Women in Data Podcast

What does it take to build a personal brand that truly stands out?  

In this episode, Karen dives into the world of personal branding with two inspiring guests, each offering unique perspectives and strategies: 

• Robin Sutara, Chief Data and Strategy Officer at Databricks, who shares her journey from being behind the scenes to building her personal brand and being a visible thought leader. Robin emphasises the importance of consistency and overcoming imposter syndrome when sharing expertise online, especially on platforms like LinkedIn. She also shares how she makes time for content creation and advocating for opportunities to present work. 

• Olivia Arnold, Communications Director for Women in Data, who provides actionable strategies and advice for building your personal brand online. Livi stresses the importance of understanding your motivations and goals before sharing content. She breaks down how to engage your audience effectively, structure compelling content, and align your online persona with your offline presence. From writing in your authentic voice to analyzing what resonates with your audience, she offers practical advice to help you build connections and grow your visibility. 

Listen to this episode for actionable tips to help grow your visibility and excel in the data community! 

More often than not, we start looking for a new job when it’s already too late. We’re unhappy in our current role, and the rush to apply for anything we find online can lead to dissatisfaction down the line. 

In this episode, Karen and Cecilia explore a more strategic job search process for data professionals. 

From defining your ideal role to navigating the complexities of applications, they share strategies that will set you up for success. Whether you’re starting your search or looking to optimize your approach, this episode provides actionable insights. 

Tune in for tips on how to stand out in the data job market, build your network, and maintain your mental health throughout the process. 

What does it take to find your space and thrive in the data industry? 

For the last episode of 2024, Lizzie Harris steps into the hosting seat to interview Karen Jean Francois in front of a live audience at Kingfisher. Over the past two years, Karen has made courageous career decisions—voluntarily taking redundancy, leaving a job that wasn’t right for her without having another lined up, and ultimately joining B&Q as a Data Product Manager in a role that stretches her beyond her comfort zone. 

In this candid conversation, Karen shares insights on: 

• The emotional and practical side of making bold career moves—and lessons learned 

• How networking and relationships can supercharge your data career 

• Breaking down misconceptions about what it means to work in data 

• Tips for finding mentors and being an ally in the data space 

• The journey of starting and hosting a podcast for women in data 

With audience Q&A and real-world advice, this episode is packed with inspiration for anyone navigating their path in the data world. Don’t miss it! 

As a recruitment leader, Roisin McCarthy noticed that her team was placing less and less women in data related roles year on year. She kept hearing stories of women being passed over for promotion. So she set on a mission to bring gender parity in the data industry. 10 years later, Women in Data has become a powerful force, advocating for women and creating spaces where they can excel. In this episode, Roisin raconts her inspiring journey, highlights key milestones, from representing the community at influential policy discussions to growing retention rates among senior female leaders. While there’s been progress, with women now holding 19% of top data roles, challenges remain, especially in reducing talent loss and bridging the gender pay gap. Roisin’s vision is clear: a future where gender parity is the norm, and where Women in Data continues to empower every woman in the field. 

In this episode, Cecilia is joined by Konstantina Kapetanidi and Anna O'Donohue to talk about how embracing neurodiversity can bring unique strengths and perspectives to the workforce, as well as to day-to-day life. They share personal experiences with neurodiversity, discuss the importance of diagnosis, and address workplace challenges such as misinformation and inclusion. Having recently ran a successful lunch and learn on the topic with Women in data recently, they continue the conversation and dive into questions they didn’t have time to answer during the event.  

In this episode, Jade Emmanuel, a Customer Science Analyst, reveals how she took ownership of her career by starting with curiosity and pursuing what excites her. You'll get actionable advice on how to take control of your own career, whether it's through engaging in curious conversations, shadowing others, or approaching senior leaders with confidence. Learn how to leverage informal learning experiences and develop a growth mindset to create opportunities and build strategic relationships that elevate your professional journey. 

Did you know that 70% of adults will experience imposter syndrome at least once in their lives?  

In this two-part episode, Karen dives deep into the world of imposter syndrome, exploring how it impacts professionals and how to break free from its grip. 

In Part 1, Holly Wall, a Data Governance Analyst, candidly shares her personal battle with imposter syndrome. She opens up about the challenges she faced, the self-doubt she’s overcome, and how it has shaped her career in data. 

In Part 2, Michelle Hall, a Data Leader and Career & Leadership Coach, recounts her own fears—once afraid of being exposed as a fraud and even escorted off the premises. Michelle offers invaluable advice on how to conquer these feelings and unlock your full potential. 

Tune in to learn how to: 

• Manage the overwhelming feelings of imposter syndrome 

• Confidently discuss these feelings with your manager without diminishing your credibility 

• Build lasting confidence while navigating the complexities of a career in data 

In this episode, Jackie Clayton, Analytics & Data Science Lead at Mars, discusses creating effective learning cultures in data teams. Drawing from her experience establishing data academies, Jackie shares insights on: 

• Integrating learning into daily work 

• Making the most of your learning budget 

• Learning without having to spend money for it 

• Involving all team members in the learning process 

• Extending data education across organisations 

She offers practical advice for fostering a learning environment in both large and small teams, emphasising the importance of aligning learning with business goals and sharing knowledge. Jackie also touches on how one can strategically use learning budgets when available. 

Two data professionals get real about managing stress and finding work-life balance in a rapidly changing world. From failed meditation attempts to CrossFit obsessions, Cecilia and Karen share their personal journeys of discovering what actually works for them to stay sane in high-pressure tech careers. With candid humour, they discuss the pressures of "self-care" culture, the importance of setting boundaries at work, and their go-to strategies for decompressing - which aren't always what you'd expect. Whether you're struggling to step away from your desk or searching for your own stress-busting routine, this relatable conversation offers practical tips and a reminder that there's no one-size-fits-all solution to finding balance.