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In this episode of the Women in Data Podcast, hosts Cecilia Oliveira and Karen Jean-Francois pull back the curtain on the "dirty little secret" of the data world: exactly how they are using AI to change the way they work. Moving past the headlines and the hype, Cecilia and Karen share a vulnerable look at their initial skepticism and how they shifted toward an "Augmentation Mindset." They dive into the practicalities of using AI as a junior collaborator—from cleaning messy data and writing SQL to the "meta" moment of using AI to help structure this very podcast episode. Whether you're feeling "productivity guilt" or pure curiosity, this episode is a guide to making AI work for you, so you can focus on the work only you can do.

In this episode, Karen is joined by Kinnari Ladha, Chief Data Officer, to explore why great data work often fails to land — and how communication turns data leaders into trusted influencers, making it their superpower.    Drawing on over two decades in data—from hands-on analyst to executive leader—Kinnari shares candid stories of building “perfect” dashboards that didn’t get used, and how those moments reshaped her approach to leadership.   She explains why career progression in data requires doing more work bringing people along, how tailoring messages to different audiences and shifting from reporting to storytelling changes impact, and why focusing on outcomes — not outputs — transforms how data is valued.   The conversation also dives into the role of trust in influence: how small, consistent actions build credibility, why listening comes before strategy, and how data teams can move from being seen as service providers to true business partners. With practical habits like weekly “highs and lows” and reframing data in business language, this episode is packed with insights you can apply straight away.

What if the secret to a successful year was a shift in mindset? In the first episode of the year on the Women in Data Podcast, Karen is joined by Seana Tomlinson, coach, counsellor, and trainer and coach on the Women in Data LEAP programme, to explore four mindsets that can set you up for a more confident, authentic, and sustainable year. After 18 years in the corporate world, Seana built a portfolio career that truly works for her and her family. On the podcast, she shares her key learnings to help you start the year with clarity and intention. Together, they discuss why confidence isn’t fixed, why authenticity matters more than imitation, how resilience goes far beyond “pushing through,” and how work–life balance evolves across different seasons of life. This episode offers practical reflections on: Building confidence before you feel ready Leading and showing up as yourself Strengthening resilience without burning out Creating balance that works for you, right now If you’re ready to start the year with self-belief, clarity, and intention, this conversation will help you lay the foundations for a successful year.

Karen and Cecilia tackle a pain point every data professional knows: trying to stay aligned without packing your calendar with even more meetings. From hybrid work and endless notifications to navigating Slack vs. Teams, they explore why the answer isn’t more communication — it’s better communication. They share real stories, practical strategies, and the tools that actually help: async updates, stand-ups, dashboards, wrap-up messages, and ways to protect your deep-work time. They also reveal the tactics they’re trying next and invite you to share your own. If you’ve ever left “a meeting to join a meeting about meetings,” this episode is for you.

Are we getting AI transformation all wrong? Organisations are racing to adopt AI, but the gap between ambition and execution is wider than ever. In this Women in Data episode, host Cecilia Oliveira speaks with technology leader Saloni Thanki about turning strategy into tangible business outcomes. Saloni, who advises both nimble startups and global corporates, cuts through the hype to explore the dual realities of AI adoption: The fast-paced, "defensible moat" challenge for startups. The budget and regulation hurdles for large enterprises. But the real question isn't about tech; it's about people. Saloni argues that the cultural transformation plan must be an equal priority with the technology plan—or your AI initiative could be set up to fail. Learn Saloni's practical leadership strategies, including how to define accountability, why to streamline processes before automating, and why AI transformation can create a fear of loss for employees rather than fear of change.

In this episode, Karen is joined by Barr Moses, CEO and Co-founder of Monte Carlo, to explore how AI agents are transforming how data teams work — and why trust must sit at the heart of every data and AI initiative.   Barr shares how troubleshooting agents save days of work mimic human reasoning to identify and fix data incidents, how teams can “operationalize trust” in their data and/or AI systems, and what it really takes to bridge the gap between hype and reliable business value.   Together, they unpack the pressure data teams face to deliver AI quickly, the realities of observability, and why technology alone isn’t enough .   Whether you’re building AI systems, leading a data function, or simply trying to make sense of the fast-changing landscape, this episode will help you understand what it takes to build data and AI you can trust.

In this episode of the Women in Data Podcast, Cecilia chats with Beth Bauer, a healthcare data leader with nearly four decades of experience bringing data, people, and purpose together. Beth introduces the idea of positive friction — those intentional pauses that invite reflection, discussion, and sometimes disagreement — as a way to make better decisions in healthcare. She explains how this approach helps achieve the Healthcare Quintuple Aim, balancing patient outcomes, provider wellbeing, community health, financial sustainability, and truly personalised care. It’s a thoughtful and uplifting conversation about listening, empathy, and how creating space for diverse voices can lead to more meaningful impact — in healthcare and beyond.

Progress in data careers doesn’t have to mean management! In this episode, Karen speaks with Niruta Talwekar, Staff Data Engineer,  about carving out a fulfilling career on the technical track — and why progress doesn’t always look like a new job title.   Niruta shares her perspective on: Why a technical career path could be a better option for many data professionals Why slow title changes don’t mean stagnation — true progress comes from building expertise and impact The importance of having more visible technical leaders How visibility and recognition strengthen credibility as a technical leader The underrated role of patience in career growth — trusting that skills compound over time   The best piece of career advice she ever received: it’s not only about how you see yourself, but how you help others see you.   Whether you’re an aspiring data professional, or an experienced IC wondering what your career could look like, this episode is packed with insights to help you define success on your own terms.  

