Member Spotlight: Emma Nylk, Founder, East Neuk Analytics
Our Member Spotlights are a place for us to find out a little bit more about the people behind the profile pic - the challenges they've faced, the values they hold, and their top tips and advice for other members.
This week, we caught up with Emma Nylk, Founder, East Neuk Analytics, which supports headteachers to improve their data literacy through training and bespoke tools for their schools.
If you'd like to be featured in our Member Spotlight, drop us an email at [email protected] or drop our community manager Paul McMillan a DM.
Hi Emma! Let us know a bit about your background!
In 2017 while on maternity leave, I was visiting a school in the Scottish Borders when I saw how much time and effort the management team was putting into manipulating and analysing data they had on children’s attainment. Given my experience in MI dashboard design I built an Excel document for them to use. Within a few weeks, other schools in the area were looking for similar support. This was the start of my company, East Neuk Analytics.
Prior to this I have worked for retail and financial companies where I managed customer feedback programs, built predictive data models, and developed and managed Management Information reports.
Like a lot of University of St Andrews graduates, I met my husband at the university. We are so fortunate to be able to still live in the town and have 2 daughters. This means we have lots of trips to the beach!
What's the biggest challenge you've faced in your career?
My biggest professional challenge in my career was deciding what to do after I had my first daughter. I knew I wanted to spend as much time with her and her little sister as possible (especially while they were young), so I needed to find work that fitted around my family life. Fortunately having my own business gives me the flexibility we need.
What's your top tip for aspiring data professionals?
Understand that data is just one part of a business. You need to be aware of the wider goals of the business you are working in. You will find it easier to share your data stories and get people to take action if you understand the priorities of the business.
If you could start your career over, what would you do differently?
I would put more energy into networking, especially early on in my career when I was working in bigger companies. Learning and sharing ideas with others helps everyone.
The Data Lab values are Support, Respect, Innovate & Grow - which one resonates with you most at the moment and why?
Respect: whether that's respect for each other, the data, technology, new ways of working, differences of opinion… it’s hard to achieve anything positive without respect.
Lastly, how could you help other members of the community?
My company aims to support headteachers and school leaders to improve their confidence when handling data. It would be great to chat with anyone who is also trying to improve their confidence when handling data.
A big thanks again to Emma for her time! If you'd like to be featured in one of our Member Spotlights just get in touch via [email protected] or drop our community manager Paul a DM.