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

Aug 16, 2024 • 41min
Effective Data Governance Strategies For Organizations (w/ George Firican)
Data governance is more important than ever today, but it’s something a lot of companies still struggle with. During this live show, George Firican will demystify data governance, breaking down its core components and sharing practical advice that you can use to make improvements at your organization. What You'll Learn: Why data governance is more important than ever in 2024 The core pillars of a strong data governance program Practical tips for launching a new data governance program Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b About our guest: George Firican is the Founder of LightsOnData, and a Data Governance expert and course creator. The Practical Data Governance: Implementation Course Subscribe to George's YouTube Channel Follow George on LinkedIn Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter

Aug 9, 2024 • 45min
Data Career Lessons & AI Insights (w/ Megan Bowers)
Megan Bowers has had a fascinating career path. She studied Industrial Engineering before landing in data where she’s held roles as an Analyst, Senior Analyst, Data Journalist, and is now the host of the Alter Everything podcast by Alteryx. In this episode, Megan shares practical tips and useful anecdotes from her journey, and talks about some of the best lessons she’s learned as a Data Journalist and from hosting a data-focused podcast. What You'll Learn: How data professionals need to be thinking about AI and considerations for building trust in the technology Takeaways from thought leaders on the podcast on AI strategy, analytics excellence, and data storytelling How building your professional brand can change your career trajectory and create opportunities Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b About our guest: Megan Bowers is the Senior Content Manager at Alteryx and host of the Alter Everything podcast by Alteryx Alter Everything Podcast Building Your Professional Brand Megan's Medium Blog Follow Megan on LinkedIn Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter

Aug 2, 2024 • 47min
Telling Your Data Story (w/ Scott Taylor - The Data Whisperer)
In Analytics and Data Science departments, we’ve got a pretty good sense for why investing in data is important for any organization. But how well could you pitch your company to spend its precious resources on improving data quality or better data management practices? Could you tell that data story to the right stakeholders when it matters? In this episode, you’ll hear from The Data Whisperer, Scott Taylor, sharing his best advice and practical tips for becoming a better storyteller and getting people to take action. What You'll Learn: Why storytelling is a key skill for anyone who works in data The importance of data management, and what that really means Practical tips and frameworks for telling an effective data story Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b About our guest: Scott Taylor The Data Whisperer, Scott Taylor, has helped countless companies by enlightening business executives to the strategic value of master data and proper data management. He focuses on business alignment and the “strategic WHY” rather than system implementation and the “technical HOW.” At MetaMeta Consulting he works with Enterprise Data Leadership teams and Innovative Tech Brands to tell their data story. Get Scott's book: Telling Your Data Story: Data Storytelling for Data Management Follow Scott on LinkedIn Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter

Jul 26, 2024 • 48min
Level Up from Data Analyst to Senior Analyst (w/ Drew Mooney & Katie Underwood)
Are you ready to elevate your career and advance from Analyst to Sr. Analyst and beyond? In this episode, you’ll hear from two fantastic Analytics Managers who each lead their own data teams, and know exactly what it takes to get to the next level. We’ll be sharing some of their best strategies and actionable advice that will help you understand where to focus if you want to advance your career. What You'll Learn: The skills Analysts should be focusing on to move to the next level What the promotion process looks like on the Manager side Tips for fast-tracking yourself, and career-limiting pitfalls to avoid Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b About our guests: Drew Mooney is an Analytics Manager and Founder at Data Analyst Coaching. Follow Drew on LinkedIn Katie Underwood is an Analytics Manager at Cree LED. Follow Katie on LinkedIn Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter

Jul 19, 2024 • 44min
Delivering An Effective Data Presentation (w/ Christopher Chin)
Being able to present your analysis and convince your teammates to take action is a huge part of the job for any Data Analyst or Data Scientist. But for many of us, delivering effective presentations isn’t something that comes naturally. Fortunately, everyone (including you) can improve their communication skills if they know what to focus on. In this session, we’ll be sharing some of the best strategies and actionable advice to help you capture your audience, tell a story with your data, and most importantly, drive impact for your organization. You’ll leave with specific tips that you’ll be able to use immediately to take your presentation game to the next level. What You'll Learn Why most presentations flop and how you can succeed How to stop sharing data and start telling stories instead The scientific approach to getting your audience to listen Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b About our guest: Christopher Chin is a techie-turned leadership communication coach. He previously worked for Fortune 500 tech companies like Thermo Fisher Scientific, Humana, and Fannie Mae in the specialties of data journalism, data science, data visualization, and business intelligence. Each time, he saw extremely talented colleagues struggle to get the opportunities they deserved because they couldn’t present, tell a story, and speak with confidence. Now he works as Founder & CEO of The Hidden Speaker, a training consultancy that puts tech professionals on the path to confident communication. He has returned to Fortune 500 companies to train their technical teams with highly specialized communication workshops, as well as taught for companies and universities around the world. As a speaker, coach, and trainer, Christopher's work has helped thousands demonstrate leadership through communication and he is passionate about convincing every introverted, techie out there that they, too, can bring out their hidden speaker. Check out Christopher's free e-book + Newsletter: The Ultimate Data Storytelling and Presentation Guide Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter

