The Data Storytellers Podcast

The Data Storytellers Podcast
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The Data Storytellers Podcast

The Data Storytellers is a leading professional community dedicated to building business influence for data and analytics leaders. Our mission is to empower and enable Data Science & Analytics professionals and organizations to actualize their full potential. In the evolving landscape of business, Data Science and Analytics departments are emerging as a business within a business, driving strategic decisions and influencing outcomes.

  1. The AI Revolution in 2025 Explained | Nurtekin Savas (PayPal)

    7H AGO

    The AI Revolution in 2025 Explained | Nurtekin Savas (PayPal)

    In this episode of The Data Storytellers Podcast, we speak with Nurtekin Savas, VP and Head of Global Credit Infrastructure, Data & AI at PayPal. Nurtekin shares how PayPal balances innovation with responsibility as it scales global credit products powered by data and AI. From structuring modern analytics platforms to influencing stakeholders and fostering experimentation in regulated environments, Nurtekin offers actionable insights for data leaders navigating fintech complexity. He also reflects on the value of storytelling, leadership trust, and aligning infrastructure with business goals at scale. Connect with us:• Website: https://thedatastorytellers.com/• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-data-storytellers• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-data-storytellers-podcast/id1493766476• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2N0vZtHZHgod4Tll2LX2xa• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz9e56lhYUfORiOHMiLlPmA Chapters: 00:00 – Intro: Meet Nurtekin Savas, PayPal’s Head of Global Credit Infrastructure, Data & AI 04:52 – What Nurtekin’s team owns across data, platforms, and credit 09:45 – The connective tissue between data, infrastructure, and product 14:38 – From AOL to PayPal: a 20+ year fintech journey 19:31 – Why compliance and experimentation must coexist 24:24 – Building the muscle for responsible innovation 29:17 – Creating space to learn and fail in a high-stakes environment 34:10 – Platform architecture: building what’s needed vs. shiny objects 39:03 – Gaining buy-in from senior leadership on infrastructure investments 43:56 – The importance of storytelling in analytics and AI 48:49 – Decision rights, influence, and organizational trust 53:42 – Growing talent: what makes a great data leader 58:35 – Lessons from past roles: Visa, Amazon, Capital One, Fidelity 63:28 – Building systems that scale responsibly across borders 68:21 – Trends Nurtekin is watching in AI and credit innovation 73:14 – Final thoughts on leadership, curiosity, and execution 78:07 – Wrap-up and closing insights

    1h 23m
  2. Building Data-Driven Cultures in Sports, Film, and Streaming | Mikel Davis (VP of Strategic Analytics @ Peacock)

    JUL 14

    Building Data-Driven Cultures in Sports, Film, and Streaming | Mikel Davis (VP of Strategic Analytics @ Peacock)

    On this episode of The Data Storytellers Podcast, we speak with Mikel Davis, VP of Strategic Analytics at Peacock. Mikel shares her journey from early analytics roles in sports and entertainment—including the Cleveland Cavaliers and Legendary Pictures—to leading customer and growth strategies at one of the world’s top streaming platforms. We explore how data is transforming marketing, content, and customer experience across industries, and the leadership skills that help drive real cultural change in large organizations. Connect With Us:• Website: https://thedatastorytellers.com/• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-data-storytellers• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-data-storytellers-podcast/id1493766476• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2N0vZtHZHgod4Tll2LX2xa• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz9e56lhYUfORiOHMiLlPmA Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:36 – The rise of AI: déjà vu from the early data days 02:15 – From data literacy to AI fluency: is it just rebranding? 04:52 – Laszlo’s path from military intel to analytics through marketing 06:21 – Mikel’s current role at Peacock and team’s mandate 07:33 – How Mikel accidentally discovered analytics in college 09:30 – Economics + statistics = the original analytics degree 11:03 – From Accenture to the Cleveland Cavaliers 13:15 – Selling tickets with data: pre-LeBron vs. post-LeBron 15:02 – Pandora’s predictive personalization and data obsession 17:35 – Streaming disruption: what seemed crazy is now normal 18:24 – How LeBron changed Mikel’s job and career path 21:43 – Moving to film: data innovation at Legendary Entertainment 23:55 – F1 Movie example: modernizing film marketing with data 27:56 – Using data to greenlight and cast films more strategically 29:52 – Balancing art and science in content creation 31:29 – Transition to AT&T: data for customer retention 33:33 – The big challenge: keeping cable customers in the streaming era 34:02 – The streaming boom and Netflix as a data pioneer 35:33 – Joining NBCUniversal: centralizing customer data 36:59 – Launching Peacock and driving strategic growth 37:46 – Mikel’s career playbook: building data-driven cultures 38:15 – Adapting insights to executives vs. operations 40:24 – Building trust through stakeholder empathy and flexibility 42:24 – The power of asking good questions and connecting people 43:46 – The #1 blocker: when success without data breeds resistance 44:56 – AI parallels: augmenting, not replacing, human judgment 46:02 – Closing thoughts

