Mining Your Own Business Podcast

In this podcast episode, we sit down for a chat with Derek Camp from Milo’s Tea Company. Derek is the Senior Manager of Operational Analytics at Milo's Tea. Tune in as he shares his journey at Milo's, where he's grown from a replenishment analyst to leading a team of analysts across logistics, supply chain, operations, and quality.  Derek discusses how his team leverages data to dri...

In this episode of the Mining Your Own Business podcast, we’re joined by Frazier Seay-Rad, a leader in AI and machine learning within the sports betting and casino industry. Frazier dives into how AI is transforming everything from enhancing customer experiences to driving revenue growth.  Tune in as Frazier and host Evan Wimpey chat about practical applications of AI, the challenges of balancing...

In this episode of Mining Your Own Business, John Cook shares his unconventional journey to leading a data science team at one of the world’s largest hospitality companies. As Senior Director of Data Science and Reporting at Marriott International, John guides a talented team supporting U.S. and Canada sales, marketing, and revenue management for Marriott. Tune in as John shares insights into the...

In this episode of Mining Your Own Business, Data Scientist Xhoana Laska shares how she and her team are bringing data innovation to the field of industrial paint and coatings, an industry that became prominent in the late 1800s. With her background in mathematics and statistics, Xhoana’s knack for numbers has come in handy in her role at National Coatings & Supplies | Single Source, Inc. She...

Explore the dynamic world of retail data analytics with Sravan Vadigepalli, Senior Director of Products and Engineering at Lowe’s. In this episode you’ll learn about the unique analytics challenges and opportunities in the home improvement space and how Lowe’s approaches product development.  During the chat Sravan also shares his thoughts on the future of data-driven innovation in retail. Grab so...

When considering evaluation metrics for classification models, is it possible for one metric to rule them all? Join us for a lively debate between Aric LaBarr, Associate Professor of Analytics at NC State's Institute for Advanced Analytics, and Robert Robison, Elder Research Senior Data Scientist.  During the debate Robert champions AUC’s comprehensive measure of model performance, while Aric...

In this episode Evan Wimpey sits down to chat with Nirmal Budhathoki. A seasoned data scientist at Microsoft, Nirmal has extensive experience in both cybersecurity and the tech industry.  During the conversation Nirmal discusses his unique career journey, from unexpected detours, including serving in the Army, to becoming a data scientist. He also talks about applications of machine learning in cl...

Kicking off Season 3 of Mining Your Own Business, Evan Wimpey sits down to chat with Bill Shube. A supply chain analytics expert with over 11 years at the LEGO Group, Bill is also the founder of Supply Chain Watchtower. Through his company Bill’s goal is helping small businesses effectively manage their inventory. Grab a chair and tune in as he shares his story. Bill talks about how his team has s...

In this episode Evan Wimpey chats with Mike Arney, founder of PB Vision, a company helping pickleball players gain game-changing insights. Tune in as he shares how his company got started and how his team is applying AI, machine learning, and computer vision in new ways.   Mike also shares why it’s important to value the thoughts and ideas of end users and how that collaboration makes a difference...

In this episode of Mining Your Own Business, Evan Wimpey chats with Eric Siegel, bestselling author and founder of Machine Learning Week. Tune in as he shares why businesses need to focus on machine learning projects that work in the real world.  Eric also dives into the importance of measuring the impact of machine learning projects, the need for business professionals to understand the technolog...

Tune in as host Evan Wimpey chats with PayPal Data Science Lead Gulrez Khan about the art of data storytelling. With over two decades of experience, Gulrez has discovered how data storytelling can be an effective tool to bring clarity to the complex.  In this episode he shares lessons he’s learned and creative ways he's helping children and adults build data literacy.  Key Takeaways 🔹 The im...

Join us as we chat with our founder Dr. John Elder. In his decades of experience, he's witnessed the ebb and flow of numerous data analytics projects. And along the way he’s discovered keys to achieving success. Key Takeaways 🔹 Why successful data analytics projects rely on teamwork, honesty, and perseverance 🔹 How Elder Research has approached challenges and helped organizations move from...

