logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2024
1h 19m

Building a world-class data org | Jessic...

Lenny Rachitsky
About this episode

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

Brought to you by:

Webflow—The web experience platform

Anvil—The fastest way to build software for documents

Attio—The powerful, flexible CRM for fast-growing startups

Find the transcript at: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/building-a-world-class-data-org-jessica-lachs

Where to find Jessica Lachs:

• X: https://x.com/jesslachs

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-lachs/

Where to find Lenny:

• Newsletter: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com

• X: https://twitter.com/lennysan

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennyrachitsky/

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): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/how-netflix-builds-a-culture-of-excellence

• Riley Newman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rileynewman/

• Tony Xu on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xutony/

• Imposter Syndrome: Why You May Feel Like a Fraud: https://www.verywellmind.com/imposter-syndrome-and-social-anxiety-disorder-4156469

• Stanley Tang on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanleytang/

• Andy Fang on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fangsterr/

• Evan Moore on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanmoore/

• How WeDash became the flagship employee program for DoorDash: https://careers.doordash.com/blog/wedash-doordash-employee-program-how-does-it-work

• Leading with empathy | Keith Yandell (DoorDash, Uber): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/leading-with-empathy-keith-yandell

The Rose Code: https://www.amazon.com/Rose-Code-Novel-Kate-Quinn/dp/006305941X

• Libby app: https://libbyapp.com/

The West Wing on Prime: https://www.amazon.com/West-Wing-Complete-First-Season/dp/B000KZPG04

Alias on Prime: https://www.amazon.com/Alias-Season-1/dp/B00748O13S

• Joseon sunscreens: https://beautyofjoseon.com/

• Innisfree sunscreens: https://us.innisfree.com/

• John Steinbeck quote: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/john_steinbeck_103825

• Vanessa Roberts on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-roberts-b8a509a/

• Tia Sherringham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiasherringham/

• Elizabeth Jarvis-Shean on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-jarvis-shean-141a7966/

• My Journey (Part 1): I have a job that I would never be hired for: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jessica-lachs_anniversary-datascience-finance-activity-7216912300056727553-mEv6/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email podcast@lennyrachitsky.com.

Lenny may be an investor in the companies discussed.



Get full access to Lenny's Newsletter at www.lennysnewsletter.com/subscribe
Up next
Jul 6
Solo founder, $80M exit, 6 months: The Base44 bootstrapped startup success story | Maor Shlomo
Maor Shlomo is the founder of Base44, an AI-powered app builder that he bootstrapped to an over $80 million acquisition by Wix in just six months. As a solo founder (with severe ADHD), he hit $1 million ARR just three weeks after launch and grew the product to more than 400,000 u ... Show More
1h 31m
Jul 3
I’ve run 75+ businesses. Here’s why you’re probably chasing the wrong idea. | Andrew Wilkinson (co‑founder of Tiny)
Andrew Wilkinson is the co‑founder of Tiny, a holding company that quietly owns more than three dozen profitable internet and consumer brands, including Dribbble and the AeroPress coffee maker. Starting as a teenage barista and web designer, he’s created a portfolio approaching $ ... Show More
1h 28m
Jun 29
Naming expert shares the process behind creating billion-dollar brand names like Azure, Vercel, Windsurf, Sonos, Blackberry, and Impossible Burger | David Placek (Lexicon Branding)
David Placek is the founder of Lexicon Branding, a company that focuses exclusively on the development of brand names for competitive advantage. Lexicon is behind iconic names such as Sonos, Microsoft’s Azure, Windsurf, Vercel, Impossible Foods, BlackBerry, Intel’s Pentium, Apple ... Show More
1h 22m
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2024
#262 Self-Service Business Intelligence with Sameer Al-Sakran, CEO at Metabase
We’re improving DataFramed, and we need your help! We want to hear what you have to say about the show, and how we can make it more enjoyable for you—find out more here.We’re often caught chasing the dream of “self-serve” data—a place where data empowers stakeholders to answer th ... Show More
51m 33s
Feb 2025
Building Data Excellence at Nordstrom: Scaling Standards & Measurement for Impact
In this episode of the Data Science Salon Podcast, host Anna Anisin sits down with two data leaders from Nordstrom to explore how organizations can build a culture of technical excellence and measurement in data science. First, Gina Schmalzle, Principal Data Scientist at Nordstro ... Show More
34m 50s
Oct 2024
#254 Career Skills for Data Professionals with Wes Kao, Co-Founder of Maven
Mastering the technical side of data and AI is one thing, but communicating those insights effectively is a whole different challenge. How do you make sure your data is understood, acted upon, and influences decisions? It’s not just about presenting the right numbers—it’s about f ... Show More
46m 22s
Jan 2025
The Role of Analytics in Shaping the Future of MLOps
Sophia Rowland, Senior Product Manager at SAS, discusses her journey from data science to product management at SAS, focusing on the integration of AI and analytics. She explains the concepts of Model Ops and ML Ops, the challenges organizations face in operationalizing machine l ... Show More
32m 42s
Feb 2025
#287 Self-Service Generative AI Product Development at Credit Karma with Madelaine Daianu, Head of Data & AI at Credit Karma
As businesses collect more data than ever, the question arises: is bigger always better? Companies are beginning to question whether massive datasets and complex infrastructures are truly delivering results or just adding unnecessary costs. How can you align your data strategy wi ... Show More
48m 17s
Jul 2024
#225 The Full Stack Data Scientist with Savin Goyal, Co-Founder & CTO at Outerbounds
The role of the data scientist is changing. Some organizations are splitting the role into more narrowly focused jobs, while others are broadening it. The latter approach, known as the Full Stack Data Scientist, is derived from the concept of a full stack software engineer, with ... Show More
48m 44s
Sep 2024
Data-Driven Excellence: AI and Analytics in Action with Matthew Denesuk & Jaime Russ
In this DSS Podcast we chat with Matthew Denesuk, SVP of Data Analytics & AI at Royal Caribbean Group. Matthew shares his insights on leveraging a Center of Excellence model to drive data-driven strategies across the organization. Tune in to discover how this approach can transfo ... Show More
32m 41s
Jul 2024
803: How to Thrive in Your (Data Science) Career, with Daliana Liu
Daliana Liu is a big name in data science teaching, and she has always been generous in sharing everything she knows about getting a job in data science. In this episode, she continues to extend her generosity, helping listeners define their approach to achieving a fulfilling car ... Show More
1h 54m
Sep 2024
#245 Can We Make Generative AI Cheaper? With Natalia Vassilieva, Senior VP & Field CTO & Andy Hock, VP, Product & Strategy at Cerebras Systems
With AI tools constantly evolving, the potential for innovation seems limitless. But with great potential comes significant costs, and the question of efficiency and scalability becomes crucial. How can you ensure that your AI models are not only pushing boundaries but also deliv ... Show More
46m 42s