Next up in our blog series on influential women in the tech industry is data strategist and visionary Jen Stirrup. Jen Stirrup is a well-known figure in the field of data science, business intelligence (BI), and artificial intelligence (AI). She is recognized for her expertise in data visualization, analytics, and strategic leadership, often serving as a thought leader in the tech industry.
According to the 2022-2023 USA Diversity in Data Report, only 26% of data and analytics professionals are women. In addition, there exists a gender pay gap in the data and analytics industry of about 10%. Jen Stirrup has become an inspiration for her work and her persistence in defying the odds in her industry. She is passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the technology space and uses her voice to empower others to succeed.
“Sometimes it is the underestimated people who achieve the things that nobody can imagine. I like to see people being successful whom people don’t expect to be successful. Great things happen when we empower other people to be greater than they, and other people, expect.”
Early Life & Background
Jen Stirrup had a very early start in her career as a technology professional. She learned to code at eight years old and that passion stuck with her throughout her time growing up and building her career. She majored in Psychology at Glasgow University, however she could not ignore her passion for technology and AI. She earned a postgraduate degree in AI from Aberdeen University, spending some of her time at the Université Pierre-et-Marie-Curie Paris XI in Paris, which is now part of the Sorbonne University. Following this achievement, she went on to complete another post-graduate degree at the University of Birmingham in Cognitive Science.
Embracing Entrepreneurship
During the 2000s, Jen Stirrup worked for a consulting firm, building her skills but still feeling a passion for something more. In 2010, she embraced her lifelong vision for starting her own consulting business and founded Data Relish. Data Relish is a UK-based consultancy firm specializing in data science, BI, and AI solutions.
Stirrup has grown her business immensely over the years, delivering her expertise to clients all over the world. She has clients in 24 countries in 5 continents; these clients include Microsoft, the NHS, the UK and Northern Ireland Governments, The Ashridge Hult Business School, CBS Interactive, O’Reilly and Virgin Atlantic. Her work consists of years of experience working with a range of data technologies and helping numerous organizations to implement data-driven strategies.
“I have thrived on hard work and I have achieved success by delivering high-risk, visible projects which nobody else would touch. These projects teach you so much about people, processes, and leadership.”
Speaker & Author
Jen Stirrup is an accomplished Fortune 100 international speaker and has given keynotes at both public and private events about topics such as AI Leadership, Diversity in Technology, Digital Transformation and Business Intelligence. These events provide her with an opportunity to share her two decades of expertise with so many others. She has also been featured on CBS Interactive and the BBC as well as other podcasts such as Digital Disrupted, Run As Radio and her own Make Your Data Work webinar series.
Stirrup has written three books on data and AI, including Artificial Intelligence with Microsoft Power BI. In this book, the reader can expand their skills in Microsoft Power BI and learn how to choose the right model for their AI work.
Impact & Recognition
Jen Stirrup’s work has led her to many notable achievements and recognitions, including being named as one of the Top 50 Global Data Visionaries, one of the Top Data Scientists to follow on Twitter and one of the most influential Top 50 Women in Technology worldwide. She is active in the tech community, often mentoring others and contributing to discussions on data science, AI, and BI. Jen is also recognized as a Microsoft Data Platform MVP (Most Valuable Professional), an award given to those who have made significant contributions to the tech community.
Jen Stirrup continues to be a prominent voice in the data community, contributing to the evolution of the industry and mentoring the next generation of data professionals.
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