Mark Stange-Tregear (Vice President of Data at Babylist)On this episode of The Data Storytellers podcast, we explore the transformative power of data analytics in the public sector with Mark Stange-Tregear, Vice President of Analytics at Rakuten Rewards. We delve into how data-driven strategies are revolutionizing government operations and policy making. Mark shares his journey from a science and philosophy background to leading data initiatives in large organizations, emphasizing the critical role of stakeholder engagement, practical problem-solving approaches, and the ethical use of data in making impactful decisions.Connect with us:• Website: https://thedatastorytellers.com/• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-data-storytellers• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2N0vZtHZHgod4Tll2LX2xa• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz9e56lhYUfORiOHMiLlPmA• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-data-storytellers-podcast/id149376647600:00 - Introduction and background on Mark Stange-Tregear01:32 - From philosophy to analytics: Mark’s unique career path06:20 - Key projects and insights from working at Rakuten Rewards10:15 - The impact of data analytics on consumer behavior14:49 - Challenges in aligning data strategies with business goals19:33 - Ethical considerations in data usage within public sectors23:45 - Building effective data teams and fostering a data-centric culture28:58 - Discussing major successes and learning curves in data projects33:42 - The future of data analytics in enhancing public services38:27 - Closing thoughts on the role of data in continuous organizational improvement