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
May 17, 2022 • 1h 4min
#193: The Modern Data Culture Stack with Prukalpa Sankar
It's easy to get sucked into the "technology" side of things when it comes to improving the effectiveness and scaling up data teams, but, much to Tim's dismay, shoring up the people, process, and culture is often just as (if not more) critical. So, sure, we can talk about the modern data stack, but what about the modern data CULTURE stack? Prukalpa Sankar, co-founder of Atlan, joined us for a lively discussion of the topic! For complete show notes, including links to items mentioned in this episode and a transcript of the show, visit the show page.
25 snips
May 3, 2022 • 1h 6min
#192: One Dimension of Data Strategy: Approaching Data Work Strategically with Emilie Schario
If you're like most data workers, you probably spend a little bit of time reacting to and servicing data requests, a bit more time on some larger analysis projects, and then you've got a big pile of free time where you're wondering what else you should be doing. Oh. No? You're absolutely drowning in work and questioning whether you're actually providing value? Yeah. That's actually much more common. We were just kidding with that opener. The great news, though, is that Emilie Schario joined us to talk about different tactics (strategies?) for finding the capacity to do more and better work, regardless of your level in your organization. For complete show notes, including links to items mentioned in this episode and a transcript of the show, visit the show page.
Apr 19, 2022 • 1h 12min
#191: People Analytics: Data in the Service of Workforce Effectiveness with Andrew Marritt
"The people" are often the most valuable asset for a company, so getting the ones who are a good fit, supporting them in their work and their careers, and figuring out what motivates (and demotivates) them is critical. And data—both quantitative and qualitative—can help with that. It's a topic we've wanted to tackle for a long time (well, Moe and Michael have; Tim was confused, as he thought it couldn't be that hard to analyze a data set consisting of a single "Do they do their f***ing job?" boolean flag), and we finally got to it, with Andrew Marritt from OrganizationView! For complete show notes, including links to items mentioned in this episode and a transcript of the show, visit the show page.
Apr 5, 2022 • 1h 3min
#190: I See Your Data Layer and Raise You a Metrics Layer with Benn Stancil
Benn Stancil from Mode joins the hosts to discuss the metrics layer in the modern data stack. Topics include challenges with model data and report tables, handling digital analytics data, managing metrics at large companies like Facebook, the importance of metrics in a modern data stack, challenges of building and adopting a metrics layer tool, connection between OLAP and Edgar Codd, normalization rules, and implementing a metrics layer in business intelligence tools.
Apr 1, 2022 • 3min
Announcing Analytics Power Hour… Plus!
We are excited to announce APH+, a subscription that includes bonus content and other perks for our most dedicated listeners.
Mar 22, 2022 • 1h 7min
#189: The Many Hats of the Chief Data Officer with Mai AlOwaish
Can a digital analyst make it to the C-suite? And, if she does, will she wonder, "Oh, dear. WHAT have I gotten myself into?!" The answer to the first question is "Yes!" And our guest for this episode is a proof point: Mai AlOwaish is the Chief Data and Innovation Officer at Gulf Bank, and she spent a good portion of her career in digital analytics before taking on that role! The answer to the second question is, "Not if you go in with a clear vision and strategy!" But, of course, there's a lot more to it than that! For complete show notes, including links to items mentioned in this episode and a transcript of the show, visit the show page.
Mar 8, 2022 • 1h 2min
#188: Machiavelli for International Women’s Day with Stacey Vanek Smith
What does Machiavelli have to do with International Women's Day? It turns out, if you read his writings through the lens of the challenges that women face in the workplace, then quite a lot! So much, in fact, that a whole book could be written on the subject. And one was! Machiavelli for Women author Stacey Vanek Smith joins Moe and guest host Julie Hoyer for this women-only episode of the show. If you're a dude and think this show isn't for you, too, then think again! For complete show notes, including links to items mentioned in this episode and a transcript of the show, visit the show page.
Mar 1, 2022 • 13min
(Bonus) Women in Analytics and the DataConnect Conference with Rehgan Avon
Remember how we used to have bonus episodes? With International Women’s Day coming up in a week, it seemed like a good time to bring them back. Tim is joined by Rehgan Avon, the founder of the organization that runs the DataConnect Conference, which will be June 2-3, 2022 in Columbus, Ohio (and virtually). It’s a conference open to everyone to attend, but all of the speakers are women or gender minorities. Tim and Rehgan also discuss the current state of gender diversity in the profession and how it has changed since Rehgan started the organization that became this conference back in 2016. And there’s a discount code! For complete show notes, including links to items mentioned in this episode and a transcript of the show, visit the show page.
Feb 22, 2022 • 1h 1min
#187: K.P.I. - Three Letters at the Root of Analytical Angst
How do we measure the performance of this podcast? With well-formulated KPIs, of course! With targets set for them. Since Tim is the taskmaster who insists we revisit our KPIs every year, we decided he would be our guest for this show, and Michael and Moe would take turns trying to stump him with impromptu role playing as difficult stakeholders in challenging scenarios. For complete show notes, including links to items mentioned in this episode and a transcript of the show, visit the show page.
Feb 8, 2022 • 1h 3min
#186: Where to Work: So Many (Types of) Companies to Choose From!
With so many types of companies to work for, and analysts being in high demand, we're at a point where many of us find ourselves in the enviable position of being able to pick which company — and which type of company — we want to work for. Oh, bother! That means… we have to choose! In-house? Consultancy? Agency? Product? What's the "best" option? If you already know the answer is, "It depends," then you just might be the perfect fit for consulting! For complete show notes, including links to items mentioned in this episode and a transcript of the show, visit the show page.
