Data scientists use optimisation every day when training machine learning models, without even thinking about it. But there's another type of optimisation - that many data scientists are unaware of - that can be used to dramatically boost the business value of your ML outputs. This second layer transforms predictions into optimal decisions, and it's where the real impact often happens.

In this episode, Dr. Tim Varelmann joins Dr. Genevieve Hayes to explain how combining machine learning with decision optimisation creates solutions that go far beyond prediction, helping stakeholders make better decisions in uncertain environments.

You'll discover:

1. How decision optimisation differs from ML parameter tuning [02:19]
2. Why combining predictions with optimisation multiplies value [13:36]
3. The mindset shift needed to think in optimisation terms [22:59]
4. How to spot immediate optimisation opportunities in your work [23:42]

Guest Bio

Dr Tim Varelmann is the founder of Bluebird Optimization and holds a PhD in Mathematical Optimisation. He is also the creator of Effortless Modeling in Python with GAMSPy, the world’s first GAMSPy course.

Links

• Bluebird Optimization Website
• Connect with Genevieve on LinkedIn
• Be among the first to hear about the release of each new podcast episode by signing up HERE

Building a model for an academic paper is one thing. Building a model that has to work perfectly during the Cricket World Cup with millions watching is something else entirely. There's no room for the kind of errors that might be acceptable in research settings or even standard business applications.

In this Value Boost episode, Prof. Steve Stern joins Dr. Genevieve Hayes to share practical lessons from deploying the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method in high-pressure, real-time environments where mistakes have global consequences.

You'll learn:

1. Why model simplicity matters more than you think [02:04]
2. The two types of errors you need to understand [03:21]
3. How to test models for extreme situations [05:50]
4. The balance between confidence and humility [07:37]

Guest Bio

Prof. Steve Stern is a Professor of Data Science at Bond University, and is the official custodian of the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) cricket scoring system.

Links

• Contact Steve at Bond University
• Connect with Genevieve on LinkedIn
• Be among the first to hear about the release of each new podcast episode by signing up HERE

For most data scientists, the idea of impacting the world through your work seems impossible. You may be developing technically brilliant solutions within your organisation, but seeing them become industry standards or influence global decisions feels completely out of reach.

In this episode, Prof. Steve Stern joins Dr Genevieve Hayes to share how he transformed a mathematical critique of a cricket scoring system into becoming the custodian of the globally adopted Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method - all from an office in Canberra, Australia.

This episode reveals:

1. How a single email response changed everything [05:24]
2. Why principles build trust where mathematics can't [13:19]
3. The "error whack-a-mole" problem that destroys credibility [16:00]
4. The real secret to creating work with impact [30:29]

Guest Bio

Prof. Steve Stern is a Professor of Data Science at Bond University, and is the official custodian of the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) cricket scoring system.

Links

• Contact Steve at Bond University
• Connect with Genevieve on LinkedIn
• Be among the first to hear about the release of each new podcast episode by signing up HERE

While the transition from academia to industry can be brutal for data scientists, academics don't show up in industry empty-handed. They bring powerful transferable skills that many industry-trained data scientists never develop.

In this Value Boost episode, Dr. Sayli Javadekar joins Dr. Genevieve Hayes to flip the script on their previous conversation, exploring the valuable skills that academic-trained data scientists bring to industry and how any data scientist can develop these same strengths.

You'll learn:

1. The most valuable skills academics bring to industry [01:30]
2. Why the experimental mindset matters so much [03:43]
3. The hidden benefit of extended research projects [04:54]
4. How mentorship can work both ways for mutual benefit [07:06]

Guest Bio

Dr Sayli Javadekar is a data scientist at Thoughtworks, with experience at the World Bank and UNAIDS. Before this, she was an Assistant Professor at the University of Bath and holds a PhD in Econometrics from the University of Geneva.

Links

• Connect with Sayli on LinkedIn
• Connect with Genevieve on LinkedIn
• Be among the first to hear about the release of each new podcast episode by signing up HERE

While the transition from academia to industry can be brutal for data scientists, academics don't show up in industry empty-handed. They bring powerful transferable skills that many industry-trained data scientists never develop.

