"What I should mention is I never plan to go into data science or analytics. I have studied behavioral sciences, understanding why people behave the way they do." — Jimmy Mogrip [0:02:02]
The best data teams don't just provide reports—they uncover insights that drive real business value. But how do you transition from being a dashboard factory to becoming a strategic problem-solving engine?
In this episode of More than Numbers Live, we dig into the answer. Ollie Hughes sits down with Jimmy Mogrip, Global Director of Insights and Analytics at Podimo, to discuss how his team focuses exclusively on generating actionable insights that move the business forward.
In our conversation, Jimmy breaks down:
- Why Podimo separated its data functions into three specialized teams: AI, Business Intelligence, and Insights & Analytics
- How his insights and analytics team is able to focus solely on solving high-value business problems
- The workflow for identifying opportunities and turning data explorations into actionable recommendations
- Why soft skills like problem translation and data storytelling are more valuable than technical abilities when hiring for insights roles
Want to learn how Jimmy’s team at Podimo have mastered the art and science of data-backed problem solving? Don't miss this episode!
Brilliant data bits
"A lot of projects that we're doing and the things that we're looking into is not an actual request from someone. It's something that we have seen somewhere, or something we as a team think is missing." — Jimmy Mogrip [0:11:23]
"What actually matters is the outcome, and the outcome is more shaped by your soft skill in my team than your actually hard data coding skills." — Jimmy Mogrip [0:23:00]
What you'll learn
- [01:04] Jimmy's unexpected journey from behavioral science and communications into data analytics
- [05:01] Inside Podimo's Google-heavy data stack: BigQuery, Looker, dbt, Python and R
- [06:48] How Podimo structures its 20+ person data team across three specialized functions
- [09:11] The origin story of the dedicated Insights & Analytics team and its focus on recommendations
- [11:23] Finding the balance between exploratory analysis and delivering actionable insights
- [16:09] Building trust through embedded analysts and early stakeholder collaboration
- [19:26] Creating metric trees that connect squad-level work to company-wide business objectives
- [22:10] The critical soft skills Jimmy looks for when hiring analytical problem-solvers
- [24:18] Career advice: "A great data scientist never says 'Aha, I found it!' He always says 'Hmm, that's odd.'"
"The way to just leaning in, being shoulder to shoulder with the business, helping them think, having complete understanding of what's really going on... that's just the best way to do it." — Ollie Hughes [0:17:42]
Downloads & links
🚀 Connect with Jimmy Mogrip
🔗 Learn more about Podimo
🚀 Connect with Ollie Hughes
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