Mavens of Data

The analytics industry is evolving faster than ever, and staying ahead requires more than technical expertise—it takes community building, internal advocacy, and the ability to drive impactful projects. In this episode, Dustin Schimek, Data Fluency Program Manager at MedStar Health, discusses the state of analytics in 2025. We explore what analysts are working on today, the importance of internal evangelism, and how to spearhead new projects and get to proof of concept (POC) quickly. Dustin also shares insights on standout traits for analysts and why community is at the heart of analytics success. If you’re looking to thrive in analytics and stay at the forefront of the industry, this show is for you! What You'll Learn: Key trends shaping the analytics industry in 2025 The role of community building and internal evangelism in driving analytics success How to accelerate proof of concept (POC) for new analytics projects Common themes that make analysts stand out in today’s industry   Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b   Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter

Data professionals often excel at technical skills but struggle to connect their work to broader business goals. In this show, we’re joined by Jordan Morrow, Senior VP of Data and AI Transformation at AgileOne and author of Business 101 for the Data Professional, to discuss bridging the gap between data and strategy. Jordan offers practical advice on developing business acumen, aligning data work with organizational goals, and communicating effectively with stakeholders. Whether you’re a data scientist, analyst, or aspiring leader, this conversation will help you unlock the full potential of your data career. What You'll Learn: The essential business skills every data professional needs How to align data projects with organizational goals Strategies for effective communication with non-technical stakeholders Common pitfalls data professionals face when navigating business challenges—and how to avoid them Actionable tips to become a more strategic, business-savvy data professional   Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b   Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter

What happens when a passion for data science meets the fast-paced world of stock trading? In this episode, we’re joined by Matt Dancho, Founder of Business Science, Quant Science, and the creator of the popular tidyquant package, who shares his journey from data scientist to launching Business Science and the projects and packages he’s built along the way. We explore how he leverages Python and R to trade stocks, as well as the lessons he’s learned from building a business in the data. Whether you’re a data professional, a stock market enthusiast, or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable insights to level up your skills and strategies. What You'll Learn: Taking your data skills and furthering your career to make money. Tips for working with stock data. How AI is changing analytics   Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b   Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter

In business, ideas don’t stand alone; they have to be communicated effectively to drive action. Whether through reports, presentations, or product pitches, success comes from not just having data expertise but knowing how to make it matter. Yet many in the data world focus on just establishing a “personal brand” rather than developing something tangible. So, what does it take to turn expertise into a real product? In this episode with Scott Taylor, The Data Whisperer, we take a behind-the-scenes look at how creativity and communication shape success in the data space beyond just technical skills or personal branding. Listen for a raw and insightful conversation on navigating creativity, career growth, and the business of turning data expertise into something real. What You'll Learn: Why communication is a superpower in business and data The balance between technical skills and storytelling in shaping ideas How creativity applies in a structured B2B context Content, branding, and the tools of a data creator—beyond just a LinkedIn presence  The challenge of crafting the perfect one-sentence pitch   Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b   Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter

Breaking away from the corporate ladder to carve your own path is a journey filled with challenges, growth, and unexpected rewards. In this episode, we host Christina Stathopoulos: a trailblazer who transitioned from a Google role to entrepreneurship and gained experience trying to build her own company in Spain!  Together, we explore what it means to make an impact in your career, the art of building a personal brand, and how to navigate pivotal career decisions with confidence. Christina shares candid advice and discusses how embracing change can lead to unparalleled opportunities but also can lead to difficulties. Whether you’re dreaming of stepping into entrepreneurship, striving to shape a meaningful career, or looking to grow your personal brand, this show will be packed with insights for data professionals! What You'll Learn: Actionable advice for shaping a career aligned with your goals and values. How to transition from corporate to entrepreneurship. The importance of building a personal brand and why it matters. Insights from working abroad: perspectives on career and growth.   Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b   Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter

