Data Driven Leadership

If you're a parent, you know how critical it is to connect with teachers. And research backs this intuition up. From Harvard to the Journal of Education Research, numerous studies show that family engagement in education boosts student learning outcomes. So, how do we engage families in learning? It all starts with clean data and interoperability. Here to explain the relationship between tech and family engagement in learning is Strategy and Marketing Officer Dr. Chad Stevens. Chad shares what he’s learned from his career in the education industry, including his work at ParentSquare, and the innovative ways the right technology seamlessly brings families and educators together. Chad explains the importance of clean data, interoperability, and connecting applications like ParentSquare to other forms of data to give educators and parents the information they need at the right time. He also shares his insights on making data-driven decisions as an EdTech leader and emphasizes the need to stay focused on learners. In this episode, you’ll learn: Things to listen for: [00:00] An introduction to the episode [06:45] The importance of data interoperability [11:45] Bridging the gap between technology and instruction [16:30] How interoperability impacts family involvement in education [20:45] Balancing intuition with data [28:30] Staying focused on learners as technology evolves

How does trust in data shape educational policy? We’re diving into this question today with Dr. David Ramadan, a seasoned executive and international consultant with over 25 years of advocacy, business, and government relations experience. Dr. Ramadan discusses the need for educational policies to embrace a data-driven approach for enhanced student outcomes and more effective resource allocation. He explains the factors contributing to the politicization of data and shares the importance of trust in creating a data-driven culture. In this episode, you will learn:

Education change-makers know that when data empowers, it’s much more powerful than data that merely meets compliance requirements. Chief Information Officer for the Georgia Department of Education, Dr. Keith Osburn, and Chief Data Officer Nicholas Handville are doing just that by giving data back to educators across the state in formats that facilitate its use as a valuable decision-making tool. In this episode, they share how they’re providing accessible, timely, and actionable data products that teachers and education leaders can use to make the best decisions for their students. They explain the critical role of system interoperability, modernizing data infrastructure, and establishing trust with all stakeholders. Throughout the conversation, we explore tangible ways data reshapes educational landscapes by shifting from a compliance to a value-driven model, particularly post-COVID. Keith and Nicholas emphasize the need for an accessible approach tailored to support schools and districts regardless of their starting capacity. In this episode, you will learn:

Collecting good data is only half the battle. The next major hurdle? Getting that data into the hands of the people who need it. Data Quality Campaign (DQC) Executive Vice President Paige Kowalski is on a mission to do just that: Get education data to students, families, and educators. As a first-generation college student herself, Paige understands the high stakes of making informed decisions about post-secondary education. She joins us to share her insights on the need for accessible and reliable data to guide students and parents through the complex journey from high school to college and beyond. In this episode, you’ll learn:

Data is not just a tool. It’s a transformative force, shaping our present and defining our future. As we reflect on season three, host Jess Carter reveals how the power of data extends far beyond the business realm. From unemployment mitigation to sports innovation, data serves as a guiding force for positive change in every facet of our lives. We’re also looking forward to what’s next for the podcast: an education mini-series with Dr. Curt Merlau. He’ll shed light on how policy is influenced, the players involved, and the role of data in policy formation. Whether or not you’re in the education space, this mini-series will provide new perspective on data-driven innovation. You don’t want to miss it! In this episode, you will learn:

Data-driven decisions are the future of employment. In this conversation, Indiana Department of Workforce Development Chief of Staff Josh Richardson shares how data can shape employment strategies and personal career paths. Josh shares his journey of working on the development of Pivot, an innovative tool designed to empower individuals experiencing job loss. He explains the importance of data sharing, collaboration, and feedback in launching the tool. Throughout the conversation, we explore the intersection of data, leadership, and public policy in Indiana's approach to workforce readiness. In this episode, you will learn:

Ten years of determination led Nick Elam, assistant professor and program director at Ball State University and consultant for the Canadian Elite Basketball League, to change the future of a 130-year-old institution: the game of basketball. In 2007, he realized that over-reliance on the clock in the fourth quarter brought even the most exciting basketball game to a grinding halt. Nick introduced a (literal) game-changing concept based on data and focused on enhancing the excitement of the game's conclusion, which became known as the Elam Ending. In this conversation, Nick shares how he developed the Elam Ending and the dedicated years of perseverance required to see his vision from concept to the court. He explains the importance of speaking in terms of outcomes, incorporating feedback, and remaining patient in the face of resistance and disinterest—and how these concepts translate into leadership of any type. In this episode, you will learn:

A sports-like approach to work can keep teams enthused and motivated. Gamifying your team’s day-to-day could be the boost needed to reach the next big milestone. In this conversation, Resultant Client Success Leader Preston Howell dives into a concept called the Great Game of Business (GGOB), which brings financial and business literacy and transparency to every employee in an organization through an exciting sports-like environment. Preston highlights the importance of data and business metrics comprehension for employees, which is essential for questioning and improving outcomes. He shares how telling the stories behind the numbers along with balancing the financials is part of keeping a business thriving. From managing PTO spikes to the nuanced impact of sick time on revenue, we cover the strategies for smarter forecasting. In this episode, you will learn:

The speed of your business intelligence can make or break success in any fast-paced environment. Businesses that tap into the power of real-time data easily stay ahead of the competition. In this episode, Tinybird co-founder Jorge Sancha shares his insights on the impact real-time data has on business leadership making informed decisions. He dives into the compounding effect of real-time analytics and automation on revenue. Jorge also provides guidance on conveying the value proposition of data warehouses to leadership. In this episode, you will learn:

In this episode of Data Driven Leadership, Donatos Pizza CIO Steven Graves details how he calmly navigates the intersection of tech and business amidst the feverish pace of both. Steven shares with host Jess Carter stories and lessons learned throughout his impressive career—including building a major retailer’s first e-commerce site on a limited budget and turning it into a $400 million success story. Steven says the tech part is the easy part; it’s organizational change management that can make or break a transformation’s success. The conversation includes mastering empathy, winning hearts, and nurturing change champions within your organization. In this episode, you will learn:

The heart of data-driven decision-making lies in understanding the purpose behind the numbers—why we collect specific data and how it can drive our missions forward. No one understands this more than Peter Krombach, director of data operations, governance & engagement at the Indiana Department of Health. His journey in the public health sector has taught him that collaboration and the strategic use of data save time and lead to truly impactful outcomes. In this conversation, Peter and host Jess Carter dissect the priorities and action steps of data-driven leaders in the public sector. Peter shares how building a community with your team that values camaraderie, mutual understanding, and the blending of diverse skills can markedly retain talent and drive success. If you're an executive leader looking to transform your organization's data culture, press play to hear insights on creating shared understanding in projects, blending public health and data skills, and nurturing a data-centric culture that thrives on collaboration and innovation. In this episode, you will learn:

This episode discusses the groundbreaking lawsuit just filed by The New York Times against OpenAI and Microsoft for copyright infringement, citing allegations of using millions of articles without payment or permission in the training and operating of their Ai tools. Jess Carter breaks it down in simple, relatable terms; shares an eye-opening conversation she had with ChatGPT about its sources; and points out the actions all data-driven leaders need to take now to treat their data as an asset and define and ensure their policies about the use of AI in their organizations. Sources mentioned, plus two new articles about the suit: Hannah Malmstrom “10 AI Best Practices for Businesses: Using AI Safely and Ethically.” Dillon Michael White Instagram reel @dillonmichaelwhite The New York Times: “The Times Sues OpenAI and Microsoft Over A.I. Use of Copyrighted Work” MSN: “New York Times sues OpenAI, Microsoft in copyright clash”

‘Tis the season to be jolly… and to set your sights on the new year. In this festive edition of #DataDrivenLeadership, host Jess Carter and producer Chelsea Gill share their insights, reflections, and resolutions for the new year. From discussing New Year's resolutions to habit tracking, they delve into the power of data in their everyday lives, sprinkled with some holiday cheer. They also share their hopes and dreams for the podcast in 2024, hoping to hear inspiring stories from you about how the podcast has impacted and transformed your data journey. If you’d like to share how the show has helped or inspired you, send a note to Jess Carter on LinkedIn. In this episode, you will learn:

