Mining Your Own Business Podcast

In this podcast episode, we sit down for a chat with Derek Camp from Milo’s Tea Company. Derek is the Senior Manager of Operational Analytics at Milo's Tea. Tune in as he shares his journey at Milo's, where he's grown from a replenishment analyst to leading a team of analysts across logistics, supply chain, operations, and quality.  Derek discusses how his team leverages data to drive efficiencies and improve decision-making. He also offers valuable insights on the practical applications of operations analytics, team collaboration, and overcoming challenges in scaling data efforts across multiple production sites. In this episode you will learn:  ⛛ How Derek's team uses analytics across logistics, supply chain, and production to drive operational improvements. ⛛ The value of cross-functional collaboration with subject matter experts for deeper problem-solving. ⛛ How Derek's team has scaled analytics efforts over time. ⛛ The importance of managing relationships with stakeholders and addressing pushback on analytics-driven suggestions.   Quote 💬 “If our team is doing these three things, we're doing our job really well: reporting, automating, and generating actionable insights.” Featured in This Episode Derek Camp, Senior Manager of Operational Analytics, Milo's Tea Derek Camp is the Senior Manager of Operational Analytics at Milo’s Tea Company, bringing over a decade of experience in supply chain, sales, logistics, replenishment, and quality assurance analytics. Throughout his career at Milo's, he has held several key roles, including Supply Chain Analytics Manager and Senior Operations Analyst, playing an integral role in optimizing operational efficiency. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, Derek is a data-driven leader, passionate about leveraging analytics to drive business outcomes. A speaker at multiple conferences, Derek is always open to sharing his insights on operational analytics and supply chain optimization. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/derek-camp Evan Wimpey, Director of Analytics Strategy | Elder Research Company website: elderresearch.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/evan-wimpey Chapters 00:00 Intro to Milo’s Tea and Derek’s role in analytics 01:27 How data supports supply chain at Milo’s 05:41 The importance of communicating across teams 07:52 How to deal with pushback on data analysis 10:07 Evolution of data analytics at Milo’s Tea 13:19 The team composition at Milo’s Tea 15:59 Qualities Derek looks for in new team members 20:41 Derek’s dream project for the future 23:51 Wrapping up the show Find more show notes, transcripts, & more episodes at: https://www.elderresearch.com/resource/podcasts/

In this episode of the Mining Your Own Business podcast, we’re joined by Frazier Seay-Rad, a leader in AI and machine learning within the sports betting and casino industry. Frazier dives into how AI is transforming everything from enhancing customer experiences to driving revenue growth.  Tune in as Frazier and host Evan Wimpey chat about practical applications of AI, the challenges of balancing innovation with regulation, and the crucial role of data privacy.  Whether you’re curious about AI’s impact on your business or looking to understand the ethical considerations, we hope this episode provides you with some great food for thought. In this episode you will learn:  ⛛ The importance of combining creative thinking with data-driven strategies ⛛ Why a focus on ethical AI is so important for long-term success and customer trust ⛛ How drawing from practices in different industries can provide fresh perspectives ⛛ Why the ability to quickly adapt to technological advancements and industry shifts is key to staying relevant and successful    Quote 💬 “… as an organization, you can be first, you can be best, or you can be different, but you can’t be any of those things if you’re always playing catch up to somebody else.” Featured in This Episode Frazier Seay-Rad , AI & ML Leader, Sports Betting & Casino Industry Frazier Seay-Rad is a leader in AI, machine learning, and data science with a passion for turning complex data into impactful business solutions. She builds and leads teams that translate massive amounts of data into actionable insights. Her expertise spans AI, data science, data engineering, and analytics, with experience in audit and agile methodologies. Frazier has led cross-functional projects across strategy, marketing, finance, product, compliance, and operations. This diverse background enables her to ask the right questions, make data-driven decisions, and help businesses navigate the future of AI with confidence. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sfsr/  Evan Wimpey, Director of Analytics Strategy | Elder Research Company website: elderresearch.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/evan-wimpey Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Frazier Seay-Rad 01:10 Frazier's journey into the field 04:02 Parallels in the fields of auditing and data science 07:59 Effective communication for analytics and business teams 10:52 Aiming for simplicity in data-driven business solutions 13:48 Valuable traits for team members 19:54 Analytics and the legal landscape in sports betting 23:05 Ideas for the future 27:37 Wrapping up the show Find more show notes, transcripts, & more episodes at: https://www.elderresearch.com/resource/podcasts/

In this episode of Mining Your Own Business, John Cook shares his unconventional journey to leading a data science team at one of the world’s largest hospitality companies. As Senior Director of Data Science and Reporting at Marriott International, John guides a talented team supporting U.S. and Canada sales, marketing, and revenue management for Marriott. Tune in as John shares insights into the intricacies of revenue management, the importance of clear data communication, and how understanding different business aspects helps with problem-solving. You won’t want to miss this engaging conversation with our host Evan Wimpey.  In this episode you will learn:  ⛛ Why technical aptitude and business understanding go hand in hand ⛛ The importance of communication and storytelling with data ⛛ Why immediate business needs must be balanced with long-term, scalable solutions ⛛ How understanding different parts of a business can help with problem-solving  Quote 💬 “Where we really get action and where we really get good results from data is when people are able to understand it and then use it to do something.” Featured in This Episode  John Cook, Senior Director of Data Science & Reporting, U.S. &. Canada SMR | Marriott International John Cook is the Senior Director of Data Science and Reporting at Marriott International, where he leads a talented team of associates dedicated to supporting the U.S. and Canada sales, marketing, and revenue management teams, along with their sister analytics teams. Over the years, he’s gained experience across different regions and functions, eventually transitioning into his current leadership position.  John has a Master of Data Analytics from the University of Maryland Global Campus. He’s also the founder of Penguin Analytics, where he focuses on bridging the gap between “data people” and “business people” by coaching business leaders in data literacy, and data scientists in business literacy. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnalexandercook Evan Wimpey, Director of Analytics Strategy | Elder Research Company website: elderresearch.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/evan-wimpey Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:08 John talks about revenue management 05:18 Balancing experience in revenue management with roles in sales and marketing 07:48 Reporting within data science, including standardized and storytelling aspects. 15:23 The importance of hiring team members with both technical skills and enthusiasm for problem-solving 20:12 John shares how his team uses machine learning 22:27 John shares how his background in music helps with communicating data effectively 26:48 John talks about ideas for the future 29:52 Wrapping up the show Find more show notes, transcripts, & more episodes at: https://www.elderresearch.com/resource/podcasts/

