More than Numbers

• 004: What Data Teams Can Learn from Finance: Monzo’s Secrets to Data Accuracy w/ Phillip van Blerk of Monzo

  Monzo is a powerhouse in the UK "modern banking" space, taking on the High Street incumbents to grow to 11 million customers. But what can data teams learn from a leader in the FinTech arena? Turns out, a lot. In this episode of More than Numbers Live, we sit down with Phillip van Blerk, Director of Finance Data at Monzo, the UK’s largest digital bank. Phillip reveals how he’s taken learnings from the finance world to help his team at Monzo maintain top-tier data accuracy and make faster decisions. He discusses: Monzo's internal data operations, including the development of in-house tools like Firehose. The importance of subject matter expertise in uncovering the truth behind data. Strategies for fostering a data-first culture, treating every team member as a data practitioner. Want to know how Monzo gets data right and what your team can learn from their approach? Tune in to hear Phillip share actionable strategies for integrating data fluency into every level of your team and learn how to leverage data for organizational success! What you'll learn [01:04] Phillip’s first BI tool at university and its capabilities. [02:04] Monzo Bank’s data structure: key tools, including those developed internally. [04:03] Central responsibilities of Phillip’s team within finance. [05:07] An overview of the key tenants of data value: operational clarity and problem-solving. [06:01] How data teams form the glue of an organization by creating a common language. [08:31] Navigating the concept of objective truth within an organization. [11:12] How finance teams approach standardization of definitions. [14:30] Insights into the role of data teams in finance institutions. [16:24] The advantages of being a subject matter expert in the data you are working with. [18:42] Phillip’s advice to those early in their data careers. [20:42] Anonymous data letters posting questions to Phillip and his informative answers. Downloads & links 👋 Connect with Phillip on LinkedIn 🔗 Check out Monzo Bank 🚀 Connect with Ollie Hughes 🎙️ Subscribe to More than Numbers

  --------  

  25:36
• 003: She Trained 20,000 Data Analysts: Here's What They Got Wrong w/ Mico Yuk of Analytics on Fire

  Have you ever wondered why so many data analysts struggle to make an impact despite their technical skills? If you’ve ever felt like your dashboards are more noise than insight or questioned how to elevate your career in data, this episode is for you. In this episode of More than Numbers Live, Ollie Hughes sits down with data storytelling expert and co-founder of the Analytics on Fire Podcast and Data Storytelling Academy, Mico Yuk, who has trained over 20,000 data analysts. Mico breaks down: The three biggest mistakes data analysts make Why data storytelling and empathy are the real superpowers of modern analysts especially in the age of AI. How applying “TLC - tenderness, listening, and clarity” is the key to success Mico shares hard-won insights on how data analysts can shift from chart monkeys to strategic thinkers. Tune in to learn how to break the cycle of ad-hoc analytics and truly drive value in your organization! What you'll learn [00:53] Mico’s first BI tool and the most common data tools analysts use today. [02:53] The "epidemic" of bad analytics: asking the wrong questions, getting lost in the tools, and failing to think critically. [06:27] Top 3 Reasons that data storytelling and mindset matter more than visualization. [07:55] How critical thinking, not dashboards, sets top data analysts apart in the AI era. [11:04] Why modern data analytics should focus on workflow, not just data presentation. [12:46] How to fix broken analytics: when to iterate versus when to start from scratch. [14:54] The importance of enhancing human-to-human interaction to generate value. [18:06] Why accepting that hospitality, sales skills, and other keys to a successful data career. [19:39] What TLC means in data analytics - tenderness, listening, and clarity and why it’s important. [19:55] Career advice for data analysts moving on how to move forward in their careers. Downloads & links 👋 Connect with Mico on LinkedIn 🎙️ Listen to the Analytics on Fire Podcast 🔗 Grab all mentioned downloads and links via the show notes page 🚀 Connect with Ollie Hughes 🚀 Learn more about the Count Canvas 🎙️ Subscribe to More than Numbers

  --------  

  24:02
• 002: Data as a Growth Engine: Inside Cleo’s Winning Playbook w/ Conor O'Kane of Cleo

