Elisa Choy
Economist and Data Expert
What’s the coolest job on the planet? We think it could be Elisa Choy’s. She’s currently known as the Data Maven and she’s fast-tracking her career to become the ‘Queen of Data.’
So what does she actually do? She’s an economist and data strategist who uses data, insights and advanced analytics to tell compelling stories. Or, as Elisa puts it, she translates math to English, turning data into decisions. We asked her to elaborate.
Please tell us what you do again?
I’m an entrepreneur by nature and I run my own business, Maven Data, Australia’s first AI-powered market research agency.
I translate market data and predict trends. It’s pretty cool and cutting edge. I love being able to bring all the skills from my previous careers to be really good at solving problems with data.
What are you most proud of in your career so far?
I’m most proud of my ability to re-invent myself and never give up. My career has not been smooth – a bit like snakes and ladders. It used to upset me (why me? It’s not fair), but I’ve finally realised that my journey was meant to take me to where I am today. So I’m most proud of not ever giving up on finding the right role for me – aligning meaning and purpose to my talents and passions.
How did you get to be so confident?
It’s taken many years to build the muscle of resilience which is success and failure. Now I’m only afraid that I won’t get to live long enough to do all the things I want to achieve. However, I realise now that I can only do the best you can and then call it a day, for however long I have left on earth.
Who helped you get to where you are today?
A whole village of people have helped me, guides, mentors, sponsors, teachers, family, friends, even enemies (your enemies are actually the best teachers). There is always a team of people to support your build your intellect, support your dreams, nurture your health, and keep you on your toes. Life would be too boring if you did it all by yourself.
What are some of the things you do every day in your role?
As an economist, I observe what goes on in business, culture, society and predict trends. I help businesses make decisions with confidence around finding more customers, increase sales, and become great.
What do you love most about what you do?
I get a kick out of bringing to life the story that data can tell. We have advanced technologies today to mine the oceans of data around us to uncover how the world is changing. Everyone wants to predict the future, right?
Do you have any advice for thinking about a career in your industry?
If you are tenaciously curious about the world and love data, there are so many roles in this industry to find your place. The world needs more passionate problem solvers to uncover insights to make better decisions to change the world. If that doesn’t sell it to you, well then, you will ALWAYS have a job and will ALWAYS get paid well.
What are your thoughts about the future of work in your industry?
This industry will boom for another 10 years at least. You will also be able to work remotely, on any industry, in any country.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Predict the future! I predicted the winner of The Voice 2019 and 2020, and MasterChef Australia 2020. That was just for fun. I also produce my own content, bringing a data lens to topical issues like culture and business. My newest series is on the impact of COVID-19 on the world, life and business.
I’m a working mother of twin girls and I’m passionate about empowering women and girls to achieve the best vision of themselves and their world. In my spare time, I play ‘shop’ with my 5-year-old girls.
In your wildest dreams, what would you love to do and get paid for it?
I want to travel the world and tell entertaining stories from data, as a professional keynote speaker and media commentator, as the Queen of Data.
Website: www.mavendata.com.au
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