    46 min
  3. Navigating the AI Hype and Building Data-Driven Cultures | Juan Gorricho

    JUN 30

    Navigating the AI Hype and Building Data-Driven Cultures | Juan Gorricho

    In this episode of The Data Storytellers Podcast, we reconnect with Juan Gorricho—former Chief Data Officer at Disney Credit Union and senior data leader at Visa and TD Bank. Juan shares what he’s learned across two decades leading data strategy in some of the world’s most recognized organizations. We discuss the rise of AI-washing, how to lead with impact amid transformation, and the leadership principles that matter most—like stakeholder trust, organizational readiness, and building a culture that attracts top talent. Connect with us: Website: The Data Storytellers LinkedIn: The Data Storytellers Spotify: The Data Storytellers Podcast YouTube: The Data Storytellers Channel Apple Podcast: Listen on Apple Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome back Juan Gorricho: From Visa to TD and beyond 01:57 – What’s exciting about AI right now? Cutting through the noise 04:28 – Why is everything labeled “AI”? Understanding AI-washing 08:57 – Capital deployment, FOMO, and false promises in the AI boom 10:52 – The real readiness challenge: People, processes, and data 14:29 – Balancing urgency with realism: Data leaders in the AI age 17:13 – How talent expectations are evolving in data teams 21:13 – Early lessons from working with the UN and city government 26:47 – From tech to operations: Building trust and data solutions at Disney 32:11 – Forecasting Frozen: Data stories from retail at scale 35:00 – MagicBands, privacy, and doing data right at Disney 38:05 – Lessons in stakeholder engagement and change management 43:11 – Building the data experience at Visa 50:58 – Leading TD’s U.S. data transformation and cloud migration 56:23 – What’s next: Using GenAI to accelerate real business value 1:00:23 – Juan’s career playbook: Trust, empathy, and continuous learning 1:08:53 – Final thoughts and what’s ahead

    1h 10m
  4. Enhancing Fan Experiences Through Data Science | Scott McDade (VP of Data Science)

    APR 10

    Enhancing Fan Experiences Through Data Science | Scott McDade (VP of Data Science)

    On this episode of The Data Storytellers Podcast, we explore how data science is transforming the sports and entertainment industry with insights from Scott McDade, VP of Data Science at Aramark. Scott shares how his team leverages real-time data, predictive analytics, and AI to enhance fan experiences, optimize operations, and drive profitability at major venues across the U.S. We discuss building a data-driven culture, the challenges of AI adoption, and the importance of trust and governance in analytics. Scott also reflects on his career journey from sports marketing to data leadership and how data teams can become trusted business advisors rather than just reporting functions. Connect With Us: Website: The Data Storytellers LinkedIn: The Data Storytellers Spotify: The Data Storytellers Podcast YouTube: The Data Storytellers Channel Apple Podcast: Listen on Apple Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Scott McDade and Aramark 00:59 - A special recording on a birthday & reflections on 2024 02:06 - What is Aramark? The hidden force behind sports & entertainment experiences 05:19 - How data science impacts customer experience at sporting venues 08:30 - Scott’s career journey: From sports marketing to data science 11:05 - The evolution of data analytics at Aramark & post-pandemic transformations 13:50 - Driving a data-driven culture: How Aramark fosters data curiosity 16:14 - The rise of AI: Hype vs. practical applications in business 21:55 - Balancing data quality, governance, and AI-driven automation 26:44 - The psychology of decision-making: Gut instinct vs. data-driven choices 33:45 - The 3 principles for driving data success in large organizations 38:21 - Infusing objectivity into business culture through analytics 43:08 - Using data as a relationship tool to build trust with stakeholders 47:34 - Moving beyond dashboards: Becoming a trusted business advisor 48:45 - Closing thoughts: The future of data teams and AI in hospitality

    49 min
  5. The Secret to Data-Driven Decision Making | Eric Hornyak (Director of Data Visualization)

    APR 3

    The Secret to Data-Driven Decision Making | Eric Hornyak (Director of Data Visualization)

    On this episode of The Data Storytellers Podcast, we sit down with Eric Hornyak, Director of Data Visualization at Sunbelt Rentals, to discuss how data teams can bridge the gap between analytics and business action through better communication, data storytelling, and strategic reporting. Eric shares his playbook for engaging business leaders, breaking down complex analytics into actionable insights, and building trust through over-communication and delivering results. We explore how Sunbelt leverages data visualization, AI, and predictive analytics to optimize operations, improve decision-making, and enhance customer experiences. This episode is packed with insights for analytics professionals looking to elevate their impact and move beyond dashboards to drive real business change. Connect with us: • Website: https://thedatastorytellers.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-data-storytellers • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-data-storytellers-podcast/id1493766476 • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2N0vZtHZHgod4Tll2LX2xa • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz9e56lhYUfORiOHMiLlPmA Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Eric Hornyak and Sunbelt Rentals 02:13 - How analytics impacts Sunbelt’s customers and operations 05:09 - Eric’s career journey: From history major to data leader 08:26 - The evolution of analytics at Sunbelt Rentals 10:24 - The biggest challenges in driving analytics impact 12:12 - The key to building trust in data teams: Over-communication 15:45 - How to develop strong relationships with business stakeholders 18:00 - The “send it to yourself” email hack for executive communication 21:26 - The 3-30-3 framework for designing high-impact reports 26:24 - AI, data visualization, and the future of analytics 29:43 - The biggest opportunities for data professionals in the next 5 years 33:17 - Eric’s playbook: Key takeaways for data leaders

    39 min
  6. Closing the Data-to-Action Gap | Aaron Fossum (Senior Director of Digital Analytics)

    MAR 27

    Closing the Data-to-Action Gap | Aaron Fossum (Senior Director of Digital Analytics)

    On this episode of The Data Storytellers Podcast, we welcome back Aaron Fossum, Senior Director of Digital Analytics at Norwegian Cruise Line, to explore how data teams can bridge the gap between insights and business action. Aaron shares the playbook he presented at the Leading Business Change with Analytics & AI Masterclass, detailing how his team translates analytics into meaningful business impact. We dive into building a data-driven culture, refining analytics processes, and enabling better decision-making through structured insights, automation, and stakeholder collaboration. Aaron also discusses the challenges of managing ad hoc reporting vs. strategic analytics, and how teams can position themselves as trusted advisors rather than report vending machines. Connect with us: • Website: https://thedatastorytellers.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-data-storytellers • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-data-storytellers-podcast/id1493766476 • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2N0vZtHZHgod4Tll2LX2xa • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz9e56lhYUfORiOHMiLlPmA Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Aaron Fossum and Norwegian Cruise Line 02:22 - What NCL does and Aaron’s role in digital analytics 06:03 - How to turn data insights into real business action 10:57 - Why data alone isn’t valuable without execution 13:58 - The three types of analytics projects in business 20:00 - How to escape the “report vending machine” trap 22:48 - Moving from ad-hoc meetings to structured conversations 26:41 - How to build trust and credibility as an analytics team 32:53 - Focusing on the most important business problems 39:21 - Creating a culture of curiosity and self-directed analytics 47:37 - Key questions for teams looking to improve their analytics processes 51:19 - Aaron’s vision for data at Norwegian Cruise Line in 2025

    55 min
  7. Building Amazing Data-Driven Experiences | Alex Dragan (VP of Enterprise Data & Analytics @ Four Seasons)

    MAR 20

    Building Amazing Data-Driven Experiences | Alex Dragan (VP of Enterprise Data & Analytics @ Four Seasons)