In our fast-paced world, software tools and professionals have grown increasingly specialized and fragmented. However, we’re now shifting toward integrated solutions and data generalists. Tarush Aggarwal, a seasoned data engineer and CEO of 5X, has witnessed firsthand the transformation of the data industry. From working on data problems for large organizations to leading a 100-person data team at WeWork, Tarush has experienced several shifts in the industry. In this episode, you’ll learn about the rise of the data generalist, the importance of having the right tooling in place, and the benefits of fully managed, end-to-end data platforms. Tarush also explores the challenges of fragmentation and the allure of best-in-breed solutions to help you understand the secrets to effective data management and how it impacts the success of a business. In this episode, you will learn:

In this episode, Dr. Jake Wall demonstrates the importance of data-driven decision-making in conservation efforts. He shares how his organization uses data to combat ivory poaching, address human-wildlife conflict, and bridge the gap between ecologists and policymakers. Additionally, he explains how a game-changing app has transformed data collection and made it accessible to others, contributing to a better understanding of elephant habitats. In this episode, you’ll learn:

Data-driven doesn’t mean robotic. In fact, using data in client experience and employee engagement actually helps you understand people more deeply. By leveraging data, leaders can make informed decisions while keeping the human connection at the forefront. In this episode, Resultant CEO Greg Layok shares his leadership experience and the importance of data-driven approaches. He emphasizes the necessity of putting people over processes in management, and he advocates for Agile principles as guiding principles for behavior, trusting teams, and providing them with the autonomy to excel. In this episode, you will learn:

Numerous healthcare professionals strive to enhance patient outcomes; with the advent of conversational AI, this goal is becoming a reality. This innovative technology converts intricate data into groundbreaking discoveries and accelerates progress in the healthcare field. In this episode, host Jess Carter sits down with Authenticx Chief Evangelist Leslie Pagel to discuss the revolutionary changes conversational AI data brings to the healthcare sector. In their conversation, you’ll hear Leslie share how providers use AI to listen to service call logs, gain unprecedented insights, and refine patient care. The result is a novel approach to prioritizing customer needs in the healthcare industry. In this episode, you will learn:

In today's age of information overload, merely presenting data doesn’t reach your audience. To engage them, we need to weave data into compelling, authentic stories. As we wrap up Season 2, our host, Jess Carter reflects on the insights she’s learned both from our guests and from personal experience about how to better tell data-driven stories. You’ll discover not just the art, but the heart of data-driven storytelling, ensuring yours resonates deeply, authentically, and convincingly with your audience. In this episode, you will learn:

Managing IT costs is a big challenge for organizations that handle large amounts of data, but shifting to a cloud infrastructure can help with some of those pains. In this episode, host Jess Carter talks with Fred Gottman, Senior Manager at Resultant, about the field of cloud infrastructure. The conversation focuses on data-driven leadership and the benefits, challenges, and differences of cloud infrastructure from traditional IT management. Since cloud computing did not exist 20 years ago, it’s still a pain point for organizations who don’t have the resources to make the switch. Whether you are in IT or another department within your organization, this conversation is relevant for the overall success of the business. In this episode, you will learn:

What if the futuristic world of generative AI is closer to the public sector than you think? 🚀 In this episode of Data Driven Leadership, host Jess Carter engages with Chris Hein, director of customer engineering for the SLED team at Google. Together, they illuminate the path of Generative AI as it shapes aspects of public life like education, privacy, and efficiency. Chris shares his firsthand experience, unveiling the innovations and real-world applications that are transforming how governments leverage data. From tech enthusiasts to public sector professionals, this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the cutting-edge intersection of AI and government. Don't miss this opportunity to peek into the future with one of the industry's leading voices. Listen as we uncover: