Diogo Batista, Lead Data Scientist from Porto, shares his journey in data science, his role at the Digital Campus, and his passion for turning complex data into business impact.
Meet Diogo Batista, Lead Data Scientist from Porto
From academia to applied data science
I hold a PhD in Management with a specialisation in Finance, and my academic journey has included publishing papers in different journals such as the Journal of Finance and Risk Perspectives and the Review of Business Management.
Professionally, I had the privilege of working at the Portuguese Ministry of Finance at an early age, where I gained valuable insights into macroeconomic forecasting. Additionally, I spent nearly six years in the Statistics department of the Portuguese Central Bank, where I refined my data science skills. In addition, I am also a lecturer at the School of Economics and Management at the University of Porto.
Two years ago, I joined Metyis, and the experience has been incredibly rewarding. From day one, I had this deep sense of shared purpose. It has been a remarkable adventure, and I look forward to continuing to contribute and grow together.
Driving innovation at the digital campus
In my current lead role as Data Scientist, I work at the Digital Campus in Porto, a collaborative venture between Metyis and HUGO BOSS. Within the Advanced Business Analytics pillar, I oversee use-cases in the Product sub-spoke.
I thoroughly enjoy the cooperative environment within our team, where we are given a significant degree of autonomy and ownership. It has been an incredible journey, working alongside talented experts and dynamic teammates, all while developing analytical solutions for a major fashion player.
The opportunity to be surrounded by such inspiring professionals and valuable references has been truly rewarding. As we strive to achieve our ambitious goals, I look forward to further strengthening our relationships with both technical and business stakeholders.
From financial markets to data-driven business impact
I've always been motivated by the challenge of finding effective financial investment strategies. This interest led me to learn a lot about optimisation, pattern recognition, and forecasting. I was inspired by investors who were both successful and methodical in their approaches.
Over the years, I've developed a range of models to track financial phenomena ahead of time. I genuinely enjoy the process of developing and maintaining these models, seeing it as a continuous learning journey.
Financial markets, with its constant activity and widespread interest, provides an excellent setting to test and refine my skills. It is a dynamic environment where I can apply what I've learned, challenge myself, and keep up-to-date with the latest techniques and trends.
Bridging data science and business strategy
As a data scientist, I am passionate about harnessing the power of data to drive meaningful business impact. My profession allows me to dive deep into complex datasets, uncovering hidden insights that can transform decision-making processes and fuel innovation. By leveraging advanced analytics, machine learning, and statistical modelling, I help businesses unlock new opportunities, optimise operations, and enhance customer experiences.
What excites me the most is the direct correlation between our work and tangible business outcomes. Whether it's increasing revenue, reducing costs, or improving efficiency, the models and solutions we develop have a real, measurable impact. We thrive on collaborating with cross-functional teams, translating intricate data narratives into actionable strategies that align with business goals.
In essence, our role as data experts is not just about crunching numbers. It is about being a strategic partner who empowers businesses to thrive in a data-driven world. With a blend of technical expertise and business acumen, we are dedicated to making data science an integral part of business success stories.
Using data to impact in the business
Our team makes a significant impact by transforming data into actionable insights that drive strategic decisions and innovation. With expertise in predictive analytics, machine learning, data visualisation, statistical modelling, and generative artificial intelligence, we tackle diverse challenges and adapt to various business contexts.
We excel in seamless collaboration across departments, understanding unique needs to deliver tailored, data-driven strategies aligned with organisational objectives. This approach optimises processes, enhances customer experiences, and improves financial performance.
Our commitment to continuous learning and innovation keeps us at the forefront of data science and technology. By integrating cutting-edge techniques, we help businesses navigate market complexities, adapt to trends, and seize new opportunities.
Advice for aspiring data scientists
To succeed in the world of data, it is important to first understand that the data is paramount. Always approach data with a critical eye. You should be able to look at a number and intuitively assess whether it makes sense and what it signifies. This fundamental skill cannot be overstated.
Secondly, it's never about the model or the tool. In today's landscape, there is a lot of excitement around certain technologies, leading many young professionals to choose a technique first and then look for a problem to solve with it. Think of it like this: we don't decide to use a toothbrush without a specific purpose; most people use it to brush their teeth. Similarly, if we need to hit a nail, we consider the best tool for the job, often a hammer. In data science, always focus on the problem you're trying to solve first and then select the appropriate method. Simplicity is often more effective.
Lastly, remember that people will often communicate their needs and the problems they want to address, even if they don't explicitly state them. Your job is to ask questions and truly listen to uncover these insights.