In this episode of Mining Your Own Business, Data Scientist Xhoana Laska shares how she and her team are bringing data innovation to the field of industrial paint and coatings, an industry that became prominent in the late 1800s. With her background in mathematics and statistics, Xhoana’s knack for numbers has come in handy in her role at National Coatings & Supplies | Single Source, Inc. She has spearheaded projects to save thousands of labor hours, optimize inventory processes, improve demand forecasting, and more.  Join us as our podcast host, Evan Wimpey, chats with Xhoana about interesting projects she’s worked on and insight she’s gained along the way! In this episode you will learn: ⛛ The importance of identifying areas where data analysis can drive significant efficiency improvements ⛛ Why effective communication is crucial for stakeholder buy-in ⛛ The need to prioritize projects based on business-critical needs ⛛ The importance of creating a culture of learning that empowers employees Quote 💬 “I enjoy working on problems that involve bringing solutions that can potentially save money or optimize and be efficient at the end of the day.” Featured in This Episode Xhoana Laska, Data Scientist, National Coatings & Supplies | Single Source, Inc. From process optimization to demand forecasting, Xhoana Laska enjoys creating data-driven solutions for complex business problems. And that’s at the heart of her work as a data scientist for National Coatings & Supplies | Single Source, Inc. (NCS SSI).  With over three years of experience in the field, Xhoana has a knack for numbers and strong background in mathematics. She specializes in business process automation and statistical and machine learning modeling for procurement, sales, and marketing. She’s also a proud member of the Wolfpack at NC State University, where she received her Master of Statistics degree. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/xhoana-laska Evan Wimpey, Director of Analytics Strategy, Elder Research Company website: elderresearch.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/evan-wimpey Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:50 Xhoana shares her journey into the field of data science. 01:56 Evan shifts the conversation to discuss Xhoana’s first project at NCS SSI. 06:31 Evan discusses the importance of stakeholder involvement in the project. 07:27 Xhoana explains the support provided by the IT team for data quality and accessibility. 10:08 Evan and Xhoana discuss data quality and tools used at NCS SSI. 13:41 The discussion shifts to the process of prioritizing projects at NCS SSI. 22:17 Evan invites Xhoana to share her ideas for future data science projects. 25:33 Evan wraps up the conversation with Xhoana. Find more show notes, transcripts, & more episodes at: https://www.elderresearch.com/resource/podcasts/

Explore the dynamic world of retail data analytics with Sravan Vadigepalli, Senior Director of Products and Engineering at Lowe’s. In this episode you’ll learn about the unique analytics challenges and opportunities in the home improvement space and how Lowe’s approaches product development.  During the chat Sravan also shares his thoughts on the future of data-driven innovation in retail. Grab some coffee and join host Evan Wimpey as he delves into the intersection of technology and customer-centric solutions. We hope you enjoy the conversation! In this episode you will learn: ⛛ The importance of recognizing and adapting to the diverse needs of customers ⛛ Why data initiatives should be aligned with broader business objectives ⛛ How Sravan’s team uses a unique framework to streamline decision-making processes ⛛ The need for a balance between building internal tools and leveraging external solutions Quote 💬 “For data folks like us, you need to get into the weeds of the business.” Featured in This Episode Sravan Vadigepalli, Senior Director of Products and Engineering, Lowe’s Sravan Vadigepalli has spent the past decade building and curating data analytics teams in the retail industry. He specializes in translating data into insights and applications of Machine Learning/AI models to the ever-evolving retail space. Sravan did his MS in MIS from Oklahoma State University and an MBA from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Outside of work, Sravan is a self-proclaimed long-distance endurance runner. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sravanvadigepalli/  Evan Wimpey, Director of Analytics Strategy, Elder Research Company website: elderresearch.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/evan-wimpey Chapters 00:00 Introduction of the podcast and the guest, Sravan Vadigepalli. 00:45 Sravan Vadigepalli shares his background and career path. 02:53 Discussion on the differences in data challenges between various retail sectors. 8:24 Discussion on the process of developing data products and analytic products. 12:52 Explanation of the prioritization process for projects. 15:49 Discussion on the frameworks used for project prioritization. 19:31 Conversation shifts to evaluating internal versus external solutions for product development. 22:17 Sravan shares some ideas for the future. 25:10 Evan wraps up the show. Find more show notes, transcripts, & more episodes at: https://www.elderresearch.com/resource/podcasts/

