Women in Data Podcast

What does it really take to grow into leadership in data — especially if you didn’t come from a traditional technical background?

In this episode, Cecilia speaks with Lauren Dixon, Chief Data Officer at the Financial Conduct Authority, about building confidence, stepping into opportunities before feeling fully ready, and redefining what success in data leadership actually looks like.

From studying history to leading large technology and data teams, Lauren shares how curiosity, communication, collaboration, and self-awareness have shaped her career far more than having the “perfect” background.

Together, they explore imposter syndrome, leadership growth, mentorship, hiring beyond degrees, and the practical skills that truly help people stand out in data today.

This is an honest and reassuring conversation for anyone who has ever questioned whether they are technical, experienced, or qualified enough to take the next step in their career.

Stepping into management should feel like the natural next step… right?

But for many data professionals, becoming a manager feels less like “levelling up” and more like learning an entirely new job from scratch.

In this episode of the Women in Data Podcast, Karen is joined by Gemma Trailor, Analytics Manager at B&Q, to unpack the biggest shifts that happen when moving from analyst to manager—and why so many new managers feel unprepared for the reality of the role.

Together, they explore:

Why management is a completely different skillset

How to build credibility when managing former peers

The challenge of prioritisation, stakeholder pressure, and saying no

Why your value is no longer measured by output alone

How to lead with confidence—even when you’re doubting yourself

This conversation is honest, practical, and full of the lessons people usually learn the hard way.

If you’re aiming for your first management role—or you’ve recently stepped into one and are thinking “why does this feel so hard?”—this episode is for you.

What if you could ask your customers anything, and get an answer instantly?

In this episode of the Women in Data Podcast, we explore synthetic audiences: AI-powered simulations of real customer segments that are changing the way businesses understand people, test ideas, and make decisions.

Leanne breaks down how these audiences are built using real data and large language models, and why this approach removes many of the limitations of traditional research methods like surveys and focus groups.

We also dive into where this works best, where it doesn’t, and what it means for data and insight professionals today.

Rejection is something we all experience in our careers, but rarely talk about openly.

In this episode, Karen and Cecilia have an honest conversation about what setbacks actually feel like in data careers. From job rejections to ideas not landing and difficult feedback, they explore how these moments can impact confidence, identity, and growth.

Together, they share personal experiences, unpack the stories we tell ourselves after a “no”, and offer practical ways to reframe rejection without dismissing the emotional impact.

This episode is a reminder that resilience isn’t about being unaffected, it’s about learning how to process setbacks, build perspective, and keep moving forward in a way that’s sustainable and kind to yourself.

Have you ever stepped into a new role… and suddenly felt smaller than you expected?

You worked hard to get there. You have the experience. But a few weeks in, you walk into meetings and start second-guessing yourself. Everyone else seems more established, more confident.

And before you realise it, you start shrinking.

In this episode of the Women in Data Podcast, Karen is joined by Michelle Adebayo, Data and AI Governance Manager, who shares her experience of navigating imposter syndrome after joining an organisation where many colleagues had been there for decades.

Despite nearly a decade of experience in data governance, Michelle found herself stepping back in meetings, letting others speak for her, and questioning whether she really belonged. A candid moment with a mentor  forced her to confront what was really going on: fear.

Michelle shares how she rebuilt her confidence, learned the language of the organisation, and developed practical strategies to stay visible and influential in meetings.

If you’ve ever felt smaller in a role you worked hard to get, this episode will remind you of something important:

You earned your place. Your voice belongs in the room.