classic STEM education and Data analyst background
• Why is it so important for data engineers and architects to be as strong on the stakeholder/business side as they are technical?
• Best advice to analysts trying to break into the Data architecture and engineering field.
• What steps could hiring managers take when trying to attract and retain engineers?
• What makes a good Data architect?

This episode will provide aspiring Data professionals with the confidence and tools to pursue a career in data, irrespective of their background!

This is Episode 5 of the ThinkData Podcast and we had the honor of speaking with Rob Strechay who is the Founder of Smuget Consulting that are a specialist consultancy focused on the Data product space.

Rob has a wealth of experience within Tech and Data and has built and scaled Product teams for the likes of HP, Amazon, NetApp, Zerto, and Snowplow.

We discussed -

• What is behind the rise in demand for Data Product Managers
• What are the main blockers for companies when it comes to setting up a product team within Data
• What makes a good Data product manager
• What does the future hold for Data product
• What steps should companies consider before looking to make their first Data product hire
• For those candidates who don’t have a classic product and/or Data background, what steps should they take to break into this space? www.pragmaticinstitute.com

This episode is a MUST listen to anyone that is interested in knowing more about Data product management and what is behind its rapid rise in popularity!

It's Episode 4 of the ThinkData Podcast and Alex had the pleasure of speaking with Zachary Wilner who is the Head of Data & Analytics at Pair. They are one of the most exciting direct-to-consumer startups in the market today, and very early on decided to invest in and commit to building out a best-in-class modern data stack!

In this episode, we will discuss -

• The importance of having a clear roadmap and infrastructure in place before trying to perform any analysis and deliver reporting capability to stakeholders
• How Zach defined his team's values on day one BEFORE a single hire had been made
• What steps he took when deciding on what the modern data stack should consist of
• How to strike that right balance of player and coach in a growing business
• Top tips and advice for those looking to break into management
• The benefit of networking and building up a trusted network of contacts in this space
• What is behind the rise in popularity of Analytics engineering, and how to break into it

Its Episode 3 of the ThinkData Podcast and Alex welcomes Madison Schott to the show. Madison is currently an Analytics Engineer, Technical writer, and Author of the "Learn Analytics Engineering" newsletter

In this episode, we will be discussing

• The steps Madison took to become an Analytics engineer
• What is behind the rise in popularity and demand for Analytics engineers
• How the role of the "Data engineer" could be changing
• What can people do to put themselves in the best possible position to secure that dream analytics role
• What are the best ways to stand out in this crowded and very competitive market

Its Episode 2 of the ThinkData Podcast and Alex is happy to welcome Brandi Beals and Dustin Schimek to the show.

In this episode, we will be discussing

• What led Dustin and Brandi to set up the www.datacareerssummit.com
• What steps can organizations and hiring managers take in order to secure the best possible talent
• With the market being so competitive and the average tenure of a Data scientist being 18 months, what can companies do to create a more committed and engaged workforce
• What are the most important factors job seekers should consider when looking to move positions
• For entry-level analysts, what are the best ways to stand out and get noticed?
• How can you learn and pick up new tools without the need to spend ANYTHING!

Its Episode 1 of the ThinkData Podcast and Alex is excited to welcome Khurram Tehseen who is the VP of Data Science at Preston Ventures to the show.

In this episode, we will be discussing

• How Khurram forged a career in Data science which saw him transition from actuarial science to data science, filling the skill gaps and making strategic moves
• How he went about doubling his team of data scientists and engineers in 2022
• What steps you should take when building an elite analytics team
• How to build a retain a top data team
• Advice to new leaders in data science and tips on how to manage up and down
• When moving roles, what are the most important factors to consider
• How to market yourself and the steps you should take when creating an online presence

Welcome to the ThinkData Podcast, brought to you in partnership with Dataworks 🎤

If want to stay up-to-date with the latest breakthroughs and trends in the world of Data & Artificial Intelligence, and if you're curious about some of the strategies that companies and founders use to launch Data & AI products, then you're in the right place!

Our aim is to bring together a diverse lineup of fantastic guests, from Founders to accomplished leaders and product owners at some of the most fascinating Data & AI companies worldwide who will each offer you a unique insight into what it takes to launch and scale a great Data business!

Thank you for tuning in, and I hope you enjoy the episode!