Who’s the sage of the modern world?

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This week we’re quoting Dr. Kathrin Kind-Trueller (Chief Data Scientist / AI A. Director Nordics)

What Kind-Trueller said:

“If I could impart one nugget of wisdom about data to every curious mind out there, it would be this: Data, in its essence, is not just numbers and codes; it's a storytelling medium, a narrative waiting to be woven into insights and actions.” 

Finding the story in data

These words were in response to a question we asked: 

What’s one thing you wish everyone knew about data? 

And Kind-Trueller said, “Ah, data! The DNA of our digital universe, intricate and omnipresent, yet so often misunderstood.” 

She’s right: data often conjures visions of dull data-entry jobs and numerical oblivion; a world reserved only for people who love data. But to love data is to love stories – and as human beings, we all have an affinity with stories. 

A data scientist is the sage of our times

“You see, data is much like the ancient runes,” added Kind-Trueller, “each symbol, each figure holds a story, a lesson from the past, a prediction for the future, or a reflection of the present. But without the right interpretation, without the keen eye of a sage (or in modern terms, a data scientist), these stories remain untold, their lessons unlearned.” 

This is a beautiful interpretation of what it means to be a data scientist in today’s world. Because it emphasises something that everyone who works with data knows to be true, but most people who don’t work with data don’t (yet) understand – that the effort and skill it takes to organise, understand, and communicate information based on data is meaningful work. 

“Imagine, if you will, walking through a library where every book is written in a language you don't understand. That's the world without data literacy. Now, imagine having the key to decipher those texts, unlocking the wisdom of ages past and the potential of the future. That's the power of understanding data.” 

Data stories are key to solving the world’s most serious problems 

Here at LEAP, whenever we meet someone who doesn’t quite appreciate the value of data science, we point them towards a website called Our World in Data. 

Through infographics and high-impact storytelling, this site communicates the incredible importance of data in a really accessible way. You can explore data on global health, poverty, climate change, and more. 

You can see how effective policies are at minimising the environmental impact of agriculture; or find out what percentage of cars sold last year were electric; or see – in just a quick glance – which areas of the world are suffering most severely from poverty. 

Our World in Data’s work is free to use and open-source. And the way the information is presented takes that a step further; it’s not just free to access, but also easy to understand. Up-to-date insights are available for anyone to integrate into their work, their business, or their way of life. 

All of this contributes to a better understanding of the world we’re living in. And it’s only possible because of data and data scientists. 

Potent stories drive better decision-making

“The stories data tells us are potent, capable of guiding decisions that shape our world, from the mundane to the monumental. Yet, like any powerful tool, the ethics of how we use it, interpret it, and share its tales cannot be overlooked,” said Kind-Trueller. 

“So, in a world flooded with data, my wish is for everyone to recognise not just its value but its vulnerability. To see data not as a mere commodity but as the collective memory of humanity, a resource to be used wisely, ethically, and, dare I say, with a touch of reverence.” 

“For in the right hands, data can indeed change the world, but only if we respect the stories it's trying to tell.”

Read our interview with Kathrin Kind-Trueller: GenAI - Redefining the boundaries of what’s possible

Have an idea for a topic you'd like us to cover? We're eager to hear it! Drop us a message and share your thoughts.

Catch you next week,
Richard McKeon
Group Marketing Director

Mark your calendars for 📅 10-13 February 2025.