Melanie focuses on practical data science and AI. Her career highlights include driving client outcomes at Petsch Analytics, LLC—her data science consultancy; designing and building custom applications with generative AI and large language models, incorporating humans in the loop, at Palantir Technologies; modeling and analyzing truly big data at the New York Stock Exchange; writing quantitative research and a book on commodity investing at Goldman Sachs; teaching at Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA); and serving on the Mechanical Engineering Advisory Council at Purdue University.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to reframe uncertainty, communicate value clearly, and turn vague requests into staged projects that produce quick wins.

Melanie and I discuss:

• Melanie’s career journey and pivotal transitions [01:54]
• How the 2008 crisis led to launching her consultancy and landing an eight-year anchor client [03:21]
• Employee vs. consultant mindsets and why she’s ambivalent about the labels [05:24]
• Teaching students to handle ambiguity and have honest client conversations [07:40]
• Why open, candid dialogue can be easier as a consultant [09:37]
• A mindset shift for corporate refugees to attract the next right clients [13:47]
• Identifying your highest-value skills and applying them to modern needs like generative AI [14:13]
• Communicating with nontechnical stakeholders and using mockups to align quickly [16:50]
• “That’s not my data” — using anomalies to improve data quality and trust [18:05]
• Feedback that matters and the power of meeting audiences where they are (data dictionary story) [19:08]
• The networking story of earning an eight-year client by not hiring someone [21:24]
• Human-first relationships vs. transactional interactions [23:30]
• How to connect with Melanie [24:29]

Learn more about Melanie at http://www.petschanalytics.com/.

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About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own.

Each episode features a candid conversation with someone who has walked this path or supports those who do. Guests offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms, with practical insights on positioning, growth, marketing, decision-making, and mindset.

Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success.

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