In recognition of Women in Tech Week, Kubrick consultant Uma Parekh teamed up with Women in Data to share the stories and experiences from female data professionals on their journey to leadership, following unique pathways to success.
I had the pleasure of taking the stage on behalf of Women in Data® to moderate one of their inspiration panel sessions, joined by leaders in the data science world to explore how women can leverage career redirection and skills transference to accelerate their career trajectories – and improve outcomes in today’s data-driven era. I was thrilled to host the conversation with Raj Purakayastha (Lead Data Scientist at Esure), Lisa Hursell (Lead Data Scientist at the Metropolitan Police), and Rajmati G. Marlecha (Lead Product Data Scientist at Expedia Group). In recognition of the inaugural (Oct 7–11), I caught up with my fellow panelists to reflect on the importance of the conversation and what we learned together.
Here were some of our top takeaways, some of which have evolved from the first inception of the panel topic to our current reflections on how
the talk was received.
We’ve taken different journeys, but we share the same reflections on the path so far…
During our preparation for the panel, we quickly realized that despite our different journeys into data, we shared common experiences. The key unifying sentiment was our reflections on the continued prevalence of imposter syndrome and how the scarcity of women in senior data roles limits visibility into potential career paths. Our shared enthusiasm for bringing personal stories to the fore allowed us to quickly build a rapport in our first planning session together – a rapport that would shine through once we hit the stage at Big Data LDN.
Though our journeys so far have differed, we recognized the importance of how our paths had converged in that moment. In our industry, it can be difficult to make space for women to connect and learn from each other – or even just spend time in each other’s company – so having the opportunity to share the stage together with Women in Data® was a milestone.
The power of personal stories
Our panel drew an impressive crowd, with attendees stood around the edge of the theater and even some turned away at the door. While it was certainly a wonderful surprise, it was also a testament to the power of personal stories in capturing attention and fostering engagement. It was great to see heads nodding along as the speakers shared their experiences, and this strong turnout highlighted how storytelling not only informs but also inspires, a key message that we highlighted in the discussion too.
Raj and I both gave a shoutout to our mentors that were in the audience who were non-technical individuals that truly recognized our strengths and support our ongoing development – seeing them in the audience was a fulfilling, full circle moment.
AI is everywhere: take a moment to reflect on its significance for you
There was no corner of Big Data LDN that AI (and particularly GenAI) didn’t touch – and rightly so! It is the culmination of all of our work in data. But it’s important to take a moment to consider what AI truly means for you and your organization. Building the key foundations whilst reflecting on how your strengths can help you align with your goals, such as effective communication to assist non-technical audiences in adopting AI or fostering a willingness to upskill from the ground up to develop a technical foundation.
By approaching AI thoughtfully, you can ensure it is not just a buzzword but a strategic move that propels you and your organization forward. “AI should be embraced as a toolkit, not feared”, Rajmati explained. “Thoughtful use enhances human potential, streamlines processes, and solves complex problems. Key to success is understanding its potential, applying it ethically, and continually expanding your expertise by leveraging current skills, starting small, and staying adaptable. Focus on mastering core principles rather than just specific tools for lasting growth.”
A ‘pivot’ can take you in a lot of directions – play to your strengths and be authentically yourself
Career pivots are far more common today than ever before and can take many forms; each is uniquely shaped by individual experiences and aspirations. Whether it’s upskilling from scratch, applying your previous experience to the data field, or redesigning your current role to be more data-oriented, these transitions often bring the chance to harness your strengths and passions. “Curiosity plays a crucial role in these transitions, driving the desire to learn, explore new fields, and adapt to emerging opportunities”, Rajmati added. “Curiosity fuels the continuous learning needed to thrive in this changing landscape.”
