Women in Big Data Podcast: Career, Big Data & Analytics Insights

We connect, engage, and grow Women in Big Data by sharing their stories and experiences, while also unlocking their full potential through insights and advice from industry experts and thought leaders.

By doing so, we discover Career Insights and learn how to harness the power of Big Data and Analytics to stay ahead of the curve, drive innovation, and create a better future for all.

Contributors

Host

Désiré Timmermans

Desiree is the Program Director of Women in Big Data Podcast & Founder of Help To Grow Talk: Helping Tech Experts Navigate Difficult Talks - And Enjoy It!

She has 25 years ICT experience, a background at Global Technology/IT-Consulting Corporations, and holds a master's in Organizational Studies from University of Amsterdam. In 2017, she founded Help to Grow Talk with a mission to provide tech experts with a framework for navigating business/career/personal growth challenges. Her "Listen. Talk. Grow." approach includes:

Step 1: Listen - Tap into the power of listening
Step 2: Talk - Discover your unique sweet spot in effective communication
Step 3: Grow - Raise awareness and enjoy getting better

Desiree also hosts the podcast Help To Grow Talk: Effective Communication Skills

Guests

Guest

Amit Shivpuja

Amit is the Director of Data & AI Enablement at Walmart, and author of the book: The Data & AI Compass.

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

Guest appearance on:

22. Data, AI & Business Outcomes - A Talk With Amit Shivpuja (Walmart) & Madhavi Rajan (Rackspace Technology)

Guest

Deborah Sgro

Deborah Sgro is a certified career professional and founder of Beyond The Glass Ceiling, LLC, a private practice where she coaches technology and business professionals at all levels to achieve their career objectives.

She spent over 40 years on Wall Street as a senior financial technologist, designing and implementing technical solutions that supported the business goals of the New York Stock Exchange, American Stock Exchange, and BNY Mellon. Throughout her career, she always championed emerging talent—creating and leading mentoring programs, guiding on-the-job training, and personally coaching professionals to advance their careers.

She serves on the Board of Advisors for Women in Big Data and leads the Global Mentoring Initiative for this nonprofit association. Deborah is also the President-Elect for the North Carolina Career Development Association.

Guest

Erika Lunceford

Erika is an nnnovative business leader with diverse tech and financial services background. She blends startup agility with enterprise vision, expertly shaping strategies for revenue growth, cost reduction, and transformation through technology innovation.

She has a proven track record in strategic leadership, prioritization, analysis, product management, and channel management. Cultivates inclusive teams, focusing on client-centric outcomes.

Achievements include creating compelling experiences, re-engineering markets for growth, standardizing capabilities for quality, and connecting stakeholders. Champion of diversity and inclusion initiatives, with a passion for coaching, mentoring, and sponsoring others to shine.

Guest

Madhavi Rajan

Madhavi is the Head of Product Strategy, Research & Operations at Rackspace Technology, and she is a Member of the Board of Directors at Women in Big Data.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/madhavi-rajan

Guest appearance on:

22. Data, AI & Business Outcomes - A Talk With Amit Shivpuja (Walmart) & Madhavi Rajan (Rackspace Technology)

Guest

Valerie Zapico

Valerie is Co-Director Women in Big Data Brussels & CEO/Founder at Valkuren: Unlock The Power of Data. As a valued contributor, she co-hosted multiple episodes of the Women in Big Data Podcast.

Valerie has been working in ICT since 2006, starting her career as Business Intelligence Consultant and Project Manager for a consulting company specializing in SAP services in Paris and Brussels. Also, Valerie has worked for a Big Five Tech Company and several other corporates.

At the end of 2014, Valerie decided to start Valkuren, a Data-Tech company leveraging the business from start-ups to corporates. Valkuren aims to unlock the power of data – Cloud, Analytics & AI – emphasizing the human link and gender equality.

Valerie is always interested in sharing her knowledge and coaching new and motivated people in her domain. She holds a Master's in Statistics and Business Intelligence.