Data Science AI

Leveraging a diverse skill set to help businesses transform their operations, enhance productivity, and drive growth through the power of data and AI. I count on my experience in business strategy, project leadership, data science, and enterprise architecture to help companies. I solved business challenges and enabled data-driven decision-making in various industries like IT, software, pharma, CPG, transport and logistics, professional services, fintech, and outsourcing.
★ Help companies unlock their growth potential through data science and AI.
★ Translate complex technical concepts into actionable insights for business leaders.
★ Work with diverse businesses to design and build strategic data-driven decision-making systems.
★ Designed and implemented an automated end-to-end decision-making system, integrating data across multiple sources into an Azure MySQL data warehouse and developing a Shiny web application on AWS EC2 with machine learning features for enhanced C-level decision-making.

Data Science Consultant

Blankfactor

I used a mixture of leadership, project/process management, and technical skills to design robust data science applications. I worked with business clients or internal stakeholders, translating business needs into data-driven decision-making solutions.
★ Worked on employee turnover analysis that revealed an opportunity for $640k per year in productivity gains. Deployed a web app with R & Python (employee grouping, trained classification models with H2O and R tidy models framework).
★ Built internal structure and processes for effective team collaboration. Lead the internal data practice - managing a team of data practitioners, and administering the main tools like Jira/Confluence, AWS, Snowflake, and Google Workspace. 
★ Designed a robust cloud-based architecture leveraging Snowflake, integrating various data sources that enhanced the data science and AI capabilities of the company.

Senior Data Scientist / Data Officer

iCOVER

I leveraged industry best practices to define the transformational strategy of the company on a global level. I collaborated with all teams to ensure the completion of various projects related to IT, HR, Product, and Delivery. I first led a team of Product Managers who developed new products related to background screening. I led a team focused on improving the company's data and project maturity. I also worked on several data engineering and data science activities. Accountable for a local site of 100+ people distributed in different teams.

★ Data Management: deployed global data science capabilities with python data engineering, MySQL, and Tableau Online visualization. Worked on predicting customer churn with Spark, and deployed a testing disaster response classifier web app on Heroku cloud. Used clustering to group clients and explore revenue-generating products. Worked with MS Azure cloud capabilities to streamline the teamwork. 
★ Business Process Management: designed, and deployed a document and process infrastructure based on Google Workspace. Established a quality management system with process governance according to CMMI Model. Increased organizational maturity from level 1 to level 3.
★ Project Portfolio Management - designed, and deployed a hybrid model for project delivery within Jira Software/Confluence that enabled complete track of scope, time, and cost. Deployed Jira Service Desk in IT and operational teams that covered 30% of all company population.
★ Leadership: coordinated the efforts of renting a new building for ~100 employees in Sofia. Organized a project team and checked more than 16 potential locations.

Projects and Data Lead

Cargill

I developed a business process management strategy to achieve organizational goals while leveraging IT service management best practices. I collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure the completion of various projects related to financial, HR, IT, continuous improvement, and change management. I led a team of eight Project Managers who were responsible for migration, improvement, and deployment projects/programs. Used Lean Six Sigma tools to run statistical experiments on a broad level of data related to finance, logistics, HR, and IT.

★ Designed and implemented a Lean Six Sigma certification program for a local site of 1100 people and managed 12 Yellow Belt and 20 Green Belt candidates to improve various processes related to Finance, Procurement and Logistics. 
★ Drove improvement by identifying and mitigating the potential risk of non-compliance as well as streamlined standard operating procedures by implementing a regional business process management framework.
★ Designed Global Project and Portfolio Management Framework based on Clarizen tool that increased portfolio control and visibility.

Project Portfolio Lead

I updated executive management with respect to business progress. I headed a highly skilled team of international experts and conducted a cost-benefit analysis for multiple programs. I defined project road maps, schedules, and work breakdown structures to achieve desired goals. I delivered a full range of quality, BCP, lean six sigma, and project management consultancy services to promote E2E collaboration between the EMEA teams.

★ Spearheaded, completed, and delivered a number of major projects within time and budgetary constraints.
★ Identified cost reduction opportunities for $500k in the commercial delivery process and resolved the root cause of issues in link with key HP client to renew $600k contract deal.
★ Created BCP partner assessment framework to mitigate risks and increase HP customer support resiliency.

Quality Program Manager

I devised a business strategy for conflicts management, performance enhancement, training, and development. I administered reporting team that was engaged in delivering business analysis and SharePoint services to improve business performance. I contributed to the provision of comprehensive project support in the GSD Supply chain as a material buyer.

★ Minimized inventory cost by 50% through optimization of an efficient reactive sourcing spare parts process.
★ Decreased report generation time by 30% through automation of key performance indicator delivery process.
★ Ensured smooth running of supply chain operations by developing project strategies for resource distribution.

Business Analyst

Familex Ltd

I managed logistics projects, including supply chain optimization, new payment terms, and international relations. I coordinated with complex vendors to improve trade processes. I promoted international business and expanded the company’s portfolio during several international fairs.

