Podcasts Technology Lenny's Podcast: Product | Growth | Career Building a world-class data org | Jessica Lachs (VP of Analytics and Data Science at DoorDash)

Building a world-class data org | Jessica Lachs (VP of Analytics and Data Science at DoorDash)

Published: July 14, 2024, 11:01 a.m.

Jessica Lachs is the global head of analytics and data science at DoorDash, where she\u2019s built one of the largest and most respected data organizations in tech. In her more than 10 years at DoorDash, she has served as the first general manager, responsible for launching new markets; the head of business ops and analytics; and the VP of analytics and data science. Previously, Jessica founded GiftSimple, a social gifting startup, and started her career at Lehman Brothers as an investment banking analyst. In our conversation, she shares:

\u2022 How to structure and scale a high-impact analytics organization

\u2022 Centralized vs. decentralized data teams

\u2022 How to pick the right metric and aligning incentives

\u2022 Advice for data people on how and when to push back

\u2022 Lessons learned from building a global data team

\u2022 How to foster a culture of extreme ownership

\u2022 The role of AI in improving analytics team productivity

\u2022 Advice for aspiring data leaders without formal training

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Brought to you by:

\u2022 Webflow\u2014The web experience platform

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Find the transcript at: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/building-a-world-class-data-org-jessica-lachs

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Where to find Jessica Lachs:

\u2022 X: https://x.com/jesslachs

\u2022 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-lachs/

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Where to find Lenny:

\u2022 Newsletter: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com

\u2022 X: https://twitter.com/lennysan

\u2022 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennyrachitsky/

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In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) Jessica\u2019s background

(04:59) Centralized vs. embedded analytics teams

(10:52) The benefits of a centralized analytics team

(15:10) Balancing proactive and reactive work

(20:45) Advice on how to push back effectively

(24:20) Hiring for curiosity and problem solving

(28:57) Coming from a non-traditional background

(34:40) The early days and culture at DoorDash

(40:39) Encouraging cross-functional roles

(44:39) Defining effective metrics

(46:30) Simplifying metrics for better outcomes

(55:28) Focusing on edge cases and fail states

(01:00:12) Managing a global data organization

(01:02:31) Leveraging AI for productivity

(01:05:25) Building diverse and skilled data teams

(01:08:40) Lightning round

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Referenced:

\u2022 How Netflix builds a culture of excellence | Elizabeth Stone (CTO): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/how-netflix-builds-a-culture-of-excellence

\u2022 Riley Newman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rileynewman/

\u2022 Tony Xu on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xutony/

\u2022 Imposter Syndrome: Why You May Feel Like a Fraud: https://www.verywellmind.com/imposter-syndrome-and-social-anxiety-disorder-4156469

\u2022 Stanley Tang on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanleytang/

\u2022 Andy Fang on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fangsterr/

\u2022 Evan Moore on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanmoore/

\u2022 How WeDash became the flagship employee program for DoorDash: https://careers.doordash.com/blog/wedash-doordash-employee-program-how-does-it-work

\u2022 Leading with empathy | Keith Yandell (DoorDash, Uber): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/leading-with-empathy-keith-yandell

\u2022 The Rose Code: https://www.amazon.com/Rose-Code-Novel-Kate-Quinn/dp/006305941X

\u2022 Libby app: https://libbyapp.com/

\u2022 The West Wing on Prime: https://www.amazon.com/West-Wing-Complete-First-Season/dp/B000KZPG04

\u2022 Alias on Prime: https://www.amazon.com/Alias-Season-1/dp/B00748O13S

\u2022 Joseon sunscreens: https://beautyofjoseon.com/

\u2022 Innisfree sunscreens: https://us.innisfree.com/

\u2022 John Steinbeck quote: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/john_steinbeck_103825

\u2022 Vanessa Roberts on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-roberts-b8a509a/

\u2022 Tia Sherringham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiasherringham/

\u2022 Elizabeth Jarvis-Shean on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-jarvis-shean-141a7966/

\u2022 Regina (Gina) Tarone on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/regina-tarone-a565a2/overlay/about-this-profile/

\u2022 My Journey (Part 1): I have a job that I would never be hired for: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jessica-lachs_anniversary-datascience-finance-activity-7216912300056727553-mEv6/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

\u2022 Starting an Analytics Org From Scratch \u2014 Lessons From a Decade at DoorDash: https://review.firstround.com/starting-an-analytics-org-from-scratch-lessons-from-a-decade-at-doordash/

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Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email podcast@lennyrachitsky.com.

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Lenny may be an investor in the companies discussed.



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