Women in Data Podcast

Getting promoted isn’t just about doing great work—it’s about knowing how to show it, when to ask, and what “next level” really means. In this candid conversation, co-hosts Karen Jean-Francois and Cecilia Oliveira break down five essential strategies to help you move your career forward.

 

Karen shares a personal story about giving a colleague advice that landed him a promotion while she stayed behind, a wake-up call that doing excellent technical work isn’t enough. Together, she and Cecilia unpack why visibility, business acumen, and impact matter just as much as output.

 

You’ll learn why defining the “next step” in your career is critical, why becoming a manager isn’t the only way to progress, and how finding advocates (not just mentors) will support your progression. Cecilia adds a practical reminder: keep your receipts—document your achievements so you’re ready when promotion conversations come up.

 

Whether you’re just starting your career in data or aiming for that next big leap, this episode will help you reframe how you think about promotions and give you actionable steps to start moving up with confidence.

Tune in, and start owning your next career move.

In this episode, Cecilia welcomes Katherine Church to discuss the systemic gender data gap in healthcare and its impact on women’s health. Katherine explains how women have long been underrepresented in research and clinical trials, leading to misdiagnosis, overlooked conditions, and unsafe treatments. She shares innovative partnerships, such as Boots and Tesco using loyalty card data to detect ovarian cancer earlier, and stresses the importance of recording women’s symptoms. With insights on ethics, wearables, and projects like Our Future Health and Women in Data’s Women’s Health chapter, Katherine shows how data can drive meaningful progress in women’s health.

  And If you can, take part in Our Future Health - https://ourfuturehealth.org.uk/ - and explore Women In Data's Women's Health chapter - https://womenindata.co.uk/womens-health/ - volunteers are always welcome!

In this episode, Karen speaks with Cali Wood, Head of Data & AI Strategy & Culture at AXA UK, about what it really means to future-proof your career in a world where GenAI is reshaping the skills landscape.

From the rise of AI agents and natural language as a “coding language” to the growing importance of human skills like communication, ethics, and business understanding, Cali shares her experience based view on how AI is changing our field. She delves into:

• Practical AI use cases at AXA and their impact on data democratisation, and on the data team
• How the skills landscape is shifting and provides practical advice for early- to mid-career data professionals — and the leaders guiding them.
• How to stay relevant, collaborate with AI instead of competing against it, and use new tools to work smarter, not just faster. 

Cali also reveals why curiosity, boldness, and a willingness to challenge the status quo will be the superpowers of tomorrow’s data workforce.

If you’ve ever wondered where our industry was heading, or what your role might look like in the future — and how to make sure you’re ready — this conversation is for you.

In this episode of the Women in Data podcast, Cecilia is joined by Jo Portlock, VP of People, Culture and Belonging at LexisNexis, for a powerful conversation about what fairness truly means in today’s workplace — and why it’s so much more than a buzzword.

They explore how fairness is about visibility and access, not advantage, and why organisations must intentionally build cultures that support everyone, especially in times of uncertainty. Jo shares how mentorship and sponsorship are essential tools for progress, and why strong communities like Women in Data are more important now than ever.

You’ll also hear why data is a crucial force for accountability, how to use it to spot gaps and drive change, and what the future of work might look like in a world increasingly shaped by AI.

Packed with personal insights, practical tips, and thoughtful reflections, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate a shifting professional landscape with purpose, resilience, and a supportive network by their side.

In this candid and empowering episode, Karen sits down with Maaike Van Der Branden, Chief Data Officer,  to explore the real, unfiltered experience of returning to work after maternity leave. From battling imposter syndrome and skill gaps to rebuilding confidence and reshaping leadership, Maaike shares insights that every working mum, colleague, and employer should hear.

Together, they discuss what it’s really like to return to your job as a new mum: the double guilt, the pressure to catch up, the fear of falling behind, and how crucial it is to be given time, space, and support. Maaike opens up about how motherhood has changed her—not just personally, but professionally—and how it’s made her a more empathetic and inclusive leader.

They also tackle the values that drive career choices post-parenthood, from rejecting toxic industries to focusing on meaningful impact.

Plus, don't miss the rapid-fire round on favourite books, tools, and leadership advice.

🎙️ Whether you're a mum in tech, a team leader, or someone navigating the messy middle of career and family—this episode will speak to you.

Karen is joined by Cindi Howson—Chief Data & AI Strategy Officer at ThoughtSpot and host of The Data Chief Podcast. If you saw her speak at the Women in Data flagship conference, you’ll know how inspiring and bold her perspective is.

In this episode, Cindi shares her take on where data and AI are heading—and it’s not business as usual.

They explore:

• How generative AI and AI agents are already changing the landscape of work
• What it means for data professionals, particularly women, and their careers 
• How to stay relevant through continuous learning and adaptability
• The pressing need to address bias in AI and create more inclusive data cultures

Cindi asks: “If you can’t do this, then who?”—a challenge to step forward and lead the change in tech.

Whether you're a data leader, practitioner, or just curious about the future of AI, this episode is packed with insight, practical advice, and a call to action.

Cindi recommends:

• Coded Bias
• Race after technology

Screenshots of dashboards. Dashboards no one uses. Naming conventions we regret. In this cohosted episode, Cecilia and Karen unpack the everyday habits in data that might just make us cringe in 20 years.  

Inspired by the Future Data Cringe, https://www.futuredatacringe.com/, where 50 data leaders shared what they think will age badly, this conversation is full of laughs, reflection, and a reminder that we’re all learning as we go. 

In this episode, Cecilia welcomes Riya Joshi, a Data and Applied Scientist on the Microsoft Edge Browser team, to demystify the wide world of data roles. Riya breaks down the field into four core paths—analyst, engineering, science, and product—explaining the purpose, required skills, and career fit for each. Drawing from her journey from India to the USA, Riya offers guidance on how to assess your strengths, explore industry niches, and build skills that align with your goals. The conversation covers everything from storytelling with data and domain knowledge to navigating job descriptions and preparing for technical interviews. Riya shares tips on building real-world experience through projects and bootcamps, structuring CVs, and preparing for interviews. Whether you’re switching careers or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration to help you break into and thrive in data.

In this episode of the podcast, Cecilia speaks with Celine Liu, who transitioned from nonprofit coaching to leading global analytics at Uber. Celine’s story is a testament to how data is one of the most transferable and empowering skills across any industry.   Together, they explore the top three non-technical skills for success in data: everyday communication, strategic thinking, and business acumen. Celine shares how asking the right questions and understanding business context can amplify impact far more than technical expertise alone.   They also discuss the importance of fostering data literacy within organisations, how leadership influences data culture, and how to rethink AI as a useful tool. Celine wraps up with practical advice on finding your niche, shifting from doing to thinking, and staying proactive in the age of automation.   This episode promises motivation for anyone looking to grow or pivot in the world of data.