Bringing data products to life: An interview with Jennifer Lindner, Senior Director, Product Marketing
Hear how she brings complex data products to life at Walmart Data Ventures
We sat down with Jennifer Lindner, Senior Director, Product Marketing at Walmart Data Ventures to delve into her fascinating career journey and experiences navigating the world of data.
Jen's path is anything but traditional, weaving through market research, health tech startups, and an executive thought leadership marketing program for Oracle Cloud before landing at Walmart Data Ventures. With a background that blends creativity and analytical thinking, she's uniquely positioned to shed light on the evolving landscape of data product marketing.
Join us as we explore her insights on the power of first-party data, the challenges of translating complex data into compelling narratives, and her advice for aspiring women in the field.
Q: Tell us about your career and what led you to Walmart Data Ventures.
A: I studied English at the University of Chicago and later on earned a Master’s in Communication from Northwestern. My first job out of undergrad was in market research. In fact, I found myself drawn to data—and specifically data products—early on, working in creative leadership, then product management in the healthcare and HR tech space. Eventually, I realized my passion wasn't just about building innovative products, but also about fine-tuning how they were presented to the world. That led me to product marketing, which has been an incredibly fulfilling transition—and led me to Walmart Data Ventures.
Q: What initially drew you to the world of data, and how has that evolved into a passion for marketing data products?
A: I've always been someone who balances creativity with a need for rationale. Data provides that perfect balance. It allows you to test your creative instincts and feed and refine your approach based on solid evidence. Seeing marketing become more data-driven over the past decade or two has been exciting, and I love being part of that evolution.
Q: What's a common misconception about first-party data, and how does product marketing help bridge that gap for Merchants and suppliers?
A: The biggest misconception is that first-party data is a "nice-to-have." Here at Walmart Data Ventures, we're on a mission to change that perception. First-party data is absolutely essential for understanding customers and making informed decisions. Product marketing plays a crucial role in educating Merchants and suppliers about the power and reliability of this data and how it can drive their success, both within and beyond Walmart.
Q: In a few sentences, how would you explain the value of Scintilla to a supplier who is still learning about its capabilities?
A: With Scintilla, Walmart Data Ventures is unlocking the immense value of Walmart's first-party data. We're helping suppliers and Merchants make smarter decisions, ultimately benefiting the Walmart customer. Suffice it to say, the possibilities are endless, and we're just getting started!
Q: For women looking to build a career in data or product marketing, what advice would you give them?
A: Explore all the different ways you can work with data. You don't necessarily need to be building data products to become an expert in speaking to it. If you're passionate about marketing technical products, seek out those opportunities. It takes a special skill, and meaningful experience, to translate complex data into clear value propositions. Develop a healthy allergy to jargon and always keep front and center in your mind that B2B buyers are consumers, too. They appreciate to-the-point messaging and compelling creative approaches.
Jen's journey is a testament to the diverse paths that can lead to a successful career in data. Her insights on the evolving landscape of data product marketing, the importance of first-party data, and her passion for translating complex data into compelling narratives are inspiring.
If you're eager to embark on a career journey as dynamic and impactful as Jennifer's, we invite you to explore the exciting opportunities available at Walmart Data Ventures. Visit our website at www.WalmartDataVentures.com to learn more about our team, our mission, and how you can contribute to shaping the future of data.
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