In this episode of the Mining Your Own Business podcast, we’re joined by Frazier Seay-Rad, a leader in AI and machine learning within the sports betting and casino industry. Frazier dives into how AI is transforming everything from enhancing customer experiences to driving revenue growth.

Tune in as Frazier and host Evan Wimpey chat about practical applications of AI, the challenges of balancing innovation with regulation, and the crucial role of data privacy.

Whether you’re curious about AI’s impact on your business or looking to understand the ethical considerations, we hope this episode provides you with some great food for thought.

In this episode you will learn:

⛛ The importance of combining creative thinking with data-driven strategies
⛛ Why a focus on ethical AI is so important for long-term success and customer trust
⛛ How drawing from practices in different industries can provide fresh perspectives
⛛ Why the ability to quickly adapt to technological advancements and industry shifts is key to staying relevant and successful

Quote
💬 “… as an organization, you can be first, you can be best, or you can be different, but you can’t be any of those things if you’re always playing catch up to somebody else.”

Featured in This Episode

Frazier Seay-Rad , AI & ML Leader, Sports Betting & Casino Industry

Frazier Seay-Rad is a leader in AI, machine learning, and data science with a passion for turning complex data into impactful business solutions. She builds and leads teams that translate massive amounts of data into actionable insights. Her expertise spans AI, data science, data engineering, and analytics, with experience in audit and agile methodologies.

Frazier has led cross-functional projects across strategy, marketing, finance, product, compliance, and operations. This diverse background enables her to ask the right questions, make data-driven decisions, and help businesses navigate the future of AI with confidence.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sfsr/

Evan Wimpey, Director of Analytics Strategy | Elder Research
Company website: elderresearch.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/evan-wimpey

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Frazier Seay-Rad
01:10 Frazier's journey into the field
04:02 Parallels in the fields of auditing and data science
07:59 Effective communication for analytics and business teams
10:52 Aiming for simplicity in data-driven business solutions
13:48 Valuable traits for team members
19:54 Analytics and the legal landscape in sports betting
23:05 Ideas for the future
27:37 Wrapping up the show

Find more show notes, transcripts, & more episodes at:
https://www.elderresearch.com/resource/podcasts/

In this episode of Mining Your Own Business, John Cook shares his unconventional journey to leading a data science team at one of the world’s largest hospitality companies. As Senior Director of Data Science and Reporting at Marriott International, John guides a talented team supporting U.S. and Canada sales, marketing, and revenue management for Marriott.

Tune in as John shares insights into the intricacies of revenue management, the importance of clear data communication, and how understanding different business aspects helps with problem-solving. You won’t want to miss this engaging conversation with our host Evan Wimpey.

In this episode you will learn:

⛛ Why technical aptitude and business understanding go hand in hand
⛛ The importance of communication and storytelling with data
⛛ Why immediate business needs must be balanced with long-term, scalable solutions
⛛ How understanding different parts of a business can help with problem-solving

Quote
💬 “Where we really get action and where we really get good results from data is when people are able to understand it and then use it to do something.”

Featured in This Episode

John Cook, Senior Director of Data Science & Reporting, U.S. &. Canada SMR | Marriott International

John Cook is the Senior Director of Data Science and Reporting at Marriott International, where he leads a talented team of associates dedicated to supporting the U.S. and Canada sales, marketing, and revenue management teams, along with their sister analytics teams. Over the years, he’s gained experience across different regions and functions, eventually transitioning into his current leadership position.

John has a Master of Data Analytics from the University of Maryland Global Campus. He’s also the founder of Penguin Analytics, where he focuses on bridging the gap between “data people” and “business people” by coaching business leaders in data literacy, and data scientists in business literacy.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnalexandercook

Evan Wimpey, Director of Analytics Strategy | Elder Research
Company website: elderresearch.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/evan-wimpey

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
03:08 John talks about revenue management
05:18 Balancing experience in revenue management with roles in sales and marketing
07:48 Reporting within data science, including standardized and storytelling aspects.
15:23 The importance of hiring team members with both technical skills and enthusiasm for problem-solving
20:12 John shares how his team uses machine learning
22:27 John shares how his background in music helps with communicating data effectively
26:48 John talks about ideas for the future
29:52 Wrapping up the show

Find more show notes, transcripts, & more episodes at:
https://www.elderresearch.com/resource/podcasts/

In this episode of Mining Your Own Business, Data Scientist Xhoana Laska shares how she and her team are bringing data innovation to the field of industrial paint and coatings, an industry that became prominent in the late 1800s.

With her background in mathematics and statistics, Xhoana’s knack for numbers has come in handy in her role at National Coatings & Supplies | Single Source, Inc. She has spearheaded projects to save thousands of labor hours, optimize inventory processes, improve demand forecasting, and more.

Join us as our podcast host, Evan Wimpey, chats with Xhoana about interesting projects she’s worked on and insight she’s gained along the way!

In this episode you will learn:

⛛ The importance of identifying areas where data analysis can drive significant efficiency improvements
⛛ Why effective communication is crucial for stakeholder buy-in
⛛ The need to prioritize projects based on business-critical needs
⛛ The importance of creating a culture of learning that empowers employees

Quote
💬 “I enjoy working on problems that involve bringing solutions that can potentially save money or optimize and be efficient at the end of the day.”

Featured in This Episode

Xhoana Laska, Data Scientist, National Coatings & Supplies | Single Source, Inc.
From process optimization to demand forecasting, Xhoana Laska enjoys creating data-driven solutions for complex business problems. And that’s at the heart of her work as a data scientist for National Coatings & Supplies | Single Source, Inc. (NCS SSI).

With over three years of experience in the field, Xhoana has a knack for numbers and strong background in mathematics. She specializes in business process automation and statistical and machine learning modeling for procurement, sales, and marketing. She’s also a proud member of the Wolfpack at NC State University, where she received her Master of Statistics degree.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/xhoana-laska

Evan Wimpey, Director of Analytics Strategy, Elder Research
Company website: elderresearch.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/evan-wimpey

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:50 Xhoana shares her journey into the field of data science.
01:56 Evan shifts the conversation to discuss Xhoana’s first project at NCS SSI.
06:31 Evan discusses the importance of stakeholder involvement in the project.
07:27 Xhoana explains the support provided by the IT team for data quality and accessibility.
10:08 Evan and Xhoana discuss data quality and tools used at NCS SSI.
13:41 The discussion shifts to the process of prioritizing projects at NCS SSI.
22:17 Evan invites Xhoana to share her ideas for future data science projects.
25:33 Evan wraps up the conversation with Xhoana.

Find more show notes, transcripts, & more episodes at:
https://www.elderresearch.com/resource/podcasts/