When considering evaluation metrics for classification models, is it possible for one metric to rule them all? Join us for a lively debate between Aric LaBarr, Associate Professor of Analytics at NC State's Institute for Advanced Analytics, and Robert Robison, Elder Research Senior Data Scientist.  During the debate Robert champions AUC’s comprehensive measure of model performance, while Aric advocates for a broader perspective, emphasizing the importance of business context in metric selection. Tune in as host Evan Wimpey moderates the discussion, and gain valuable insight on what really matters when it comes to machine learning model evaluation. We hope you enjoy the conversation!   In this episode you will learn:  ⛛ The importance of exploring various metrics to evaluate model performance  ⛛ Why metrics should align with business objectives   ⛛ The need for data science teams to invest time in feature engineering  ⛛ Why a model's success relies not only on its performance but also on stakeholders' ability to understand and trust the insights it provides    Quotes 💬 “There's a difference between communicating the value of a model and distinguishing between which models are better.” –Robert Robison 💬 “If you can't explain the model to your stakeholders or business users, then it's not going to get implemented.” –Aric LaBarr Featured in This Episode Aric LaBarr  | Associate Professor of Analytics, Institute for Advanced Analytics LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariclabarr/ Robert Robison | Senior Data Scientist, Elder Research LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-robison/ Evan Wimpey, Director of Analytics Strategy, Elder Research LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/evan-wimpey Chapters 00:00 Evan introduces the debate topic and guests, Aric LaBarr and Robert Robison. 01:37 Robert begins his argument by defining AUC (Area Under the Curve) and its significance as a metric for classification models. 06:11 Aric begins his rebuttal, challenging the notion that AUC is the only metric to consider. 09:26 Robert provides a rebuttal to Aric's points. 11:48 Aric starts his rebuttal, focusing on communicating models to business users. 14:41 Robert responds to Aric’s points. 16:18 Evan asks Robert if certain cases may require metrics other than AUC.  17:03 Robert responds to Evan’s question. 17:53 Aric weighs in on the question. 19:37 Evan asks Aric if focusing solely on AUC may save time and costs. 20:30 Aric responds to Evan’s question. 22:20 Evan gives time for the debaters to ask each other questions. 25:30 The debaters share closing remarks, summarizing their positions. 29:14 Evan wraps up the show. Find more show notes, transcripts, & more episodes at: https://www.elderresearch.com/resource/podcasts/

In this episode Evan Wimpey sits down to chat with Nirmal Budhathoki. A seasoned data scientist at Microsoft, Nirmal has extensive experience in both cybersecurity and the tech industry.  During the conversation Nirmal discusses his unique career journey, from unexpected detours, including serving in the Army, to becoming a data scientist. He also talks about applications of machine learning in cloud security, emphasizing the need for proactive defense strategies. Additionally, Nirmal offers advice for aspiring data scientists and highlights the ongoing advancements in the field. In this episode you will learn:  ⛛ How individuals from diverse experiences can excel in data science ⛛ The importance of proactive defense strategies in cybersecurity ⛛ The need for community engagement and mentorship in the field of data science ⛛ How Large Language Models (LLMs) can be used to enhance cybersecurity measures Quote 💬 “Security is never a compromise.” Featured in This Episode Nirmal Budhathoki, Senior Data Scientist, Microsoft Nirmal Budhathoki is a Senior Data Scientist at Microsoft focused on cloud security. He has over 12 years of experience in the IT industry, including more than 5 years in data science. A dedicated learner, Nirmal holds master's degrees in information systems, business administration, and data science. He enjoys sharing his knowledge with others and has provided hundreds of free mentoring sessions to aspiring data scientists. He also conducts mentored learning for MIT’s Data Science and Machine Learning certification program in collaboration with Great Learning.  Nirmal also has experience working with the military—both as a security data analyst and through serving four years in the Army. He’s also passionate about solving data science problems aligned with product strategy and business outcomes. And in his free time, he enjoys applying his skills to sports analytics. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nirmal-budhathoki/  Evan Wimpey, Director of Analytics Strategy, Elder Research Company website: elderresearch.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/evan-wimpey Chapters 00:00 Evan introduces the show and Nirmal Budhathoki. 01:01 Nirmal talks about his unconventional path into data science. 04:48 Nirmal shares how data science supports security and mentions specific use cases. 11:00 Discussion on proactive approaches in security and the role of machine learning. 14:40 Nirmal emphasizes the need for a proactive defense strategy in cybersecurity. 15:11 Discussion about the use of large language models (LLMs) in Microsoft's work. 21:05 Nirmal talks about his active involvement in the community. 22:27 Nirmal reflects on the positive impact of mentoring. 24:24 Evan asks Nirmal about his ideas for the future. 28:17 Evan wraps up the show. Find more show notes, transcripts, & more episodes at: https://www.elderresearch.com/resource/podcasts/

Kicking off Season 3 of Mining Your Own Business, Evan Wimpey sits down to chat with Bill Shube. A supply chain analytics expert with over 11 years at the LEGO Group, Bill is also the founder of Supply Chain Watchtower. Through his company Bill’s goal is helping small businesses effectively manage their inventory. Grab a chair and tune in as he shares his story. Bill talks about how his team has successfully leveraged citizen development to gain actionable insights from data, saving thousands of hours and much more. Plus he shares how citizen development can impact on data tasks, governance, and scalability within an organization.  In this episode you will learn:  ⛛ How citizen development can be used to empower business teams to play a more active role in data analytics  ⛛ The need for governance initiatives to manage potential risk and ensure citizen developers stick to best practices ⛛ How no-code and low-code tools can complement existing systems, boosting collaboration rather than creating silos  ⛛ Why a mindset change is crucial for all teams to be empowered to make the most of data   Quote 💬 “That's what citizen development is about; it's empowering the average user.” Featured in This Episode Bill Shube, Founder, Supply Chain Watchtower Bill Shube, founder of Supply Chain Watchtower (SCW), has over 11 years of experience in supply chain management and analytics at The LEGO Group, where he and his team have saved thousands of hours and spotted millions of dollars worth of planning errors through analytics automation.  His goal in founding SCW is to bring these big-business experiences and techniques to small and growing businesses, helping them understand their demand and supply. This empowers businesses to right-size inventories, avoid stock-outs and overages, and ultimately improve cash flow and profitability. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-shube/  Evan Wimpey, Director of Analytics Strategy, Elder Research Company website: elderresearch.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/evan-wimpey Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:35 Talking about Bill’s experience with the LEGO Group and his company, Supply Chain Watchtower 01:48 Discussing Bill’s work in the supply chain 02:26 Sharing the team’s evolution to citizen developers 05:10 Talking about the challenges of siloed data 06:31 Breaking down what citizen development is and its benefits 08:52 Discussing how citizen development is implemented 12:28 Sharing the need for data governance 13:22 Talking about putting good practices in place 14:55 Discussing how user communities can foster collaboration 16:17 The importance of being on the same page 22:05 How citizen development can impact multiple areas of a business 25:06 Discussing how Bill’s team is using data tools to support daily operations 27:54 Talking about Bill’s dreams for the future 30:33 Wrapping up the show Find more show notes, transcripts, & more episodes at: https://www.elderresearch.com/resource/podcasts/

