10 Data Leaders to Watch

In honor of Data Innovation Day, we want to take a look at Data Leaders shaping our industry.?

From founders of data-centric companies to thought leaders, educators, and influencers, these innovators are at the forefront of shaping how we understand, analyze, and utilize data. We hope that you keep your eye on some of these creators, and are inspired to innovate.?

Susan Walsh?

Susan Walsh is the founder of The Classification Guru Ltd , which uses data classification, supplier normalization, taxonomy development, and data cleansing to achieve cost savings and informed business decisions.? Susan is also on the Advisory Committee for the Data Collaboration Alliance , a nonprofit that seeks to protect data ownership and data value. Her contributions provide clarification and empowerment to professionals across industries when it comes to managing their data.

Check out Susan’s book, “Between the Spreadsheets: Classifying and Fixing Dirty Data”, here.?

Christina Stathopoulos

Christina Stathopoulos, MSc is the founder and CEO of Dare to Data where she helps companies transform their data into insights and their insights into action. She has delivered exceptional speeches at countless events as an established thought leader in the world of data.? Her business is built on the ACE pillars, which stands for Advise, Create, Educate. Christina’s work is paving the way towards advancements in data science and helping numerous businesses grow and find success through the way they manage their data.?

Click here to visit her page on EM360Tech and learn more about Christina’s work with emerging data technologies

Kirk Borne

Kirk Borne, Ph.D. is the Founder of Data Leadership Group where he provides an array of services including training, consulting, and public appearances.? Dr. Borne is a renowned data scientist and educator with significant contributions in Machine Learning and Big Data. Throughout his career, Dr. Borne has focused on promoting data literacy and encouraging the responsible use of data in decision-making processes. His achievements reflect a commitment to innovation, education, and mentorship, making him a key figure in the ongoing evolution of data science and its applications across multiple industries.

Click here to visit the Data Leadership Group and learn more about Dr. Borne’s expertise and services.?

Ravit Jain

Ravit Jain is the Founder and Host of The Ravit Show which airs live on YouTube and LinkedIn and has featured over 200 Data Science and AI leaders. Beyond that, he serves as a Gartner Ambassador and board advisor at EM360. Ravit has done the incredible task of creating community in the data space through The Ravit Show. This work amplifies businesses’ voices in the industry, platforms experts and thought leaders, and provides a valuable space for professionals to learn from each other.?

Click here to learn more about Ravit and to stream The Ravit Show.

Dustin Schimek?

Dustin Schimek is the Co-Founder of the Data Careers Summit , which helps emerging data professions achieve their career goals. He’s also the Creator and Co-Host of the Data Ideas Podcast , which celebrates the achievements of Data Analytics. Dustin is an ambassador for the positive impact of great data management, and his work serves as a beacon of hope for businesses looking for great results.?

Register for the next Data Careers Summit here.?

Luke Barousse

Luke Barousse is a YouTube influencer and self-described “Data Nerd” exploring data analysis and AI. Luke’s platform centers around education and the democratization of information. His channel is a must for anyone seeking to build community and learn more about data analysis. He also offers an online course on SQL for Data Analysis.?

Subscribe to Luke’s channel here.

Sadie St. Lawrence

Sadie St. Lawrence is the CEO and Founder of both Human Machine Collaboration Institute and Women In Data?? , which seeks to diversify the industry and empower women in data roles. Women in Data now has over 60,000 members in over 55 countries. Sadie’s work has fostered community, significantly increased representation, advanced careers, and created countless opportunities. This work has irreversibly bettered the Data Science industry, and has led Sadie to numerous awards.

Learn more about how you can support Sadie’s mission at Women in Data here.

Zach Wilson?

Zach Wilson is the Founder of DataExpert.io , an online advanced data engineering bootcamp. Zach’s impressive Data Engineering background has led to a passion for education demonstrated through his bootcamp and social media channels which Zach uses to spread his knowledge of data engineering and tech. His work with DataExpert.Io is training data experts and innovators that will change the world.?

Click here to enroll in DataExpert.Io.

Cindi Howson

Cindi Howson is the Chief Data Strategy Officer at ThoughtSpot and the host of The Data Chief podcast. Cindi specializes in BI and evaluating how data processes affect a company. Cindi’s contributions to the world of BI are impressive and expansive and are demonstrated by a slew of awards including Innovator of the Year delivered by Women in Data. She’s an encouraging leader in the industry, and a must-follow account.

Listen to full episodes of The Data Chief here.?

John Thompson

John Thompson is a self-described serial innovator and accomplished author with a focus on Data and Generative AI. His work has led to dynamic growth and increased revenue for companies across the globe. He’s also an accomplished author. His books democratize data management by making the knowledge and skills that businesses need to harness the power of their data readily available.?

Check out John’s latest book Casual Artificial Intelligence: The Next Step in Effective Business AI here.

Whether it's through podcasts, books, or educational platforms, these leaders are democratizing data knowledge and providing pathways for others to follow. Their contributions are advancing Data Science and empowering the next generation of data professionals. As you explore their work, consider how their insights can inspire your data journey in data and how you can push boundaries and harness the power of data.?