Women in Big Data Podcast: Career, Big Data & Analytics Insights

Desiree Timmermans

We connect, engage, and grow Women in Big Data by sharing their stories and experiences, while also unlocking their full potential through insights and advice from industry experts and thought leaders. By doing so, we discover Career Insights and learn how to harness the power of Big Data and Analytics to stay ahead of the curve, drive innovation, and create a better future for all.

  1. 12/09/2025

    23. Mentoring: Meet Them Where They Are - A Talk With Deborah Sgro (Beyond The Glass Ceiling & Women In Big Data) & Erika Lunceford (RBC Capital Markets)

    Listen and get insights into "Mentoring - Meet Them Where They Are" in this talk with Deborah Sgro and Erika Lunceford. Deborah is the founder of Beyond Glass Ceiling and Global Mentoring Director at Women in Big Data, as well as an advisory board member. Erica is leading to transformation and delivery for City National Bank at RBC Capital Markets. In this episode you will get insight into the impact and success of the Women in Big Data Global Mentoring Initiative, as it marks its 5th anniversary in 2026. The conversation covers the mentoring program's start and the results from its first multi-year study: mentors and mentees profiles, categories, and feedback, and expected program improvements based on lessons learned. Additionally, our guest also share their career insights. "Technology is gonna change. We've seen it change a lot in our lives. And, it's going to continue to do so. And so it's important to know how to learn new technical skills, but the focus of the mentoring oftentimes needs to be more on the strategy. So that's my favorite part of mentoring, is really helping people step back: look at where they are, and think strategically about where they wanna go, and a plan that fits who they are at that point in time." - Erika Lunceford. Guest Info LinkedIn: Deborah SgroLinkedIn: Erika Lunceford Support the show Hey There! Become a supporter by clicking the link above and help us create great Women In Big Data Content for listeners everywhere who want to learn about Career Insights and how to harness the power of Big Data and Analytics to stay ahead of the curve, drive innovation, and create a better future for all. Mentoring Program - Women in Big Data Mentoring is essential to success at every stage of a women’s career, both as a mentee and mentor. The many WiBD mentoring programs are open to WiBD members and cover opportunities for junior, mid-career, and senior women in technology. Not yet a member? No worries. By joining a mentoring program, you automatically become a WiBD member. Both membership and mentoring are free of charge. Website: Women in Big Data Podcast LinkedIn: Follow - Women in Big Data Contact us: datawomen@protonmail.com

    31 min

  2. 11/25/2025

    22. Data, AI & Business Outcomes - A Talk With Amit Shivpuja (Walmart) & Madhavi Rajan (Rackspace Technology)

    Listen and get insights into "Data, AI & Business Outcomes" in this talk with Amit Shivpuja and Madhavi Rajan. Amit is the Director of Data & AI Enablement at Walmart, and author of the book: The Data & AI Compass. Madhavi is the Head of Product Strategy, Research & Operations at Rackspace Technology, and she is a Member of the Board of Directors at Women in Big Data. In this episode you will gain insights into the intersection of AI, Data, and Business outcomes, emphasizing the importance of AI and data literacy in organizations. You will learn that many enterprises, especially within the Fortune 100, are still in the early stages of AI adoption, shifting from hype to practical execution. The conversation highlights the need for categorizing AI initiatives to improve operational efficiency, customer engagement, and product strategies. Central to the dialogue is the emphasis on strong leadership and organizational alignment to effectively navigate the continuously changing AI landscape and drive meaningful business transformation. "I would say AI isn't a tech in initiator. It's actually a leadership shift. So, we are not just like rolling out the models or the product; it's actually much more than that. It's is values, it's risk, and it's trust. And that takes not just innovation of your product but it takes like alignment, and then the sponsorship and executive courage." - Madhavi Rajan. Guest Info LinkedIn: Amit ShivpujaLinkedIn: Madhavi RajanResources Book: The Data & AI Compass (Amit Shivpuja)Website: https://daicompass.comBook: The Thinking Machine (Stephen Witt)Support the show Hey There! Become a supporter by clicking the link above and help us create great Women In Big Data Content for listeners everywhere who want to learn about Career Insights and how to harness the power of Big Data and Analytics to stay ahead of the curve, drive innovation, and create a better future for all. Mentoring Program - Women in Big Data Mentoring is essential to success at every stage of a women’s career, both as a mentee and mentor. The many WiBD mentoring programs are open to WiBD members and cover opportunities for junior, mid-career, and senior women in technology. Not yet a member? No worries. By joining a mentoring program, you automatically become a WiBD member. Both membership and mentoring are free of charge. Website: Women in Big Data Podcast LinkedIn: Follow - Women in Big Data Contact us: datawomen@protonmail.com

