Episode 3. Building Sustainable Data Products that actually get used

May 15, 2025

Kris Peeters & Geert Verstraeten - The Data Playbook Podcast

Discover how sustainable data products drive real impact, lasting value, and better business decisions—without unnecessary complexity.

In this episode of The Data Playbook, we dive deep into a critical, often-overlooked question: What does it mean to build sustainable data products? And no, we’re not just talking ESG dashboards or carbon reporting.

🎙️ Host Kris Peeters is joined by Geert Verstraeten, a seasoned data scientist, founder of Python Predictions, and now a Co-Lead at The Data Forest—a consultancy that puts purpose and sustainability at the core of every data project.


Over a candid and rich conversation, Geert shares:

  • How he transitioned from startup founder to corporate leader and back to startup life—with a sustainability mission.

  • Why many data projects fail not because of tech, but because of missed alignment and poor adoption.

  • What sustainable data products really are: tools that not only minimize environmental impact, but also stand the test of time—well-documented, actually used, and aligned with real business needs.

  • Why selecting the right clients and projects is the first step toward impact, not just profit.

  • How the Data Forest scores potential engagements using a unique framework: Head, Heart, and Hands.

💡 Along the way, you’ll hear thought-provoking takes on:

  • The role of documentation in sustainability.

  • Why good data work isn’t about building everything real-time or at scale—especially when you’re not Google.

  • The paradox of GenAI and compute-heavy models in a world striving for tech responsibility.

Whether you're a data engineer, architect, scientist, or team lead, this episode challenges you to rethink what a "good" data project looks like.

👀 If you’ve ever built something technically brilliant that no one used, this episode is for you.

Hit play to hear:

  • What drives Geert and his team at The Data Forest

  • How to make better decisions on project scoping and client fit

  • Why data professionals need to talk to stakeholders much earlier—and more often


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Belgium

Vismarkt 17, 3000 Leuven - HQ
Borsbeeksebrug 34, 2600 Antwerpen

Vat. BE.0667.976.246

Germany

Spaces Tower One, Brüsseler Strasse 1-3, Frankfurt 60327, Germany

© 2025 Dataminded. All rights reserved.


Belgium

Vismarkt 17, 3000 Leuven - HQ
Borsbeeksebrug 34, 2600 Antwerpen

Vat. BE.0667.976.246

Germany

Spaces Tower One, Brüsseler Strasse 1-3, Frankfurt 60327, Germany

© 2025 Dataminded. All rights reserved.