033 - Digestible, Defendable, Actionable – How to drive impact with Data
Digestible. Defensible. Actionable.What does it really take to drive impact with data?Too often, analysts are left wondering:“Why didn’t anyone do anything with that insight?”This week on the Stacked Data Podcast, I’m joined by Sam Marks, Director of Analytics & Business Strategy at the Boston Bruins, to explore the gap between finding insights and driving action — and how to close it.Sam shares the Digestible, Defensible, Actionable framework he uses to turn analysis into outcomes, covering:✅ What makes an insight digestible (and where analysts go wrong)✅ How to make your work defensible and credible✅ What separates an interesting insight from an actionable one✅ How to overcome inaction from stakeholders✅ Real-world examples of the framework in actionThis one’s packed with tactical advice for any data professional tired of their work getting stuck in slide decks.
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032 - The key principles behind high-value data teams
Building High-Value Data Teams and the Future of BI with Oliver Hughes, CEO of CountIn this episode of the Stacked Data Podcast, we're joined by Oliver Hughes, CEO of Count — a business intelligence platform reinventing how teams collaborate through a flexible, canvas-style interface.Together, we explore: The key principles that make data teams truly impactful Why operational clarity, effective problem-solving, and reducing time to value are so critical How Count's unique approach is transforming data collaboration beyond traditional dashboards The future of BI and how data teams can stay ahead in a fast-evolving landscapeWhether you're leading a data team, building one, or looking for smarter ways to drive insights, this episode is packed with valuable lessons.Tune in and discover a smarter, more collaborative future for data!
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031 - Building a Modern Data Platform
In this episode of the Stacked Data Podcast, we're joined by Zach from Advancing Analytics to dive deep into the world of modern data platforms.Zach walks us through his career in data and his current role at one of the UK's leading data consultancies. We explore what a modern data platform really is, why companies are investing in them, and what it takes to build one that’s scalable, reliable, and genuinely useful to the business.From core stages and common pitfalls to ensuring business alignment and future-proofing, Zach shares the lessons he's learned delivering platforms for a wide range of clients. We also zoom out to talk about what it’s like working in data consulting—what skills matter, what a typical day looks like, and what makes someone successful at Advancing Analytics.If you're interested in data architecture, consulting, or just want to understand what "modern" really means when it comes to data platforms—this one’s for you.
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030 - Challenges of leading a small data team
In this episode of Stacked Data Podcast, I’m joined by Manou, Head of Data & X at Medik8, to dive into the unique challenges of leading a small data team—and more importantly, how to overcome them.✅ How do you prioritize when resources are tight?✅ How can small data teams drive real business impact?✅ What strategies help in building a strong team culture?Manou shares practical strategies on ensuring data teams stay focused on high-value projects, align with business goals, and maximize their potential—even with limited resources.If you’re leading (or part of) a small data team, this one’s for you.
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029 - Why the Semantic Layer is the Missing Piece in Data & AI
🚀 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 & 𝐀𝐈 🎙️ Data teams are investing more than ever in AI and analytics, yet many still struggle to make their data truly accessible, consistent, and reliable. One major reason? The semantic layer. Without a curated Semantic Layer, self-serve AI is a pipedream! In the latest episode of the Stacked Data Podcast, I sit down with Sarah Levy, CEO of Euno, to unpack why the semantic layer is often overlooked—and why it’s so crucial for businesses looking to scale AI and analytics effectively. 𝕎𝕖 𝕕𝕚𝕧𝕖 𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕠: 🔹Why so many companies struggle with data consistency and accessibility 🔹What a semantic layer actually is and why it’s a game-changer 🔹How it bridges the gap between raw data and real business impact 🔹The challenges of adoption & why many data teams still don’t have one 🔹How Euno is tackling this problem head-on If you’re working in data and your organisation is pushing for AI, this is a must-listen.
It has become evident to me that many data teams are grappling with similar challenges. Learning from the experiences of others can be incredibly valuable, which is why I am thrilled to announce the launch of The Stacked Podcast. This podcast is dedicated to sharing stories, pain points, challenges, and solutions within the data industry.I will be conducting interviews with industry leaders, delving into their cutting-edge projects, exploring the hurdles they faced, and how they triumphed over them. My ultimate goal is to provide you with insights and advice that will empower your team and propel your career forward.www.cognifysearch.com
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