Data Talks

Wolfgang Fengler

Data Talks is a conversation series released every two weeks that proves data isn’t just for analysts, it’s the common language behind sporting triumphs, market breakthroughs, and social progress. Economist and storyteller Wolfgang Fengler sits down with world-class athletes, leading economists, founders, policymakers, and creative thinkers to unpack the numbers shaping their fields. Together, they translate charts into clear takeaways, challenge assumptions with evidence, and show how good data can turn bold ideas into practical action.

  1. Jul 9

    From Algebra to Architecture

    Join Data Talks From Algebra to Architecture, with Jim Ellis In this episode of Data Talks, we sit down with Jim Ellis, math teacher at the American International School of Vienna and author of "Educators as Designers," to explore how his background in architecture reshaped his approach to teaching math. Jim walks us through the parallels between architectural design and effective data-informed instruction, and how that lens has shaped a career built around curiosity and critical thinking. We dig into the World Insights Challenge, the global math competition Jim co-leads with Kat Petra from the International School of Amsterdam, where students from around the world use real data to explore questions tied to the SDGs, building original visualizations that matter to their own communities. Jim also opens up about AI's growing role in education: its potential to identify learning needs like dyslexia and dyscalculia far faster than humans can, and the coming shift away from homework toward classrooms as spaces for live, creative learning. He paints a picture of what math class could look like for the next generation, one where students lead their own discovery rather than simply absorb instruction. We close things out, as always, with Jim's favorite number: 360, and the surprisingly rich history behind it. 🔗 Learn more at worlddatalab.com Data Talks is produced by World Data Lab, bringing global data to life through insights, conversations, and stories that matter.

    From Algebra to Architecture

  2. Jun 19

    Payments are about People

    Join Data Talks Payments Are About People: Innovation from the Digital South What does a journalist turned payments executive see that others miss? In this episode, Wolfgang Fengler sits down with Estelita Haas, Head of Market Intelligence and Product Marketing at Ebanx, a fast-growing Brazilian fintech unicorn now operating in 25+ countries across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Estelita shares how her background reporting from Brazil's overlooked regions shaped her conviction that the most important stories, and the most important markets, are the ones nobody is paying attention to. That same instinct drives Ebanx's focus on the "Digital South": hundreds of millions of mobile-first, young, middle-class consumers who are transacting online for the first time and can't be reached with a card-first checkout. In this conversation, you'll hear about the innovation happening right now in emerging market payments, from Brazil's Pix reaching 95% adult adoption in under five years, to India's UPI embedding inside Rupay cards, to M-Pesa in Kenya issuing virtual cards for online purchases. Estelita argues that rather than competing, these payment methods are feeding each other and building a larger, more inclusive ecosystem. Key themes: fintech innovation, emerging markets, financial inclusion, digital payments, the Global South, consumer behaviour, SaaS, gaming, social commerce. 🔗 Learn more at worlddatalab.com Data Talks is produced by World Data Lab, bringing global data to life through insights, conversations, and stories that matter.

    Payments are about People

  3. Jun 2

    Trends before they Trend

    Join Data Talks Can data predict the next big consumer trend? In this episode of Data Talks, Wolfgang Fengler speaks with Yarden Horwitz, Co-Founder of Spate, about the science of spotting trends before they go mainstream. Drawing on her experience at Google and building one of the fastest-growing trend intelligence platforms, Yarden explains how brands can use search, social, and behavioral data to understand what consumers want next. From beauty and wellness trends to generational shifts and artificial intelligence, this conversation explores how data reveals emerging opportunities long before they appear in the headlines. Yarden shares lessons from building a startup through Y Combinator, discusses why trends like press-on nails and longevity treatments have endured, and explains why the future of AI is not about replacing humans—but helping them tell better stories with data. A fascinating discussion for anyone interested in consumer behavior, innovation, marketing, and the future of insights. 🔗 Learn more at worlddatalab.com Data Talks is produced by World Data Lab, bringing global data to life through insights, conversations, and stories that matter.

    Trends before they Trend

  4. Apr 9

    Make More Smiles

    Join Data Talks In this episode of Data Talks, Wolfgang Fengler speaks with Ram Raghavan, senior leader at Colgate-Palmolive, about what it takes to build a globally trusted brand with purpose at its core. With nearly three decades at Colgate, Ram shares his journey from grassroots sales in India to leading global strategy, offering insights into consumer behavior, brand building, and the power of culture in sustaining long-term success. The conversation explores how Colgate balances global scale with local relevance, why understanding the “why” behind data is critical, and how shifting consumer trends, from preventative health to digital self-expression, are shaping the future of oral care. At its heart, this episode is about one simple mission: putting more smiles on people’s faces. 🔗 Learn more at worlddatalab.com Data Talks is produced by World Data Lab, bringing global data to life through insights, conversations, and stories that matter.

