

Mavens of Data
Maven Analytics
A weekly live show bringing you expert advice and practical tips from top data professionals. Hosted by Maven Analytics.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 2, 2025 • 54min
The Future of Analytics in the Age of Agentic AI (w/ Vin Vashishta)
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

Apr 25, 2025 • 49min
No Data Left Behind: Strategies for Working with All Data Types (w/ Harpreet Sahota)
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

Apr 18, 2025 • 53min
How AI is Changing Analytics: What's New and What Stays the Same (w/ Ravit Jain)
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

Apr 11, 2025 • 54min
Crushing Your Analyst Interview Insider Interview Tips & Portfolio Projects (w/ Nick Singh)
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

Apr 4, 2025 • 35min
The People Side of Analytics: Mastering Communication (w/ Tiankai Feng)
In this engaging discussion, Tiankai Feng, Head of Data Strategy & Governance at Thoughtworks and author of *Humanizing Data Strategy*, shares his insights on the essential role of communication in data analytics. He highlights how analysts can bridge the gap between technical and non-technical audiences through clear language. Tiankai also touches on the evolving nature of data roles, emphasizing the need for interpersonal skills and fostering stakeholder relationships. With practical tips, he illustrates how effective communication can elevate your data career!

Mar 28, 2025 • 57min
Setting Yourself Up for Success as an Analyst (w/ Jason Krantz)
Join Jason Krantz, a partner at Seismic Capital Solutions and expert in analytics, as he shares transformative insights for analysts. He emphasizes the importance of aligning your work with business goals and becoming a strategic partner rather than just a data provider. Jason also discusses essential skills for standing out, including communication and storytelling. He provides innovative strategies to overcome data collection challenges and highlights the significance of mentorship for aspiring analysts. This session is a treasure trove for those looking to enhance their influence and career prospects!

Mar 21, 2025 • 52min
Breaking Silos & Working Cross Functionally For Success in Analytics (w/ Eric Sims)
Collaboration is key in analytics, but working with product, sales, and developer teams can often feel like navigating different worlds. In this episode, Eric Sims—Sr. Data Scientist at NRG Energy—joins us to share proven strategies for building successful cross-functional relationships. We’ll also dive into some of Eric’s most interesting projects in manufacturing, utilities, and finance, highlighting how analytics drives value in these industries. Whether it’s aligning with product priorities, supporting sales goals, or partnering with developers, Eric brings practical advice to help you thrive in cross-functional teams. If you’re an analyst or data professional looking to bridge gaps, improve communication, and deliver projects that matter, this episode is for you. What You'll Learn: How to collaborate effectively with product, sales, and developer teams. Key challenges and opportunities for analytics in manufacturing, utilities, and finance. Real-world examples of projects that delivered cross-functional success. Tips for communicating insights and aligning with business priorities. Strategies to set yourself up for success as an analytics 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

Mar 14, 2025 • 48min
Augmenting Your Work and Personal Life with Artificial Intelligence (w/ Michael Tiffany)
Michael Tiffany, Founder and CEO of Fulcra Dynamics, shares insights on leveraging AI for personal and professional growth. He discusses how behavior tracking technology can enhance social engagement and recovery. Tiffany emphasizes the importance of structuring personal data to improve health decisions and well-being. The conversation also explores the future of large language models, drawing parallels to the internet boom while addressing the creative potentials and limitations of AI in bridging imagination with execution.

Feb 28, 2025 • 53min
Build a Strong Career in Data: Career Advice from the New Host of Mavens of Data
If you want to build a strong career in data, this show is for you. We welcomed the new face of Mavens of Data, Kristen Kehrer, who shared her best advice for data professionals and those aspiring toward a data career. You’ll leave the show with some actionable tips and some of the best career advice directly from one of our favorite data pros of all time. What You'll Learn: What you should focus on if you’re trying to land your first job How to succeed once you are in that initial role How to think about building a successful career long-term Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b About our guest: Kristen Kehrer has been providing innovative & practical statistical modeling solutions in the utilities, healthcare, and eCommerce sectors since 2010. Alongside her professional accomplishments, she achieved recognition as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Data Science & Analytics in 2018. Kristen is also the founder of Data Moves Me, LLC, and has previously served as a faculty member and subject matter expert at the Emeritus Institute of Management and UC Berkeley Ext. Kristen lights up on stage and has spoken at conferences like ODSC, DataScienceGO, BI+Analytics Conference, Boye Conference, and Big Data LDN, etc. She holds a Master of Science degree in Applied Statistics from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. datamovesme.com Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter

Feb 21, 2025 • 50min
How to Land Your First Data Job with No Experience (w/ Elijah Butler)
If you’re trying to transition into a data career and are struggling to get your first job offer, this one is for you. Elijah Butler is here to help you navigate a difficult job market. He’ll help you make sure you are focusing on the right skills, talk through how to find jobs and apply the right way, and prepare you for your next interview. You’ll leave the show with a solid understanding of how to break into data, and a detailed roadmap for how you can get started. What You'll Learn: Which skills you should be focusing on, and which ones to skip Tips for finding jobs, networking, applying, and securing a job interview What employers are looking for, and how you can assure them you’re a smart hire 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 Follow Elijah LinkedIn TikTok YouTube