#SuperChats: Anna’s journey – a data enthusiast with a passion for discovery  

Anna Rossudowska started her career as a financial controller, with a commitment in mind to empower self-service analytics. Her career journey led to a role at Tableau as a consultant, where she fostered data-driven cultures. This was followed by roles at Alteryx and Dataiku, where she worked on enhancing business intelligence tools with artificial intelligence. Currently, as a Tableau COE Lead at Superbet, her goal is to maximize the value of our Tableau investment and enhance the impact of analytics through user enablement, engagement, and support.

Outside her work, Anna enjoys the calm of Greenwich, London, where she currently lives. The trails in Greenwich Park are perfect for peaceful walks with her dog, Teddy. On weekends, Anna loves to venture out further to experience London’s cultural richness. Having lived in five different countries, she has developed an authentic appreciation for diverse cultures and eclectic communities. 

In our first episode of Super Chats, we caught up with Anna, wanting to find out what drives her, where she finds inspiration, and how she defines wellbeing. The result was a genuine conversation about career choices, personal development, and the importance of finding balance.

You are one of the key people who started Data Talks Community, a regional hub for data enthusiasts. What motivated you to get involved in this initiative and how would you characterize your contribution to this professional community?

Initially, I didn’t see myself going into the data field, having started in a completely different area. Yet, my career path led me here and I realized that almost every role is becoming a data role in some sense. This is what motivated me. I believe having a good grasp of data provides us with a seat at the decision-making table. It’s empowering.

And this is why I wanted to share this knowledge and empower others. I lead several data literacy initiatives within our company to help others become more data savvy. Extending this effort beyond our company with the Data Talks Community seemed like a natural next step.

It's a relaxed space where we can share knowledge, discuss our challenges, and learn from each other. We’re not only swapping practical tips but also realizing that we’re not alone in facing data challenges.

My part in the Community has been about creating a welcoming environment for these exchanges of ideas, making our journey through the data world a shared, less intimidating experience.

As a Tableau Leader, you offer both your knowledge and leadership skills to your team. What best describes your leadership style and what is your vision on developing the people whom you coordinate?

Over time, my leadership style has blended coaching with empowerment. I want to create a space where my team can take the lead, initiating projects and learning along the way. My goal is to cultivate a culture of continuous learning and curiosity. I think both are key for both personal and shared growth.

This year you were asked to speak during the Superbet Career Week, talking about your career path, what empowered you and what were the moments which made a strong impact on your professional journey. What are your personal and professional development landmarks?

Looking back, I can see two distinct phases. The first was a decade of constant change – moving from place to place and switching jobs. I found that stepping into the unknown and figuring things out helped me shape a growth mindset, which was a solid base for what was to come.

The next phase began when I shifted from being a software sales engineer to my current role. I was aiming for a role with more impact and ownership where I could see projects through from start to finish.

As I reflect on it, those career shifts were about much more than simply moving from one role to another. With each change, I didn’t just move ahead; I also acquired transferable skills, broadened my perspective, and developed a deeper appreciation for the diverse aspects of our field.

It’s important to remember that you don’t have to have it all figured out. Each change is a stepping stone, adding layers to your experience and making you and your perspective unique.

As work often intertwines with our personal life, well-being, and balance remains essential. What are the things that help you maintain this balance and what are the experiences in which you find inspiration?

The age-old saying ‘health is wealth’ rings true now more than ever. Over time, I’ve realized that a well-rested mind and body are crucial for staying healthy and productive. Wellbeing is much more than a concept; it is something that we should nurture within ourselves constantly. 

I make it a point to spend time outdoors every day, going on long walks with my dog. Also, I do weight training and have become a fan of yoga. It’s an unusual mix, but these activities have become my anchor for staying physically and mentally grounded.

Recently, I’ve read a lot about breathwork. Did you know we take roughly twenty thousand breaths every day? We rarely notice it. So, I’ve set a modest goal of at least three mindful breaths a day. It’s a small practice, but it certainly goes a long way in improving focus.