Adam Austin @ The Hartford | Data Science Hangout

We were recently joined by Adam Austin, Director of Data Science at The Hartford to chat more about data science as a tool, but relationships as the real driver of business value and success.

Speaker bio: Adam Austin is a data science leader who, over a 10-year career, has been intensely curious about why data science projects fail despite their initial potential. Invariably he has seen that it is not sophisticated models and ideas, but relationships that enable the promise of data and analytics. In addition to advocating for good workflows and development practices, Adam has turned his attention to how data scientists can become better communicators, help business partners articulate their needs, and build bridges to success amidst complex and ambiguous business backdrops -- all while having a little fun. After all, maybe the real data science is the friends we make along the way.

Here are a few key takeaways from this sessions:
⭐️ Data science thrives on strong relationships. The most challenging aspects of the job often involve navigating business relationships and comprehending how data science fits into a company's broader goals.
⭐️ When presenting ideas to executives, strive for simplicity and clarity. A straightforward visual representation of data can be more impactful than a complex, difficult-to-explain model.
⭐️ Data science initiatives often involve navigating the complexities of human motivations and organizational politics.
⭐️ Data science teams should aim to be value creators, not just ticket-takers. Transitioning from a reactive to a proactive team requires strategic planning and stakeholder engagement.
⭐️ A robust intake process is essential for vetting and prioritizing data science projects.
⭐️ Data scientists can add significant value by challenging existing metrics and proposing alternative measurement strategies.
⭐️ Growing disconnect between skills emphasized in academic data science programs and the practical needs of the industry. Universities need to equip graduates with the skills to handle real-world data challenges, including data cleaning, wrangling, and understanding business context.

Resources & Links Mentioned in the chat:

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