MindSpeaking Podcast Episode 25 -Kristen Kehrer, Founder of Data Moves Me
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Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
2:04: Introducing Kristen
2:07: Kristen's journey into data.
2:37: From math to AI and ML.
5:31: Interest in ecommerce and behavioral data.
5:47: Multidisciplinary nature of analytics.
7:10: Future of data science roles.
7:56: Wearing more hats in data science.
11:14: Challenges in stakeholder communication.
11:49: Importance of stakeholder relationships.
14:13: Strategies for better communication.
14:46: Clear communication in presentations.
18:10: Approach to data storytelling.
18:32: Framework for data storytelling.
21:53: Handling mixed audiences.
22:24: Tailoring presentations to senior audience.
25:52: Importance of actionable insights.
26:34: Providing clear next steps.
27:41: Understanding stakeholders' goals.
28:26: Going on tour to meet stakeholders.
30:18: Transition to content creation and LinkedIn.
30:56: Journey into content creation.
32:04: Challenges of content creation.
32:43: Taking a break from LinkedIn.
34:18: Impact of social media on mental health.
34:44: Healthy relationship with social media.
37:32: Key takeaway on stakeholder relationships.
37:41: Proactively building stakeholder relationships.
39:38: Following Kristen's work online.
41:06: Importance of being active on social media.
41:39: Conclusion and thanks.
42:16: Appreciation for being on the show.
43:23: Additional resources for listeners.
43:38: Kristen's presence on Reddit.
44:46: Staying up to date with analytics.
45:13: Value of passively absorbing information.
45:19: Closing remarks from Gilbert.
45:23: End of the podcast episode.
Summary:
In this episode of the MindSpeaking podcast, 🎙️ Gilbert Eijkelenboom and guest 🗣 Kristen Kehrer explore the essentials of effective data storytelling techniques, building relationships with stakeholders, and communicating data insights clearly to non-technical audiences. Kristen, with over a decade in data science and a 2018 LinkedIn Top Voice in Analytics, shares her journey and insights on building trust with stakeholders, gaining stakeholder buy-in, and managing stakeholder expectations for high-impact results. They discuss the importance of clear data presentations, focusing on business-focused data insights that drive decision-making and actionable outcomes. The conversation covers creating compelling data narratives, staying connected with industry trends, and tips for growing a LinkedIn presence as a data professional.
Introduction
🎙️ Gilbert Eijkelenboom:
Today’s guest, Kristen Kehrer, was a LinkedIn Top Voice in 2018 for data science and analytics. With a strong foundation in applied statistics, she’s led impactful work across AI and machine learning. Now, she’s the founder of Data Moves Me, LLC. In this episode, we dive into data storytelling techniques, building stakeholder relationships, and Kristen’s framework for making data “sing” for business audiences.
Kristen, you've had a broad journey. Can you take us through how you ended up in data?
🗣️ Kristen Kehrer
Hi, good morning! Hope you’re doing well.
🎙️ Gilbert Eijkelenboom
Absolutely. I’m excited for today’s episode. We’ve exchanged chats on LinkedIn, but this is the first time diving into topics like this. Let’s start with your background. Can you share how you ended up in data and the journey that brought you here?
🗣️ Kristen Kehrer
Sure! I completed a bachelor’s degree in math back in 2004. Honestly, it was more my parents' decision, but I fell in love with it. A few years later, I wasn’t making the salary I wanted, so I went back for a master’s in statistics. I’d been working for a mortgage brokerage, and when the housing bubble burst in 2007-2008, everyone was getting laid off. So, I went back to academia, got that degree, and it changed my life. My first job out was doing econometric time-series analysis in the utility industry, which was super specialized and probably one of my most technical roles. I was building neural nets back in 2011-2012. Eventually, I moved over to general analytics where I made more money. That’s when I got into healthcare and later found a home in e-commerce, working on customer segmentation, retention models, and other advanced analytics.
Applying Psychology and Behavioral Data Insights
🎙️ Gilbert Eijkelenboom
That’s a fascinating journey. You mentioned customer behavior and e-commerce—do you think this area is especially interesting to you?
🗣️ Kristen Kehrer
I think it is. Maybe it’s because that’s where I spent most of my time, but I love looking at customer behavior. We all have our assumptions, but data often reveals that people aren’t doing what we expect. In healthcare, for example, I noticed how single women over 50 were more likely to take certain actions, while young men were harder to motivate. It’s fascinating and always prompts me to dig deeper.
Integrating Multidisciplinary Perspectives
🎙️ Gilbert Eijkelenboom
Do you feel the behavioral aspect adds to your work in data?
🗣️ Kristen Kehrer
I do, though I don’t have a formal background in psychology. One of the best analysts I worked with came from psychology and later picked up technical skills. Analytics really is multidisciplinary, maybe even more than we give it credit for.
Evolving Roles in Data Science
🎙️ Gilbert Eijkelenboom
Data science is evolving quickly. How do you see the role changing?
🗣️ Kristen Kehrer
Now that I’ve been in the field for over a decade, I’ve seen tools evolve, sometimes worrying they’d replace my role. But each advancement has allowed me to focus on higher-value questions instead of ad hoc requests. I think the role will keep expanding, especially as tools make certain tasks easier. We’ll see data scientists wearing more hats, and taking on higher-value problems over time.
