Leann Oh has been instrumental in driving data literacy and transformation at Capital Group. Since 2021, she has partnered with Decoded to deliver a series of Data Skills Academies, equipping employees across the organisation with the expertise needed to harness data effectively. From foundational data literacy programmes to advanced academies in Python, data science, and machine learning, these initiatives have empowered teams to become data-driven decision-makers. By fostering confidence and technical proficiency at every level, Leann and Decoded are helping to build a culture where data is not just understood but actively leveraged for strategic impact.

Patrick Walsh sat down with Leann to get to know her better.

So, let’s start with the all-important questions—who is Leann? What are you watching or streaming right now? Anything binge-worthy that we should check out?

Leann: I’m going to sound like a big nerd, but I’ve actually stopped binge-watching streaming shows! Instead, I’ve been spending more time learning new things. I recently got access to an online learning platform and have been diving into different topics to broaden my perspective.

I watch a lot of YouTube and listen to various podcasts, but I also enjoy structured learning. Right now, I’m in the middle of learning how to use Canva. We’ve used Adobe in the past, but I love how accessible Canva is, it’s designed for non-designers, and it’s amazing what you can create with it.

I also stumbled across some generative AI courses while browsing, and now I’m really interested in learning how to create images and explore the art of AI-generated content. I haven’t followed a structured course, but I’ve been dabbling in different things that pique my interest, just to see what I want to learn more about.

Keeping with that theme, what’s on your Spotify ‘recently played’? Any guilty pleasures or go-to anthems?

Leann: I actually use YouTube Music, and I recently got my year-end summary. One song that really resonated with me, especially after the Eaton fires and losing my home, is Gratitude by Brandon Lake.

This song has been a grounding force for me, reminding me to stay thankful through the good and bad. It’s something that keeps me centered and real. I think I’ve listened to it for over 60 hours! It has different meanings in different seasons of my life, whether it’s having a baby or dealing with loss. It’s the one thing that keeps me in the right place mentally and emotionally.

You currently live in Los Angeles but have also lived in NYC. Having experienced life on both coasts, what are the best parts of each that you wish you could take with you wherever you live in the future?

Leann: What I love about New York is that people are real, if they like you, you know it. If they don’t, you know that too! There’s no pretending. You have to earn respect, and I appreciate that honesty.

I also loved the food, especially the hole-in-the-wall places. New York doesn’t have the fresh produce that California does, but the bagels and pizza are unbeatable. 

As for LA, the weather is incredible. You can go to the beach and the mountains in the same day, it’s actually plausible. Plus, the fresh produce is amazing, and I love that you can be outdoors all year round.

Patrick: You’re a classically trained musician and an opera singer? And now you’re a senior executive responsible for enterprise data strategy at one of the world’s largest investment management organizations. That’s quite the career jump! How did that transition happen?

Leann: Yes! I studied music for a long time. As a kid, I played piano and violin, and I sang in choirs. I was also involved in sports, specifically synchronized swimming. My mom was a bit of a “tiger mom”, or maybe even a “dragon mom”, so I was expected to excel in everything I did.

I went to USC for undergrad in vocal performance and then to the Manhattan School of Music for my master’s. I moved to New York, auditioned, and performed in the opera circuit. But then I hit a crossroads, my teachers told me that if I wanted a serious opera career, I needed to move to Germany.

I went to Germany to explore the scene and see if I really wanted that life. But honestly, it felt bleak, an artist’s life of bread and butter every day, constant travel, and no real stability. I realized I had other talents and interests.

While I was still singing, I actually started an Amazon marketplace business selling electric toothbrushes and whitening gel. I figured out how to optimize listings, work with analytics, and get my products on the main page of Amazon’s marketplace. I was doing this while in grad school, and doing pretty well out of it!

At the same time, my day job was working as an assistant to the head of sales at Lazard Wealth Management. My boss believed in me and said, “You have a real talent for business. We could sponsor you for business school.”

So, I applied and got into Cornell Business School, and that was my pivot into business. After graduating, I went into consulting and eventually joined Capital Group, first in project management and later in data analytics. One opportunity led to another, and now here I am! 

My background isn’t common in the data world, but I’ve found unexpected connections, music and math, problem-solving, and strategic thinking all tie together.

On that journey, I’m sure you’ve received some great advice. What’s the best piece of advice a colleague or manager has given you, and how has it shaped the way you work?

Leann: The best advice I received was: “Use your weaknesses as your strength.”

It sounds counterintuitive, but it’s powerful. I admire historical figures like Queen Elizabeth I, who turned perceived weaknesses into advantages.

A lot of women talk about the glass ceiling, which is real, but I’ve learned to flip the script. Instead of seeing barriers, I look for opportunities to use underestimation to my advantage. Sometimes people don’t expect me to be strategic, so I use that to maneuver in ways they don’t see coming.

What’s a piece of technology—whether it’s a gadget, platform, app, or tool—that has truly changed the way you work or live?

Leann: GenAI has been a game-changer for me. It makes my work more efficient, especially for writing and content creation.

I also love Canva, it has AI capabilities that let me design like a pro without being a designer. I’m always looking for apps that make me an expert without actually being an expert!

Is there a tech trend that you’re particularly excited about? You’ve mentioned generative AI already, but is there one you’re maybe skeptical about?

Leann: Well, GenAI is getting so good that it makes me wonder, how far will it go? How will we need to adapt to keep up with technological change? And what does it mean for jobs?

I’m not skeptical about the development of AI, I think it will continue to evolve. My skepticism is more about people. Will they adopt it and use it to its full potential? Will companies be able to realize its full benefits? That will take a long time.

Even psychologically, there’s a gap in adoption. Take self-driving cars, people mock them when they malfunction. But how many reckless human drivers crash cars daily? No one makes memes about them!

There’s a big psychological and adoption gap that needs to close before we fully benefit from AI. 

If you could invent a piece of technology to make your work or life easier, what would it be?

Leann: I want a cleaning robot, one that can shower my kids, clean my house, and do the gardening…basically handle everything!

Patrick: I’m sure someone’s already working on that, it might just cost a small fortune!

Leann: [Laughs] If it exists, sign me up!

Patrick: Leann, this was fantastic, thank you so much!

Leann: This was fun, thanks, Patrick!

 

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