In this Value Boost episode, Dr. Sayli Javadekar joins Dr. Genevieve Hayes to flip the script on their previous conversation, exploring the valuable skills that academic-trained data scientists bring to industry and how any data scientist can develop these same strengths.

You'll learn:

1. The most valuable skills academics bring to industry [01:30]
2. Why the experimental mindset matters so much [03:43]
3. The hidden benefit of extended research projects [04:54]
4. How mentorship can work both ways for mutual benefit [07:06]

Guest Bio

Dr Sayli Javadekar is a data scientist at Thoughtworks, with experience at the World Bank and UNAIDS. Before this, she was an Assistant Professor at the University of Bath and holds a PhD in Econometrics from the University of Geneva.

Links

• Connect with Sayli on LinkedIn
• Connect with Genevieve on LinkedIn
• Be among the first to hear about the release of each new podcast episode by signing up HERE

Activities outside of data science can strengthen the very skills data scientists need for their careers in surprising ways. From improving stakeholder communication to learning how to work with resistance rather than against it, hobbies and interests often teach lessons that directly translate to professional effectiveness.

In this Value Boost episode, Colin Priest joins Dr. Genevieve Hayes to explore how unexpected hobbies and activities can make you a more effective data scientist and enhance your career.

You'll discover:

1. How dancing skills translate into better stakeholder presentations [02:02]
2. What swimming teaches about working with resistance [06:30]
3. Why coaching swimmers improves communication with non-technical colleagues [08:10]
4. The simple activity anyone can try to expand their data science thinking [11:03]

Guest Bio

Colin Priest is an actuary, data scientist and educator who has held several CEO and general management roles where he has championed data-driven initiatives. He now lectures at UNSW, where he specialises in adapting education for the age of AI.

Links

• Connect with Colin on LinkedIn
• Connect with Genevieve on LinkedIn
• Be among the first to hear about the release of each new podcast episode by signing up HERE

When most data scientists think about using LLMs and generative AI, the first thing that springs to mind is writing code faster. While that's certainly useful, if it's the only application you're exploring, you're missing some of the most powerful opportunities to enhance your effectiveness as a data scientist.

In this episode, Colin Priest joins Dr. Genevieve Hayes to explore advanced LLM applications that go far beyond code generation, including techniques for processing unstructured data, improving stakeholder communication, and identifying blind spots in your analysis.

You'll learn:

1. How to use LLMs to extract structured insights from messy unstructured data [02:50]
2. The role-playing technique that helps you practice difficult stakeholder conversations [14:12]
3. Why using multiple LLMs helps reduce AI hallucinations [20:38]
4. A step-by-step approach for integrating LLMs into your workflow safely [25:52]

Guest Bio

Colin Priest is an actuary, data scientist and educator who has held several CEO and general management roles where he has championed data-driven initiatives. He now lectures at UNSW, where he specialises in adapting education for the age of AI.

Links

• Connect with Colin on LinkedIn
• Connect with Genevieve on LinkedIn
• Be among the first to hear about the release of each new podcast episode by signing up HERE

LinkedIn has become a powerful career tool for data scientists willing to invest the time. Regular posting can lead to unexpected work opportunities, reconnections with former colleagues, and valuable networking with professionals worldwide. But making the leap from occasional posting to consistent content creation can feel overwhelming.

In this Value Boost episode, Sarah Burnett joins Dr. Genevieve Hayes to share practical LinkedIn strategies that can transform your data science career.

In this episode, you'll discover:

1. How Sarah went from posting twice a year to daily LinkedIn content [01:25]
2. The biggest benefits of consistent LinkedIn posting for data science careers [03:15]
3. How to manage the challenge of daily content creation without burnout [04:31]
4. The one LinkedIn strategy every data scientist should start using tomorrow [08:47]

Guest Bio

Sarah Burnett is the co-founder of Dub Dub Data, a consultancy that offers human-centric AI and Tableau solutions. She transitioned into independent consulting after navigating redundancy from a senior role at a major bank. She is also the co-host of the podcast unDubbed.

Links

• Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn
• Dub Dub Data Website
• Connect with Genevieve on LinkedIn
• Be among the first to hear about the release of each new podcast episode by signing up HERE