AVIV

<p>In the competitive world of real estate tech, where data drives decisions worth millions, Els Wijnants stands out not just for her analytical prowess, but for her unique journey from social sciences to becoming Head of Sales Analytics at AVIV Group. Her story challenges traditional paths to tech leadership and demonstrates how diverse perspectives can revolutionize data-driven decision-making.</p><h2><strong>An Unexpected Journey into Tech</strong></h2><p>Els Wijnants lights up when discussing the power of data to transform business decisions. As Head of Sales Analytics at AVIV Group, she leads a four-person team across France, Germany, and Belgium, turning complex real estate marketplace data into actionable insights. Her journey from social and political sciences to tech leadership demonstrates how diverse backgrounds can enrich the analytics field.</p><h2><strong>From Customer Care to Data Analysis: A Natural Evolution</strong></h2><p>"Understanding customer needs in customer care gave me a unique perspective on data analysis," Wijnants reflects on her unconventional career path. Starting in an international customer care role, she discovered her passion for analytics while preparing management reports. This initial spark led her to make a bold move – applying for a junior analyst position at StepStone despite coming from a non-technical background.</p><h2><strong>Driving Business Success Through Data</strong></h2><p>At AVIV Group, Wijnants oversees crucial analytics that drive business success. Her team analyzes revenue performance, sales activities, and competitive metrics across multiple countries. "Analytics isn't just about numbers," she emphasizes. "It's about telling stories that drive business decisions." Under her leadership, the team provides vital insights on everything from individual sales performance to market competition analysis.</p><h2><strong>Servant Leadership in a High-Pressure Environment</strong></h2><p>Her leadership philosophy centers on servant leadership, prioritizing team empowerment and stakeholder success. "I want to be there for my team, allowing them to shine in their roles while protecting their focus time," she explains. To manage the high-pressure sales environment, Wijnants implemented a structured roadmap approach, helping prioritize requests and maintain team productivity.</p><h2><strong>Championing Women in Tech</strong></h2><p>Wijnants is passionate about advancing opportunities for women in tech. Drawing from her own experience, she advises: "Don't let imposter syndrome hold you back. If you meet 50% of the job requirements, go for it!" She actively mentors women in tech education programs, sharing her journey to help others navigate their careers. "It's crucial for women to support each other and create an inclusive environment," she emphasizes.</p><h2><strong>Embracing the Future of Analytics</strong></h2><p>Looking ahead, Wijnants is excited about the future of analytics, particularly the integration of AI. "I'm curious about how AI will transform our roles in analytics," she shares. Her team is currently focusing on automating manual processes and helping stakeholders embrace data-driven decision-making. "We're at the beginning of this journey, and I'm excited to see what we'll achieve in the coming year."</p><h2><strong>The Power of Diverse Perspectives in Tech Leadership</strong></h2><p>Els Wijnants' story showcases how passion for data, combined with strong leadership skills and a human-centered approach, can create exceptional results in tech. Her journey from social sciences to tech leadership continues to inspire others, proving that diverse backgrounds and perspectives enrich the field of analytics.</p>

Leading with Data, Empowering with Empathy: How Els Wijnants Turned Her Passion for Analytics into Innovation at AVIV Group

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