In today’s tech-driven world, data science often feels like a buzzword tossed around in business meetings and startup pitch decks. But behind the code, the dashboards, and the AI integrations are individuals shaping the future with intention, insight, and an ever-curious mind. One of those individuals is Tlotlo Lekgoba, a senior data scientist who has found herself at the intersection of complex algorithms and impactful human stories.
Cracking the Code: Tlotlo’s Journey in Data Science
There are those who stumble into a career, and then there are those who grow into one—molding it as it molds them. For Tlotlo, a senior data scientist, her career in data wasn’t the destination she had initially set out for, but it became the journey that shaped her most profoundly. “I did a BSc in Actuarial Science and Mathematical Statistics,” she explains, “and then I supplemented that with programming courses, which eventually led me into data science.” It wasn’t a linear path, but one forged through curiosity, courage, and a willingness to adapt.
Tlotlo’s understanding of data science goes beyond the typical assumptions. “A lot of people think it’s just programming,” she says, “but you’re basically storytelling with data. There’s data collection, cleaning datasets, visualizations, and most importantly, communicating your findings to people who may not be technical.” At its core, her work is about translating complexity into clarity—giving business leaders the edge they need to make data-informed decisions.
A Career Born from Curiosity, Not Calculation
Despite her current seniority, data science was never the original plan. “I thought I’d go straight into insurance and qualify as an actuary,” she recalls. But during her studies, she discovered something that changed her direction: an affinity for statistics and data. Though her academic background wasn’t in computer science, it laid a solid foundation. “Because it was a double major with intense stats, data science became an option. But I definitely didn’t envision it at the time.”
That shift taught her one of the most important lessons she now shares: you don’t need to have it all figured out. “There are many ways to get into data science. As long as you have a STEM-related background and a curiosity to learn, you can break into the field.” She’s seen people with health science degrees move into medical data roles, and others from unrelated fields find a place in this evolving space—proving that the door is open to the determined.
The Power of Learning and Mentorship
Like many in tech, Tlotlo faced imposter syndrome when she started. “I didn’t come from a computer science background. With coding, you either know how to do it or you don’t—it was intimidating,” she admits. But she credits the support of her internship program and colleagues for helping her navigate those early challenges. “I didn’t have a formal mentor, but I had people around me who supported my professional and technical development. That made all the difference.”
Now, she’s open to being that support for others. “Absolutely, I’d love to mentor,” she says. “It’s important to pay it forward. Having someone guide you, even informally, helps you grow faster and feel more grounded.”
What It Really Takes to Be a Data Scientist
The world often imagines data scientists as lone coders in dim rooms, writing complicated code in isolation. But the reality is far richer. “Communication is a huge part of the job,” Tlotlo emphasizes. “You need to explain your work, collaborate with teams, and share insights in ways that are useful and clear. It’s not just about coding. It’s about connection.”
When asked about the key skills one needs, she highlights both hard and soft skills. On the technical side, “basic programming and prompt engineering are essential—especially now with AI tools changing the way we code,” she says. But the soft skills are equally important: “You need to know how to ask for help, collaborate with others, and constantly put yourself in spaces where you can learn. That’s how you grow.”
Inside the Day of a Senior Data Scientist
No two days look the same for Tlotlo. Her work is largely project-based, meaning she’s either monitoring ongoing data pipelines or building new systems from scratch. “It involves a lot of collaboration—briefings, check-ins with developers, and working on my portion of a project.” But it’s the outcome that drives her. “The most rewarding part of my job is the fulfillment—seeing a project come to life and knowing it’s working well and adding value. You’re not just a number; you’re part of something meaningful.”
Her team also integrates AI into their workflows—extensively. “We’re building our own chatbots, integrating AI tools, and even having AI assist with coding,” she says. But despite the rise of artificial intelligence, she doesn’t believe it will replace data scientists. “There’s still a human touch needed. AI can support the work, but human creativity, decision-making, and responsible usage can’t be replaced.”
Staying Ahead in a Fast-Paced Field
In a world where the tech landscape evolves almost daily, staying grounded is key. For Tlotlo, that means lifelong learning. “The biggest thing is making sure you’re continuously learning. You don’t want to fall behind and feel that imposter syndrome again.” Her advice to newcomers is clear: “Be curious. Surround yourself with people who are hungry to grow. Keep putting yourself in spaces that support your development.”
Even her long-term goals are shaped by this outlook. “I feel like I’m already working on dream projects,” she says. “But I’d love to get deeper into agentic AI. Right now, I’m just enjoying being part of what’s happening at the cutting edge.”
The Future is Data
If there’s one message Tlotlo wants to leave with others, it’s that data is not just numbers and charts—it’s a language that speaks to every aspect of modern life. “There’s power in data,” she says. “Whether you’re in healthcare, retail, law, or finance, data is driving decisions. We now have the tools to harness it better than ever, and it’s exciting to be part of that.”
As for the myth that data scientists are hackers? Tlotlo laughs it off. “People often assume we can hack computers, but our work is grounded in ethics, data protection, and responsibility. The goal isn’t to break into systems—it’s to build systems that work for people.”
From her early doubts to her current achievements, Tlotlo’s story is a reminder that even in a field as complex as data science, there’s space for growth, support, and purpose. For anyone standing at the edge of this career, her journey lights the way.
Want to hear more? Listen to the full interview with Tlotlo on Spotify.
