Women in Data Podcast

In this episode of the Women in Data Podcast, Karen is joined by Marion Shaw to unpack one of the most uncomfortable — and least talked about — parts of career growth: office politics. From aggressive stakeholders in meetings to hidden agendas and shifting power dynamics, Marion shares the lessons she learned navigating leadership at senior levels — including the mistakes she still makes today. Together, Karen and Marion explore what political capital actually is, how influence gets built inside organisations, and why understanding what the business is truly “betting on” can completely change your career trajectory. They also dive into one of the most difficult leadership moments many managers face: protecting your team publicly while also protecting yourself professionally. This episode explores: How to navigate conflict and difficult stakeholder situations When to speak up vs when to de-escalate Why shutting down meetings is sometimes the best leadership move How to separate noise from what really matters The hidden dynamics influencing workplace behaviour Why leadership means accepting that you’ll still get things wrong sometimes If you’ve ever left a meeting replaying everything you should have said, this conversation will make you feel far less alone. Find Marion on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marion-shaw-9068b08/ Register to the Women in Data Community for free: https://womenindata.co.uk/

Stepping into management should feel like the natural next step… right? But for many data professionals, becoming a manager feels less like “levelling up” and more like learning an entirely new job from scratch. In this episode of the Women in Data Podcast, Karen is joined by Gemma Trailor, Analytics Manager at B&Q, to unpack the biggest shifts that happen when moving from analyst to manager—and why so many new managers feel unprepared for the reality of the role. Together, they explore: Why management is a completely different skillset How to build credibility when managing former peers The challenge of prioritisation, stakeholder pressure, and saying no Why your value is no longer measured by output alone How to lead with confidence—even when you’re doubting yourself This conversation is honest, practical, and full of the lessons people usually learn the hard way. If you’re aiming for your first management role—or you’ve recently stepped into one and are thinking “why does this feel so hard?”—this episode is for you.

In this episode of the Women in Data Podcast, Cecilia chats with Beth Bauer, a healthcare data leader with nearly four decades of experience bringing data, people, and purpose together. Beth introduces the idea of positive friction — those intentional pauses that invite reflection, discussion, and sometimes disagreement — as a way to make better decisions in healthcare. She explains how this approach helps achieve the Healthcare Quintuple Aim, balancing patient outcomes, provider wellbeing, community health, financial sustainability, and truly personalised care. It’s a thoughtful and uplifting conversation about listening, empathy, and how creating space for diverse voices can lead to more meaningful impact — in healthcare and beyond.

Getting promoted isn’t just about doing great work—it’s about knowing how to show it, when to ask, and what “next level” really means. In this candid conversation, co-hosts Karen Jean-Francois and Cecilia Oliveira break down five essential strategies to help you move your career forward. Karen shares a personal story about giving a colleague advice that landed him a promotion while she stayed behind, a wake-up call that doing excellent technical work isn’t enough. Together, she and Cecilia unpack why visibility, business acumen, and impact matter just as much as output. You’ll learn why defining the “next step” in your career is critical, why becoming a manager isn’t the only way to progress, and how finding advocates (not just mentors) will support your progression. Cecilia adds a practical reminder: keep your receipts—document your achievements so you’re ready when promotion conversations come up. Whether you’re just starting your career in data or aiming for that next big leap, this episode will help you reframe how you think about promotions and give you actionable steps to start moving up with confidence. Tune in, and start owning your next career move.

In this episode, Karen speaks with Cali Wood, Head of Data & AI Strategy & Culture at AXA UK, about what it really means to future-proof your career in a world where GenAI is reshaping the skills landscape. From the rise of AI agents and natural language as a “coding language” to the growing importance of human skills like communication, ethics, and business understanding, Cali shares her experience based view on how AI is changing our field. She delves into: Practical AI use cases at AXA and their impact on data democratisation, and on the data team How the skills landscape is shifting and provides practical advice for early- to mid-career data professionals — and the leaders guiding them. How to stay relevant, collaborate with AI instead of competing against it, and use new tools to work smarter, not just faster. Cali also reveals why curiosity, boldness, and a willingness to challenge the status quo will be the superpowers of tomorrow’s data workforce. If you’ve ever wondered where our industry was heading, or what your role might look like in the future — and how to make sure you’re ready — this conversation is for you.

In this candid and empowering episode, Karen sits down with Maaike Van Der Branden, Chief Data Officer, to explore the real, unfiltered experience of returning to work after maternity leave. From battling imposter syndrome and skill gaps to rebuilding confidence and reshaping leadership, Maaike shares insights that every working mum, colleague, and employer should hear. Together, they discuss what it’s really like to return to your job as a new mum: the double guilt, the pressure to catch up, the fear of falling behind, and how crucial it is to be given time, space, and support. Maaike opens up about how motherhood has changed her—not just personally, but professionally—and how it’s made her a more empathetic and inclusive leader. They also tackle the values that drive career choices post-parenthood, from rejecting toxic industries to focusing on meaningful impact. Plus, don't miss the rapid-fire round on favourite books, tools, and leadership advice. 🎙️ Whether you're a mum in tech, a team leader, or someone navigating the messy middle of career and family—this episode will speak to you.

Screenshots of dashboards. Dashboards no one uses. Naming conventions we regret. In this cohosted episode, Cecilia and Karen unpack the everyday habits in data that might just make us cringe in 20 years. Inspired by the Future Data Cringe, https://www.futuredatacringe.com/, where 50 data leaders shared what they think will age badly, this conversation is full of laughs, reflection, and a reminder that we’re all learning as we go.