Data science isn’t just about models and code—it’s about people, connections, and shared knowledge. From online forums to in-person hackathons, communities play a crucial role in shaping careers and innovations. In this episode, we’re joined by Yujian Tang — an expert in building and fostering data-driven communities — to discuss how these spaces can help you grow and why developer advocacy is a great role for people passionate about both building and fostering community. Whether you're looking to expand your network, break into data science, or grow your own community, this episode is packed with actionable insights from someone who has done it all. What You'll Learn: How getting involved in different communities can accelerate your career and open up unexpected opportunities The key differences between various data communities and how to find the right fit What it takes to build and nurture a thriving community of your own The evolving role of the Developer Advocate in growing data product visibility through community.   Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b   Interested in learning more about GenAI? 👉 https://lu.ma/oss4ai   Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter

Agentic AI is here, but what is it? What are the differences between the traditional LLMs and this new agentic AI we’re hearing about? With AI systems making autonomous decisions, driving analytics, and reshaping data strategies, what does this mean for analysts? We’re joined by Vin Vashishta, CEO at V Squared and an expert in AI strategy and data science. Vin’s book, From Data to Profit, lays out a roadmap for turning AI and analytics into real business value.  AI isn’t just a tool anymore; it’s becoming a collaborator. How should we think about adapting? Don’t miss his insights in this show! What You'll Learn: How Agentic AI will redefine the role of analysts in analytics. What makes an AI ‘agent’ different from a traditional LLM? Why knowledge graphs are the key to AI’s next leap forward. How to future-proof your career in analytics.   Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b   Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter

Are you ready to level up your analytics game and tackle the challenges that come with data-heavy projects? In this episode, Harpreet Sahota, a data science leader with years of experience helping analysts and teams thrive, shares actionable insights and strategies for staying ahead in the fast-evolving world of data. Harpreet will help you develop a practical mindset to tackle real-world challenges and build the confidence to lead impactful projects. From cleaning messy datasets, to deciding between building or buying a solution, to training a computer vision model, Harpreet is here to share his expertise. Whether you’re an aspiring data analyst or a seasoned professional, this episode will equip you with the skills and clarity to succeed. What You'll Learn: Data Cleaning for Any Data Type: Proven techniques to clean and prepare your data for analysis. Training a Computer Vision Model: What to consider before you start and how to ensure success. Build vs. Buy for LLMs: When to create your own solution and when to leverage existing tools. Setting Yourself Up for Success as an Analyst: Strategies to stand out and make your work impactful.   Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b   Interested in learning more from Harpreet? Connect with him on LinkedIn   Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the world of analytics, but how much of the job is changing? In this episode, we explore the AI-powered future of analytics: real-time insights, smarter Business Intelligence (BI) tools, and how Excel is turning heads with ChatGPT integration. Will AI replace analysts or supercharge what they already do best? Ravit Jain, Founder of the Ravit Show, will dive into what’s staying the same, what’s evolving, and what you need to know to keep up. Discover how AI is revolutionizing analytics, from real-time insights to the future of BI tools and Excel’s new ChatGPT capabilities. Stay ahead of the curve— uncover how you can thrive in the AI-powered future of analytics! What You'll Learn: How AI-powered Excel is simplifying data wrangling and reporting. What parts of an analyst's role are evolving, and what core skills will always matter. How you can future-proof your analytics career in an AI-driven world.   Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b   Interested in learning more from Ravit? Check out The Ravit Show!    Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter

Ready to land your dream analytics job? In this episode, we sit down with Nick Singh—author, career coach, and Founder of DataLemur—to share insider tips for crushing analyst interviews. Nick will guide us through mock interview questions to sharpen your skills and discuss his portfolio project using Spotify hip-hop data that grabbed recruiters’ attention. If you're preparing for interviews, building projects, or looking for real-world inspiration to stand out as an analyst, this episode is for you. Whether you're gearing up for interviews, brainstorming your next portfolio project, or seeking practical advice to shine as an analyst, this episode will give you practical tips you can implement immediately. What You'll Learn: Proven tips and tricks to succeed in analyst interviews. How to answer common interview questions with confidence. Why portfolio projects matter and how Nick’s Spotify hip-hop data project helped him stand out.   Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b   Interested in learning more from Nick? Check out his book, Ace the Data Science Interview, and DataLemur!   Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter