In Episode 16, of Season 4, of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Ben Dias, Director of Data Science and Analytics at easyJet, where they discuss the lean startup approach to Data & Analytics, which includes;
- Being a stereotypical neurodiverse data scientist
- Being driven by solving problems that no one else had
- Working on recommendation algorithms 20 years ago
- Intentionally investing heavily in personal development around ‘soft skills’
- Mapping out what “The Lean Startup Approach” to Data Science would be
- Deciding whether to stay technical or move into leadership
- Approaching leadership as a science
- Being one of the first airlines to launch their NetZero roadmap
- Having a CEO who drives the data agenda
- Not being able to build the foundations fast enough to keep up with demand
- How they delivered value incrementally while building the foundations
- How the business continued with investment in data programmes even while planes were grounded during Covid
- Demonstrating the value of the lean startup approach
- The 6-steps practical guide to implementing the lean startup approach (article below)
- The benefits delivered from the lean startup approach
- The challenges/considerations to this approach
- Why you shouldn’t deliver any work until you know what “done” looks like
- Why you should always address the riskiest thing first
- The importance of not being the HIPPO as the Data Leader
- Why you need to align the approach to your vision
- Why all prioritisation conversations have to start with a conversation about value
- The importance of having a framework of measuring non-financial metrics
- The benefits of having a flat structure
- Keeping fixed costs low
- Why you need to have a diverse team to solve complex problems
- Why using external partners can bring “diversity of thought”
- Thinking outside the box to hire a more diverse team
- Implementing data fluency programmes
- Using apprenticeships to upskill business users
Thanks to our sponsor, Data Literacy Academy.
Data Literacy Academy is leading the way in transforming enterprise workforces with data literacy across the organisation, through a combination of change management and education. In today's data-centric world, being data literate is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity.
If you want successful data product adoption, and to keep driving innovation within your business, you need to start with data literacy first.
At Data Literacy Academy, we don't just teach data skills. We empower individuals and teams to think critically, analyse effectively, and make decisions confidently based on data. We're bridging the gap between business and data teams, so they can all work towards aligned outcomes.
From those taking their first steps in data literacy to seasoned experts looking to fine-tune their skills, our data experts provide tailored classes for every stage. But it's not just learning tracks that we offer. We embed a deep data culture shift through a transformative change management programme.
We take a people-first approach, working closely with your executive team to win the hearts and minds. We know this will drive the company-wide impact that data teams want to achieve.
Get in touch and find out how you can unlock the full potential of data in your organisation. Learn more at www.dl-academy.com.
Driven by Data: The Podcast