Data Neighbor Podcast
Ep34: "Stop Being the Person Who Answers Questions" - MSFT Data Science Director
17 Jul 2025
What truly defines a good data scientist, and how can you excel in this rapidly evolving field? Join us as we sit down with Siddharth Ranganathan, Director of Data Science at Microsoft, to uncover practical insights on navigating data science careers, balancing rigor with business needs, and the transformative impact of AI. Siddharth shares invaluable lessons from his extensive experience, emphasizing impact over complexity and strategy over execution.In this episode, we cover:- What constitutes good data science: Focusing on decisions, impact, scientific rigor, and practicality.- Balancing speed and rigor in analysis: Strategies for delivering timely insights without compromising integrity.- Common misunderstandings about product data science: It's more than just building ML models; it's a strategic, cross-functional role.- How to become a strategic data scientist: Shifting focus from outputs to outcomes and asking better questions.- The evolving landscape of data science with AI and Gen AI: Anticipating the rise of role-based agents and the convergence of tech and business.- Identifying and avoiding common career traps for data scientists, such as staying in execution mode or over-indexing on technical depth.- Key factors directors look for in promotions: Driving impact beyond your current level, securing patrons, and clearly communicating your contributions.- The most underrated skill for a data scientist: The ability to break down complex problems and deal with ambiguity.Whether you're an aspiring data scientist, a mid-level professional looking to grow, or a leader shaping data teams, this episode offers a wealth of actionable advice to elevate your data science career and impact.Connect with Hai, Sravya, and Shane (let us know which platform sent you!):- Hai: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hai-guan-6b58a7a/- Sravya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sravyamadipalli/- Shane: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaneausleybutler/#DataScience #ProductDataScience #AI #GenAI #LLMs #CareerGrowth #StrategicDataScientist #Microsoft #DataScienceCareer #DataSciencePromotions #DataScienceAdvice #DataScienceLeadership #ImpactOverComplexity #TradeOffs #DataNeighborPodcast
No persons identified in this episode.
This episode hasn't been transcribed yet
Help us prioritize this episode for transcription by upvoting it.
Popular episodes get transcribed faster
Other recent transcribed episodes
Transcribed and ready to explore now
3ª PARTE | 17 DIC 2025 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE
01 Jan 1970
El Partidazo de COPE
13:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana
01 Jan 1970
Fin de Semana
12:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana
01 Jan 1970
Fin de Semana
10:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana
01 Jan 1970
Fin de Semana
13:00H | 20 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana
01 Jan 1970
Fin de Semana
12:00H | 20 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana
01 Jan 1970
Fin de Semana