Data Driven Leadership

Data is not just a tool. It’s a transformative force, shaping our present and defining our future. As we reflect on season three, host Jess Carter reveals how the power of data extends far beyond the business realm. From unemployment mitigation to sports innovation, data serves as a guiding force for positive change in every facet of our lives. We’re also looking forward to what’s next for the podcast: an education mini-series with Dr. Curt Merlau. He’ll shed light on how policy is influenced, the players involved, and the role of data in policy formation. Whether or not you’re in the education space, this mini-series will provide new perspective on data-driven innovation. You don’t want to miss it!   In this episode, you will learn: What to expect from the upcoming education mini-series with Dr. Curt Merlau Jess’s takeaways from each episode of season three How data acts as a transformative force in every facet of our lives

Data-driven decisions are the future of employment. In this conversation, Indiana Department of Workforce Development Chief of Staff Josh Richardson shares how data can shape employment strategies and personal career paths. Josh shares his journey of working on the development of Pivot, an innovative tool designed to empower individuals experiencing job loss. He explains the importance of data sharing, collaboration, and feedback in launching the tool. Throughout the conversation, we explore the intersection of data, leadership, and public policy in Indiana's approach to workforce readiness. In this episode, you will learn: How Indiana's DWD is leveraging data to connect people with jobs How to manage skeptical feedback (and why it’s actually a good thing) How to minimize the effort required by users to achieve meaningful outcomes

Ten years of determination led Nick Elam, assistant professor and program director at Ball State University and consultant for the Canadian Elite Basketball League, to change the future of a 130-year-old institution: the game of basketball. In 2007, he realized that over-reliance on the clock in the fourth quarter brought even the most exciting basketball game to a grinding halt. Nick introduced a (literal) game-changing concept based on data and focused on enhancing the excitement of the game's conclusion, which became known as the Elam Ending. In this conversation, Nick shares how he developed the Elam Ending and the dedicated years of perseverance required to see his vision from concept to the court. He explains the importance of speaking in terms of outcomes, incorporating feedback, and remaining patient in the face of resistance and disinterest—and how these concepts translate into leadership of any type. In this episode, you will learn: How to overcome resistance and disinterest in implementing change How to incorporate feedback while staying true to your vision How to translate data into tangible benefits

A sports-like approach to work can keep teams enthused and motivated. Gamifying your team’s day-to-day could be the boost needed to reach the next big milestone. In this conversation, Resultant Client Success Leader Preston Howell dives into a concept called the Great Game of Business (GGOB), which brings financial and business literacy and transparency to every employee in an organization through an exciting sports-like environment. Preston highlights the importance of data and business metrics comprehension for employees, which is essential for questioning and improving outcomes. He shares how telling the stories behind the numbers along with balancing the financials is part of keeping a business thriving. From managing PTO spikes to the nuanced impact of sick time on revenue, we cover the strategies for smarter forecasting. In this episode, you will learn: How to empower team members through open-book management How to drive change with minigames and creative incentives How to effectively communicate data and impact

The speed of your business intelligence can make or break success in any fast-paced environment. Businesses that tap into the power of real-time data easily stay ahead of the competition. In this episode, Tinybird co-founder Jorge Sancha shares his insights on the impact real-time data has on business leadership making informed decisions. He dives into the compounding effect of real-time analytics and automation on revenue. Jorge also provides guidance on conveying the value proposition of data warehouses to leadership. In this episode, you will learn: How real-time data revolutionizes decision-making How to use data warehouses to unlock the power of historical insights How to turn data into revenue with the right infrastructure

In this episode of Data Driven Leadership, Donatos Pizza CIO Steven Graves details how he calmly navigates the intersection of tech and business amidst the feverish pace of both. Steven shares with host Jess Carter stories and lessons learned throughout his impressive career—including building a major retailer’s first e-commerce site on a limited budget and turning it into a $400 million success story. Steven says the tech part is the easy part; it’s organizational change management that can make or break a transformation’s success. The conversation includes mastering empathy, winning hearts, and nurturing change champions within your organization. In this episode, you will learn: How to effectively embrace change and advancements in AI How to drive transformational initiatives with empathy How to leverage data to listen to and delight your customers

