Jessica Lachs is the global head of analytics and data science at DoorDash, where she’s built one of the largest and most respected data organizations in tech. In her more than 10 years at DoorDash, she has served as the first general manager, responsible for launching new markets; the head of business ops and analytics; and the VP of analytics and data science. Previously, Jessica founded GiftSimple, a social gifting startup, and started her career at Lehman Brothers as an investment banking analyst. In our conversation, she shares:
• How to structure and scale a high-impact analytics organization
• Centralized vs. decentralized data teams
• How to pick the right metric and aligning incentives
• Advice for data people on how and when to push back
• Lessons learned from building a global data team
• How to foster a culture of extreme ownership
• The role of AI in improving analytics team productivity
• Advice for aspiring data leaders without formal training

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In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Jessica’s background
(04:59) Centralized vs. embedded analytics teams
(10:52) The benefits of a centralized analytics team
(15:10) Balancing proactive and reactive work
(20:45) Advice on how to push back effectively
(24:20) Hiring for curiosity and problem solving
(28:57) Coming from a non-traditional background
(34:40) The early days and culture at DoorDash
(40:39) Encouraging cross-functional roles
(44:39) Defining effective metrics
(46:30) Simplifying metrics for better outcomes
(55:28) Focusing on edge cases and fail states
(01:00:12) Managing a global data organization
(01:02:31) Leveraging AI for productivity
(01:05:25) Building diverse and skilled data teams
(01:08:40) Lightning round

Referenced:
• How Netflix builds a culture of excellence | Elizabeth Stone (CTO): [ Ссылка ]
• Riley Newman on LinkedIn: [ Ссылка ]
• Tony Xu on LinkedIn: [ Ссылка ]
• Imposter Syndrome: Why You May Feel Like a Fraud: [ Ссылка ]
• Stanley Tang on LinkedIn: [ Ссылка ]
• Andy Fang on LinkedIn: [ Ссылка ]
• Evan Moore on LinkedIn: [ Ссылка ]
• How WeDash became the flagship employee program for DoorDash: [ Ссылка ]
• Leading with empathy | Keith Yandell (DoorDash, Uber): [ Ссылка ]
• The Rose Code: [ Ссылка ]
• Libby app: [ Ссылка ]
• The West Wing on Prime: [ Ссылка ]
• Alias on Prime: [ Ссылка ]
• Joseon sunscreens: [ Ссылка ]
• Innisfree sunscreens: [ Ссылка ]
• John Steinbeck quote: [ Ссылка ]
• Vanessa Roberts on LinkedIn: [ Ссылка ]
• Tia Sherringham on LinkedIn: [ Ссылка ]
• Elizabeth Jarvis-Shean on LinkedIn: [ Ссылка ]

Production and marketing by [ Ссылка ]. For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email podcast@lennyrachitsky.com.

Lenny may be an investor in the companies discussed.

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