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Episode 191:

From Amazon to Consulting: Time Series Forecasting and How to Communicate Data Analytics Insights with David McCandless of McCandless Consulting

May 29, 2024

This week on The Data Stack Show, Eric and John chat with David McCandless, Founder of McCandless Consulting and former data analyst at Amazon. During the episode, David shares his journey from chemical engineering to analytics, leading to his role at Amazon. He also discusses the complexities of time series forecasting for workforce management, emphasizing the importance of explainability and accuracy, especially during the pandemic. The conversation also touches on the practical applications of forecasting in business, the need for clear communication with leaders, and Amazon’s culture of detailed documentation for decision-making. David’s insights offer a deep dive into the real-world challenges of data analytics in corporate settings, and more. 

Notes:

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • David’s Background and Journey in Data (0:30)
  • Transition to Time Series Forecasting (2:03)
  • Working on Time Series Forecasting at Amazon (2:55)
  • Challenges and Experience in Time Series Forecasting (4:32)
  • Transitioning to a New Role at Amazon (5:52)
  • Tools and Methods for Time Series Forecasting (8:17)
  • Forecasting Impact and Accuracy (15:30)
  • Explaining Variance and Lessons Learned (18:58)
  • Understanding Downstream Consumers and Empathy for Business Leaders (20:36)
  • Amazon’s Culture and Decision-Making Process (24:27)
  • Assimilating into Amazon’s Culture (26:04)
  • Interpreting Data for Business Stakeholders (28:34)
  • Consulting for Small Businesses (30:28)
  • Challenges in Automation and Maintenance (32:18)
  • Analyzing Financial Metrics for Small Businesses (34:51)
  • Tooling and Data Solutions for Small Businesses (39:52)
  • Empowering Small Businesses with Data (46:02)

 

The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, the CDP for developers. Each week we’ll talk to data engineers, analysts, and data scientists about their experience around building and maintaining data infrastructure, delivering data and data products, and driving better outcomes across their businesses with data.

RudderStack helps businesses make the most out of their customer data while ensuring data privacy and security. To learn more about RudderStack visit rudderstack.com.

About the Podcast

Each week we’ll talk to data engineers, analysts, and data scientists about their experience around building and maintaining data infrastructure, delivering data and data products, and driving better outcomes across their businesses with data.

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