S4 | Ep 16 | The Lean StartUp Approach to Data & Analytics with Ben Dias, Director of Data Science and Analytics at easyJet

In Episode 16, of Season 4, of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Ben Dias, Director of Data Science and Analytics at easyJet, where they discuss the lean startup approach to Data & Analytics, which includes;

• Being a stereotypical neurodiverse data scientist
• Being driven by solving problems that no one else had
• Working on recommendation algorithms 20 years ago
• Intentionally investing heavily in personal development around ‘soft skills’
• Mapping out what “The Lean Startup Approach” to Data Science would be
• Deciding whether to stay technical or move into leadership
• Approaching leadership as a science
• Being one of the first airlines to launch their NetZero roadmap
• Having a CEO who drives the data agenda
• Not being able to build the foundations fast enough to keep up with demand
• How they delivered value incrementally while building the foundations
• How the business continued with investment in data programmes even while planes were grounded during Covid
• Demonstrating the value of the lean startup approach
• The 6-steps practical guide to implementing the lean startup approach (article below)
• The benefits delivered from the lean startup approach
• The challenges/considerations to this approach
• Why you shouldn’t deliver any work until you know what “done” looks like
• Why you should always address the riskiest thing first
• The importance of not being the HIPPO as the Data Leader
• Why you need to align the approach to your vision
• Why all prioritisation conversations have to start with a conversation about value
• The importance of having a framework of measuring non-financial metrics
• The benefits of having a flat structure
• Keeping fixed costs low
• Why you need to have a diverse team to solve complex problems
• Why using external partners can bring “diversity of thought”
• Thinking outside the box to hire a more diverse team
• Implementing data fluency programmes
• Using apprenticeships to upskill business users

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