Jul 12, 2024 • 48min
5 Pro Tips for Identifying & Cleaning Dirty Data (w/ Susan Walsh - The Classification Guru)
Data quality is the foundation of everything we do as Data Analysts and Data Scientists. So why do so many organizations suffer from dirty data? And what can you do to clean it up? In this session, we’ll share some of the best data cleaning strategies and real actionable advice from The Classification Guru, Susan Walsh. You’ll leave with a solid plan to start identifying problems with your data, and most importantly, to start fixing them on the path to clean data. What You'll Learn: Why dirty data is such a big problem, and the benefits of cleaning it up The most common types of dirty data you should be on the lookout for Where you should focus your data cleaning efforts to make the biggest impact Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b About our guest: Susan Walsh is a specialist in data classification, taxonomy customisation and data cleansing. She also created the COAT philosophy, which is at the core of The Classification Guru's work. By bringing clarity and accuracy to data and procurement, Susan helps teams work more effectively and efficiently More than a numbers gal, Susan’s also an industry thought leader, TEDx speaker and author of the published ‘Between the Spreadsheets: Classifying and Fixing Dirty Data’. She’s also spoken globally at events such as ProcureCon, Big Data LDN, Big Data & AI World and she cuts through the jargon to address the issues of dirty data and its consequences in an entertaining and engaging way. Fix your dirty data now: www.theclassificationguru.co Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter

Jun 28, 2024 • 47min
How to Land Your First Data Role (w/ Annie Nelson & Ian Klosowicz)
A data career is an amazing path. Once you’re inside, you have good job prospects, fun and challenging work, constant opportunities to learn, solid comp, and can often work from anywhere. But it can be hard to break in. Today, in 2024, there seems to be more competition than ever for entry level roles. So how can you get started? In this episode, we’ll be sharing some of the best strategies, actionable advice, and personal anecdotes from two recent career transitioners, Annie Nelson and Ian Klosowicz, who have each inspired and helped countless others. You’ll leave with a concrete path to landing your first role, and succeeding on the job once you’re there. What You'll Learn: The skills you should be focusing on and showcasing Practical advice for networking, finding jobs, applying, and nailing the interview Tips for using your first 90 days in role to set up your career trajectory Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b About our guests: Annie Nelson (Annie's Analytics) is a leading data analytics and business intelligence expert. She excels in transforming raw data into actionable insights, making complex data concepts accessible. Annie shares her expertise through speaking engagements, online content, and consulting, helping organizations leverage data to achieve their goals. Check out Annie's book: How to Become a Data Analyst Follow Annie on LinkedIn Ian Klosowicz is a seasoned data analyst dedicated to shaping the next generation of data analysts, with a proven track record of teaching people a roadmap that works for them. He specializes in guiding aspiring data analysts on their journey to securing their first roles in the dynamic world of data analytics. Subscribe to Ian's newsletter Follow Ian on LinkedIn Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter

Jun 21, 2024 • 45min
The Future of AI in Data (w/ "Alex the Analyst")
A lot of Data Analysts and Data Scientists are worried about how AI will impact their careers and the future of the industry. Is AI coming for our jobs? Or is this just another example of new technology that can make us more effective? In this episode, YouTube’s Alex The Analyst will walk you through the state of AI in data, some of the most interesting AI tools, and share his predictions about where this is all headed and what it means for the future of your data career. You’ll leave this session with a much better understanding of the current state of AI, likely future trends, and how you should be thinking about AI and its impact on your career. What You'll Learn Which AI tools you should have on your radar How AI is impacting the future of data careers The best ways to keep your skills up to date as the industry evolves Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b About our guest: Alex Freberg, better known as Alex The Analyst started his journey as a Data Analyst 5 years ago and has come a long way since then. He is currently an Analytics Manager at a Fortune 10 company and uses his platform to help people build skills to launch and accelerate their careers in data. Check out Alex's YouTube channel for free resources and Analyst Builder for his full learning platform. Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter

Jun 14, 2024 • 46min
The Skills Every Data Analyst Needs (w/ Matt Mike)
To build a successful career in data, you need to focus on the right skills. You need to focus on skills that will open doors, make you job-ready, help you attract employers, and put you on the right track toward growing your career. But where should you start? In this episode, Matt Mike will give his thoughts on the most important skills you’ll need in your career, and will give you a roadmap for adding them to your tool kit and putting them on display to attract the right kind of attention. You’ll leave this session with a solid understanding of which skills you should focus on first, how to tackle them, and with a plan to take action and make progress today. What You'll Learn: Which technical tools you should focus on to build a great data career Why soft skills can be just as important and which ones matter the most How you can build these skills, and put them on display to accelerate your career Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b About our guest: Matt Mike is a multi-passionate Data Analyst and BI Developer who fancies Power BI. He has been a data analyst for 2 years now and also transitioned into the data field from a non-technical background. This has given him a unique understanding of what it takes to be an analyst from the ground up. Check out Matt's YouTube channel for more! : https://www.youtube.com/@MattMike Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter

Jun 14, 2024 • 49min
Build & Grow Your Personal Brand in Data (w/ Kate Strachnyi & Kristen Kehrer)
Having a strong personal brand is one of the best things you can do to stand out from your competition in today’s difficult job market. In this episode, you’ll learn why brand building should be at the top of your list, and more importantly, hear actionable tips that you can use to make progress right away. We’ll be sharing some of the best strategies, actionable advice, and personal anecdotes from two of the best personal brand builders in data, Kate Strachnyi and Kristen Kehrer. You’ll leave with a concrete path to building your brand and accelerating your career, starting today. What You'll Learn: Why personal brands matter more than ever in 2024 What a strong personal brand looks like How to start building your personal brand online Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b About our guests: As the founder of DATAcated, Kate Strachnyi helps companies amplify their brand and expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. Kate is a content creator with over 200k followers across LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and other platforms. She also runs a DATAcated Plus program with 25+ influencers that can be hired to 'make a spash' on social media. As a marketing and branding expert, Kate has been recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Data Science and Analytics for 2018 and 2019, and as a DataIQ USA100 for 2022. Kate is also the author of ColorWise: A Data Storyteller's Guide to the Intentional Use of Color. https://www.datacated.com/brand-builder 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. https://www.datamovesme.com/ Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter