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The Quietly Ambitious Analyst

The Quietly Ambitious Analyst

By: Seth Forbes
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The Quietly Ambitious Analyst is a podcast about mastering the invisible skills that make data professionals stand out–business context, communication, and confidence.

Hosted by Seth Forbes, a data strategist and educator, the show explores what it really takes to influence with data.

Through solo episodes and honest conversations with analysts, creators, and industry professionals, we delve into the in-between moments and hidden practices that create real impact – from asking sharper questions to framing insights that drive decisions.Quietly Ambitious Analyst Career Success Economics
Episodes
  • I grew up in a cornfield. Here's how I got into tech.

    I grew up in a cornfield. Here's how I got into tech.
    May 19 2026
    I didn't grow up with a roadmap to the tech industry. I grew up in rural Indiana, in a graduating class of 60 people, where nobody in my circle was going into data or business.

    This is the story of how I got here anyway. Through an RV, a nonprofit, an MBA, and one class that changed my trajectory. If you've ever felt like you don't quite fit the mold of a "typical" data person, I hope this one resonates with you.

    Chapters:
    00:00 – Welcome & what this episode is about
    01:20 – Growing up in rural Indiana
    02:16 – Living in an RV & moving to Boston
    02:30 – Starting a nonprofit & pursuing an MBA
    03:24 – I raised my hand (and became famous for it)
    05:16 – The data analytics class that changed everything
    06:56 – Landing my first analyst role (and feeling lost)
    07:52 – The manager who changed how I think about showing up
    08:30 – Why communication IS a hard skill
    09:40 – The compliments that confirmed I was on the right path
    10:50 – Why I started the Quietly Ambitious Analyst
    11:40 – Final message: your path is valid

    I created this free self-assessment for early-career analysts who want to start doing some of this work.
    You can grab it here: https://subscribepage.io/sVOVvZ

    The Quietly Ambitious Analyst–where business context meets data communication.

    Listen anywhere | Follow @quietlyambitiousanalyst | Join the newsletter at https://www.subscribepage.io/subscribe-enewsletter
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    13 mins
  • Why Your Stakeholders Aren't Acting on Your Analysis

    Why Your Stakeholders Aren't Acting on Your Analysis
    May 6 2026
    You spent days on your analysis. The meeting went well. Everyone was engaged. And then nothing happened:
    No decisions. No follow-up. No movement.

    If this has ever happened to you, you're not alone. And it's probably not because your stakeholders don't care about data.

    In this solo episode, I break down the two real reasons your analysis isn't moving forward and what you can do about both, starting with your very next meeting.

    Chapters:
    00:00 — Introduction
    02:30 — The Two Goals Every Presentation Needs
    03:30 — Why Your Stakeholders Aren't Paying Attention
    04:15 — The One Thing Missing from Most Analyst Presentations
    06:00 — When the Problem Has Nothing to Do with Your Analysis
    06:45 — Why They Agreed in the Meeting and Then Did Nothing
    07:30 — The Role Politics Plays in Your Work Going Nowhere
    08:30 — The Years I Spent Trying Harder and Still Failing
    09:30 — What to Do Differently Starting Today
    Ready for deeper support?
    The Analyst Edge waitlist is now open: https://www.quietlyambitiousanalyst.c...


    The Quietly Ambitious Analyst–where business context meets data communication.

    Listen anywhere | Follow @quietlyambitiousanalyst | Join the newsletter at https://www.subscribepage.io/subscribe-enewsletter
    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • What It Actually Takes to Be Seen as Strategic at Work | Janet Kim

    What It Actually Takes to Be Seen as Strategic at Work | Janet Kim
    Apr 28 2026
    Level up your communication as an early career analyst with free weekly insights:
    https://www.subscribepage.io/subscribe-enewsletter

    Janet Kim is a senior technology leader, career coach, and TED Talk speaker who spent 16 years at Stanford University. She has spent her career at the intersection of strategy, digital transformation, and people - and she has been on the other side of the table making the decisions that most analysts never get to hear about.

    If you've ever wondered what your stakeholders are actually thinking — this episode is for you.

    Chapters:
    00:00 — Introduction
    00:16 — The Moment She Realized Hard Work Wasn't Enough
    00:58 — The Vicious Cycle of Overworking
    04:20 — Stop Thinking About Yourself — Start Thinking About Others
    05:00 — The Email Story That Changed Everything
    07:32 — The Airline Ticket Analogy for Strategy
    10:22 — Three Questions to Ask Every Stakeholder
    12:11 — Build Your Strategic Visibility Map
    14:12 — Being the Other Is Actually Your Strength
    19:48 — Nunchi, Chung, and Han
    24:11 — Do Analysts Deserve a Seat at the Table?
    28:52 — What Leaders Look for Before Promoting Someone
    30:10 — Your Personal Brand Gap
    33:26 — Final Thoughts

    Follow Janet Kim on LinkedIn: janetkimjk

    Quietly Ambitious Analyst
    Weekly emails for early career analysts: https://bit.ly/4pjUoz9
    Learn how to confidently communicate your findings: https://bit.ly/4qJ3o2d
    Free Resource - Top 10 Analyst Questions Before Touching Data: https://bit.ly/4sxbixl


    The Quietly Ambitious Analyst–where business context meets data communication.

    Listen anywhere | Follow @quietlyambitiousanalyst | Join the newsletter at https://www.subscribepage.io/subscribe-enewsletter
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
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