Episode 79: [Value Boost] The Win Win Data Product Validation Strategy
One of the biggest risks for independent data professionals is spending months or years developing a product or service that nobody wants to buy. The graveyard of failed data science projects is filled with technically brilliant solutions that solved problems no one actually had, leaving their creators with empty bank accounts and bruised egos.In this Value Boost episode, Daniel Bourke joins Dr. Genevieve Hayes to reveal practical strategies for validating data product ideas before investing significant development time, drawing from his experience creating machine learning courses with over 250,000 students and building the Nutrify food education app.This episode uncovers:How to spot genuine market demand before building anything [04:15]The validation strategy that guarantees you win regardless of commercial success [10:16]Why passion projects often create unexpected business opportunities [06:33]The simple approach that turns failed experiments into stepping stones for success [11:50]Guest BioDaniel Bourke is the co-creator of Nutrify, an app described as “Shazam for food”, and teaches machine learning and deep learning at the Zero to Mastery Academy.LinksDaniel's websiteDaniel's YouTube channelConnect with Genevieve on LinkedInBe among the first to hear about the release of each new podcast episode by signing up HERE
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Episode 78: From Machine Learning Engineer to Independent Data Professional Before 30
The traditional career path of climbing the corporate ladder no longer appeals to many data scientists - who crave freedom and ownership of their work. Yet the leap from employment to independence can feel risky and uncertain, especially without a clear roadmap for success.In this episode, Daniel Bourke joins Dr. Genevieve Hayes to share his journey from machine learning engineer to successful independent data professional before age 30, revealing the practical steps and mindset shifts needed to transform technical skills into sustainable freedom.In this episode, you'll discover:Why embracing the "permissionless economy" is crucial for independent success [14:59]The power of "starting the job before you have it" [12:17]Why building your own website is the foundation for long-term independent success [24:35]A practical approach to opportunity selection that accelerates career momentum [17:27]Guest BioDaniel Bourke is the co-creator of Nutrify, an app described as “Shazam for food”, and teaches machine learning and deep learning at the Zero to Mastery Academy.LinksDaniel's websiteDaniel's YouTube channelConnect with Genevieve on LinkedInBe among the first to hear about the release of each new podcast episode by signing up HERE
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Episode 77: [Value Boost] Why Your Data Team Needs a Book Club
The right book at the right time can completely transform your career trajectory, but many data professionals struggle to find resources that directly address their unique challenges of bridging technical expertise with business impact. While technical skills courses are abundant, guidance on becoming a strategic data leader remains scarce.In this Value Boost episode, Kashif Zahoor joins Dr. Genevieve Hayes to reveal how he transformed his entire data team's performance and culture through a simple but powerful approach: starting a BI book club that costs almost nothing but delivers enormous ROI.This episode reveals:How a weekly team book club transformed Kashif's data team [02:26]The "data concierge" concept that transforms dashboard builders into trusted business advisors [04:07]Why Data Insights Delivered by Mo Villagran is a team game-changer [08:28]The critical difference between fulfilling requests and solving underlying business problems [09:05]Guest BioKashif Zahoor is the Vice President of Business Intelligence at Influence Mobile and has extensive experience in data leadership.LinksConnect with Kashif on LinkedInData Insights Delivered (Amazon Australia)(Amazon US)The AI-Driven Leader (Amazon Australia)(Amazon US)Connect with Genevieve on LinkedInBe among the first to hear about the release of each new podcast episode by signing up HERE
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Episode 76: The 3 Step Framework That Transforms Data Order-Takers to Strategic Business Partners
Many data scientists begin their careers expecting to influence strategic decisions, only to find themselves trapped as "data order takers" - endlessly running reports and responding to requests without understanding their business impact. This reactive approach limits career growth and earning potential, keeping even experienced professionals from reaching their strategic potential.In this episode, Kashif Zahoor joins Dr. Genevieve Hayes to share his journey from data order taker to strategic business partner, revealing a practical framework that any data professional can use to transform their role and accelerate their career growth.You'll learn:The three-step framework for evolving from order taker to strategic partner: amplify efficiency, deliver measurable value, and partner first, analyze second [06:21]Why understanding your company's financial model is crucial for demonstrating real business impact [10:57]The mindset shift from waiting for requests to proactively identifying and solving business problems [19:33]How building trust through consistent delivery opens doors to bigger strategic conversations [17:04]Guest BioKashif Zahoor is the Vice President of Business Intelligence at Influence Mobile and has extensive experience in data leadership.LinksConnect with Kashif on LinkedInConnect with Genevieve on LinkedInBe among the first to hear about the release of each new podcast episode by signing up HERE
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Episode 75: [Value Boost] The Psychology Hack That Gets Your Data Insights Heard
Even the most compelling data presentation can fail if it runs headfirst into your stakeholders' cognitive blind spots. Decision makers who claim to be "data-driven" often unconsciously filter information through their existing beliefs, leaving brilliant insights ignored or dismissed.In this Value Boost episode, Dr. Russell Walker joins Dr. Genevieve Hayes to reveal practical techniques for identifying and overcoming the cognitive biases that sabotage data-driven decision making.This episode reveals:How confirmation bias transforms data analysis into a "numerical Rorschach test" where stakeholders see only what confirms their existing beliefs [02:59]The "verbal jujitsu" technique that acknowledges preconceptions without confrontation, allowing stakeholders to save face while guiding them toward data-driven conclusions [03:47]Why recency bias makes yesterday's angry customer complaint outweigh months of systematic data analysis in executive decision making [05:24]The pre-meeting strategy that helps you anticipate and prepare for stakeholder blind spots before they derail your presentation [07:00]Guest BioDr Russell Walker is the principal consultant at Walker Associates, which specialises in data science education and healthcare analytics, and previously served as a professor at DeVry University, where he co-founded the university’s business intelligence and analytics program. He holds a PhD in business administration with a specialty in computer science.LinksRussell's WebsiteConnect with Russell on LinkedInConnect with Genevieve on LinkedInBe among the first to hear about the release of each new podcast episode by signing up HERE
About Value Driven Data Science: Boost your impact. Earn what you’re worth. Rewrite your career algorithm.
Are you tired of spending hours mastering the latest data science techniques, only to struggle translating your brilliant models into brilliant paychecks?
It’s time to debug your career with Value Driven Data Science. This isn’t your average tech podcast – it’s a weekly masterclass on turning data skills into serious clout, cash and career freedom.
Each episode, your host Dr Genevieve Hayes chats with data pros who offer no-nonsense advice on:
• Creating data solutions that bosses can’t ignore;
• Bridging the gap between data geeks and decision-makers;
• Charting your own course in the data science world;
• Becoming the go-to data expert everyone wants to work with; and
• Transforming from data scientist to successful datapreneur.
Whether you’re eyeing the corner office or sketching out your data venture on your lunch break, Value Driven Data Science is here to help you rewrite your career algorithm.
From algorithms to autonomy - it's time to drive your value in data science.
Listen to Value Driven Data Science: Boost your impact. Earn what you’re worth. Rewrite your career algorithm., Aspire with Emma Grede and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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