    21 min

  3. 10/17/2025

    21. Rebooting Tech Culture - A Talk With Telle Whitney (Telle Whitney Consulting)

    Listen and get insights into "Rebooting Tech Culture" in this talk with Telle Whitney. Telle is a Senior Executive Leader, an Entrepreneur, and a recognized Advocate on Women & Technology. She has over 20 years of leadership experience and was named one of Fast Company’s most influential Women in Technology.  In this episode of the Women in Big Data Podcast, you will learn valuable lessons from Telle's book "Rebooting Tech Culture: How to Ignite Innovation and Build Organizations Where Everyone Can Thrive." You’ll explore and gain insights into Telle's 6 Cs framework—creativity, courage, confidence, curiosity, communication, and community. Tune in to discover how you can apply these 6 Cs to your own Data & AI journey! In this episode of the Women in Big Data Podcast, we talk about Telle's book "Rebooting Tech Culture: How to ignite Innovation and Build Organizations Where Everyone Can Thrive". We explore and gain insights into Telle's 6 Cs framework - creativity, courage, confidence, curiosity, communication, community. Tune in and discover how you can apply these 6 Cs to your own Data & AI journey! "The book is Rebooting Technology: How to Ignite Innovation and Build Organizations Where Everyone Can Thrive. And there's 6 Cs. It's built on this framework of 6 Cs, which is creativity, an innovative culture that is truly creative. Finding the courage to take risks. Building a culture of confidence where people speak their mind and speak their ideas. Embracing curiosity, so always figuring out new ideas. Learning to communicate because without communicating your ideas, you're not going to be able to create change. And then ultimately, community, because community is how we nurture ourselves in order to move forward"- Telle Whitney.  1:37 - The Why of Telle's book: Rebooting Tech Culture - How to Ignite Innovation and Build Organizations Where Everyone Can Thrive2:33 - Telle's 6 Cs framework - creativity, courage, confidence, curiosity, communication, community5:25 - 6 Cs: the biggest barrier6:23 - 6 Cs: the biggest catalyst7:46 - The business case for culture investment8:46 -  Measurements that actually move the needle10:23 - Strategies that can make women in data and AI truly indispensable besides up-skilling and staying current12:37 - AI code without a strong engineer in charge: more problems than solutions 13:44 - Courage to take risks: look for startups that are doing interesting things17:06 - Who's a woman in big data and AI that you admire and why?                   17:34 - What is the best career advice you've ever receSupport the show Hey There! Become a supporter by clicking the link above and help us create great Women In Big Data Content for listeners everywhere who want to learn about Career Insights and how to harness the power of Big Data and Analytics to stay ahead of the curve, drive innovation, and create a better future for all. Mentoring Program - Women in Big Data Mentoring is essential to success at every stage of a women’s career, both as a mentee and mentor. The many WiBD mentoring programs are open to WiBD members and cover opportunities for junior, mid-career, and senior women in technology. Not yet a member? No worries. By joining a mentoring program, you automatically become a WiBD member. Both membership and mentoring are free of charge. Website: Women in Big Data Podcast LinkedIn: Follow - Women in Big Data Contact us: datawomen@protonmail.com

