Data Science Success: Why Understanding Business Context is Key
- Deb Friar
- Apr 7, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 15, 2023
As the world becomes increasingly data-driven, the demand for skilled data scientists continues to grow. But what does it really take to be successful in the field of Data Science? According to Will Grannis, VP & CTO at Google, one of the most important factors is understanding the business problem at hand.
In a recent episode of "Me, Myself, and AI," hosted by Sam Ransbotham (Professor at Boston College; AI Editor at MIT Sloan Management Review) and Shervin Khodabandeh (Senior Partner and Managing Director at Boston Consulting Group), Grannis discussed Google's internal best practices for implementing machine learning. Surprisingly, rule number one is that you don't always need machine learning. Instead, it's critical to understand the nuances and richness of the business problem, which will impact downstream implementation decisions.
This insight highlights an important truth about the field of Data Science: it's not just about crunching numbers and building models. At its core, Data Science is about using data to solve real-world problems and drive business outcomes. To be successful in this field, it's essential to have a deep understanding of the business context and goals.
Another key takeaway from Grannis's discussion is the importance of collaboration between business owners and data practitioners. Both parties bring unique perspectives and expertise to the table, and it's critical to ensure that their roles are equally important in the process. This partnership can help to ensure that the Data Science project is aligned with the business's goals and that the resulting insights are actionable.
If you're interested in Data Science or just curious about how it's changing the world around us. Our Co-founder, Deb Friar, highly recommends giving "Me, Myself, and AI" a listen. This podcast, a collaboration between the MIT Sloan School of Management and Boston Consulting Group (BCG), offers insights and best practices from some of the top minds in the field.
In particular, we recommend checking out Deb's favorite episode featuring Will Grannis. By understanding Google's internal best practices, listeners can gain valuable insights into how to approach Data Science projects and drive success. Whether you're a business owner or a data practitioner, there's something in this podcast for everyone.
At the end of the day, Data Science is about more than just technology and algorithms. It's about using data to drive real-world outcomes and create value for businesses and society as a whole. By following the best practices outlined in "Me, Myself, and AI," businesses can unlock the full potential of this transformative technology and drive success in the digital age.
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