The Quietly Ambitious Analyst

Seth Forbes
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The Quietly Ambitious Analyst is a podcast about mastering the invisible skills that make data professionals stand out–business context, communication, and confidence. Hosted by Seth Forbes, a data strategist and educator, the show explores what it really takes to influence with data. Through solo episodes and honest conversations with analysts, creators, and industry professionals, we delve into the in-between moments and hidden practices that create real impact – from asking sharper questions to framing insights that drive decisions.

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  1. EPISODE 1

    Data Leadership Coach: Stop Chasing Data Literacy. Build Business Literacy Instead.

    Title: Stop Chasing Data Literacy. Build Business Literacy Instead. (Tristan Burns) Weekly Newsletter for Aspiring + Early Career Analysts: https://bit.ly/4pjUoz9 ​​What if the reason your work isn’t being used… isn’t your analysis?What if it’s the gap between data language and business language, and the uncomfortable truth that data teams are often closer to dashboards than decisions? In this episode, Tristan Burns, data leadership coach and former global head of data for Pizza Hut’s digital business, explains why “data strategy” is often pointless without business strategy, and how leaders can shift their teams from reactive reporting to driving commercial outcomes. We unpack the leadership skills nobody trains you for, the hidden job market and networking “insurance,” and why the most underrated career advantage in analytics isn’t technical…it’s judgment. This one is a must-listen if you’re quietly ambitious and ready to become the person people trust. Topics:What you’re getting wrong about “data literacy”What you need instead: business literacyWhat to do when no one can explain the business strategyHow to stop building “data strategy” in a vacuumHow to move from service desk to strategic partnerWhat to do when opinions clash with data at scaleHow to grow faster by borrowing from other industriesWhat you need to stop micromanaging (and start leading)How to treat networking like career insuranceWhat to do if you want to go freelance: sell before you buildWhat to read if you want to level up (Badass Bookshelf)Watch the episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@quietlyambitiousanalyst Follow Tristan Burns: Website - https://bit.ly/3YoCTD4LinkedIn - https://bit.ly/4sh1QOi Quietly Ambitious Analyst Weekly emails for aspiring analysts: https://bit.ly/4pjUoz98-Week Communication Course: https://bit.ly/4qJ3o2dFree Resource - Top 10 Analyst Questions Before Touching Data: https://bit.ly/4sxbixl The Quietly Ambitious Analyst–where business context meets data communication.  Listen anywhere | Follow @quietlyambitiousanalyst | Join the newsletter at https://www.subscribepage.io/subscribe-enewsletter

    50 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    Systems Thinking: Using Leverage Points to Fix Bottlenecks with Will Stewart

    If you’re a data analyst (or an ops-minded founder) who keeps getting stuck in “fix the process” mode but suspects the real issue is bigger than a checklist, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Will Stewart, founder of Empower Core Solutions, to break down systems thinking in plain language: a process is linear, but a system is a living network of people, tools, feedback loops, and invisible bottlenecks. We talk through how to spot the leverage point that actually changes outcomes (instead of polishing the wrong thing), and why “the data is clear” still isn’t enough if the human side isn’t accounted for. Will also shares practical ways to diagnose operational chaos, improve decision-making, and communicate change so stakeholders don’t resist it, plus how to build systems that scale without you becoming the bottleneck. Topics:The Power of Systems ThinkingUnderstanding Business SystemsHuman Elements in SystemsResponsibility in System MaintenanceFeedback Loops and Organizational CultureUnderstanding Feedback Loops in BusinessChallenges in System OrganizationThe Human Element in System ChangesThe Role of Data Analysts in PersuasionAccepting Limitations in ChangeMental Models and Resistance to ChangeHolistic Approach to Systems ThinkingListen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@quietlyambitiousanalyst Follow Will Stewart: Website - www.empower-core.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willhstewart2/ Quietly Ambitious Analyst Weekly emails for new analysts: https://bit.ly/4pjUoz9  8-Week Data Communication Course: https://bit.ly/4qJ3o2d Free Resource - Top 10 Analyst Questions Before Touching Data: https://bit.ly/4sxbixl The Quietly Ambitious Analyst–where business context meets data communication.  Listen anywhere | Follow @quietlyambitiousanalyst | Join the newsletter at https://www.subscribepage.io/subscribe-enewsletter

