Jessica Lachs is the global head of analytics and data science at DoorDash, where she’s built one of the largest and most respected data organizations in tech. In her more than 10 years at DoorDash, she has served as the first general manager, responsible for launching new markets; the head of business ops and analytics; and the VP of analytics and data science. Previously, Jessica founded GiftSimple, a social gifting startup, and started her career at Lehman Brothers as an investment banking analyst. In our conversation, she shares: • How to structure and scale a high-impact analytics organization • Centralized vs. decentralized data teams • How to pick the right metric and aligning incentives • Advice for data people on how and when to push back • Lessons learned from building a global data team • How to foster a culture of extreme ownership • The role of AI in improving analytics team productivity • Advice for aspiring data leaders without formal training — Brought to you by: • Webflow—The web experience platform: https://webflow.com • Anvil—The fastest way to build software for documents: https://www.useanvil.com/lenny • Attio—The powerful, flexible CRM for fast-growing startups: https://attio.com/lenny Find the transcript at: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/building-a-world-class-data-org-jessica-lachs Where to find Jessica Lachs: • X: https://x.com/jesslachs • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-lachs/ Where to find Lenny: • Newsletter: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com • X: https://twitter.com/lennysan • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennyrachitsky/ In this episode, we cover: Referenced: • How Netflix builds a culture of excellence | Elizabeth Stone (CTO): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/how-netflix-builds-a-culture-of-excellence • Riley Newman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rileynewman/ • Tony Xu on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xutony/ • Imposter Syndrome: Why You May Feel Like a Fraud: https://www.verywellmind.com/imposter-syndrome-and-social-anxiety-disorder-4156469 • Stanley Tang on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanleytang/ • Andy Fang on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fangsterr/ • Evan Moore on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanmoore/ • How WeDash became the flagship employee program for DoorDash: https://careers.doordash.com/blog/wedash-doordash-employee-program-how-does-it-work • Leading with empathy | Keith Yandell (DoorDash, Uber): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/leading-with-empathy-keith-yandell • The Rose Code: https://www.amazon.com/Rose-Code-Novel-Kate-Quinn/dp/006305941X • Libby app: https://libbyapp.com/ • The West Wing on Prime: https://www.amazon.com/West-Wing-Complete-First-Season/dp/B000KZPG04 • Alias on Prime: https://www.amazon.com/Alias-Season-1/dp/B00748O13S • Joseon sunscreens: https://beautyofjoseon.com/ • Innisfree sunscreens: https://us.innisfree.com/ • John Steinbeck quote: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/john_steinbeck_103825 • Vanessa Roberts on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-roberts-b8a509a/ • Tia Sherringham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiasherringham/ • Elizabeth Jarvis-Shean on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-jarvis-shean-141a7966/ Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email podcast@lennyrachitsky.com. Lenny may be an investor in the companies discussed.