INFORMS Open Forum

Hello everyone,

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending Dr. Kendra C. Taylor's insightful webinar, "Find Your Superpower: Unleash the Power of Analytics," hosted by INFORMS.

While my background isn't in analytics, the webinar was an eye-opening experience that showed me how powerful analytics can be in solving both business challenges and social issues.

Dr. Taylor's journey, particularly her passion for using analytics to combat human trafficking, deeply resonated with me. It highlighted how analytics can go beyond numbers and reports-it can genuinely drive change in the world. As I continue my MS in Business Analytics at UC Davis, her framework for finding meaning in our projects inspires me to approach my learning with a greater sense of purpose.

One initiative that really stood out to me was INFORMS Pro Bono Analytics, where data professionals volunteer their skills to help nonprofits. This is something I hope to engage in as I develop my analytics expertise. The idea of using data to support causes like education, health, or human rights aligns closely with my own future goals of leveraging analytics for social good.

Dr. Taylor also introduced valuable resources like INFORMS Editor's Cut and TechSoup, which I believe will be essential as I navigate this new field. Even though I'm just starting out in analytics, platforms like these will help me stay updated on industry trends and find the right tools to make an impact.

Lastly, her recommendations on improving sales skills, especially through works by Jim and Brian Tracy, remind me that mastering both the technical and soft skills is crucial for success in any field.

I look forward to applying these lessons as I grow in my analytics journey.  If you have any additional thoughts or recommendations, I'd love to hear them.