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DataFramed

#254 Career Skills for Data Professionals with Wes Kao, Co-Founder of Maven

Oct 21, 2024
Wes Kao, co-founder of Maven and altMBA, shares her insights on vital career skills for data professionals. She emphasizes the importance of effective communication and context when presenting data to various audiences. Wes discusses navigating feedback and fostering a culture of constructive criticism. She highlights 'acting like an owner' and taking responsibility for outcomes in professional growth. The conversation also delves into optimizing meetings, mastering the art of managing upwards, and enhancing judgment and analytical thinking for better decision-making.
46:22

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Effective communication for data professionals requires framing insights to suit different audiences, enhancing understandability and decision-making impact.
  • Managing up is crucial for career development as it fosters collaboration with managers by anticipating their communication preferences and needs.

Deep dives

The Importance of Interpretation in Data Communication

Data professionals often make the mistake of presenting raw data without providing context or interpretation. It's crucial to accompany facts with an explanation of what the data signifies and its relevance to the audience. Simply stating numbers can leave the audience confused about the implications, which may hinder decision-making. By serving up the 'so what' of the data, professionals can facilitate more meaningful discussions and help others grasp the significance of their findings.

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