In this episode Evan Wimpey chats with Mike Arney, founder of PB Vision, a company helping pickleball players gain game-changing insights. Tune in as he shares how his company got started and how his team is applying AI, machine learning, and computer vision in new ways.   Eric also shares why it’s important to value the thoughts and ideas of end users and how that collaboration makes a difference. Whether your team is embarking on a new analytics project or seeking data-driven inspiration for existing ones, we hope this episode will be insightful! In this episode you will learn:  🔹 How analytics can be applied in diverse ways and lead to innovative solutions 🔹 The importance of considering end users with any project 🔹 How asking for feedback from end users can help refine an analytic tool 🔹 The need for balancing technical optimization with maintaining a positive user experience Quotes 💬 “I [saw] the amazing things [AI was] doing and said, ‘How can I actually get my toes in the water and understand how this works from a functional perspective?” 💬 “Here's a problem that we can solve. What would a possible solution look like? … Let's do a little bit of research. Let's experiment.” 💬 “Some people are super passionate about certain things and their voice can be pretty loud. It's great to have that passion, but you have to be very careful that does not drown out the silence or the quiet majority.” Featured in This Episode Mike Arney, Founder, PB Vision Mike Arney is the founder of PB Vision, a company combining the power of AI, machine learning, and computer vision to transform video analysis in pickleball. With his background as a UI/UX designer and his love for pickleball, Mike embarked on a journey to transform the game with AI.  Through PB Vision, Mike’s team is providing insights and data-driven coaching to help pickleball players improve their performance. The platform leverages analytics to offer an in-depth level of game analysis, enhancing both training and overall playing experience. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikearney/  Evan Wimpey, Director of Analytics Strategy, Elder Research Company website: elderresearch.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/evan-wimpey Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:04 Talking about the focus of PB Vision 02:35 Sharing the story behind the launch of PB Vision 04:57 Vetting the solution and delving into computer vision 07:54 Discussing the different ways to approach a challenge 10:54 Talking about the downside of being locked into a solution 12:00 Sharing the importance of building technical skills 12:30 Discussing why UI/UX can’t be an afterthought 15:28 Evaluating user feedback 18:35 Inviting the pickleball community and developers to the table 19:47 Delving into the need for user buy-in 22:46 Looking to the future of PB Vision 30:31 Wrapping up the show Find more show notes, transcripts, & more episodes at: https://www.elderresearch.com/resource/podcasts/

In this episode of Mining Your Own Business, Evan Wimpey chats with Eric Siegel, bestselling author and founder of Machine Learning Week. Tune in as he shares why businesses need to focus on machine learning projects that work in the real world.  Eric also dives into the importance of measuring the impact of machine learning projects, the need for business professionals to understand the technology, and the potential challenges associated with overhyped AI expectations. In this episode you will learn:  🔹 The importance of deploying machine learning models in real-world business operations to capture value 🔹 Why metrics are key to getting the most out of machine learning projects and impacting business decisions 🔹 The importance of a structured end-to-end practice that enables business stakeholders to collaborate closely with data scientists 🔹 Why tools like generative AI need to be assessed by how they are helping organizations capture real value Quotes 💬 “Measuring the value is just as fundamental as developing the model. And it goes hand in hand.” 💬 “Measuring the value is just as fundamental as developing the model. And it goes hand in hand.” 💬 “We're trying to improve business operations. We're trying to provide actual business value by implementing change.” Featured in This Episode Eric Siegel, Bestselling Author & Machine Learning Week Founder Eric Siegel, Ph.D. is a consultant, former Columbia University professor, and founder of Machine Learning Week. He’s also an instructor for the “Machine Learning Leadership and Practice” course, executive editor of The Machine Learning Times, and a sought-after keynote speaker. Eric authored the bestselling book “Predictive Analytics: The Power to Predict Who Will Click, Buy, Lie, or Die” widely used in university courses. His latest book, “The AI Playbook,” is now available at bizml.com.  Eric’s interdisciplinary work bridges the stubborn technology/business gap. At Columbia, he won the Distinguished Faculty award teaching graduate computer science courses in ML and AI. Later, he served as a business school professor at UVA Darden. Eric has appeared on numerous media channels, including Bloomberg, National Geographic, and NPR, and has published in Newsweek, HBR, SciAm blog, WaPo, WSJ, and more. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/predictiveanalytics Evan Wimpey, Director of Analytics Strategy, Elder Research Company website: elderresearch.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/evan-wimpey Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:02 Diving into analytics use case examples 05:56 Measuring the effectiveness of analytics efforts 06:49 Discussing Eric’s new book and using metrics to drive decisions 11:37 Talking about best practices around end-to-end processes 14:13 Discussing the need for useful ML models and change management 16:26 Exploring the need for stakeholders and data professionals to understand each other 18:28 Talking about the Machine Learning Week conference 22:58 Delving into Eric’s predictions for future advancements and generative AI 27:24 Chatting about Eric’s dream analytics project and current projects 32:00 Wrapping up the show Find more show notes, transcripts, & more episodes at: https://www.elderresearch.com/resource/podcasts/

