“Something that is often underappreciated in analytics is the importance of speed. Speed is – the great multiplier. The more questions you can ask, the more answers you get. The more answers you get, the more likely you are to get – the answer you need.” — Conor O'Kane [03:15]
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 data 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.
Brilliant data bits
“There are no conferences that talk about analytics as a craft as opposed to tooling, very little in the way of meetups. A lot of analysts come in and [they don’t] necessarily understand straight off the bat what is expected of them. We have to put a lot of work into that.” — Conor O'Kane [0:16:20]
“There is progression within the discipline. Product analysts can be incredibly highly valued, and incredibly highly paid, and the path to get there [should be] clear.” — Ollie Hughes [0:17:43]
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.
“Growing by working closely with other people who know more than you is just by a distance the best way that you can learn. It's ‘small m’ mentorship.” — Conor O'Kane [0:23:27]
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 More than Numbers Live:
