Libsyn Directory

Beyond Numbers: Navigating Data Analytics with Joel Dunahoe, Ep #29

Release Date: 10/31/2023

Scaling Beyond Tools: The Multiplier Effect in Retail Tech with Sashi Arumugam, Ep#42

Tech Talent Today

In the fast-paced world of retail, it is easy to get distracted by "shiny" new technologies. But what happens when these expensive tools fail to deliver a return on investment? Many growth-stage companies struggle to compete with the "Amazon standard" while facing eroding profit margins and labor shortages. In this episode, Sashi Arumugam joins us to explain why scaling isn't actually about having the most tools: it's about the synergy between people, processes, and technology. We dive into the realities of warehouse automation, the "Ferrari engine" analogy for legacy systems, and how to...

Demystifying System Integration with Mohammed Shanab, Ep#41

Tech Talent Today

In today's complex digital world, businesses rely on countless systems, but what happens when they don't communicate effectively? Many organizations struggle with poor data flow and frustrating inefficiencies. In this episode of Tech Talent Today, we welcome back Mohammed Shanab (Shanab), a Director in IT specializing in application and data integration. Shanab is here to demystify system integration and explain why a focused approach is vital for any organization's success. We'll dive into the major pitfalls of poor integration, like frustrating data inconsistencies and inefficiencies...

From Layoff to 3 Job Offers: Mohammed Shanab’s Blueprint for Tech Job Search Success, Ep#39

Tech Talent Today

In today's fiercely competitive market, securing even one job offer can feel daunting. But imagine landing three coveted offers in just three months after an unexpected layoff! That's precisely what our guest, Mohammed Shanab (Shanab), achieved. A seasoned Director in IT specializing in application and data integration, Shanab joins us to reveal the invaluable strategies he employed to navigate the job market, from overcoming initial panic to proactively branding himself and leveraging his network to attract opportunities. Shanab candidly shares his journey, starting from the "wrecking ball"...

An Unbreakable Spirit: Andrea Samson's Journey for a Life-Saving Kidney, Ep#40

Tech Talent Today

This episode of Tech Talent Today is a little different, but it's a topic deeply personal and incredibly important to our community. We welcome Andrea Samson, the daughter of our very first guest, CIO Juliette Samson. Andrea is a first responder, an EMT, and an inspiring individual who has faced a lifelong battle with kidney disease. In 2009, she received a kidney transplant from her father, but is now once again in need of a life-saving kidney. Andrea joins us to share her story of resilience, her dedication to helping others, and how we can all come together to help her in her search for a...

AI Hype vs. Reality: Navigating Digital Transformation with Sunitha Ray, Ep#38

Tech Talent Today

Is the buzz around AI blinding you to its real benefits and the potential risks it brings to the enterprise? In this insightful episode of Tech Talent Today, we're joined by Sunitha Ray, a digital supply chain and technology executive focused on digital disruptive programs, technology and supply chain strategy, transformation & execution, AI and ML, and data engineering. With over two decades of experience leading digital and supply chain transformations at global giants like Walmart Labs and Shopify, Sunitha offers a grounded perspective on what's truly happening with AI implementation,...

Beyond the Buzz: Master AI Prompt Engineering & Future-Proof Your IT Career with Bob England, Ep#37

Tech Talent Today

Is the AI revolution leaving you feeling… behind? Everyone’s talking about AI, but how can you actually harness its power to supercharge your career? In this eye-opening episode of Tech Talent Today, we go straight to the source with Bob England, a senior executive in IT infrastructure and operations. Bob isn't just talking about AI; he's actively developing a guide on prompt engineering to help professionals like you leverage AI immediately and effectively. Forget the hype and learn what really matters for your career. Bob reveals why simply "using" AI isn't enough – and why mastering...

Searching for a Job? You Don't Have to Do It Alone with Mark Beatty, Ep# 36

Tech Talent Today

In today's challenging tech job market, what strategies are actually working for experienced technology leaders? Mark Beatty, an executive board member of the Society of Information Management New Jersey and co-chair of their Members in Transition program, shares invaluable insights from the frontlines of tech career development. Drawing from his extensive leadership experience at First Advantage, New York Life, and Citigroup, Mark reveals how the most successful job seekers are navigating the current landscape through focused networking, strategic use of AI tools, and collaborative support...

