LinkedIn Top Voices 2018: Data Science & Analytics

These are the 10 must-know writers and creators discussing everything from the prominence of Python to the ethical implications of artificial intelligence.

Every day, over 2 million posts, videos and articles course through the LinkedIn feed, generating tens of thousands of comments every hour — and tens of millions more shares and likes. So, who stood out in 2018 — and who should you be following to stay ahead?

We dug into the data to reveal our 4th annual LinkedIn Top Voices list, uncovering today's must-follow professionals in data science and analytics. To find standout voices, we use a combination of data and editorial signals. We screen for engagement among professionals sharing in their area of expertise, looking at what kind of conversations — measured by engagement, including comments and re-shares — their original content is creating. We track relative follower growth, too: Are these professionals attracting dedicated fans in their particular sector? Finally, we emphasize quality and diversity; the list should reflect the world we work in.

These members have shared about everything from how to tell a persuasive story with data and A.I. transforming the way we work to how to interview and the human side of data science. They are curating what you need to know to stay ahead when it comes to data, both big and small: how we use it, how we protect it and its future potential.

Here are this year’s 10 #LinkedInTopVoices in data science and analytics.

Gregory Piatetsky-Shapiro | President & Editor, KDnuggets

What he talks about: As the author of a prominent and popular blog that focuses on all things data science, including developments in artificial intelligence, analytics, big data and machine learning, Piatetsky-Shapiro seeks to help readers better understand the topic through an accessible style of writing.

Favorite conversation starter: Piatetsky-Shapiro points to "Python eats away at R: Top software for analytics, data science, machine learning in 2018," which served as a deep-dive analysis of the software poll he has conducted annually since 2001. The article provided a unique sampling of trends and changes in data science and data mining tools, and more than 100 data scientists, engineers and business analysts chimed in to discuss the merits of their preferred software.

What’s not on his LinkedIn profile: Piatetsky writes short, humorous poems that he dubs ‘Gregoires.’ Although penned mainly in Russian, he also composes them in English. “I started with nursery rhymes for my 1-year-old granddaughter, but somehow this expanded into other topics.”

See more by Gregory Piatetsky-Shapiro.

Kate Strachnyi | Program Manager - Data Analytics, Advisory

What she talks about: A data analytics ace, Strachnyi focuses on data visualization best practices and reviews technology tools such as Tableau, Power BI and Qlik. Strachnyi offers unique insights into the data world and the world of fitness. She conducts interviews from various locations and industries, branding them as Humans of Data Science — to, naturally, spotlight data’s human side.

Favorite conversation starter: Strachnyi’s posts around running reflect her belief that physical fitness can make a difference in people's lives. In posting about her data-led experience as a runner, including her preparation for the New York City marathon, she has also helped convert hundreds of readers into regular runners — they often keep her posted on their progress, she says.

When she gets her best ideas: “My best writing is when I am sitting in the dark in my kids’ bedroom,” Strachnyi explains. “I wait for them to fall asleep and write to keep myself from falling asleep with them. It's when all of my content ideas flow into my head.”

See more by Kate Strachnyi.

Favio Vázquez | Founder/CEO, Ciencia y Datos

What he talks about: Vázquez, an experienced physicist and computer engineer, focuses on using data science and A.I. to try and make the world a better place. Working for a variety of corporations and education organizations, he creates content, develops courses and helps grow data science programs.

Favorite conversation starter: Vázquez’s recent post about the personal importance of LinkedIn received more than 2,000 likes — including one from CEO Jeff Weiner — and 100-plus comments from statisticians, data scientists, teachers and education consultants.

What’s not on his LinkedIn profile: “I'm a drummer and I love music,” he says, adding that he has been in multiple bands.

See more by Favio Vázquez.

Tarry Singh | CEO, Co-Founder & A.I. Researcher, deepkapha.ai

What he talks about: Singh leads an A.I.-focused training organization and covers all things data, including ongoing learning focusing on A.I., deep learning and machine learning technology. He also writes about the importance of career development and employment issues close to his heart, such as leveraging the power of A.I. and using data to your advantage.

Favorite conversation starter: He is particularly proud of his video that revealed how he embraces nature and absorbs its calm to harness his ambitions. The data community responded with more than 400 comments.

How LinkedIn fits into his work tempo: A significant portion of his business contacts and “monetizable business” is generated by LinkedIn, Singh says. So enamoured is he with the platform, he says he recently deleted his Facebook account.

See more by Tarry Singh.