The heart of data-driven decision-making lies in understanding the purpose behind the numbers—why we collect specific data and how it can drive our missions forward. No one understands this more than Peter Krombach, director of data operations, governance & engagement at the Indiana Department of Health. His journey in the public health sector has taught him that collaboration and the strategic use of data save time and lead to truly impactful outcomes. In this conversation, Peter and host Jess Carter dissect the priorities and action steps of data-driven leaders in the public sector. Peter shares how building a community with your team that values camaraderie, mutual understanding, and the blending of diverse skills can markedly retain talent and drive success. If you're an executive leader looking to transform your organization's data culture, press play to hear insights on creating shared understanding in projects, blending public health and data skills, and nurturing a data-centric culture that thrives on collaboration and innovation.   In this episode, you will learn: How to confront fear and embrace feedback to drive data-centric innovation How to take a human-centered approach to data-driven leadership How to effectively initiate a shift toward becoming a data-driven organization

This episode discusses the groundbreaking lawsuit just filed by The New York Times against OpenAI and Microsoft for copyright infringement, citing allegations of using millions of articles without payment or permission in the training and operating of their Ai tools.  Jess Carter breaks it down in simple, relatable terms; shares an eye-opening conversation she had with ChatGPT about its sources; and points out the actions all data-driven leaders need to take now to treat their data as an asset and define and ensure their policies about the use of AI in their organizations.  Sources mentioned, plus two new articles about the suit:  Hannah Malmstrom “10 AI Best Practices for Businesses: Using AI Safely and Ethically.”  Dillon Michael White Instagram reel @dillonmichaelwhite  The New York Times: “The Times Sues OpenAI and Microsoft Over A.I. Use of Copyrighted Work”  MSN: “New York Times sues OpenAI, Microsoft in copyright clash” 

‘Tis the season to be jolly… and to set your sights on the new year. In this festive edition of #DataDrivenLeadership, host Jess Carter and producer Chelsea Gill share their insights, reflections, and resolutions for the new year. From discussing New Year's resolutions to habit tracking, they delve into the power of data in their everyday lives, sprinkled with some holiday cheer. They also share their hopes and dreams for the podcast in 2024, hoping to hear inspiring stories from you about how the podcast has impacted and transformed your data journey. If you’d like to share how the show has helped or inspired you, send a note to Jess Carter on LinkedIn. In this episode, you will learn: How to realistically approach New Year’s resolutions How to leverage data for meaningful progress Practical tips for setting and tracking goals

In this episode, Dr. Jake Wall demonstrates the importance of data-driven decision-making in conservation efforts. He shares how his organization uses data to combat ivory poaching, address human-wildlife conflict, and bridge the gap between ecologists and policymakers. Additionally, he explains how a game-changing app has transformed data collection and made it accessible to others, contributing to a better understanding of elephant habitats. In this episode, you’ll learn: How data reveals the ecological roles elephants play How data monitoring frameworks contribute to ecosystem health How collaboration amplifies the power of data

Data-driven doesn’t mean robotic. In fact, using data in client experience and employee engagement actually helps you understand people more deeply. By leveraging data, leaders can make informed decisions while keeping the human connection at the forefront. In this episode, Resultant CEO Greg Layok shares his leadership experience and the importance of data-driven approaches. He emphasizes the necessity of putting people over processes in management, and he advocates for Agile principles as guiding principles for behavior, trusting teams, and providing them with the autonomy to excel. In this episode, you will learn: How using data enhances empathy and inclusivity in decision-making How embracing an exploratory mindset in business leads to innovation and growth How prioritizing people over processes is critical to effective leadership

Numerous healthcare professionals strive to enhance patient outcomes; with the advent of conversational AI, this goal is becoming a reality. This innovative technology converts intricate data into groundbreaking discoveries and accelerates progress in the healthcare field. In this episode, host Jess Carter sits down with Authenticx Chief Evangelist Leslie Pagel to discuss the revolutionary changes conversational AI data brings to the healthcare sector. In their conversation, you’ll hear Leslie share how providers use AI to listen to service call logs, gain unprecedented insights, and refine patient care. The result is a novel approach to prioritizing customer needs in the healthcare industry. In this episode, you will learn: What conversational AI is, and how the healthcare industry is using it to improve patient outcomes How to leverage data for healthcare professionals How to prioritize patient needs with data-backed storytelling

In our fast-paced world, software tools and professionals have grown increasingly specialized and fragmented. However, we’re now shifting toward integrated solutions and data generalists. Tarush Aggarwal, a seasoned data engineer and CEO of 5X, has witnessed firsthand the transformation of the data industry. From working on data problems for large organizations to leading a 100-person data team at WeWork, Tarush has experienced several shifts in the industry. In this episode, you’ll learn about the rise of the data generalist, the importance of having the right tooling in place, and the benefits of fully managed, end-to-end data platforms. Tarush also explores the challenges of fragmentation and the allure of best-in-breed solutions to help you understand the secrets to effective data management and how it impacts the success of a business. In this episode, you will learn: How to embrace the rise of the data generalist How to move beyond fragmented data management How to boost ROI by building a cohesive data platform

