My Path to Data: Rachel Lieberman
A blog series featuring women from Slalom — both current and alumni — on their path into data and analytics.
Welcome to the latest post in our “My Path to Data” series where we discuss careers in data with Slalom women, both current and alumni. Don’t forget to register for the You & Data panel discussion hosted by Slalom’s Women in Data community on September 22!
Today, we spoke with Rachel Lieberman, a director in the data and analytics (D&A) practice at Slalom Atlanta. Learn more about how she shifted from a career in photography to discovering her love for data.
How did you get into the data field?
Before I worked in data, I was a wedding photographer. I went back to school for a career switch. During my MBA, I had one class where I got to use a student Tableau license and I fell in love. It was the marriage of the visual and analytical that really drew me in, and from there the things that related to the work I was doing kept expanding until I understood more and more of the spectrum around data and analytics.
What is one thing you wish you could go back and tell yourself before starting a career in data?
When I started my career in data, I looked downward into what technically enabled analytics — tools, platforms, engineering. As I’ve grown in my career, I’ve realized how critical the softer side of data is — the governance, the organization, the strategy that allows companies to run from a single source of truth and empower citizen users to make data-driven decisions.
What is your role at Slalom?
I’m a director in our D&A team in Atlanta, focused on enabling more cross-functional engagements with other capabilities. It’s a fun role that lets me see data through a lot of different lenses, like data-enabled software products or data-driven program transformation.
What made you choose Slalom?
I was working with Slalom as a client when my job was unexpectedly moved across the country. After some consideration, I decided the new location wasn’t for me. When I thought about what I’d want to do instead of my role at the time, my first thought was, “These Slalom consultants have been doing such cool work. I wonder how I could learn to do that!” and started down the path of becoming a data visualization consultant for our Atlanta office.
What are some tips for those interested in a career in data?
The biggest thing you need for a career in data is the mindset of a constant learner. The technology is changing as fast as you can learn it, and while that’s intimidating, it’s also really exciting. The most successful people I’ve seen in the field tend to have strong fundamentals that aren’t technology dependent. The fundamentals will help you succeed in any technology.
As a woman in data, what is the Slalom core value that’s most important to you?
Celebrate authenticity. It’s been my favorite part of Slalom since I joined. As a mom of two, I love that I can show that side of myself at work and it’s not only okay — it’s part of deepening relationships with my coworkers. It’s great to work in a place where everyone is encouraged to bring their full self to work.
What’s your superpower? Tell us something that you’re damn good at!
My superpower is connecting people. I tend to start from a standpoint of thinking that no one is an expert or can know everything in a situation, so I drive toward connecting people with related needs, activities, or interests. Everyone wins!
What’s your most memorable moment at Slalom?
When I was promoted to my first leadership role, the current leadership team pulled me out of a meeting because they “needed to talk to me.” I assumed I’d done something wrong and was wracking my brain to figure out what as they walked me into the next room…where everyone started applauding and congratulating me. And that’s how I found out I was promoted.
And what’s the biggest thing you’ve learned on your Slalom Journey?
That solving problems with your friends makes the years fly by quickly.
Want to hear more from Rachel?
Register now for Slalom’s Women in Data community panel discussion — You & Data — on September 22nd from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm ET. Whether you have 10 years of experience or are just starting your career, we hope you’ll join us to listen in on this conversation with other women in the industry.
Rachel Lieberman leads the data and technology capabilities for Slalom Atlanta. After starting her career as a small business owner, she entered the technology space through delivery in visual analytics. From there, she grew to supporting more holistic solutions, keeping a focus on end users as Slalom enables business transformation through data and technology.
Slalom is a global consulting firm that helps people and organizations dream bigger, move faster, and build better tomorrows for all. Learn more and reach out today.
