The Analytics Power Hour
Michael Helbling, Moe Kiss, Tim Wilson, Val Kroll, and Julie Hoyer
Attend any conference for any topic and you will hear people saying after that the best and most informative discussions happened in the bar after the show. Read any business magazine and you will find an article saying something along the lines of "Business Analytics is the hottest job category out there, and there is a significant lack of people, process and best practice." In this case the conference was eMetrics, the bar was….multiple, and the attendees were Michael Helbling, Tim Wilson and Jim Cain (Co-Host Emeritus). After a few pints and a few hours of discussion about the cutting edge of digital analytics, they realized they might have something to contribute back to the community. This podcast is one of those contributions. Each episode is a closed topic and an open forum - the goal is for listeners to enjoy listening to Michael, Tim, and Moe share their thoughts and experiences and hopefully take away something to try at work the next day. We hope you enjoy listening to the Digital Analytics Power Hour.
Episodes
Mentioned books
6 snips
Oct 15, 2024 • 1h 27min
#256: Live at MeasureCamp Chicago
For the first time since they've been a party of five, all of the Analytics Power Hour co-hosts assembled in the same location. That location? The Windy City. The occasion? Chicago's first ever MeasureCamp! The crew was busy throughout the day inviting attendees to "hop on the mic" with them to answer various questions. We covered everything from favorite interview questions to tips and tricks, with some #hottake questions thrown in for fun. During the happy hour at the end of the day, we also recorded a brief live show, which highlighted some of the hosts' favorite moments from the day. Listen carefully and you'll catch an audio cameo from Tim's wife, Julie! And keep an eye on the MeasureCamp website to find the coolest way to spend a nerdy Saturday near you (Bratislava, Sydney, Dubai, Stockholm, Brussels, and Istanbul are all coming up before the end of the year!). For complete show notes, including links to items mentioned in this episode and a transcript of the show, visit the show page.
Oct 1, 2024 • 59min
#255: Dear APH-y: Career Inflection Points
Dive into the complex career crossroads in analytics! The hosts tackle crucial decisions like transitioning from individual contributor to management and the skills needed for that pivot. They explore the importance of soft skills, communication, and networking in shaping careers. With a humorous look at parenting chaos amid career changes, they also address the shift from data analysis to data science and the evolving expectations that come with it. Join them for insights on navigating your own professional journey!
Sep 17, 2024 • 1h 5min
#254: Is Your Use of Benchmarks Above Average? with Eric Sandosham
Eric Sandosham, founder and partner at Red & White Consulting Partners, joins the conversation to challenge the effectiveness of benchmarks in business. He argues that much of the data lacks context and can lead to complacency. The hosts discuss the pitfalls of relying solely on external evaluation and the importance of internal data. They explore the nuances of using benchmarks for setting targets and even critique common metrics like the Net Promoter Score. With a blend of humor and insight, they encourage listeners to rethink the role of benchmarks in decision-making.
Sep 3, 2024 • 1h 8min
#253: Adopting a Just In Time, Just Enough Data Mindset with Matt Gershoff
Matt Gershoff, a data collection strategist from Conductrics, joins the discussion to challenge the prevalent 'just in case' data mentality. He emphasizes the need for a privacy-first approach, advocating for intentional data gathering and ethical practices. The conversation explores the pitfalls of chaotic data collection, highlighting the importance of structure and accessibility. Gershoff introduces innovative methods for mindful data practices while urging organizations to view privacy as a catalyst for innovation, rather than a limitation.
Aug 20, 2024 • 52min
#252: The Ever-Shifting Operating Environment of the Data Professional
Broadly writ, we're all in the business of data work in some form, right? It's almost like we're all swimming around in a big data lake, and our peers are swimming around it, too, and so are our business partners. There might be some HiPPOs and some SLOTHs splashing around in the shallow end, and the contours of the lake keep changing. Is lifeguarding…or writing SQL…or prompt engineering to get AI to write SQL…or identifying business problems a job or a skill? Does it matter? Aren't we all just trying to get to the Insights Water Slide? Katie Bauer, Head of Data at Gloss Genius and thought-provoker at Wrong But Useful, joined Michael, Julie, and Val for a much less metaphorically tortured exploration of the ever-shifting landscape in which the modern data professional operates. Or swims. Or sinks? For complete show notes, including links to items mentioned in this episode and a transcript of the show, visit the show page.
8 snips
Aug 6, 2024 • 1h 1min
#251: The Continued Rise of the Analytics Engineer with Dumky de Wilde
In this engaging discussion, Dumky de Wilde, co-author of The Fundamentals of Analytics Engineering, dives into the rising role of analytics engineers. He highlights how these professionals blend data engineering skills with business acumen, making them essential in today’s data-driven landscape. Dumky cleverly illustrates their role using a supermarket analogy, clarifying their unique position between data and business needs. Additionally, he shares essential tips for effectively communicating the value of analytics work to senior leadership.
Jul 23, 2024 • 1h 5min
#250: Real World Data (RWD) Lessons from Healthcare-land with Dr. Lewis Carpenter
Lewis Carpenter, Director of Real World Evidence at Arcturus and expert in medical statistics, shares insights on the growing importance of real-world data (RWD) in healthcare analytics. He contrasts RWD with traditional randomized controlled trials (RCTs), emphasizing how complex human behavior generates valuable data. The discussion highlights the challenges of interpreting RCTs and the significance of innovative methodologies in study design. Carpenter also delves into off-label prescriptions, showing how RWD aids in understanding treatment effects and expanding medication labels.
Jul 9, 2024 • 46min
#249: Three Humans and an AI at Marketing Analytics Summit
In this episode, the hosts explore the distinction between human and AI-generated thoughts through a fun quiz. They discuss the characteristics of an analyst, selecting instructors for a marketing analytics summit, and navigating pitfalls as a new analyst. The importance of continuous learning in analytics and managing stakeholder expectations is also highlighted, with humorous discussions and insights sprinkled throughout.
21 snips
Jun 25, 2024 • 1h 8min
#248: The Fundamentally Fascinating World of APIs with Marco Palladino
Marco Palladino, co-founder and CTO at Kong, Inc., dives deep into the realm of APIs, showing how they are the backbone of our digital existence. He highlights their pivotal role in modern application development, emphasizing how they've evolved from optional to essential. The conversation covers the challenges in API infrastructure and security, and how AI could revolutionize API interactions. Palladino also explores the importance of thoughtful design in API management, underscoring its impact on user experience and developer productivity.
Jun 11, 2024 • 1h 3min
#247: Professional Development, Analytically Speaking with Helen Crossley
Professional development is a big topic—way more than just thinking about what job you want in five years and setting milestones along the way. Thankfully we had Helen Crossley, Senior Director of Marketing Science at Meta, join Michael, Moe, and Val to dive deep into this topic! We explored how to set really good, meaningful goals, the challenges across each stage from junior analyst to leader, and how to give great feedback. We also spent quite a bit of time discussing the new challenges that becoming a first-time manager presents and, hopefully, some helpful tips and thought exercises to help out our listeners who are or are about to be faced with this challenge. For complete show notes, including links to items mentioned in this episode and a transcript of the show, visit the show page.