Tune in as host Evan Wimpey chats with PayPal Data Science Lead Gulrez Khan about the art of data storytelling. With over two decades of experience, Gulrez has discovered how data storytelling can be an effective tool to bring clarity to the complex.  In this episode he shares lessons he’s learned and creative ways he's helping children and adults build data literacy.  Key Takeaways 🔹 The importance of truly understanding a business problem before starting a data science project 🔹 How data storytelling can help bridge the gap between business stakeholders and data science teams 🔹 The creative approach Gulrez Khan is using to help both children and adults grow in data literacy 🔹 How data scientists can become agents of change by not only fulfilling requests but also identifying alternative solutions based on their domain knowledge Quotes 💬 “So you become a change agent—not just do what has been asked of you but understand the business and say, ‘Hey, you know what, there is another way we can do it.’” 💬 “Data is very powerful, and with a good heart, you can make change.” 💬 “I've got a few principles that I apply in terms of data storytelling … start with the problem formulation. What is the question being asked?” Featured in This Episode Gulrez Khan, Data Science Lead, PayPal With almost two decades of experience under his belt, Gulrez Khan is a data-wrangling extraordinaire, who has a knack for turning boring numbers into captivating stories. When he's not busy working, you can find him digging through open datasets like they're buried treasure or passing on his data visualization skills to the next generation in the hopes of creating a world of data-literate children.  Gulrez is on a mission to improve the way people make sense of data. He's known for delivering corporate workshops that are equal parts informative and entertaining and has recently written “Drawing Data with Kids,” a book to cultivate data literacy in children and adults alike. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gulrezkhan-data Evan Wimpey, Director of Analytics Strategy, Elder Research Company website: elderresearch.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/evan-wimpey Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:09 Working as a data science leader at PayPal 02:17 How and why PayPal started a data science community 03:41 Creating sparks in data science projects 09:08 What it means to become a change agent 09:55 Discussing the principles of effective data storytelling. 11:27 How data storytelling facilitates better communication 15:02 Data storytelling as a marketable job skill 18:09 Gulrez’s book, “Drawing Data with Kids,” and data literacy 24:45 Using data for good 25:59 Wrapping up the show Find more show notes, transcripts, & more episodes at: https://www.elderresearch.com/resource/podcasts/

Join us as we chat with our founder Dr. John Elder. In his decades of experience, he's witnessed the ebb and flow of numerous data analytics projects. And along the way he’s discovered keys to achieving success. Key Takeaways 🔹 Why successful data analytics projects rely on teamwork, honesty, and perseverance 🔹 How Elder Research has approached challenges and helped organizations move from idea to implementation 🔹 The need to choose the right problems to work on as an organization 🔹 The impact of involving leaders in data-driven initiatives to achieve success  Quotes 💬 “It helps to have teams that are honest in their feedback … You see it as a wonderful thing if they find a flaw and save you time and help you solve the problem.” 💬 “Knowing the degree of accuracy and the cost of a mistake is so important anytime you address a new problem.” 💬 “A lot of times for us it's technology transfer. We'll solve a problem and then we'll teach the client how we did it.” Featured in This Episode John Elder, Founder, Elder Research Dr. John Elder founded Elder Research, America’s largest and most experienced data science consultancy, in 1995. They’ve solved hundreds of challenges for commercial and government clients. Dr. Elder co-authored three books — on practical data mining, ensembles, and text mining — two of which won “book of the year” awards. John has created data mining tools, was a discoverer of ensemble methods, chairs international conferences, and is a popular workshop and keynote speaker. Dr. Elder earned Engineering degrees from Rice and UVA, where he’s an Adjunct Professor. He was named by President Bush to serve 5 years on a panel to guide technology for national security. Lastly, John is grateful to be a follower of Christ and the father of five. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnelder4 Evan Wimpey, Director of Analytics Strategy, Elder Research Company website: elderresearch.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/evan-wimpey Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:54 Factors that separate successful and unsuccessful analytics projects 02:31 How Elder Research has built project success over time 05:09 The importance of leadership involvement to achieve success in projects 07:14 John’s favorite projects 13:30 The need to follow up after a project is successfully completed 15:19 The growth and impact of generative AI 18:36 Reliability of analytic tools 19:54 John’s transition into a new role at Elder Research    21:02 The vital steps to problem-solving 22:33 How John’s early work in target shufflingFind more show notes, transcripts, & more episodes at: https://www.elderresearch.com/resource/podcasts/

Sarah Kalicin from Intel shares insight on how data science can positively impact the way teams work on this episode. As an HR Data Scientist at Intel Corporation, Sarah brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our discussion. Her journey is a fascinating blend of industrial statistics and diverse industry experience, including roles at Ford Motor Company, Nabisco Craft Foods, and medical device companies.  Her current role in HR data science showcases her ability to bridge the gap between business problems and data solutions. Join us as we explore Sarah's insights into the ever-evolving landscape of data science and how it can transform organizations. Key Takeaways 🔹The importance of fully understanding a business problem before determining a data-driven solution 🔹How effective training of team members can lead to tangible business results 🔹 Why data literacy and clear communication with stakeholders is crucial for successful adoption and impact of a data-driven solution 🔹The importance of considering the user experience of new solutions that are implemented Quotes 💬 “It's really about identifying that data that you need and then trying to figure out how do you get that data to your stakeholders in a way that they can consume it, and then start managing success.” 💬 “Understand that business problem and then be able to translate that to a data problem so that we can figure out what the value is for the company.” 💬 “Just because you took a class and you like the class doesn’t necessarily mean it translates into skills or behaviors or business impact … What kind of measurements do we need to do in order to be able to showcase that these classes are having impact …?”  Featured in This Episode Sarah Kalicin, HR Data Scientist, Intel Corporation Sarah is a skilled statistical leader with deep analytical expertise and a strong background in strategic thinking and business management. With almost twenty years at Intel Corporation, she now works as an HR Data Scientist.  Sarah loves helping cross-functional teams find ways to improve commercial profitability for their organizations. And as the founder of Achieve More with Data, she is focused on helping organizations better leverage data assets to achieve greater success.  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarahkalicin  Evan Wimpey, Director of Analytics Strategy, Elder Research Company website: elderresearch.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/evan-wimpey Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:26 Sarah’s diverse career background and journey to becoming an HR data scientist 03:23 Sarah’s love for helping organizations get more value from their data 04:52 An example of an HR data scientist project 06:11 The need for effective team training to achieve business goals 10:37 The balance of data analytics, privacy, and ethical considerations 12:19 Getting buy-in from key stakeholders 16:06 Data scientists at Intel and the importance of training teams based on their experience 20:22 The impact of AI at Intel 22:30 The importance of considering the user experience of a new application 24:56 Building a data-driven culture within an organization 29:02 Sarah’s desire to help organizations make strategic decisions using data analytics  Find more show notes, transcripts, & more episodes at: https://www.elderresearch.com/resource/podcasts/

