The Effective Statistician - in association with PSI

In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I dive into a crucial skill—building influence within a clinical trial team. As statisticians, we often need to negotiate timelines, advocate for better analysis methods, and ensure clear communication across teams. The stronger our influence, the more impact we can have on study outcomes and, ultimately, patients. I break down the key pillars of trus...

I know firsthand how challenging it can be to manage a heavy workload while maintaining mental well-being. In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I talk with Peter Wehmeier about the five key dimensions of self-management—building strong relationships, setting priorities, making decisions, and taking action. We share practical strategies to reduce stress, strengthen resilience, and take co...

Welcome to another episode of The Effective Statistician! Today, I sit down with Darko Medin to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming biostatistics. Darko works as a biostatistician for companies worldwide and builds digital solutions that push AI’s boundaries. We dive into Bio AI Works, the platform he’s developing to improve AI reliability and eliminate issues like hallucinations i...

In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I explore Slow Productivity by Cal Newport—a book that challenges how we think about work and efficiency. I welcome Alun Bedding and Steve Mallett to discuss how statisticians can apply Newport’s principles: doing fewer things, working at a natural pace, and obsessing over quality. We share our experiences with managing workloads, cutting unnecessary...

In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I talk with Justin Belair about the process of writing a book on causal inference, one of the hottest topics in statistics. Justin explains how he discovered causal inference, what motivated him to write a hands-on technical book, and how he balances theory, real-world applications, and coding exercises. Having written a book myself, I know the challe...

In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I introduce the Medical Data Leaders Community (MDLC)—a powerful new resource for statisticians, data scientists, programmers, and other quantitative professionals in healthcare research. I created this community to help you build and refine your leadership skills, so you can increase your influence and drive better decision-making in your organizatio...

Do you ever feel like your to-do list keeps growing no matter how much you check off? I’ve been there—busy all day but still feeling unproductive and overwhelmed. In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I share practical strategies to help you take back control. You'll learn why to-do lists spiral out of control, how to use the “single bridge system” to manage tasks efficiently, and how pri...

In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I tackle the challenge of a packed calendar head-on. If back-to-back meetings, endless calls, and constant interruptions leave you with no time for deep, meaningful work, you’re not alone. I once averaged 37 meetings per week, so I know exactly how overwhelming it feels. I break down why our calendars spiral out of control, the real cost of this nonst...

In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I tackle a challenge that many of us face—working long hours and feeling stuck in an endless cycle of pressure and expectations. I’ve spoken to countless professionals who struggle with ever-growing workloads, limited resources, and rigid workplace structures that make it difficult to work more efficiently. But the real issue isn’t just about managing...

In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I explore how GAMS—the General Algebraic Modeling System—can solve complex optimization problems and transform how you approach modeling. I talk with Steve Dirkse, an expert who explains how GAMS simplifies challenges in logistics, healthcare, and beyond. Unlike generalized additive models, GAMS uses an algebraic modeling language to handle intricate...

Are you tired of rushing through endless meetings, juggling countless tasks, and feeling like the grind never stops? Do you wonder if all this hustle is worth the toll it’s taking on your health, relationships, and happiness? In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I challenge the unsustainable culture of constant hustle and offer a better path: long-haul leadership. I’ll show you how focus...

Welcome to another episode of The Effective Statistician podcast! Today, I tackle the essential skill of negotiation—a tool we statisticians use every day, often without realizing it. We negotiate when we push for better study designs, adjust project timelines, or secure resources like training and conference budgets. Beyond work, we negotiate in our personal lives with family, friends, or vendors...

In this Friday edition of The Effective Statistician, Alun Bedding takes center stage to discuss a topic central to leadership and personal influence: Trust. With his characteristic insight and practical approach, Alun explores how trust forms the foundation of effective leadership, regardless of one’s title or position. Drawing on real-world examples and actionable strategies, he highlights the h...

Welcome to a brand-new year and an exciting new episode of The Effective Statistician! I’m thrilled to kick off 2025 by sharing some incredible news—I’ve written a book! After years of planning, false starts, and a lot of learning along the way, How to Be an Effective Statistician is finally complete and will officially launch on January 15th. In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of how t...

In this Friday edition of The Effective Statistician podcast, Alun Bedding tackles the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome. He shares his own experiences with self-doubt, offering listeners a transparent and relatable perspective on how these feelings can affect even accomplished professionals. Drawing insights from Dr. Steve Peters' The Chimp Paradox and other tools, Alun explains how our "inner...

What makes a great leader? How do you build trust, influence others, and create real value in your organization? In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I show you how to grow as a leader by following a powerful cycle: learn, do, reflect, and start again. Leadership goes beyond authority—it’s about taking action, communicating effectively, and driving meaningful change. I share practical st...

Planning for 2025 doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it can be a powerful exercise in aligning your goals with your ideal lifestyle and long-term aspirations. In this episode, Alun Bedding provides actionable strategies and thoughtful insights to help you approach the year ahead with clarity and purpose. Whether you’re aiming to elevate your career, find balance, or simply refine your approach to goa...

How do we find the right dose in immune-oncology trials? Is the traditional “maximum tolerated dose” approach still enough, or should we also focus on efficacy? In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I talk with Teppo Huttunen, a seasoned statistician and co-founder of the boutique CRO, Estimeds. We uncover the shortcomings of the conventional three-plus-three design and explain how the Ba...

Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed in your work as a statistician? Do you wonder how to stay sharp and maintain balance while tackling complex challenges? In this Friday episode of The Effective Statistician, my co-host for, Alun Bedding, takes the lead to unpack the concept of "sharpening the saw," inspired by Stephen Covey's Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Alun dives into the art of c...

Welcome to this episode of The Effective Statistician! Today, I explore an exciting and rapidly growing field: digital health interventions. Have you ever wondered how to define engagement with these tools? Why does measuring engagement matter so much for their success? And how can statisticians solve the unique challenges that come with this digital space? I speak with Jack Elkes, a PhD researche...

Have you ever thought about how clinical trials affect the environment? I hadn’t, until I spoke with Annie Wright, a first-year PhD student at Imperial College who is passionate about greener research. In this episode, we uncover how clinical trials contribute to climate change, from travel emissions to operational inefficiencies. We dive into practical actions statisticians and researchers can ta...

Have you faced the challenge of dealing with non-proportional hazards in survival analysis? In this episode, I team up with Kaspar Rufibach, a statistical methodology expert, to break down what proportional hazards mean, why the assumption often fails, and how you can tackle these situations effectively. We explain key concepts like hazard functions, discuss practical ways to analyze and visualize...

Introduction to Episode: "How Real Leaders Help Their People Grow Professionally and Personally" What does it take to be a great leader? How do you build trust, inspire growth, and create real value for your team and organization? In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I sit down with Aziza Yormirzaeva and Klaus Breuer to answer these questions. Aziza shares how Klaus, her former manager,...

What makes gene therapy so different from traditional drug development? How do we address safety when each patient only receives a single dose? And why are statisticians so essential in this process? In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I sit down with Oscar Segurado, an MD, PhD, an expert in gene and cell therapies, to answer these questions and more. Oscar draws on decades of experienc...

What if we could target genetic diseases at their root, offering lifelong cures instead of temporary solutions? And what role do statisticians play in making this breakthrough possible? In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I dive into the fascinating world of gene therapy—an area packed with both promise and complexity. I'm thrilled to finally cover this revolutionary field with two expe...