Super Data Science: ML & AI Podcast with Jon Krohn

865: How to Grow (and Sell) a Data Science Consultancy, with Cal Al-Dhubaib

Feb 25, 2025

In this conversation, Cal Al-Dhubaib, Head of AI and Data Science at Further and former CEO of Pandata, shares his journey of building a data science consultancy. He discusses how to scale businesses by creating strong core values and effectively engaging clients. Cal highlights the importance of educating clients rather than gatekeeping information. He also addresses common pitfalls tech professionals face, such as not showing vulnerability and the need for both technical and soft skills in hires. His insights provide invaluable strategies for thriving in the data science sector.

53:50

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Episode guests

Cal Al-Dhubaib

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Identifying and seizing market opportunities from past failures can lead to the successful establishment of a data science consultancy.

Implementing significant upfront client commitments fosters accountability, ensuring long-lasting partnerships and a deeper understanding of client needs.

Establishing core values within a company cultivates a strong culture that enhances team performance and differentiates the consultancy in a competitive landscape.

Deep dives

Lessons from Past Failures

The guest shares valuable insights from his initial unsuccessful startup, which ultimately led to the discovery of a lucrative market for data science consultancy. He reflects on the pivotal moment when he realized that the free research he provided to hospitals held immense potential for revenue. This lesson in identifying market needs birthed Pandata, a data science consultancy that thrived in a region lacking adequate data science talent. The experience emphasizes the importance of recognizing and seizing available opportunities from past failures, which can guide future success.

Intro

2min

Building a Data Science Consultancy

12min

Strategic Client Engagement and the Value of Saying No in Consulting

3min

Core Values in Data Consultancies

17min

The Critical Role of Value Hypothesis in AI Consulting

5min

Navigating Data Science Careers and Consultancy Growth

6min

Navigating Partnerships in Business Acquisitions

8min

Jon Krohn talks to Cal Al-Dhubaib about the extraordinary success of AI and machine learning solutions provider Pandata, his ironclad hack for any company to define their core values, and how to attract and secure loyal clients. Cal thinks tech professionals make two critical mistakes in their careers: The first is that they too-often enjoy being the gatekeepers of their work rather than educating their clients and coworkers as to the details of their projects and why it benefits the company. The second is that tech professionals don’t show vulnerability, whether that means not knowing a topic or not fully understanding how a business works. This issue, Cal says, can spell the difference between a startup’s success and failure. Learn how tech startups can make an ironclad strategy for their future in this episode of The SuperDataScience Podcast.

This episode is brought to you by ODSC, the Open Data Science Conference. Interested in sponsoring a SuperDataScience Podcast episode? Email natalie@superdatascience.com for sponsorship information.

In this episode you will learn:

(09:32) How to scale a successful data science consultancy
(22:25) How Pandata navigates highly regulated environments
(27:59) How to tackle tech illiteracy in business
(36:32) What skills Cals looks for in new hires
(35:56) How to sell on a tech company

Additional materials: www.superdatascience.com/865

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