Why Technical Skills Aren’t Enough: Building IT Teams with John Erickson, Ep #35

Tech Talent Today

What does it take to create an IT team that doesn’t just work well together but thrives over the long term? In this episode, John Erickson, Director of Information Technology at Berje, dives into the secret sauce of team building: developing people, not just delivering projects. With two decades of experience across industries like manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and banking, John shares how he identifies talent, nurtures potential, and fosters an environment of collaboration and growth. From coaching team members through challenges to celebrating their big wins, John’s people-first...

Unlock the Secrets of IT Leadership with Pasquale Cirullo, Ep #34

Tech Talent Today

In this captivating episode, we sit down with Pasquale Cirullo, a dynamic IT executive whose remarkable 20-year journey has taken him from the trenches of technology to the forefront of leadership. With a wealth of experience guiding diverse teams across manufacturing, real estate, non-profits, advertising, and publishing, Pasquale brings a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in the fast-paced world of IT. Join us as we delve into his transformative experiences, from eye-opening leadership courses to game-changing books that have shaped his management philosophy. Discover how...

Inside the Hiring Manager's Mind with Sravan Muthiraj, Ep #33

Tech Talent Today

Join us for an insightful discussion with Sravan Muthiraj, a customer-obsessed product leader VP at a large financial services firm. Sravan shares his unique perspective as a hiring manager on navigating today's work environment, drawing from his experiences leading multidisciplinary teams across design, data, product management, and technology. Explore strategies for effective storytelling in interviews, building supportive professional circles, and developing a strong personal brand. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in… 0:00:00 – The Power of Storytelling in...

More Episodes

In this episode, Jodi chats with highly influential leader, expert, and director of analytics Joel Dunahoe, who holds a remarkable two-decade journey of shaping the analytics landscape for Fortune 500 companies and IT organizations.

Get ready for an insightful conversation as Joel delves into the triumphs and challenges of data’s dynamic world, his inspiring approach to cultivating a thriving workplace culture, and the power of networking and support. Plus, discover Joel’s ingenious ‘so-what’ principle, which he utilizes when recruiting new talent and hear his invaluable advice for those aspiring to break into the field of data analytics.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…

Creating a workplace culture that prioritizes growth [02:02]
Joel’s professional pathway from finance to becoming director of analytics [04:06]
The evolution of data analytics: Deriving valuable business insights past and present [05:41]
The primary challenges of acquiring and integrating data [08:08]
How to get started: Pursuing a career in data science [12:30]
An introduction to the “So What” principle [16:40]
The importance of storytelling and immediate feedback [18:54]
The value of innate curiosity in the analytic space [20:43]
Onboarding and demand in the data recruitment market [24:11]
The benefits of seeking mentorship by committee [25:26]
Navigating remote work environments and honing skills for virtual interactions [28:10]
Advice on getting started in the data field [31:58]

“Curiosity has to be an innate skill set, especially in the analytic space, because there are so many questions that are at the top of mind, not answerable immediately, and you’ve got to go off and figure out how to get that question answered.” – Joel Dunahoe.

Communication, storytelling and curiosity

Throughout the discussion, Joel emphasizes the importance of communication, compelling storytelling and curiosity in the data field. Joel highlights the significance of allowing individuals to present their work while providing immediate feedback to improve their storytelling skills. With insights and examples, Joel’s dynamic approach helps foster continuous team growth and ensures that data-driven insights are always communicated effectively.

Joel also unpacks the driving force of curiosity within the analytics space. Curiosity fuels the drive to find answers to complex questions that may not have immediate solutions. Throughout the discussion, Joel encourages analysts to nurture their curiosity and embrace the ever-evolving nature of the field. With new subject areas, tools, and questions emerging constantly, staying curious is essential for continued success within this fast-paced industry.

Prioritizing Time for Growth:

Do you set aside time to get organized and embrace learning opportunities? We loved hearing how Joel’s team at Covetrus has implemented a unique practice of blocking off Wednesday mornings to dedicate time to personal growth and honing technical skills. This commitment demonstrates the team’s recognition of the importance of staying updated with advancements within their industry.

Resources:

Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room

https://www.amazon.com/Enron-Smartest-Guys-Peter-Coyote/dp/B001AMTTVS

Tableau: Interactive data visualization software company

https://www.tableau.com/

Data podcast recommendations:

The Analytic Mind: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-analytic-mind/id1541066997

The Data Storytellers: https://www.thedatastorytellers.com/

Connect with Joel Dunahoe:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-dunahoe/

https://covetrus.com

Connect with Tech Talent Today host Jodi Kulek Mayer:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikulekmayer/