To run a successful data consulting company, you need deep technical or traditional consulting experience.

I built Intelligen to solve real commercial problems, not to follow industry norms. I’ve also redefined who traditionally leads in data; purposefully building a company that is more than 50% women, because diverse perspectives drive better solutions and challenge the status quo in ways the industry desperately needs.

Stick with teaching; the hours are good and holidays even better.

Sorry to disappoint Mum. I've been through three career changes and learned valuable lessons from each and every one of them. It was through those changes that led me to where I am today. I couldn't imagine being anywhere else, doing any other role. I'm grateful I ignored that piece of advice. Mum's can't always be right...

Scrum Wars: The Stakeholder Strikes Back

Mentoring padawans, taming stakeholders, and delivering against all odds.

Storytelling!

The most influential and trusted people I know in this industry know how to turn figures, numbers and dashboards into narratives, metrics into meaning, and complex findings into decisions that drive action and decisions. The most powerful data isn’t just accurate—it’s persuasive. It answers the question, so what? And that’s where storytelling comes in. Whether it’s convincing executives why a strategy needs to change or helping a client see hidden opportunities, the ability to craft a compelling data-driven story is often the difference between being heard and being ignored.

Sharp, insightful, sometimes brutally honest—but always with your best interest at heart.

She’d be the friend who remembers everything, has the receipts to prove it, and always knows when you’re lying to yourself.

Cracking the Code: One Dataset at a Time

In a world ruled by data, I play detective—uncovering hidden insights, solving complex puzzles, and turning numbers into business gold that fuel brand growth and customer engagement. Every dataset holds a mystery, and I have the skills to crack the case. My creativity knows no bounds.

If women ruled the data world, the first industry-wide change might be a move toward more ethical, inclusive, and socially responsible data practices.

Their focus on collaboration, community well-being, and fairness would encourage more thoughtful data management, ensuring privacy, diversity, and equal representation are at the forefront.

Gatekeeper of Smooth Operations

I want to keep everything running like clockwork and make sure the team has all the support they need to thrive. With my intuition, multitasking skills, and sharp attention to detail, I anticipate needs before they become problems, manage chaos with grace, and keep everyone aligned. Let's be real—when a woman is in charge, efficiency isn't just a goal, it's the standard.

Discovering I enjoy teaching others the skills imparted to me by my own mentors has been immensely satisfying.

Other than the obvious (if you know me you know), just how much I've moved on from a purely technical role, and more and more into team leadership and training.

Networking!

Technical expertise is important so you know your shit, but building relationships and connections in the industry has opened up more doors and brought in solid supports for me.

Women have long juggled multiple roles; at work, at home, and in their communities.

This has shaped our ability to focus on what truly matters. This is a woman's superpower.

My career playlist would be:

1. Heigh ho - Snow White and the Seven Dwarves

2. How Bizarre - OMC

3. The Scientist - Coldplay

Understand the Root Cause

Data flows from source to destination, facing issues along the way due to platform or application differences. To solve these problems, we must trace the data path, and understand the root cause.

If data were a woman, she would be influential.

She would be the anchor. But not everyone would be able to decode her - Only the ones who truly listened.

If my younger self see me now, she would be surprised I became a tech-savvy!

I started in theatre and film, so how techy I've become.

Sonya drives values-based data strategies across industries. With leadership roles at Westpac NZ, BNZ, Fonterra, and NZ Post, she champions storytelling in data and the evolution of women in tech. Her North Star for the year—"belief"—reflects her commitment to growth and innovation.

Elisa leverages data to drive decision-making, player performance, and fan engagement. Passionate about diversity and inclusion, she navigates the challenges of a male-dominated industry while embracing AI to enhance efficiency and innovation in Australian sport.

Chantal is a trailblazer in AI, ML, and data analytics. From her roots in France to her current expertise in data analytics and software consulting, her story is all about embracing work-life balance and understanding the levers to excel in the corporate world.

Kathryn combines technical expertise with strong soft skills to drive success in data. With an impressive career journey, she offers valuable insights on leadership and career growth in the analytics space.

Dr. Catherine is passionate about her role as a woman in data and analytics, and her commitment to helping and inspiring others in the field is commendable. With deep expertise in data strategy and leadership, she drives innovation and transformation across industries.

Emma is committed to mentoring the next generation, she empowers women to thrive in technology. With an inspiring career journey, she champions diversity in tech while sharing valuable lessons on leadership and innovation.