Episode 3. Building Sustainable Data Products that actually get used

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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