Episode 277: The Power of Partnerships with Daphne Kis, CEO of WorldQuant University

Daphne Kis, CEO of WorldQuant University, got her strong work ethic as a child of immigrant parents. Her mom always encouraged her to find a career path that was engaging. This provided her a guiding principle to find meaning in her work and to create a path and fill it.

Daphne is a risk-taker. She believes we have to understand how much risk we are willing to take and be willing to make new mistakes all the time. In fact, we should make mistakes and then beg for forgiveness. For Daphne, patience breeds change, and being a change agent is critical. She talks about how data science is the means and not the end and why women are disproportionately represented in the field of analytics.

Join us while Daphne has an interesting discussion with us about how the process is more important than the outcome. She shares her take on the paralysis that comes when faced with too many choices and the problem when needing to optimize every decision. Daphne also talks about the impact of economic insecurity and if a company really wants to retain employees, they should offer amazing health insurance!

On a personal note, Daphne likes to build things. She’s a social person who enjoys partnerships with other people and sharing ideas with them. Learn more about how she turns everything off in order to stay grounded.

Visit https://www.gobeyondbarriers.com where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with Daphne.

Highlights: [02:07] Daphne’s background [06:11] Discovering her tolerance for risk [11:54] Resisting change [15:45] Advancing in data and technology [22:28] Gaining clarity on your purpose [29:13] Being a change agent [33:43] Future proofing [38:00] Risk taking [42:52] Assessing risks for making changes [45:42] Self care [49:02] Staying grounded [53:10] Lightning round questions

Quotes: “Impatience breeds change.” – Daphne Kis

“Data science is the 21st Century sociology.” – Daphne Kis

“I am a bigger believer in the process than the outcome.” – Daphne Kis

Lightning Round Questions:

What book has greatly influenced you? - “Beloved” by Toni Morrison

What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying? - It changes by the month..

What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself? - I come from kindness and generosity.

What is one change you've implemented that made your life better? - Hiring a trainer.

What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage? - “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge

About Daphne Kis: Daphne Kis is the CEO of WorldQuant University (WQU), the leader in global education for data sciences. WQU delivers entirely free, online programs that expand access to studies and credentials in data sciences. With its MSc program in Financial Engineering and Applied Data Science Lab, WQU serves more than 10,000 students in over 100 countries.   As a dynamic entrepreneur, Kis has been at the forefront of identifying, chronicling, and transforming trends in technology, education, and business for decades. Passionate about global entrepreneurship opportunities, especially for women, Kis regularly mentors female founders, and serves on the advisory boards of the Quorum Initiative and Mindshift Capital.

Links: Website: https://www.wqu.edu/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphnekis/