Data tells stories if you know how to listen. That’s something Mehul Sharma has mastered throughout his career. I’ve been following Mehul’s work across tech companies and startups, and what stands out isn’t just his technical skills—it’s how he connects data to real business outcomes. We sat down with him to understand the journey that’s taken him from engineering student to analytics leader working with millions of users. Mehul opens up about the challenges of building loyalty programs, what he’s learned about monetization, and why he still gets excited about extracting insights from complex datasets. If you’re curious about the human side of data science, you’re in for a treat.
Mehul, you’ve had an impressive journey across tech giants and startups. To start, what drew you to data science and analytics in the first place?
Thank you! My interest in data science really began during my undergraduate studies in engineering and my first role as an Analyst. I was fascinated by how data could be used to solve real-world problems, and this curiosity only grew during my Master’s in Data Science at Indiana University. The ability to extract insights from complex datasets and influence business decisions is what excites me most about this field.
You’ve led analytics and product strategy at tech companies, focusing on loyalty and retention for millions of users. What are some of the biggest challenges in driving user engagement at that scale?
At this scale, personalization and experimentation are crucial. Constantly analyzing consumer behavior, running experiments, and iterating based on what I learn. Setting targets for growth helps keep the team aligned, but the real challenge is ensuring my strategies remain relevant for a diverse user base.
You’ve also worked extensively on monetization and payments in EMEA. How do you balance business goals with delivering value to users?
It’s a fine balance. I use data-driven insights to understand what users value and design loyalty programs that reward engagement without compromising user experience. Collaborating closely with product and partnership teams ensures that my monetization strategies are sustainable and user-centric.
In your previous role at a bank you focused on customer intelligence and building machine learning models for millions of customers. How do you approach model development and validation at that scale?
Robustness and scalability are key. I start with clear business objectives, build models iteratively, and validate them rigorously before deploying to production. Communication is also important—translating complex model outputs into actionable insights for business stakeholders is part of the job.
You’ve mentored junior data scientists and supported hiring. What do you look for in emerging tech talent?
Technical skills are important—Python, SQL, cloud technologies—but I also value curiosity, problem-solving, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly. A collaborative mindset and eagerness to learn go a long way in this field.
The tech landscape is always evolving. How do you stay ahead of trends, especially in analytics and product strategy?
I make it a point to continuously learn—whether it’s through industry research, networking, or hands-on experimentation. Being a thought partner to product and research teams, and advising on measurement and attribution, keeps me connected to the latest methodologies and industry standards.
You’ve also advised startups and charities. How does your corporate experience inform your work in these roles?
The principles are similar—data-driven decision-making, clear communication, and a focus on impact. Whether it’s supporting youth through a charity or helping creators in the startup ecosystem, I try to bring the same analytical rigor and strategic thinking.
Finally, what advice would you give to someone aspiring to a career in tech and analytics?
Be curious, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to tackle complex problems. Build a strong foundation in analytics and tech, but also focus on communication and teamwork. The most impactful solutions come from diverse perspectives working together
Talking with Mehul reminds me why I find the intersection of technology and business so fascinating. There’s something refreshing about his approach—technical without losing sight of the people behind the numbers. As we wrapped up our conversation, I couldn’t help but appreciate how he’s managed to stay curious in a field that’s constantly evolving. Whether you’re knee-deep in Python code or trying to figure out how to use data in your organization, I think Mehul’s insights about continuous learning and collaborative problem-solving will stick with you. Thanks for joining us today, and we hope you found this conversation as enlightening as we did.
