In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I explore Slow Productivity by Cal Newport—a book that challenges how we think about work and efficiency.

I welcome Alun Bedding and Steve Mallett to discuss how statisticians can apply Newport’s principles: doing fewer things, working at a natural pace, and obsessing over quality.

We share our experiences with managing workloads, cutting unnecessary meetings, and focusing on meaningful work.

If you want to break free from the busyness trap and boost your impact, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I talk with Justin Belair about the process of writing a book on causal inference, one of the hottest topics in statistics.

Justin explains how he discovered causal inference, what motivated him to write a hands-on technical book, and how he balances theory, real-world applications, and coding exercises. Having written a book myself, I know the challenges firsthand, so we dive into the strategies that make writing more effective.

If you want to learn more about causal inference, apply practical tools in your work, or even write a book yourself, this episode has plenty of insights and inspiration. Tune in and join the conversation!

In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I introduce the Medical Data Leaders Community (MDLC)—a powerful new resource for statisticians, data scientists, programmers, and other quantitative professionals in healthcare research.

I created this community to help you build and refine your leadership skills, so you can increase your influence and drive better decision-making in your organization. Leadership growth requires continuous learning, practice, and reflection, and MDLC provides the tools to support you every step of the way.

Through workshops, peer mentoring, and real-world applications, you’ll develop strategic thinking, negotiation skills, and a stronger leadership presence.

If you want to take your career to the next level, this episode will show you how MDLC can help.

Do you ever feel like your to-do list keeps growing no matter how much you check off?

I’ve been there—busy all day but still feeling unproductive and overwhelmed.

In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I share practical strategies to help you take back control. You'll learn why to-do lists spiral out of control, how to use the “single bridge system” to manage tasks efficiently, and how prioritization, delegation, and leadership skills can transform the way you work.

If you’re ready to break free from endless tasks and start making real progress, this episode is for you!

In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I tackle the challenge of a packed calendar head-on.

If back-to-back meetings, endless calls, and constant interruptions leave you with no time for deep, meaningful work, you’re not alone. I once averaged 37 meetings per week, so I know exactly how overwhelming it feels. I break down why our calendars spiral out of control, the real cost of this nonstop busyness, and, most importantly, three actionable strategies to reclaim your time.

If you’re ready to take charge of your schedule and work smarter—not just harder—this episode is for you!

In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I tackle a challenge that many of us face—working long hours and feeling stuck in an endless cycle of pressure and expectations.

I’ve spoken to countless professionals who struggle with ever-growing workloads, limited resources, and rigid workplace structures that make it difficult to work more efficiently. But the real issue isn’t just about managing tasks better—it’s about shifting the way we think about work.

Here, I break down the limiting beliefs that keep us trapped, like equating our value with how hard we work, mistaking busyness for productivity, and chasing perfection at the expense of progress. Join me as I share strategies to work smarter, achieve more, and create a healthier work-life balance.

Plus, I’ll tell you about an upcoming free webinar where I’ll dive even deeper into how you can become a more effective statistician while still enjoying life outside of work.

In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I explore how GAMS—the General Algebraic Modeling System—can solve complex optimization problems and transform how you approach modeling.

I talk with Steve Dirkse, an expert who explains how GAMS simplifies challenges in logistics, healthcare, and beyond. Unlike generalized additive models, GAMS uses an algebraic modeling language to handle intricate systems with ease.

Together, we uncover how you can start using this powerful tool, access its resources, and apply it to real-world scenarios. Join me as we dive into this fascinating topic and uncover how GAMS can make a difference in your work!

Are you tired of rushing through endless meetings, juggling countless tasks, and feeling like the grind never stops?
Do you wonder if all this hustle is worth the toll it’s taking on your health, relationships, and happiness?

In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I challenge the unsustainable culture of constant hustle and offer a better path: long-haul leadership. I’ll show you how focusing on personal growth, prioritizing your well-being, and building meaningful connections can help you break free from the burnout cycle. Let’s explore how to create a career that’s not only impactful but also sustainable for the long run.

Welcome to another episode of The Effective Statistician podcast!

Today, I tackle the essential skill of negotiation—a tool we statisticians use every day, often without realizing it. We negotiate when we push for better study designs, adjust project timelines, or secure resources like training and conference budgets. Beyond work, we negotiate in our personal lives with family, friends, or vendors.

In this episode, I share proven strategies to prepare for negotiations, uncover interests behind positions, and confidently advocate for yourself and your work.

Mastering these skills empowers you to drive success and create a bigger impact as a statistician. Let’s jump in!

In this Friday edition of The Effective Statistician, Alun Bedding takes center stage to discuss a topic central to leadership and personal influence: Trust.

With his characteristic insight and practical approach, Alun explores how trust forms the foundation of effective leadership, regardless of one’s title or position. Drawing on real-world examples and actionable strategies, he highlights the habits and choices that help build trust, foster authenticity, and inspire those around us.

Whether you consider yourself a leader or not, this episode will challenge you to think differently about your role and influence. Tune in and discover how trust can transform your personal and professional life.