Welcome to the
Data in the D Podcast
Data in the D is a deep, friendly, no-BS look into Detroit’s data community and the people who make the Motor City move. We mix interviews and conversations with local leaders and practitioners covering data leadership, practitioner perspectives, building data teams, and bringing modern tech into legacy organizations. Brought to you by the team behind the Data in the D conference.
Gen Z Data Careers with Lilah Kole
What’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.
Why “I’m a Data Person” Isn’t a Career Anymore
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 "a data person" won't cut it anymore, what mid-market companies actually need from their data teams, how vibe coding is shaking up enterprise consulting, and Scott's blunt advice for new grads worried AI is coming for their careers.
Plus: why Detroit's data scene is slower than the coasts — and why that's about to change.
Birth of Data in Detroit
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.
Featuring Aaron Wilkerson, Ryan Dolley, Jason Touleyrou and Dom Leo.