    47 min

  3. EPISODE 3

    From Dental Hygiene to Data: How Thais Cooke Built a Career on Curiosity (and SELECT *)

    In this episode of The Quietly Ambitious Analyst, I sit down with Thais Cooke, a senior healthcare data analyst who brings a decade of clinical experience into data and AI. Thais shares her unconventional path from dental hygiene to analytics, how she got hooked the moment she wrote SELECT *, and why the analysts who stand out aren’t just “data-driven”—they’re context-driven. You’ll hear a grounded conversation on:Why multitasking feels productive (and why it backfires) How to leverage your industry background when you’re breaking into analytics What “trust” really looks like with stakeholders (and how fast it can collapse) The underrated power of documentation and “building knowledge that lasts.” Why communication makes or breaks data teams—especially when pipelines break If you’re an aspiring/early-career analyst or career switcher who wants to communicate with clarity, build credibility, and do work that actually sticks, this one’s for you.Topics:Transitioning from Dental Hygiene to Data AnalyticsLeveraging Industry Experience in Data AnalyticsIntuition and Context in Data AnalysisOvercoming Imposter SyndromeGrowth and Development in the Analytics FieldThe Importance of Communication in Data AnalyticsThe Power of Observation in CommunicationBuilding Knowledge That LastsDocumenting Accomplishments for Career GrowthThe Intersection of Engineering and AnalyticsEmbracing Change and Career ShiftsThe Importance of Trust and HonestyEffective Communication in TeamsListen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@quietlyambitiousanalyst Follow Thais Cooke LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thaiscooke/ Substack: https://substack.com/@thaiscooke Quietly Ambitious Analyst Weekly emails for new analysts: https://bit.ly/4pjUoz9  8-Week Data Communication Course: https://bit.ly/4qJ3o2d Free Resource - Top 10 Analyst Questions Before Touching Data: https://bit.ly/4sxbixl The Quietly Ambitious Analyst–where business context meets data communication.  Listen anywhere | Follow @quietlyambitiousanalyst | Join the newsletter at https://www.subscribepage.io/subscribe-enewsletter

    31 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    How to communicate your insights like a senior analyst (3 C's Framework)

    Weekly insights to improve your communication skills as an early career analyst → https://www.subscribepage.io/subscribe-enewsletter These 3 simple communication skills are beginner-friendly and can be easily applied the next time you go to share an insight with stakeholders. I am constantly using these! Topics Intro to Communication in Data Analytics Why Comm Skills Are Needed in the Analytics Field The First C: Clarity The Second C: Conciseness The Third C: Being Concrete → Improve your communication skills and become the strategic voice in the room. Weekly insights: https://www.subscribepage.io/subscribe-enewsletter The Quietly Ambitious Analyst–where business context meets data communication.  Listen anywhere | Follow @quietlyambitiousanalyst | Join the newsletter at https://www.subscribepage.io/subscribe-enewsletter

