Ariel Luo has been rooted in urban transportation analytics since she graduated from University of Alberta’s Transportation Engineering Master’s Program. With a decade of experience, Ariel’s expertise ranges from business decision support to data management and Business Intelligence. Currently, Ariel is the Manager of Business Analytics and Insights at British Columbia Rapid Transit Company (BCRTC), where she leads the strategic development and practical implementation of data value creation initiatives. Known for a collaborative approach, Ariel works with business leaders across the organization to drive innovations and improve business outcomes
Day 1: Nov 18, 2025
Day 2: Nov 19, 2025
1:45 pm
PANEL: THE WELL-ROUNDED ANALYST
Transitioning from Technical Expert to Influential Leader in the Public Sector
Many analytics careers begin with recognition for technical skills but stepping into leadership is a different challenge. Navigate budget constraints, political dynamics, and slower technology adoption — all while building leadership brands that resonate at the executive level. Leave with a blueprint for maintaining technical credibility while stepping into higher-stakes conversations on:
- How to shift from being “the technical expert” to being seen as a credible leader.
- Lessons from navigating public sector realities: politics, budget and technological constraints, and leadership visibility.
- Different strategies for building a leadership brand that sticks, regardless of personality type or background.
- What to do after you land that first leadership role, how to avoid floundering and keep growing.