Sarah Kalicin from Intel shares insight on how data science can positively impact the way teams work on this episode. As an HR Data Scientist at Intel Corporation, Sarah brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our discussion. Her journey is a fascinating blend of industrial statistics and diverse industry experience, including roles at Ford Motor Company, Nabisco Craft Foods, and medical de...

Grab some coffee and tune in as Jack Levis, Chief Product Strategy Officer for ESP Logistics Technology, chats with Evan Wimpey on the Mining Your Own Business podcast.  Jack spent over 40 years at UPS, making significant contributions to their use of analytics and technology. In this episode he reflects how UPS evolved as a data-driven organization and how change management was a key part of that...

In the ever-evolving world of data science, creativity is key to problem-solving. In this episode Mary Stimson, Big Data Analyst at Southwest Airlines, shares her journey into data science and how creativity has come into play in her role. Tune in as host Evan Wimpey chats with Mary about the importance of adaptability and innovation in data science, and how these elements play a role in creating...

In this episode you’ll meet Kathryn Walter, a senior operations research analyst at Avista Corporation. Kathryn shares an inside look at how operations research is making an impact at this utilities company based in Spokane, Washington.  Tune in as our host Evan Wimpey chats with Kathryn about how she got into the field and how her team has used operations research to make informed and cost-saving...

Kicking off the second season, Evan Wimpey chats with Nechama Katan, director of data science for a large pharmaceutical company.  In the episode Nechama shares how her journey in the world of analytics and pharmacy began and what she’s learned along the way. From using risk-based monitoring in clinical trials to building effective teams, Nechama’s experience has led to data-driven solutions and b...

On the show today, Evan sits down with Isaac Collazo, Vice President of Analytics at STR. Isaac shares how he got started in the travel and hotel industry, and how he’s seen data analytics in the hotel space take off and advance over time. He discusses what type of data STR works with and how they strategize delivering key insights to their clients. Isaac and Evan also discuss what it takes to be...

Today we welcome to the show Eric Sims, Senior Analyst of Strategy and Analytics at LendingTree, an online lending marketplace. Eric and host Evan Wimpey discuss the process of getting projects off the ground, ways of making analytics accessible to business units and stakeholders, and gaining alignment on business endeavors. Eric also shares how he has been enriched by personal investigative data...

On today’s episode, Francisco Rius gives us an exclusive look into the data world of the ever-popular video game Minecraft. Francisco is the Head of Data Science and Data Engineering with a background in business economics and marketing. He and host Evan Wimpey discuss his journey to his current role at Minecraft and how data insights are used to improve each player’s experience. Francisco shares...

On today’s episode, we welcome Rob Horrobin to the show. Rob is Pacific Life’s AVP of Data Science where he leads the Advanced Analytics Center of Enablement. You’ll hear Rob and Evan discuss the Center of Enablement and how it supports data science efforts across the organization. Rob describes their "Do-Partner-Support" strategy, which governs how they support internal clients while al...

We’re kicking off the new year with Rick Hinton, founder and CEO of Valerius Consulting. Valerius provides adaptive change management services, especially for data analytics organizations. Rick and Evan discuss what change management looks like in the analytics world and why it’s necessary for growth. We learn about the importance of the words “trust”, “deliberate”, and “gradual” as they relate to...

Today’s very special guest joins us all the way from the North Pole. Elf is the Head of Data and Analytics at Santa’s Workshop. Elf and Evan discuss how the elves got into data analytics to solve complex problems, from toy manufacturing to efficient delivery routes. Elf describes how data analytics has changed over the centuries that he’s worked at Santa’s workshop. He also provides insight on inc...

Joining us today is Selma Dogic, Senior Manager of Analytics at Carter’s. Selma discusses strategies for the implementation and adoption of data solutions in a large multi-brand business. Selma and Evan also talk about how data teams coordinate with the business side of Carter’s to deliver solutions. Finally, Selma discusses future directions for data analytics at Carter’s, which includes the impo...

In this episode, we are joined by Zach Wasielewski, Senior Data Scientist at General Mills. Evan and Zach discuss Zach’s role in strategic revenue management and how data science teams operate cohesively in a large multinational company like General Mills. They discuss change management strategies and how General Mills has grown as an established company. Zach also shares about his background in f...