    In this long-waited episode of The Data Storytellers Podcast, we welcome back Alex Dragan, Vice President of Enterprise Data and Analytics at Four Seasons, to dive into the transformative power of data-driven decision-making in the luxury hospitality industry. Alex shares his perspective of the evolution of data-driven enterprise transformation, the challenges and successes of innovation, and his unique playbook for data leadership. Transformative Data Utilization  Alex highlights the importance of leveraging data as a strategic asset to drive business decisions, foster innovation, and deliver personalized guest experiences. He outlines a three-fold approach: data literacy and culture, business intelligence, and advanced analytics. Trusted Data Practices  Governance is framed as the "silent hero," essential for building trust in data systems and enabling effective AI and analytics initiatives. Alex stresses the importance of aligning organizational standards with data quality and creating clear ownership and accountability. Data Infrastructure and Integration  Integration of cloud and on-premises systems is critical for scalability, future-proofing, and enabling advanced analytics like AI and machine learning. Alex views the relationship between data and technology as cyclical, where each amplifies the other. Data-Driven Experiences Enterprise data excellence and Leveraging data analytics and AI to create amazing amazing experiences. AI as a tool that amplifies human creativity and team performance, especially when embedded in intelligent, trusted data practices. This episode showcases the cutting-edge use of enterprise data and provides a clear and actionable roadmap for any organization aiming to build data-driven customer experiences and operational excellence. Connect with us: • Website: https://thedatastorytellers.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-data-storytellers • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-data-storytellers-podcast/id1493766476 • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2N0vZtHZHgod4Tll2LX2xa • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz9e56lhYUfORiOHMiLlPmA Chapters: 00:08 – Introduction to Alex Dragan and his role at Four Seasons. 01:36 – Building data and analytics capabilities for the commercial team and launching the Enterprise Data Hub. 03:41 – Simplifying data strategy as a transformative asset and defining its key pillars. 05:28 – Transformative Data Utilization: Driving insights, personalization, and smart decision-making. 10:00 – Promoting data literacy and creating a data-driven culture. 14:36 – The role of business intelligence, dashboards, and advanced analytics in enabling fast, evidence-based decisions. 20:00 – Trusted data practices and governance as the foundation of effective data programs. 25:53 – Building partnerships between data users, owners, and stewards to drive successful data initiatives. 30:38 – Data infrastructure and integration: Cloud advancements and the future of scalable analytics. 35:00 – Enhancing guest journeys and creating personalized, seamless experiences with data and AI. 40:28 – Reflections on the mission of data leadership and the future of analytics in hospitality.

    46 min
  8. The Art of Transforming Data into Compelling Stories | Dave Coughlin

    MAR 6

    The Art of Transforming Data into Compelling Stories | Dave Coughlin

    On this episode of The Data Storytellers podcast, we delve into the mastery of asynchronous data communication with Laszlo Mucsi and Dave Coughlin. We explore the art of transforming data into compelling stories, crafting impactful presentations, and the techniques of visual data storytelling. Learn how to navigate the challenges of data presentation, build cohesive data narratives, and elevate business outcomes through effective data communication strategies. Connect with us: • Website: https://thedatastorytellers.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-data-storytellers • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2N0vZtHZHgod4Tll2LX2xa • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz9e56lhYUfORiOHMiLlPmA • Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-data-storytellers-podcast/id1493766476 Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Laszlo Mucsi and Dave Coughlin 08:00 - Discussing the importance of PowerPoint mastery in data communication 15:30 - Techniques for creating impactful presentations 23:45 - Strategies for asynchronous data communication 32:10 - Crafting compelling data narratives 40:25 - Overcoming common challenges in data presentation 49:30 - The role of visual analytics in business communication 57:15 - Building a cohesive data narrative 1:05:00 - Advanced strategies for data-driven impact 1:13:20 - Examples of successful data-driven presentations 1:20:45 - Tips for effective asynchronous communication with data 1:30:30 - Elevating business outcomes through data storytelling 1:38:00 - Effective use of aesthetics in data slides 1:45:25 - Copywriting techniques for data presentations 1:53:10 - The importance of concise communication in data storytelling 2:00:45 - Final thoughts and conclusions on asynchronous data communication

    2h 18m
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About

The Data Storytellers is a leading professional community dedicated to building business influence for data and analytics leaders. Our mission is to empower and enable Data Science & Analytics professionals and organizations to actualize their full potential. In the evolving landscape of business, Data Science and Analytics departments are emerging as a business within a business, driving strategic decisions and influencing outcomes.

Information

  • Creator
    The Data Storytellers Podcast
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    131
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Data Storytellers Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Data Storytellers Podcast

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