The Quietly Ambitious Analyst

The Quietly Ambitious Analyst is a podcast about mastering the invisible skills that make data professionals stand out–business context, communication, and confidence. Hosted by Seth Forbes, a data strategist and educator, the show explores what it really takes to influence with data. Through solo episodes and honest conversations with analysts, creators, and industry professionals, we delve into the in-between moments and hidden practices that create real impact – from asking sharper questions to framing insights that drive decisions.

The Quietly Ambitious Analyst is a business podcast hosted by Seth Forbes, with 22 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Seth Forbes hosts The Quietly Ambitious Analyst, a business show with 22 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #10

  I grew up in a cornfield. Here's how I got into tech.

  May 19, 202613 minS3

  I didn't grow up with a roadmap to the tech industry. I grew up in rural Indiana, in a graduating class of 60 people, where nobody in my circle was going into data or business.<br /><br />This is the story of how I got here anyway. Through an RV, a nonprofit, an MBA, and one class that changed my trajectory. If you've ever felt like you don't quite fit the mold of a "typical" data person, I hope this one resonates with you.<br /><br />Chapters:<br />00:00 – Welcome & what this episode is about<br />01:20 – Growing up in rural Indiana<br />02:16 – Living...

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  Episode #9

  Why Your Stakeholders Aren't Acting on Your Analysis

  May 6, 202611 minS3

  You spent days on your analysis. The meeting went well. Everyone was engaged. And then nothing happened:<br />No decisions. No follow-up. No movement.<br /><br />If this has ever happened to you, you're not alone. And it's probably not because your stakeholders don't care about data.<br /><br />In this solo episode, I break down the two real reasons your analysis isn't moving forward and what you can do about both, starting with your very next meeting.<br /><br />Chapters:<br />00:00 — Introduction<br />02:30 — The Two Goals Every Presentation Needs<br />03:30 — Why Your Stakeholders Aren't Paying Attention<br />04:15 — The One Thing Mi...

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  Episode #8

  What It Actually Takes to Be Seen as Strategic at Work | Janet Kim

  Apr 28, 202635 minS3

  Level up your communication as an early career analyst with free weekly insights: <br />https://www.subscribepage.io/subscribe-enewsletter <br /><br />Janet Kim is a senior technology leader, career coach, and TED Talk speaker who spent 16 years at Stanford University. She has spent her career at the intersection of strategy, digital transformation, and people - and she has been on the other side of the table making the decisions that most analysts never get to hear about.<br /><br />If you've ever wondered what your stakeholders are actually thinking — this episode is for you.<br /><br />Chapters:<br />00:00 — Introduction<br />00:16 — The Mome...

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  Episode #7

  Why the Best Analysts Aren't Always the Most Technical Ones | Marianna Simonian

  Apr 21, 202629 minS3

  Level up your communication as an early-career analyst with free weekly insights⁠<br />Marianna Simonian is a tech futurist, former HR analyst, entrepreneur, and author who has built multiple startups and communities supporting women in tech — all while navigating the same self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and career uncertainty that most analysts feel but rarely talk about.<br /><br />In this conversation, she shares why your ability to figure things out matters more than your technical skills, how AI is making soft skills the new competitive advantage, what it means to be an agent of change, no matter your job title, and why...

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  Episode #6

  What Your Manager Actually Needs From You (A Director Tells All)

  Apr 21, 202634 minS3

  Aaron Wilkerson has spent nearly two decades in data and analytics — working his way up from individual contributor to Director of Data Strategy and Product at Carhartt. In this conversation, he pulls back the curtain on what leadership actually looks like from the other side: how directors prioritize requests, what it really means to bring an idea to your manager, why staying comfortable in your role is a quiet career risk, and why even senior leaders are figuring out AI as they go.<br /><br />If you've ever wondered what your manager is thinking — this episode is for you.<br />In t...

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