Challenges and Skills for New Data Professionals
🎙️ Gilbert Eijkelenboom
You mentioned that data scientists now wear many hats. What are some challenges you see for new data professionals who are just starting out?
🗣️ Kristen Kehrer
It’s a lot tougher now. When I started, I landed my first analytics role after sending a direct email saying, “I don’t know SQL, but I’m competent.” Today, you need much more technical knowledge—experiment tracking, model monitoring, best practices—and companies expect this of junior analysts too. Traditional programs often don’t cover all the tools we use now, so there’s a lot for people to pick up as they go along.
Building Strong Stakeholder Relationships
🎙️ Gilbert Eijkelenboom
One other crucial skill you mentioned is communication. Given your experience with stakeholders, what challenges have you faced in this area?
🗣️ Kristen Kehrer
Stakeholders have their own goals and metrics that don’t always align with analytics. There’s often tension over who controls test design, and sometimes analytics professionals get “steamrolled” by business requests. It takes seniority and confidence to push back and establish mutual respect. I found success in building these relationships by attending their stand-ups, sharing what I’m working on, and giving visibility into my process, so it’s clear I’m not just waiting to fulfill data requests.
Techniques for Engaging Non-Technical Audiences
🎙️ Gilbert EijkelenboomYou also mentioned data storytelling. How do you ensure your message resonates, especially with mixed or non-technical audiences?
🗣️ Kristen KehrerThe key is talking in a way stakeholders understand. When I started, I wanted to “sound smart,” but technical language only alienated people. Now, I use Explainable AI tools to highlight main drivers and present specific examples. Building trust is like making friends—you don’t start by speaking in a language they don’t understand.
Kristen’s Data Storytelling Framework
🎙️ Gilbert Eijkelenboom
You mentioned storytelling. Do you have a routine or framework for presenting data to stakeholders?
🗣️ Kristen Kehrer
Yes, I keep it structured. Start with an executive summary focused on what the audience cares about, then bring in relevant examples—say, a specific customer’s journey if it’s e-commerce. Finally, I move to conclusions and action items. The presentation length depends on the audience; if it’s an executive, I keep it short and high-level.
Handling Mixed Audiences in Presentations
🎙️ Gilbert Eijkelenboom
What about mixed audiences—when there’s a mix of business and data people? How do you handle that?
🗣️ Kristen Kehrer
I usually tailor it to the most senior person in the room. That person often holds the budget, so it’s critical they understand the message. I may add extra slides for others, but the main content stays focused on the key decision-maker’s interests.
Ensuring Next Steps in Data Presentations
🎙️ Gilbert Eijkelenboom
You once mentioned the importance of “Now What?” in presentations. Can you elaborate on why that’s vital?
🗣️ Kristen Kehrer
In business, the “Now What?” is often all they care about. Junior analysts may focus on “What” and “So What,” but taking it a step further to recommend an action shows how we can make money or improve processes. If we’re not seen as driving results, we’re just a cost center. That’s a critical mindset shift for data professionals.
Tips for Proactively Understanding Stakeholder Goals
🎙️ Gilbert Eijkelenboom
What’s your approach to understanding stakeholder goals? Do you have specific questions you ask?
🗣️ Kristen Kehrer
I call it “going on tour”—meeting with each department to learn what’s important to them and what would make a project valuable for their team. Asking these questions not only builds relationships but also ensures I’m not building something they won’t use.
Insights on Content Creation and LinkedIn
🎙️ Gilbert Eijkelenboom
Let’s switch gears and talk about content creation. You have a large LinkedIn following. Why did you start sharing content?
🗣️ Kristen Kehrer
I started in 2017, inspired by a friend. My first post was about behavioral customer segmentation. At first, no one noticed, but I enjoyed it, kept sharing, and eventually joined a community of data professionals on LinkedIn. Content creation is now a passion, and I use my analytics and marketing background to make it engaging.
Balancing Content Creation with Wellbeing
🎙️ Gilbert Eijkelenboom
I also enjoy sharing on LinkedIn but find it hard to balance sometimes. Do you ever struggle with that?
🗣️ Kristen Kehrer
Definitely. When COVID hit, I had to step away for over a year to focus on family. Taking that break taught me my reach wouldn’t vanish, and I could return later without losing everything. That realization really helped me find a healthier balance.
Final Thoughts on Building Stakeholder Relationships
🎙️ Gilbert Eijkelenboom
We’re wrapping up. What’s the main takeaway you’d like listeners to remember?
🗣️ Kristen Kehrer
Be proactive about building relationships with stakeholders. If you’re currently struggling, know that’s the norm—but to change it, you need to consciously address it. Set up meetings, communicate openly, and structure processes to build trust.
🎙️ Gilbert Eijkelenboom
Thanks, Kristen. Where can listeners follow your work?
🗣️ Kristen Kehrer
LinkedIn is the best place. It’s where I share the most and stay updated with the field. I think every data professional should engage on social media to learn and stay current.
🎙️ Gilbert Eijkelenboom
Thank you, Kristen. This conversation was packed with insights on stakeholder communication and data storytelling. I appreciate you sharing your expertise with us.
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