    Make More Smiles

  5. Mar 25

    The World Economy at a Turning Point

    Join Data Talks In this episode of Data Talks, Wolfgang Fengler sits down with Indermit Gill, Chief Economist of the World Bank, for a wide-ranging conversation on the forces reshaping the global economy. From the middle-income trap and India’s growth potential to Europe’s economic model, oil shocks, trade barriers, and the promise of AI, Indermit brings sharp insight to one of the biggest questions of our time: what will define the next era of global development? Together, they explore why some countries rise while others stall, what today’s global crises mean for growth and inflation, and how better data and new technologies could transform the future of public services in developing economies. At a moment of deep uncertainty, this episode offers a timely and thought-provoking look at the world economy at a turning point. 🔗 Learn more at worlddatalab.com Data Talks is produced by World Data Lab, bringing global data to life through insights, conversations, and stories that matter.

    The World Economy at a Turning Point

  6. Mar 13

    The world is more equal than you think

    Join Data Talks In this episode of Data Talks, World Data Lab CEO Wolfgang Fengler speaks with co-founder and global middle class expert Homi Kharas about new research that challenges one of the most widely discussed narratives in economics today. Featured prominently in The Economist, World Data Lab’s latest analysis examines inequality through the lens of consumption rather than wealth. By comparing how much the bottom 50% of the global population consumes relative to the top 10%, the data reveals a surprising trend: global inequality in consumption is improving, largely driven by rapid economic growth in countries such as India, China, Indonesia, and across Southeast Asia. Together, Wolfgang and Homi explore: Why consumption inequality may be a more meaningful measure of real living standards than wealth inequalityHow global economic growth is lifting billions of people out of extreme povertyWhy the rise of emerging economies is reshaping the global distribution of prosperityThe role of government policies, taxation, and public services in influencing inequality within countriesAnd why, despite ongoing global uncertainty, the long-term trajectory for human welfare may be more positive than many assume.The conversation offers a data-driven perspective on one of the defining debates of our time — and highlights how new global datasets can help policymakers, businesses, and researchers better understand the real progress happening across the world economy. 🔗 Learn more at worlddatalab.com Data Talks is produced by World Data Lab, bringing global data to life through insights, conversations, and stories that matter.

    The world is more equal than you think

  7. Feb 26

    Building Digital Africa

    Join Data Talks Building Digital Africa with Bitange Ndemo In this episode of Data Talks, Wolfgang Fengler speaks with Professor Bitange Ndemo, Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium and the European Union, former Permanent Secretary for Information and Communication, and one of the architects of Kenya’s digital transformation. Widely regarded as a driving force behind the modernization of Kenya’s ICT sector, Prof. Ndemo oversaw landmark reforms including the installation of undersea submarine cables, the liberalization of telecom markets, the reduction of mobile termination rates, the launch of Kenya Open Data, and the rise of innovation hubs such as iHub and mLab. These reforms helped position Kenya as a continental leader in digital innovation. Now serving in diplomacy while continuing his academic and research work in entrepreneurship and ICT-driven development, Prof. Ndemo reflects on the policy decisions that reshaped a nation, and what Africa must do next. The conversation explores: How infrastructure unlocked Africa’s digital economyThe political economy of reform and regulationWhy Africa can leapfrog in AI and emerging technologiesThe power of youth, innovation, and open dataAnd what “building digital Africa” truly means in the next decadeA thoughtful discussion on leadership, policy, technology, and Africa’s place in the global digital future. 🔗 Learn more at worlddatalab.com Data Talks is produced by World Data Lab, bringing global data to life through insights, conversations, and stories that matter.

    Building Digital Africa

  8. Feb 11

    The consumer is king

    Join Data Talks In this episode of Data Talks, Wolfgang speaks with Kirti Singh, Chief Insights Officer at Procter & Gamble, about what it truly means to be consumer-first in a company that serves more than 5.5 billion people worldwide. Kirti reflects on her 30+ year global career spanning India, China and the United States, and how her very first day at P&G, spent inside a consumer’s home, shaped her philosophy on leadership and growth. The conversation explores: How P&G drives market growth, not just market shareThe rise of emerging markets and generational changeWhy “Data Is Human” and what that means in the age of AIHow Human + AI is reshaping the analytics professionA powerful discussion on insight, global leadership and the future of consumer-driven strategy. 🔗 Learn more at worlddatalab.com Data Talks is produced by World Data Lab, bringing global data to life through insights, conversations, and stories that matter.

    The consumer is king
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About

Data Talks is a conversation series released every two weeks that proves data isn’t just for analysts, it’s the common language behind sporting triumphs, market breakthroughs, and social progress. Economist and storyteller Wolfgang Fengler sits down with world-class athletes, leading economists, founders, policymakers, and creative thinkers to unpack the numbers shaping their fields. Together, they translate charts into clear takeaways, challenge assumptions with evidence, and show how good data can turn bold ideas into practical action.

Information

  • Creator
    Wolfgang Fengler
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Data Talks
  • Show Website
    Data Talks