Grab some coffee and tune in as Jack Levis, Chief Product Strategy Officer for ESP Logistics Technology, chats with Evan Wimpey on the Mining Your Own Business podcast.  Jack spent over 40 years at UPS, making significant contributions to their use of analytics and technology. In this episode he reflects how UPS evolved as a data-driven organization and how change management was a key part of that process.  You’ll also learn why leaders should look beyond buzzworthy technologies to reach organizational goals and empower their teams.  Key Takeaways 🔹 Why successfully implementing new technologies and strategies requires a focus on changing mindsets, processes, and communication throughout an organization. 🔹 The importance of investing in a team’s skill development to drive change and innovation. 🔹 Why leaders should have a general understanding of analytics to make informed decisions about technology and implementation. 🔹 The importance of starting with the end goal in mind when it comes to choosing effective data-driven tools. Quotes 💬 “In today's world, a data-driven organization is one that can turn on a dime ... Everything isn’t just making decisions from data; the data is driving those decisions.” 💬 “If you're really data-driven, can you with a straight face say, ‘My data is as important to me as my product.’” 💬 “Leaders need to understand analytics. That doesn't mean that you need to be able to do it yourself … But you need to understand the different types of analytics that exist.” Featured in This Episode Jack Levis, Chief Product Strategy Officer, ESP Logistics Technology During his 40-plus years at UPS, Jack was responsible for the development of operational technology solutions. These solutions required advanced analytics to reengineer processes, streamline the business, and maximize productivity. He currently serves as Chief Product Strategy Officer for ESP Logistics Technology. Jack is a frequently requested speaker for business executives and organizations. He has been featured in many publications and media productions, including a TED Talk on Innovation. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacklevis Evan Wimpey, Director of Analytics Strategy, Elder Research Company website: elderresearch.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/evan-wimpey Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:22 Jack's background and discussing what it means to be data-driven 04:20 UPS's journey to becoming a data-driven organization 09:02 The significance of innovation in execution rather than just the idea 11:20 Focus on change management as a crucial aspect of successful technology adoption 12:50 Four pillars to data-driven innovation at an organization 16:57 The importance of understanding analytics and the value of focusing on the decision, not just the tools 22:29 Why listening and communicating effectively is a crucial part of implementing change 24:28 How outcomes improve as a team takes ownership of data-driven change 25:50 Advice for how to approach implementing a new data or analytics initiative 27:02 Why leaders should understand analytics for better decision making 29:08 The importance of keeping the end goal in mind 31:05 Jack’s thoughts on ways to apply data and analytics to solve other challenges 35:40 Discussing ESP Logistics Technology and wrapping up the show  Find more show notes, transcripts, & more episodes at: https://www.elderresearch.com/resource/podcasts/

In the ever-evolving world of data science, creativity is key to problem-solving. In this episode Mary Stimson, Big Data Analyst at Southwest Airlines, shares her journey into data science and how creativity has come into play in her role. Tune in as host Evan Wimpey chats with Mary about the importance of adaptability and innovation in data science, and how these elements play a role in creating solutions.  Key Takeaways 🔹The role of big data at Southwest Airlines and how it’s being used to effectively evaluate constantly emerging data points 🔹How AI and ML are helping Southwest Airlines optimize operations and address complex challenges 🔹The importance of understanding the needs of key stakeholders to create data-driven solutions 🔹How creativity in data science plays a significant role in solving problems Quotes 💬 “Data science is solving new problems. And when it comes to solving new problems, there has to be a willingness to create new solutions, new ideas.” 💬 “Big data means that there's always a frontier of unknowns—a frontier of that infinite growth that can be discovered. I think that’s also what’s fun about big data.” 💬 “I always say that data science should provide information and not answers to people. So I love what I get to do because it allows that intuition to interact with what the computers are telling us.” Featured in This Episode Mary Stimson, Big Data Analyst, Southwest Airlines Mary Stimson is a Big Data Analyst and UI/UX developer at Southwest Airlines. She graduated from Texas A&M in 2019 as a Business Honors and Accounting major. Today Mary works on the Enterprise Data Science Center at Southwest Airlines, where she problem-solves in an internal business consulting role, performing analytics for the financial planning and analytics department and building interactive web tools to bring data insight to human decisions. Mary works with such tools as SQL, Python, ReactJS, HTML, Tableau, Alteryx, and Collibra. As a lifelong learner, Mary is also a part-time student at Dallas Theological Seminary, pursuing her masters in Christian Studies. Mary currently holds one pending utility patent regarding an animal computing interface. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mary-stimson-693912145/ Evan Wimpey, Director of Analytics Strategy, Elder Research Company website: elderresearch.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/evan-wimpey Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:36 Mary’s background and her journey to the role of big data analyst and UI/UX developer at Southwest Airlines 02:13 Developing models using human intuition - Mary's transition from business analyst to data science role and involvement in metadata management. 03:30 Discussion on the types of users and departments Mary's team collaborates with at Southwest. 05:59 The diverse knowledge sets within Mary's team and the value of different backgrounds. 09:46 Creativity and its role in data science 13:56 How Mary’s team at Southwest Airlines invests time on project work and personal growth 16:37 Further defining what big data means and Mary’s role as an analyst 19:14 AI and ML implementation at Southwest 22:06 Discussing data-driven ideas for the future 25:03 Sharing ways to continue the conversation on data science Find more show notes, transcripts, & more episodes at: https://www.elderresearch.com/resource/podcasts/

