20: Ben Dundee - Human-Centered Data Leadership

OVERVIEW We're joined today by Ben Dundee, VP and Head of Data Science at Dekeo. Ben delivers sharp advice on how to become influential with data — changing hearts and minds across an organization. Empathy and community are key elements of his personality and success. Lots of lessons in this one!  Tired of being "stuck" in your tech career? Try the Wednesday Wisdom newsletter. *** TAKEAWAYS Don't let your past define your future; learn to say "thank you, next." Product Management is a great space to learn what the business cares about (you gain diverse perspectives). A data leader's role is often to ensure all people (technical and non-technical) believe in the value of the data effort. Don't waste time on data perfection (objective truth) — a simple model that's 80% correct is often the key to success. "Dance with fear" — embrace discomfort; this is how you build a great career and life. *** TIMESTAMPS [2:15] The self-branding journey: Physics PhD to Data Science VP [11:35] Using business knowledge and relationships as leverage to create impact [16:27] The mysticism of data science  [20:35] Skills for the mid-career tech professional [26:53] The worst advice to follow [31:34] Ben's advice to his younger self  *** RESOURCES Related episode (#19): You Don't Need an MBA Connect w/ Ben on LinkedIn Connect w/ Matt on LinkedIn Follow on Twitter @MatthewRDoan Check the show on YouTube Subscribe to the Wednesday Wisdom newsletter