Data in the D

What&#39;s it like trying to build a data career in 2026? Lilah Kole is 26, based in metro Detroit, and has already stacked an impressive resume — from decision science at IPG Media Brands to Power Platform development at Webasto and Agri, with stops at startups and steel companies in between.Ryan and Aaron sit down with Lilah to get the perspective that most data podcasts miss: what it actually looks like from the early-career side.Topics covered:- Navigating the data job market as a young professional- Why networking (not job boards) landed almost every one of her roles- AI as a second language — why some peers lean in and others resist- The environmental and ethical concerns her generation has about AI- Building a content brand around data, tech, and finance on YouTube- Which social platforms actually matter (YouTube &gt; everything)- Generational differences in workplace culture and professionalism- Advice for early-career data people who are struggling right now- Wayne State, Detroit pride, and the hustle culture that shaped her careerLilah&#39;s take: &quot;The people who avoid emerging tech and aren&#39;t willing to learn about it are the ones who get left behind.&quot;Find Lilah on YouTube and LinkedIn — just search Lilah Kole.


Gen Z Data Careers with Lilah Kole

Scott Smith has spent 20 years leading analytics consulting at Wit Solutions in Detroit — from the Business Objects and Qlikview days through Power BI and now AI. In this episode, we dig into why just being &quot;a data person&quot; won&#39;t cut it anymore, what mid-market companies actually need from their data teams, how vibe coding is shaking up enterprise consulting, and Scott&#39;s blunt advice for new grads worried AI is coming for their careers. Plus: why Detroit&#39;s data scene is slower than the coasts — and why that&#39;s about to change.


Why 'I'm a Data Person' Isn't a Career Anymore | Scott Smith, Wit Solutions

The founders of Data in the D share the story behind Detroit’s fastest-growing data community—why it started, how the conference came together, and what’s next for analytics data leaders, engineers, and BI teams in the Motor City. Follow us at datainthed.orgFeaturing Aaron Wilkerson, Ryan Dolley, Jason Touleyrou and Dom Leo.
