In the world of technology, we often come across inspiring stories of individuals who have seamlessly merged seemingly unrelated disciplines to create something truly groundbreaking. In a recent podcast episode, we were introduced to one such individual, Gabi Steele, a painter turned data visualisation extraordinaire, and now the co-founder of a startup.

From her early days in art studios to her stint at the Washington Post, Gabi Steele has made quite the journey. Today, she stands as the co-founder and CEO of Preql, a data tool empowering strategy, revenue and operations leaders to own their core metrics without writing SQL. But, it's not just her career achievements that stand out. Steele's passions extend beyond the realm of tech, into painting, yoga, and community building.

One of the initial fundamental parts of Gabi's story is her team-up with Leah Weiss, with whom she first started Data Culture with - a data engineering and visualisation consultancy focused on helping organisations build data capabilities, implement modern infrastructure and create lasting data culture. In an industry dominated by men, Gabi and Leah stood firm, creating compelling data visuals that guided readers on how to interact with these insights. 

Two data visualisation projects she finds particularly effective are US Gun Deaths in 2013 and Borderline - Navigating the US-Mexican Border.

This innovative approach has, for example, taken communication for a spin, marrying data science, graphic design, and coding to create stories that resonated with their audience. Through her work, she has demonstrated how data can be transformed into a powerful tool for communication, effectively breaking down complex information into easily digestible visuals. With her vast experiences, she also teaches and creates a curriculum for young women, such as for Kode With Klossy.

What makes Gabi stand out isn't just her data science skills – it's also her dedication to building communities and supporting women in data science. She's blurring the lines between fields, making the tech world more inclusive and innovative. The journey from art to tech is a shining example of what can happen at the intersection of seemingly unrelated fields. It serves as an inspiration to all those who challenge the status quo and chart their own course, no matter how unconventional it may seem.

As we navigate the world of technology, people like Gabi Steele remind us of the importance of creativity, diversity, and inclusivity. Whether it's through data visualisation or painting, her story highlights the potential that lies in harnessing our unique skills and passions. It serves as a reminder that innovations can come from the most unexpected places.

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Full podcast here below:

Apple Podcast

Spotify

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