Getting promoted isn’t just about doing great work—it’s about knowing how to show it, when to ask, and what “next level” really means. In this candid conversation, co-hosts Karen Jean-Francois and Cecilia Oliveira break down five essential strategies to help you move your career forward.   Karen shares a personal story about giving a colleague advice that landed him a promotion while she stayed behind, a wake-up call that doing excellent technical work isn’t enough. Together, she and Cecilia unpack why visibility, business acumen, and impact matter just as much as output.   You’ll learn why defining the “next step” in your career is critical, why becoming a manager isn’t the only way to progress, and how finding advocates (not just mentors) will support your progression. Cecilia adds a practical reminder: keep your receipts—document your achievements so you’re ready when promotion conversations come up.   Whether you’re just starting your career in data or aiming for that next big leap, this episode will help you reframe how you think about promotions and give you actionable steps to start moving up with confidence. Tune in, and start owning your next career move.

In this episode, Cecilia welcomes Katherine Church to discuss the systemic gender data gap in healthcare and its impact on women’s health. Katherine explains how women have long been underrepresented in research and clinical trials, leading to misdiagnosis, overlooked conditions, and unsafe treatments. She shares innovative partnerships, such as Boots and Tesco using loyalty card data to detect ovarian cancer earlier, and stresses the importance of recording women’s symptoms. With insights on ethics, wearables, and projects like Our Future Health and Women in Data’s Women’s Health chapter, Katherine shows how data can drive meaningful progress in women’s health.   And If you can, take part in Our Future Health - https://ourfuturehealth.org.uk/ - and explore Women In Data's Women's Health chapter - https://womenindata.co.uk/womens-health/ - volunteers are always welcome!

In this episode, Karen speaks with Cali Wood, Head of Data & AI Strategy & Culture at AXA UK, about what it really means to future-proof your career in a world where GenAI is reshaping the skills landscape. From the rise of AI agents and natural language as a “coding language” to the growing importance of human skills like communication, ethics, and business understanding, Cali shares her experience based view on how AI is changing our field. She delves into: Practical AI use cases at AXA and their impact on data democratisation, and on the data team How the skills landscape is shifting and provides practical advice for early- to mid-career data professionals — and the leaders guiding them. How to stay relevant, collaborate with AI instead of competing against it, and use new tools to work smarter, not just faster.  Cali also reveals why curiosity, boldness, and a willingness to challenge the status quo will be the superpowers of tomorrow’s data workforce. If you’ve ever wondered where our industry was heading, or what your role might look like in the future — and how to make sure you’re ready — this conversation is for you.

In this episode of the Women in Data podcast, Cecilia is joined by Jo Portlock, VP of People, Culture and Belonging at LexisNexis, for a powerful conversation about what fairness truly means in today’s workplace — and why it’s so much more than a buzzword. They explore how fairness is about visibility and access, not advantage, and why organisations must intentionally build cultures that support everyone, especially in times of uncertainty. Jo shares how mentorship and sponsorship are essential tools for progress, and why strong communities like Women in Data are more important now than ever. You’ll also hear why data is a crucial force for accountability, how to use it to spot gaps and drive change, and what the future of work might look like in a world increasingly shaped by AI. Packed with personal insights, practical tips, and thoughtful reflections, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate a shifting professional landscape with purpose, resilience, and a supportive network by their side.

In this candid and empowering episode, Karen sits down with Maaike Van Der Branden, Chief Data Officer,  to explore the real, unfiltered experience of returning to work after maternity leave. From battling imposter syndrome and skill gaps to rebuilding confidence and reshaping leadership, Maaike shares insights that every working mum, colleague, and employer should hear. Together, they discuss what it’s really like to return to your job as a new mum: the double guilt, the pressure to catch up, the fear of falling behind, and how crucial it is to be given time, space, and support. Maaike opens up about how motherhood has changed her—not just personally, but professionally—and how it’s made her a more empathetic and inclusive leader. They also tackle the values that drive career choices post-parenthood, from rejecting toxic industries to focusing on meaningful impact. Plus, don't miss the rapid-fire round on favourite books, tools, and leadership advice. 🎙️ Whether you're a mum in tech, a team leader, or someone navigating the messy middle of career and family—this episode will speak to you.

Karen is joined by Cindi Howson—Chief Data & AI Strategy Officer at ThoughtSpot and host of The Data Chief Podcast. If you saw her speak at the Women in Data flagship conference, you’ll know how inspiring and bold her perspective is. In this episode, Cindi shares her take on where data and AI are heading—and it’s not business as usual. They explore: How generative AI and AI agents are already changing the landscape of work What it means for data professionals, particularly women, and their careers  How to stay relevant through continuous learning and adaptability The pressing need to address bias in AI and create more inclusive data cultures Cindi asks: “If you can’t do this, then who?”—a challenge to step forward and lead the change in tech. Whether you're a data leader, practitioner, or just curious about the future of AI, this episode is packed with insight, practical advice, and a call to action. Cindi recommends: Coded Bias Race after technology

Screenshots of dashboards. Dashboards no one uses. Naming conventions we regret. In this cohosted episode, Cecilia and Karen unpack the everyday habits in data that might just make us cringe in 20 years.   Inspired by the Future Data Cringe, https://www.futuredatacringe.com/, where 50 data leaders shared what they think will age badly, this conversation is full of laughs, reflection, and a reminder that we’re all learning as we go.