In today's age of information overload, merely presenting data doesn’t reach your audience. To engage them, we need to weave data into compelling, authentic stories. As we wrap up Season 2, our host, Jess Carter reflects on the insights she’s learned both from our guests and from personal experience about how to better tell data-driven stories. You’ll discover not just the art, but the heart of data-driven storytelling, ensuring yours resonates deeply, authentically, and convincingly with your audience. In this episode, you will learn: Why the story doesn’t end with the project How to thoughtfully convey information while inviting dialogue Why the data doesn’t tell the story for you

What if the futuristic world of generative AI is closer to the public sector than you think? 🚀 In this episode of Data Driven Leadership, host Jess Carter engages with Chris Hein, director of customer engineering for the SLED team at Google. Together, they illuminate the path of Generative AI as it shapes aspects of public life like education, privacy, and efficiency. Chris shares his firsthand experience, unveiling the innovations and real-world applications that are transforming how governments leverage data. From tech enthusiasts to public sector professionals, this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the cutting-edge intersection of AI and government. Don't miss this opportunity to peek into the future with one of the industry's leading voices.   Listen as we uncover: How generative AI and data can be used in the public sector How using generative AI and data can improve early childhood education Privacy and security concerns and solutions for using generative AI in the public sector

Imagine classrooms where lessons evolve in real-time, tailored to each student's unique learning style and pace. In this episode of Data Driven Leadership, host Jess Carter digs in to the importance of data literacy in education with Curt Merlau, director of public sector education at Resultant. Together, they explore the journey of using and understanding data to shape the future of education. Curt’s background as a former teacher gives him a unique ability to pull back the curtain and share firsthand insights into the advancements and practical applications that are revolutionizing the way educational institutions harness data. Whether you're an edtech aficionado, an educational leader, or an interested citizen, this episode offers a compelling glimpse into the possibilities in store for education. Tune in to discover the future of learning with one of the sector's foremost experts. Listen as we uncover: The importance of data literacy and how the right data mindset can improve education What the future of education holds How we can lead the next generation of students to successful career paths by harnessing data (Check out the Indiana Graduates Prepared to Succeed (GPS) Dashboard mentioned in the episode here.)

Driven by her mission to shake things up, Jess Carter embarked on a journey to discover what it means to be a data-driven leader through this podcast. As we wrap up our first season, we’re flipping the script and interviewing Jess about what she’s learned so far. Jess is passionate about helping people make data-driven decisions and providing tactical advice for businesses. Through interviewing experts, she’s gained insight into the power of alignment, data strategy, and being willing to pivot. Listen in to hear Jess’s encouragement for all aspects of your data journey. In this episode, you will learn: Can I trust the data I have? How can I make sure to use feedback to succeed? What strategies can I use to make the best data-driven decisions?

"In today's world, Chat GPT helps us stay in the 'goldilocks period' of the Internet, where we can find trustworthy information and synthesize what's right and what's wrong." - Josh Wakefield Join Josh Wakefield, VP of Public Sector Services, and me as we dive into the possibilities of ChatGPT and its impacts on data-driven leadership. 

The power of Data is undeniable. And unharnessed - it’s nothing but chaos.  Making data your ally. Using it to lead with confidence and clarity. Host Jess Carter is solving problems in real-time to reveal what’s possible. Helping communities and people thrive. This is Data Driven Leadership a show brought to you by Resultant. 

If you're a parent, you know how critical it is to connect with teachers. And research backs this intuition up. From Harvard to the Journal of Education Research, numerous studies show that family engagement in education boosts student learning outcomes. So, how do we engage families in learning? It all starts with clean data and interoperability. Here to explain the relationship between tech and family engagement in learning is Strategy and Marketing Officer Dr. Chad Stevens. Chad shares what he’s learned from his career in the education industry, including his work at ParentSquare, and the innovative ways the right technology seamlessly brings families and educators together. Chad explains the importance of clean data, interoperability, and connecting applications like ParentSquare to other forms of data to give educators and parents the information they need at the right time. He also shares his insights on making data-driven decisions as an EdTech leader and emphasizes the need to stay focused on learners.   In this episode, you’ll learn: How interoperability enables family engagement in learning Why empathy and active listening pave the way for tech that supports education How to leverage both intuition and data in decision-making   Things to listen for: [00:00] An introduction to the episode [06:45] The importance of data interoperability [11:45] Bridging the gap between technology and instruction [16:30] How interoperability impacts family involvement in education [20:45] Balancing intuition with data [28:30] Staying focused on learners as technology evolves