Sarah Nooravi | Marketing Analyst, MobilityWare

What she talks about: Nooravi, a Los Angeles-based analyst for a gaming company, posts content for  professionals in working in data science — as well as those who aspire to engage in the field. Most are technical in nature and provide commentary on how the industry could improve; she also covers trends and projects she is enthused by, along with useful tools and resources she has unearthed.

Favorite conversation starter: A post directly addressing those attempting to enter her field unpacked the hype surrounding data science and challenged newcomers to ask themselves why they actually want to enter the industry. More than 200 data analysts, geophysicists, and data scientists weighed in.

How she gets her best ideas: Nooravi says most of her posts arise from conversations at work or with friends. “It's either that or something I see in the industry that frustrates me.”

See more by Sarah Nooravi.

Nic Ryan | Data Scientist, DataFriends

What he talks about: Ryan, an Australian based in rural Queensland, encompasses all things data science and A.I. — from writing your very first line of code to managing teams. He also reflects on homeschooling his children.

Favorite conversation starter: A recent post focused specifically on teaching his daughters to code. He is of the belief that not enough focus is given to teaching children how to solve their own problems. He contends that future data scientists must be empowered to problem solve, and more than 100 commenters concurred.

What’s not on his LinkedIn profile: "I live across the road from a beach and five hours away from anything that even looks like a city,” he muses. “Yet I am able to run my own business and stay connected to the data science community through being active on LinkedIn.”

See more by Nic Ryan.

Andreas Kretz | Big Data Engineer

What he talks about: Hailing from Germany, Kretz focuses on predictive maintenance and writes about the nuts and bolts of data science, big data platform design and data engineering techniques. He aims to demonstrate how data science is applied in the real world by showcasing tools, techniques and apps where data makes a difference.

Favorite conversation starter: When he asked his followers to send him some questions about data engineering and big data, Kretz was thrilled with the response: 100 readers (including students and interns) asked for his thoughts.

When he does his best writing: “Early mornings in my office, from around 5 to 7,” Kretz says. “My wife and the kids are still sleeping, and I have the house for myself.”

See more by Andreas Kretz.

Kristen Kehrer | Founder & Data Scientist, Data Moves Me

What she talks about: A data scientist and founder of a Massachusetts startup with almost a decade’s experience, she writes about how to work cross-functionally while bringing machine learning output to life through data storytelling. She strives to make her writing accessible to a non-technical audience and provide tips on how to interview for data science positions.

Favorite conversation starter: After asking her followers about their favorite online data science courses, she aggregated the data and published a piece to help aspiring data scientists navigate the overwhelming number of online courses available.

What’s not on her LinkedIn profile: Kehrer, a mother of two, is “passionate about pole dancing and body positivity.” As well as recently competing in the Northeast Pole Championships, she ensures she gets to pole class at least once a week.

See more by Kristen Kehrer.

Melvin Greer | Chief Data Scientist, Americas, Intel Corporation

What he talks about: Intel’s chief data scientist based in Washington, D.C., writes about the adoption of data science and A.I., encouraging readers to become more data literate and better understand the legal and ethical implications of A.I.

Favorite conversation starter: This article looks at how A.I. will transform the future of work, and Greer has sought to help readers consider what’s uniquely human.

Where he gets his best ideas: “I work with very smart people,” he says, modestly. “I tend to listen and then use my knowledge and experiences to add color, nuance and perspective.”

See more by Melvin Greer.

Tricia Aanderud | Sr. Director Data Visualization & Data Science Practice, Zencos

What she talks about: The prolific author and SAS Business Intelligence leader focuses on telling data stories that help influence organizations toward positive actions. She’s eager to assist the data analysts and data scientists who have excellent findings but struggle to communicate what they’ve learned.

Favorite conversation starter: Aanderud’s article “Think like a storyteller to persuade with data” highlights the intricacies of what a data storyteller does. Many people believe data storytelling is simply about presenting data, but she contends it's also about compelling audiences to act.

Trend she’s watching in 2019: Aanderud is curious “where artificial intelligence is going to lead us.” She is hopeful that it will improve our lives. “I rely on Siri and Alexa for simple tasks,” she says. “But how else can they use data without violating my privacy to assist me?”

See more by Tricia Aanderud.

You’ve read about the Top Voices in data science and analytics this year. Now, check out the #LinkedInTopVoices in sales, education, marketing and more.

Reporting by Andrew Murfett.

All activity measured took place over a 12-month period, from mid-September 2017 to mid-September 2018, and as with all LinkedIn Lists, we excluded LinkedIn and Microsoft employees from consideration.