Bethany Lyons

Are we doing data and analytics correctly? Self service, centralization vs decentralization, analytics vs operations… so many aspects that data teams need to consider. Join this week’s episode of Catalog & Cocktails with hosts Juan and Tim as they speak with special guest Bethany Lyons to discuss how we should have a separation between data operations an data analytics Key Takeaways: [00:10 - 02:36] Meet Bethany Lyons, Chief Proctor Officer at KAWA Analytics [02:40 - 04:23] What's your favorite board game? [04:24 - 05:29] Encouraging self-service analytics is why Bethany thinks we are doing data analytics wrong [05:30 - 08:04] How the self-service analytics problem started [08:10 - 11:12] How business operators utilize data, and examples with Tableau deployment [11:13 - 14:09] Tying business logic to an analytics tools and what could go wrong [14:10 - 15:55] "Is this an analytics request or an operational request?" [15:55 - 16:35] Changing parameters and asking the right system [16:35 - 19:35] Evolving from self-service analytics to self-service governance programs [19:39 - 21:14] Spreadsheet data, security, and incentives [21:22 - 24:25] Self-service governance, shared accountability paired with great security [24:26 - 25:50] Data stewards and ownership over business areas [25:51 - 27:04] Sharing, auditing, and tracking [27:12 - 28:50] Decentralizing accountability and mindsets when dealing with data [28:50 - 32:40] How to make the switch to prioritizing decentralizing accountability over who writes SQL queries, and KAWA's role [32:41 - 35:15] Centralized policy frameworks and definitions [35:22 - 39:05] Thoughts on self-service operations and the centralization of analytics [39:06 - 40:52] Critical business logic and Excel spreadsheets [40:53 - 42:06] Centralizing business logic vs decentralizing business logic [42:06 - 44:33] Avoiding business logic being owned by one individual, and looking at decision models [44:33 - 45:45] Critical documents, and the idea of a Google Drive for data [45:49 - 52:41] Lightning round [52:42 - 57:26] Takeaways [57:44 - 01:00:16] Three questions

Bethany Lyons, Chief Product Officer at KAWA Analytics, discusses the role of a data-driven product manager in early-stage startups. They explore operational intelligence, high-demand customers, and the balance between pioneering and optimization. Bethany highlights seamless onboarding and choosing the right customers when scaling. They also touch on integrating AI into products and considerations for joining early-stage startups.

Bethany Lyons, an expert in disrupting the recruitment industry, dives into her innovative approach to hiring. She critiques traditional methods, advocating for personal networks and niche expertise over generic searches. The discussion also covers the challenges of startups and how AI is reshaping job roles, emphasizing the importance of deep problem-solving skills in tech. Additionally, Lyons highlights the significance of reputational capital in influencer marketing and the need for tailored engagement strategies to build trust with audiences.