Women in Data Podcast

• 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.

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• Ep.143 – Fixing Women’s Health Data Blind Spots

  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!

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• Ep.142 – The future of careers in data

  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.

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• Ep. 141 - Beyond Fairness Building Strong Communities & Using Data for Change

  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.

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