  Speed is everything when it comes to data; and Cleo, an AI-powered money assistant, has mastered the art of fast, data-driven decision-making. And it's a crucial reason behind them being one of the UK's fastest-growing startups. In this episode of More than Numbers Live, we sit down with Conor O’Kane, Head of Analytics at Cleo, to unpack how data isn’t just a support function but a core driver of Cleo's explosive growth. From starting with a small analytics team to scaling a 35-person analytics division within a 300-person company, Conor shares how embedding analysts into product teams fosters: Strategic thinking; Rapid iteration, and High-impact decision-making He also reveals why Cleo prioritizes speed at every level—from tool selection to team structure, and shares their publicly available skills framework, which is a must-read for anyone in data. Want to learn how to build a high-impact analytics team, leverage data for real business impact, and accelerate decision-making in your own organization? This episode is packed with actionable insights to help you do just that! Tune in to hear how Cleo's approach to analytics can transform the way you think about data-driven growth. What you'll learn [01:22] Conor's first BI tool experience and reflections on how analytics has evolved. [04:30] Cleo's data team structure: 60 data professionals in a 300-person company. [06:32] Ways that Cleo has optimized for speed in its modern data stack. [09:52] Reasons that Cleo avoids adding unnecessary data tools to maintain agility. [11:17] The power of embedding analysts into product teams for strategic impact. [14:48] How Cleo's publicly available skills framework elevates analytics as a career path. [18:05] Shaping strategy, not just reporting on data: what makes Cleo's analysts different. [21:58] Choosing a company that fuels your growth (and other data career advice). [25:54] Insight into Conor's goal-setting and accountability approach. Downloads & links 👋 Connect with Conor on LinkedIn 🔗 Learn more about Conor's company: Cleo 🔗 Check out Cleo's must-read progression frameworks 🚀 Connect with Ollie Hughes 🎙️ Subscribe to MtN

  --------  

  28:00
• 001: AI Isn’t Enough: Why Governance Still Matters w/ David Jayatillake, VP of AI at Cube

  Data teams have the power to drive business growth, but only when they have the right tools, strategies, and data to turn insights into action. In this debut episode of More Than Numbers Live, we discuss how AI and semantic layers can transform data teams with David Jayatillake, VP of AI at Cube. Tuning in, you'll learn about the four tenets of driving business value through data teams: Operational clarity Problem-solving Decision efficiency Impact measurement We also dive into practical applications of AI in data workflows and explore the steps for accelerating access to data insights, automating root cause analysis, and enhancing collaboration between engineers and business teams. David is a seasoned data leader with extensive expertise in credit, payments, and revenue management. As a two-time founder, investor, and AI enthusiast, David is passionate about finding innovative ways to leverage data for growth and competitive advantage. Tune in now for insights into the risks of poorly implemented AI tools, actionable strategies for effectively integrating AI into data workflows, why storytelling is a vital skill, and more! Brilliant data bits [Adoption of AI] is always a GTM [Go-To-Market] problem. It is not usually a product problem ~ David Jayatillake [0:19:12] I believe [that] AI can be very helpful in many different settings and not just for analytical ~ David Jayatillake [0:11:50] What you'll learn [01:01] Hear about David's early experiences with Business Intelligence (BI) tools. [02:39] Learn about Cube’s internal data stack and how its semantic layer is structured. [05:30] Discover the benefits of a semantic layer and how it improves data governance. [06:39] Find out about Cube's shift to using SQLMesh and its impact on data modeling. [10:20] Unlock a proven framework to help data teams drive value. [11:45] Explore how AI is enhancing workflows and improving operational clarity. [14:23] What impact AI has on problem-solving, speed, and root-cause analysis. [17:28] Insights into the gaps and limitations of AI and what to expect in the future. [19:37] Examine how AI will benefit data development and engineering tasks. [20:35] Unpack the risks and dangers of poorly designed and implemented AI tools. [23:38] Get tips for managing expectations when leaders push for AI dashboards. [25:41] Why David thinks sales and storytelling skills are essential for a successful career. Downloads & links 👋 Connect with David: LinkedIn | X | Substack 🔗 Check out David's company: Cube 🚀 Connect with Ollie Hughes 🎙️ Subscribe to MtN

  --------  

  27:07

Meer Technologie podcasts

Trending Technologie -podcasts

Over More than Numbers