In this episode you’ll meet Kathryn Walter, a senior operations research analyst at Avista Corporation. Kathryn shares an inside look at how operations research is making an impact at this utilities company based in Spokane, Washington.  Tune in as our host Evan Wimpey chats with Kathryn about how she got into the field and how her team has used operations research to make informed and cost-saving decisions. With a dash of humor and tips to drive organizational change, you won’t want to miss this episode!  Key Takeaways: 🔔 How operations research is being used to guide decisions at Avista Corporation 🔔 How the field of operations research has evolved over time 🔔 The applications of operations research in different industries 🔔 Ways to approach moving toward data-driven change at an organization  Quotes: 💬 “I feel like one of the beauties of operations research is that it’s so industry neutral. You can apply it anywhere.” 💬 “People are eager to make things better … So if it’s easier and it's also helping, people are going to embrace it.” Featured in this episode: Kathryn Walter, Senior Operations Research Analyst, Avista Corporation Kathryn Walter is a senior operations research analyst who works on mathematical models supporting better decision making at Avista Corporation, a utilities company in Spokane, Washington. She is a former optimization consultant, a former military officer, and a holder of Master of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees in operations research. She is a Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) and currently serves on the Analytics Certification Board and on the INFORMS Board of Directors. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kathrynwalter Evan Wimpey , Director of Analytics Strategy at Elder Research Company website: elderresearch.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/evan-wimpey Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:37 Kathryn’s background and how she got into operations research 02:30 Discovering the impact of optimization and building an effective model 04:06 Investigating and refining the model 05:31 The evolution of the field of operations research 08:38 The benefits and flexibility of operations research skills across industries 10:57 A willingness to change the way things are done 12:56 Approaching challenges in change management 15:47 The growth of data science at Avista 18:17 Factors to think about when building an operations research team 21:46 Looking to the future of operations research at Avista 24:56 Sharing some math humor  Find more show notes, transcripts, & more episodes at: https://www.elderresearch.com/resource/podcasts/

Kicking off the second season, Evan Wimpey chats with Nechama Katan, director of data science for a large pharmaceutical company.  In the episode Nechama shares how her journey in the world of analytics and pharmacy began and what she’s learned along the way. From using risk-based monitoring in clinical trials to building effective teams, Nechama’s experience has led to data-driven solutions and better communication.  Come along as Nechama shares her experience in pharmalytics and gain insight on the importance of data literacy in an organization. We hope this episode sparks fresh ideas and perspective! Key Takeaways: 🔔 How data science comes into play in pharmacy 🔔 The benefits of different perspectives on a team 🔔 How effective data evaluation can impact real people 🔔 The importance of building data literacy to reach a common goal  Quotes: 💬 “Use everything as a learning opportunity. People learn with analogies. Always have an analogy or two or three.” 💬 “In data science in general, you can either think and reason about data or you can’t, and then you can either learn the business or you can't. And if you can learn the business, you can learn any business. If you’re motivated and curious enough about the business, you can learn the business.” 💬 “Programming doesn’t scale; thinking does. And so anything that cuts out and lets you think and leverage kind of what we do well then is worth it.” Featured in this episode: Nechama Katan, Director of Data Science, Pharmaceuticals Nechama Katan is a highly skilled problem solver who uses innovative techniques to help organizations overcome complex technical and process-related issues. With experience working in various industries, including high and low tech, finance, and pharmaceuticals, Nechama has honed her expertise in developing code, creating prototypes, and driving business conversations which solve technical challenges for the leaders she supports. She is the director of data science for a large pharmaceutical company and founder of Wicked Problem Wizards. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nechama Evan Wimpey , Director of Analytics Strategy at Elder Research Company website: elderresearch.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/evan-wimpey Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:36 Nechama’s background and how she got into analytics and pharmacy 01:44 Analyzing high and low risks in the clinical trial space 04:24 Using risk-based monitoring as a method to identify systemic problems 06:04 Defining the team roles and skills needed to be effective 08:17 The importance of having different perspectives represented on a team 11:58 Building data literacy across an organization 15:40 Learning to speak each other’s language to build buy-in 17:27 The impact of AI tools on work productivity 19:55 Approaching changes to processes in pharma analytics 21:24 Dreaming of new horizons in pharma analytics  Find more show notes, transcripts, & more episodes at: https://www.elderresearch.com/resource/podcasts/

On the show today, Evan sits down with Isaac Collazo, Vice President of Analytics at STR. Isaac shares how he got started in the travel and hotel industry, and how he’s seen data analytics in the hotel space take off and advance over time. He discusses what type of data STR works with and how they strategize delivering key insights to their clients. Isaac and Evan also discuss what it takes to be a successful data analyst on these types of projects, highlighting crucial characteristics such as creativity, play, and drive. Finally, Isaac speaks on opportunities he sees in the hospitality industry and in his current role at STR.      Key Takeaways:   🛎️ How STR provides insights from data to inform hotel progress and strategy  🛎️ Opportunities for increased consumer understanding via hotel data  🛎️ The importance of creativity and perseverance as a data analyst  🛎️ How increased time and resources allow for long-term high-level analysis     Quotes:   💬 People who are on the data side have to be creative and have to just love to play with data because if you don't, then it's a pretty boring job.  — Isaac Collazo  💬 I think there's a lot more space – not ability, but opportunity to do more with that data [in the hotel space].  — Isaac Collazo  💬 I'm looking for is someone who is very creative and who has more of a strategy mindset. Not only can they use data, but they understand that we've got to get to a decision or an outcome.  — Isaac Collazo    Featured in this episode:  Evan Wimpey , Director of Analytics Strategy at Elder Research. Company website: www.elderresearch.com   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-wimpey/      Isaac Collazo, VP of Analytics at STR As a seasoned analytics professional, Isaac Collazo believes that data is not everything and understands the value of relationships when immersing himself in an industry to truly understand its people and experiences.  He is the VP of Analytics at STR where he solidifies the company's analytical methodology, assists with integration into CoStar's digital platform, and unifies products and services to provide a single, reliable source of knowledge for the Hotel Industry. He is an expert in delivering meticulously curated insights based on industry knowledge and encourages others to make a personal investment in the insights they uncover. His easy-to-digest knowledge ensures recipients can apply it to their own business performance for an informed and successful future.  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaaccollazo/   Chapters:   00:00 Introduction   00:57 Isaac’s background in the travel & hotel industries  02:52 How Isaac got started in data collection for hotel decision-making  05:35 The type of data and benchmarking that STR provides  11:55 What it takes to be successful on an analytics team  16:54 Insights from consumer data: seeking to learn more  20:05 Working with data in the hotel industry: the importance of time & resources  21:18 A new mindset  Find more show notes, transcripts, & more episodes at: https://www.elderresearch.com/resource/podcasts/

