"Data science work has no value — unless you communicate it" | Ex-head of Analytics, Ins and Shopify

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-develin-20616b59/ Excerpts and Insights: "Unless I can communicate what I'm doing to my audience, nothing I do has any value." Mike emphasizes that technical expertise is insufficient without the ability to convey insights effectively. For data scientists not writing production code, communication is the bridge between analysis and real-world impact. "You are the go-to-market, you are the sales, you are the marketing." He reframes self-promotion as an essential part of a data scientist's role. It's not about bragging but ensuring that your work reaches and influences decision-makers. "It's just being a human. Just go be a human." Mike encourages data scientists to engage naturally with colleagues. Overcoming the stereotype of the "data nerd" involves embracing authentic communication. "The more finished something is, the more defensive you'll be about it." He advises involving others early to foster collaboration and reduce defensiveness. Sharing work-in-progress invites valuable feedback and enhances the final outcome. "There's honestly really no substitute for just, go talk to someone, or just run something written by someone." Mike underscores the importance of seeking feedback and rehearsing presentations. This practice not only improves communication skills but also solidifies understanding. "You're building these mental models from all of this. And that's what I think of as the big picture." He highlights the development of intuition and strategic thinking through synthesizing data and experiences. Mental models help navigate complex, ambiguous problems. Summary: In this insightful conversation, YZ sits down with Mike Develin, renowned data scientist and former head of analytics at Instagram and Shopify. Mike delves into a critical yet often overlooked aspect of data science: the power of communication. Reflecting on his journey from a "math nerd" to a leader in analytics, Mike shares how his "teenage rebellion"—learning to write and communicate—became his most valuable professional skill. Despite the abundance of technically proficient data scientists, he notes that few invest in honing their communication abilities. "Unless I can communicate what I'm doing to my audience, nothing I do has any value," he asserts. Mike recounts early challenges at Meta (formerly Facebook), where his data-heavy reports left sales teams baffled. Realizing that numbers alone couldn't drive action, he began to bridge the gap between complex analytics and actionable insights. He emphasizes that data scientists must become their own advocates: "You are the go-to-market, you are the sales, you are the marketing." Addressing the discomfort many feel with self-promotion, Mike reframes it as a necessary extension of the job. It's about ensuring your work impacts decisions and drives products forward, not about personal ego. He encourages data scientists to "just be human," engaging in open conversations rather than isolating themselves behind screens of code. Mike also touches on the importance of collaboration and early feedback. "The more finished something is, the more defensive you'll be about it," he warns. By involving others from the outset, data scientists can enhance their work and reduce resistance to change. A significant highlight is Mike's discussion on building mental models. He describes how synthesizing various data points and experiences fosters intuition and strategic insight. "You're building these mental models from all of this. And that's what I think of as the big picture," he explains. This conversation is a compelling call to action for data scientists to embrace communication as a core competency. By stepping out of their technical comfort zones and engaging authentically with others, they can amplify the impact of their work and contribute more meaningfully to their organizations.