Ep. 148 - Startup Speed vs. Corporate Scale: Navigating AI Transformation
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.
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Ep.147 - Building trust in data & AI: how data observability powers agents
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.
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Ep. 146 - The Data Behind better Care
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.
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Ep.145 - Thriving on the technical path in data
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.
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Ep.144 - 5 Strategies to Get Promoted in Data Careers
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.
Welcome to the Women in Data Podcast, where every other week your host, Karen Jean-Francois interviews some of the most inspiring women working in data. Through each episode, they share their invaluable experience and knowledge. Leaving no stone unturned, the WiD Podcast series will provide you with information on the use of data in various industries, plus helpful tips for career development. More importantly, it will enable you to become the data professional you want to be.
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