Ep.140 - Guide to returning to your career in data after maternity leave
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.
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Ep.139 - Stay Relevant or Fall Behind:Thriving in the Age of Generative AI
Karen is joined by Cindi Howson—Chief Data & AI Strategy Officer at ThoughtSpot and host of The Data Chief Podcast. If you saw her speak at the Women in Data flagship conference, you’ll know how inspiring and bold her perspective is.
In this episode, Cindi shares her take on where data and AI are heading—and it’s not business as usual.
They explore:
How generative AI and AI agents are already changing the landscape of work
What it means for data professionals, particularly women, and their careers
How to stay relevant through continuous learning and adaptability
The pressing need to address bias in AI and create more inclusive data cultures
Cindi asks: “If you can’t do this, then who?”—a challenge to step forward and lead the change in tech.
Whether you're a data leader, practitioner, or just curious about the future of AI, this episode is packed with insight, practical advice, and a call to action.
Cindi recommends:
Coded Bias
Race after technology
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Ep. 138 - Data Teams Habits that Make us Cringe
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.
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Ep. 138 - Data Teams Habits That Make Us Cringe
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.
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Ep. 137 - What Data Job is Right for you? Breaking down Data roles
In this episode, Cecilia welcomes Riya Joshi, a Data and Applied Scientist on the Microsoft Edge Browser team, to demystify the wide world of data roles. Riya breaks down the field into four core paths—analyst, engineering, science, and product—explaining the purpose, required skills, and career fit for each.
Drawing from her journey from India to the USA, Riya offers guidance on how to assess your strengths, explore industry niches, and build skills that align with your goals. The conversation covers everything from storytelling with data and domain knowledge to navigating job descriptions and preparing for technical interviews.
Riya shares tips on building real-world experience through projects and bootcamps, structuring CVs, and preparing for interviews. Whether you’re switching careers or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration to help you break into and thrive in data.
Welcome to the Women in Data Podcast, where every other week your host, Karen Jean-Francois interviews some of the most inspiring women working in data. Through each episode, they share their invaluable experience and knowledge. Leaving no stone unturned, the WiD Podcast series will provide you with information on the use of data in various industries, plus helpful tips for career development. More importantly, it will enable you to become the data professional you want to be.
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