    22 min

  4. 05/15/2025

    20. Friendship & Career Growth - A Talk With Surekha Reddy (Cognogent) & Aruna Nadesan (Exponential AI)

    Listen and get insights into Friendship & Career Growth in this talk with Surekha Reddy and Aruna Nadesan. Surekha is the Founder & Chief Product and Technology Officer at Cognogent, an AI Start-up streamlining complex RFP processes through AI-driven solutions. Aruna is the Chief Product Officer at Exponential AI, a Healthcare AI Platform Company that helps Health Enterprises build smarter processes. In this episode of the Women in Big Data Podcast, we explore the significance of Friendship & Career Growth. Tune in to discover how this can enhance your professional and personal journey.  "Be growth mates. If you look around, you might have that one friend who is in the same industry, or following that industry, or in that space, for example. And you know, be there for each other, not only to help intellectually, but also create opportunities for growth and learn from each other. This is my advice to everyone: always look for how you can become good growth mates with your friends." - Aruna Nadesan 01:27 - The start of Surekha's & Aruna's friendship03:40 - Constructive feedback in friendship08:00 - Insights gained from friendship08:52 - Friendship & Career Growth: the one thing you really need to know10:03 - Who's a woman in big data that you admire and why?11:34 - What is the best career advice you have ever got?13:48 - What three ingredients go into your successful career recipe? Guest Info LinkedIn: Surekha ReddyLinkedIn: Aruna Nadesan Resources Linkedin: CognogentLinkedIn: Exponential AIWebsite: CognogentWebsite: Exponential AI Support the show Hey There! Become a supporter by clicking the link above and help us create great Women In Big Data Content for listeners everywhere who want to learn about Career Insights and how to harness the power of Big Data and Analytics to stay ahead of the curve, drive innovation, and create a better future for all. Mentoring Program - Women in Big Data Mentoring is essential to success at every stage of a women’s career, both as a mentee and mentor. The many WiBD mentoring programs are open to WiBD members and cover opportunities for junior, mid-career, and senior women in technology. Not yet a member? No worries. By joining a mentoring program, you automatically become a WiBD member. Both membership and mentoring are free of charge. Website: Women in Big Data Podcast LinkedIn: Follow - Women in Big Data Contact us: datawomen@protonmail.com

    17 min

  5. 01/21/2025

    19. Bridging The Gap Between Good Enough & Full Throttle - A Talk With Radhika Rangarajan (Women in Big Data)

    Join us for an insightful talk about the powerful philosophy of 'Bridging The Gap Between Good Enough & Full Throttle' with Radhika Rangarajan, Co-founder and Executive Director of Women in Big Data. In this episode, we unpack Radhika's philosophy of 'Bridging The Gap Between Good Enough & Full Throttle', which is rooted in three fundamental principles: purpose-driven innovation, accessible excellence, and scalable impact. Tune in to discover how these ideas can guide your journey toward making a difference! • 1:19 - The importance of the philosophy: 'Bridging The Gap Between Good Enough & Full Throttle'. • 5:10 - Where does Radhika's philosophy come from? • 6:44 - Artificial Intelligence and 'Bridging The Gap Between Good Enough & Full Throttle'. • 9:33 - Who's a woman, or a group of women, in big data that Radhika deeply admires? • 10:21 - How did Women in Big Data start? • 14:46 - What is the best career advice that Radhika has ever received? • 19:06 - What 3 ingredients go into Radhika's successful career recipe? • 21:27 - The most meaningful innovation comes from pausing to ask: 'why'? Guest Info LinkedIn: Radhika Rangarajan Support the show Hey There! Become a supporter by clicking the link above and help us create great Women In Big Data Content for listeners everywhere who want to learn about Career Insights and how to harness the power of Big Data and Analytics to stay ahead of the curve, drive innovation, and create a better future for all. Mentoring Program - Women in Big Data Mentoring is essential to success at every stage of a women’s career, both as a mentee and mentor. The many WiBD mentoring programs are open to WiBD members and cover opportunities for junior, mid-career, and senior women in technology. Not yet a member? No worries. By joining a mentoring program, you automatically become a WiBD member. Both membership and mentoring are free of charge. Website: Women in Big Data Podcast LinkedIn: Follow - Women in Big Data Contact us: datawomen@protonmail.com

    23 min

  6. 11/07/2024

    18. Lift As You Climb - A Talk With Ryan Tabrah (Intel Corporation) & Donna Donnelly (NXP Semiconductors)

    Listen and get insights about Lift As You Climb in this talk with Ryan Tabrah (Vice President & General Manager of Xeon and Compute Products at Intel Corporation), and Donna Donnelly (OEM Account Director at NXP Semiconductors). In this episode we talk about Lift As You Climb - a philosophy that emphasizes helping others as you achieve success in your career:  1:06 - The meaning Lift As You Climb & How it Helps Your Career 15:29 - Your Career & Lifting Others Up While You Climb 18:34 - Career Question 1: Who's a Woman You Admire & Why? 21:39 - Career Question 2: What is the Best Career Advice You Have Ever Received? 24:47 - Career Question 3: Which 3 Ingredients Go into Your Career Recipe? Guest Info LinkedIn: Ryan TabrahLinkedIn: Donna DonnellySupport the show Hey There! Become a supporter by clicking the link above and help us create great Women In Big Data Content for listeners everywhere who want to learn about Career Insights and how to harness the power of Big Data and Analytics to stay ahead of the curve, drive innovation, and create a better future for all. Mentoring Program - Women in Big Data Mentoring is essential to success at every stage of a women’s career, both as a mentee and mentor. The many WiBD mentoring programs are open to WiBD members and cover opportunities for junior, mid-career, and senior women in technology. Not yet a member? No worries. By joining a mentoring program, you automatically become a WiBD member. Both membership and mentoring are free of charge. Website: Women in Big Data Podcast LinkedIn: Follow - Women in Big Data Contact us: datawomen@protonmail.com