Today we welcome to the show Eric Sims, Senior Analyst of Strategy and Analytics at LendingTree, an online lending marketplace. Eric and host Evan Wimpey discuss the process of getting projects off the ground, ways of making analytics accessible to business units and stakeholders, and gaining alignment on business endeavors. Eric also shares how he has been enriched by personal investigative data projects, and tips for others endeavoring on a side project. Finally, Eric speaks about the importance of understanding one’s clients and truly putting oneself in their shoes. We hope you enjoy this insightful episode!    Key Takeaways:  🌳 How LendingTree communicates and coordinates its projects amongst various teams  🌳 How to make analytics accessible to non-technical stakeholders  🌳 How M&Ms helped team members feel more comfortable with data concepts  🌳 Ways to truly understand and immerse oneself in a customer’s experience    Quotes:  💬 The most valuable thing to me, and I think to any company... is knowing your customer – and knowing not just your customers’ data, but knowing your customers’ voices and their problems.  — Eric Sims    💬 I really like teaching and showing and sharing. Here's how you can do it. Ask me when you forget later. And we'll just keep practicing through it.   — Eric Sims    💬 The most important thing when it comes to you have a list of projects you want to do: pick one you like, just pick one that you're interested in. Because even if you are working on something you like, sometimes it's a slog. And so you gotta want it.  — Eric Sims    Featured in this episode: Evan Wimpey Director of Analytics Strategy at Elder Research. Company website: www.elderresearch.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-wimpey/    Eric Sims, Sr. Analyst, Strategy & Analytics  Eric’s personal brand can be summed up in one word: originality. He’s always in search of new and interesting ways to approach learning and problem solving. He currently works as a Sr. Data Analyst at LendingTree, supporting the Small Business vertical, and in his free time he builds machine learning applications. He’s also interested in how recommenders can be used to connect social networks, and his latest project is a tea recommender system.  Besides working and building side projects, Eric contributes to the LinkedIn data science community, plays paintball in VR, travels with his partner, and does normal home stuff (#RealLife).  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericsims2/   LendingTree is hiring! Check out current opportunities here: https://www.lendingtree.com/careers/jobs/ Chapters:  00:00 Introduction  01:00 Eric’s background and how he got into analytics  03:12 Eric’s role and projects at LendingTree  06:47 How do new projects start?  09:52 Biggest challenges to getting projects from ideation to final product  13:54 Communicating data terminology: making analytics accessible   17:41 Lightbulb moments: making data make sense with M&M’s  21:33 Eric’s personal projects: learning new skills  28:33 Truly understanding the customer Find more show notes, transcripts, & more episodes at: https://www.elderresearch.com/resource/podcasts/

On today’s episode, Francisco Rius gives us an exclusive look into the data world of the ever-popular video game Minecraft. Francisco is the Head of Data Science and Data Engineering with a background in business economics and marketing. He and host Evan Wimpey discuss his journey to his current role at Minecraft and how data insights are used to improve each player’s experience. Francisco shares how a relationship-oriented approach that prioritizes social listening is crucial to the game’s long-term success. They discuss what it takes to have a strong data team in a creative field. Finally, Francisco wraps up by sharing his vision for the intersection of AI in video games. Tune in for an enlightening and inspiring conversation.  Key Takeaways: ⛏️ How data have provided insights to improve Minecraft over the past twelve years  ⛏️ How Minecraft practices social listening to provide the best game experience possible for their players  ⛏️ The different skills and expertise needed for a strong, creative data science team  ⛏️ How AI opens new worlds of possibilities for the video game industry  Quotes: 💬 A lot of times the relationship aspect of working in big corporations is multiplied times 10 when you're working in creative industries as well. So that relationship aspect is really important...[a new hire’s] ability to make friends and the emotional intelligence aspect of working shoulder-to-shoulder with folks that see the world in a little bit of a different light.  — Francisco Rius  💬 I feel like data science and analytics teams are maturing to be subject matter experts alongside decision-makers. And we're seeing a little bit of a reduction in the number of layers of translation that happens between the data insight and the decision.  — Francisco Rius  💬 The strategy for Minecraft really is: Hey, we want to create a relationship with our players that will last for the next 10, 20, 50 years.  — Francisco Rius  Featured in this episode: Evan Wimpey Director of Analytics Strategy at Elder Research. Company website: www.elderresearch.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-wimpey/  Francisco Rius    Head of Data Science and Data Engineering, Minecraft at Microsoft Francisco leads the data science and data engineering efforts for one of the biggest video game franchises in the world.  He is passionate about the intersection of art and science, where video game makers can use data-driven insights to improve player experiences and outcomes.  Minecraft is one of the best-selling video games of all time, with over 120 million active players per month.  Before joining the Minecraft franchise at Microsoft, Francisco led the analytics group for Electronic Arts’ FIFA, NHL, and UFC franchises. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franciscorius/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction  02:03 Francisco’s background and how he got to his role at Minecraft  06:01 How data has provided insights over Minecraft’s lifetime  09:44 Social listening at Minecraft  12:54 Partnerships in academia and Microsoft  15:26 Art & Science: fostering relationships between creatives and data scientists  19:46 A well-rounded data science team: working in tandem with subject matter experts  24:35 Balancing short-term and long-term change  28:41 Francisco’s vision for the future: AI in video games  Find more show notes, transcripts, & more episodes at: https://www.elderresearch.com/resource/podcasts/