    10 min

  5. EPISODE 5

    Beyond the Dashboard: Decoding the Psychology of Ethical Data & Marketing

    Weekly Newsletter for Early Career Analysts: https://bit.ly/4pjUoz9 Data isn't just numbers; it's a reflection of human behavior and relationships.  In this episode, marketing psychologist Chelsea Burns joins us to break down the 'through-line' between business goals and human ethics.  For data analysts, this is a masterclass in understanding how the 'subconscious ruts' of your customers impact the charts you build every day. Learn why 'manufactured scarcity' is a short-term win but a long-term data disaster, and how to help your stakeholders build brands based on agency rather than manipulation. Topics: Chelsea’s Journey: From Corporate Marketing to Psychology The Line Between Influence and Manipulation The Science: Why 95% of Decisions are Subconscious Understanding Brand Equity (The Kleenex Effect) Value Aspiration: Finding the "North Star" Metric Internal Alignment: Why Disgruntled Employees Break Data The Ethical Audit: Audience, Messaging, and Alignment How to Measure Long-Term Trust (The ROI of Ethics) Rapid Fire: Ethical vs. Unethical Scenarios Final Thoughts Follow Chelsea Burns: Chelsea Burns, M.S. | LinkedIn Quietly Ambitious Analyst Weekly emails for new analysts: https://bit.ly/4pjUoz9  8-Week Data Communication Course: https://bit.ly/4qJ3o2d Free Resource - Top 10 Analyst Questions Before Touching Data: https://bit.ly/4sxbixl The Quietly Ambitious Analyst–where business context meets data communication.  Listen anywhere | Follow @quietlyambitiousanalyst | Join the newsletter at https://www.subscribepage.io/subscribe-enewsletter

    25 min

  6. EPISODE 6

    The 5 C's Framework: How to Humanize Your Data Strategy (ft. Tiankai Feng)

    Learn the 5 C's framework for humanizing data strategy with Tiankai Feng. Discover why most data projects fail and how to fix the human factors. Topics: Introduction Humanizing Data: The Human Factor Tiankai's Journey: From Marketing to Data Leadership Cultural Background and Inclusivity in Data First C Second C Analyst-Stakeholder Scenarios Data Ikigai Framework Third C:  Fourth C Data Music Performance Fifth C Tiankai's Takeaway Follow Tiankai Feng: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiankaifeng/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/kaifengHumanizing AI Strategy: https://www.amazon.com/Humanizing-AI-Strategy-Leading-Sense-ebook/dp/B0FLVW3ZWH/ Quietly Ambitious AnalystWeekly emails for new analysts: https://bit.ly/4pjUoz98-Week Data Communication Course: https://bit.ly/4qJ3o2dFree Resource - Top 10 Analyst Questions Before Touching Data: https://bit.ly/4sxbixl The Quietly Ambitious Analyst–where business context meets data communication.  Listen anywhere | Follow @quietlyambitiousanalyst | Join the newsletter at https://www.subscribepage.io/subscribe-enewsletter

    35 min

  7. EPISODE 7

    From Theme Parks to Consumer Insights: A Senior Disney Analyst's Non-Linear Career Journey

    Weekly insights to improve your communication skills as an early career analyst → https://www.subscribepage.io/subscribe-enewsletter Most data analyst career paths don't follow a straight line. Evelyn Cates certainly didn't. In this episode of the Quietly Ambitious Analyst podcast, Evelyn shares the real, messy, non-linear path to becoming a senior data analyst. Topics: Intro & What Being an Analyst Actually Looks Like From Theme Parks to Consumer Insights The Waste Management Project That Changed Everything What Consumer Insights Is Presenting to 1,100+ People Globally AI vs Excel: When Simple Wins How to Practice Presentations (Recording Yourself) Finding a Manager You Actually Want at Your Presentation "I Don't See You in Analytics" - Proving Them Wrong Putting Yourself Out There When It's Scary Follow Evelyn Cates: LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/evelyntcates Quietly Ambitious Analyst: Weekly emails for new analysts: https://bit.ly/4pjUoz9 8-Week Data Communication Course: https://bit.ly/4qJ3o2d Free Resource - Top 10 Analyst Questions Before Touching Data: https://bit.ly/4sxbixl The Quietly Ambitious Analyst–where business context meets data communication.  Listen anywhere | Follow @quietlyambitiousanalyst | Join the newsletter at https://www.subscribepage.io/subscribe-enewsletter

    27 min
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About

The Quietly Ambitious Analyst is a podcast about mastering the invisible skills that make data professionals stand out–business context, communication, and confidence. Hosted by Seth Forbes, a data strategist and educator, the show explores what it really takes to influence with data. Through solo episodes and honest conversations with analysts, creators, and industry professionals, we delve into the in-between moments and hidden practices that create real impact – from asking sharper questions to framing insights that drive decisions.

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