    28 min

  7. 09/30/2024

    17. How to Tap into Your Potential - A Talk With Joanna Bloor (The Amplify Lab)

    Listen and get insights about How To Tap into Your Potential in this talk with Joanna Bloor (CEO, Founder - The Amplify Lab). We talk about: Joanna's inspiration for her Book 'Tales of Potential - The Cinderella Story You Haven't Heard'; Exploring the Concept of Now, Near, and Future Thinking; Cinderella's Story - A Tale of Ambition and Power; The Importance of Authenticity; Exercises and Tools for Unlocking Your Unique Potential.  Guest Info LinkedIn: Joanna BloorLinkedIn: The Amplify Lab Resources Book: Tales of Potential - The Cinderella Story You Haven't Heard (Joanna Bloor)Book: Clever Lazy (Joan Bodger)Website: Joanna Bloor Support the show Hey There! Become a supporter by clicking the link above and help us create great Women In Big Data Content for listeners everywhere who want to learn about Career Insights and how to harness the power of Big Data and Analytics to stay ahead of the curve, drive innovation, and create a better future for all. Mentoring Program - Women in Big Data Mentoring is essential to success at every stage of a women’s career, both as a mentee and mentor. The many WiBD mentoring programs are open to WiBD members and cover opportunities for junior, mid-career, and senior women in technology. Not yet a member? No worries. By joining a mentoring program, you automatically become a WiBD member. Both membership and mentoring are free of charge. Website: Women in Big Data Podcast LinkedIn: Follow - Women in Big Data Contact us: datawomen@protonmail.com

    18 min

  8. 06/13/2024

    16. Data Science & Presentation Skills - A Talk With Margot Gerritsen (Women in Data Science Worldwide & Stanford University)

    Listen and get insights into Data Science & Presentation Skills in this talk with Margot Gerritsen, (Founder & Former Executive Director Women in Data Science (WiDS) Worldwide, and Professor [Emerita] Stanford University). We talk about: presentation framing and motivation;  understanding your audience and the 2 - 3 messages you want them to remember; similarities between your presentation and writing a newspaper article; ending your presentation with a memorable takeaway; explaining where your data is coming from and how you look at the data; overcoming your fear of public speaking - you have nothing to lose, but you have something to gain; being honest about your data and the outcomes; practicing your presentation - the value of multiple dry runs; managing stage fright and anxiety; reducing presentation fears by inviting criticism early on - it will make you a better presenter.  Guest Info LinkedIn: Margot GerritsenLinkedIn: Women in Data Science Resources Book: Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics (Michael Wheeler)Website: Women in Data ScienceYouTube: Women in Data Science Support the Show: Hey There! Become a supporter and help us create great Women in Big Data content for listeners everywhere. It starts at $3 per month, and you can cancel anytime Support the show Hey There! Become a supporter by clicking the link above and help us create great Women In Big Data Content for listeners everywhere who want to learn about Career Insights and how to harness the power of Big Data and Analytics to stay ahead of the curve, drive innovation, and create a better future for all. Mentoring Program - Women in Big Data Mentoring is essential to success at every stage of a women’s career, both as a mentee and mentor. The many WiBD mentoring programs are open to WiBD members and cover opportunities for junior, mid-career, and senior women in technology. Not yet a member? No worries. By joining a mentoring program, you automatically become a WiBD member. Both membership and mentoring are free of charge. Website: Women in Big Data Podcast LinkedIn: Follow - Women in Big Data Contact us: datawomen@protonmail.com

    30 min
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About

We connect, engage, and grow Women in Big Data by sharing their stories and experiences, while also unlocking their full potential through insights and advice from industry experts and thought leaders. By doing so, we discover Career Insights and learn how to harness the power of Big Data and Analytics to stay ahead of the curve, drive innovation, and create a better future for all.

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