In this podcast episode, we sit down for a chat with Derek Camp from Milo’s Tea Company. Derek is the Senior Manager of Operational Analytics at Milo's Tea. Tune in as he shares his journey at Milo's, where he's grown from a replenishment analyst to leading a team of analysts across logistics, supply chain, operations, and quality.

Derek discusses how his team leverages data to drive efficiencies and improve decision-making. He also offers valuable insights on the practical applications of operations analytics, team collaboration, and overcoming challenges in scaling data efforts across multiple production sites.

In this episode you will learn:

⛛ How Derek's team uses analytics across logistics, supply chain, and production to drive operational improvements.
⛛ The value of cross-functional collaboration with subject matter experts for deeper problem-solving.
⛛ How Derek's team has scaled analytics efforts over time.
⛛ The importance of managing relationships with stakeholders and addressing pushback on analytics-driven suggestions.

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💬 “If our team is doing these three things, we're doing our job really well: reporting, automating, and generating actionable insights.”

Featured in This Episode

Derek Camp, Senior Manager of Operational Analytics, Milo's Tea

Derek Camp is the Senior Manager of Operational Analytics at Milo’s Tea Company, bringing over a decade of experience in supply chain, sales, logistics, replenishment, and quality assurance analytics. Throughout his career at Milo's, he has held several key roles, including Supply Chain Analytics Manager and Senior Operations Analyst, playing an integral role in optimizing operational efficiency. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, Derek is a data-driven leader, passionate about leveraging analytics to drive business outcomes. A speaker at multiple conferences, Derek is always open to sharing his insights on operational analytics and supply chain optimization.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/derek-camp

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

Chapters
00:00 Intro to Milo’s Tea and Derek’s role in analytics
01:27 How data supports supply chain at Milo’s
05:41 The importance of communicating across teams
07:52 How to deal with pushback on data analysis
10:07 Evolution of data analytics at Milo’s Tea
13:19 The team composition at Milo’s Tea
15:59 Qualities Derek looks for in new team members
20:41 Derek’s dream project for the future
23:51 Wrapping up the show

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

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

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💬 “… 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

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💬 “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/