★ Developed an effective logistic model for stable supply deliveries to decrease the average time to deliver by 38%.
★ Optimized operational performance by providing detailed training to meet the requirements of the trading department.
★ Negotiated contracts with key suppliers to reduce purchase price by 20% and save around $300k annually.
★ Designed a third-party delivery inspection model and letter of credit bank payment, slashing the non-confirming deliveries from 30% to 0.

Manager, International Trade

Data Scientist | Consultant | Lean Six Sigma MBB

From Lean Six Sigma projects to data science solutions, I've turned complex business problems into strategic opportunities. My key to success? Bridging the gap between business and technology. With expertise in project leadership, data science, and business strategy, I help companies unlock their potential using data-driven decision-making.

My journey has led me through the corridors of Fortune 50 giants like Cargill and HP, where I led various teams, and implemented tech solutions for business success. Then I left the big corporate world and I witnessed first-hand the challenges of the small-medium sized businesses. My work in time series forecasting, customer segmentation, and attrition prediction has informed strategic direction and uncovered untapped opportunities.

Today, as a consultant, I'm passionate about extending this impact beyond corporate boundaries. I leverage my diverse skill set to help businesses transform their operations, enhance productivity, and drive growth through the power of data and AI.

If you're ready to leverage data science and AI for your business, I'm here to catalyze that journey. Let's partner to navigate the data-driven future together.

🤝 Consultation Enquiries: https://data-science-ai.com/applynow/
 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/p_rabadzhiyski

Plamen Rabadzhiyski

Jay D.

School Leaders

Senior Consultant

Partner with a trusted firm that brings together experts in Facilities, Maintenance & Operations, Business & Financial Services, and Leadership & Administrative Support.

Consultant

Success Coach

Empowering Athletes in Pursuit of What's Possible Beyond Sport

On a mission to empower athletes to thrive beyond the realm of sport. The pursuit of what's possible after your athletic career is an extraordinary opportunity for personal growth and achievement.

There are unique challenges athletes face as they transition into new endeavors. That's why we have developed a comprehensive and proven approach to help athletes successfully apply their skills and characteristics learned in athletics to the world of business.

Our time-tested strategies are backed by rigorous research and have been approved by countless athletes who have already walked this path. We are proud witnesses of the transformative power our approach holds, as it has enabled individuals just like you to unlock their full potential and enjoy a fulfilling post-sport life.

Through our programs and services, we provide athletes with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to navigate this transition with confidence and success. Whether it's through personalized coaching, workshops, or networking opportunities, we are committed to guiding athletes on their journey towards greatness.

If you are ready to embrace the boundless possibilities that await you after sport, we invite you to connect with us. Join our transformative community and let us empower you to unleash your true potential.

Founder

Simon & Schuster

• Utilized athletic insights and data-supported mindset elements to guide budding entrepreneurs and future CEOs.
• Developed a proven playbook to accelerate the journey from idea to ownership, leading to faster CEO status.
• Leveraged self-awareness and emotional intelligence to achieve substantial personal growth in the entrepreneurial world.

After The Game: Bridging The Gap From Winning Athlete To Thriving Entrepreneur

Entrepreneur Media

The Entrepreneur Leadership Network's Leading Expert In Transitioning Athletes To Business Success Using Neuroscience And Cutting Edge Private Equity & Venture Capital Playbooks

Writer

Barney

It started by making 150 outreach a day. Developing relationships, serving others, and hard work.

Now, it has turned into an M&A leader in North America.

Co-Founder

Project Frog

Lead business acquisition for high growth scalable infrastructure that can be applied anywhere along the build process. Leveraging the efficiencies of prefabrication coupled with program-specific technology solutions, the company partnered with AutoDesk to deliver on their software applications.

GQRE

Nationally featured ultra-modern residential and commercial brokerage with world class technological backbone:
• Personally recruited and onboarded a top-performing team of 25 real estate agents and brokers.
• Spearheaded significant business development through online, digital and social media marketing.
• Introduced efficient business and technology solutions including CRM and document management.
• Gained market share and industry recognition, leading to merge with a larger company.

East Cooper Mechanical / HVAC

Built, grew and oversaw sales lifecycle management for a residential and commercial HVAC service company.
•	Accelerated sales to and grew team of 26 employees.
•	Interfaced directly with customers on projects from quote to installation.
•	Recruited and retained team of technicians and contractors to execute projects. 
•	Analyzed financials per project to meet profit margins.
•	Implemented business and technology solutions including Cloud contacts and document storage.
•	Sold business to a local investor

Field Specialist

Berkeley County School District

High School Teacher

FirstService Residential

Urban Property Manager (formerly Merit)
Led new business unit managing 3 high-rise residential and commercial properties in downtown Los Angeles
•	Influential in business development, client acquisition, and account retention efforts.
•	Worked with vendors and clients to schedule and complete projects on time and on budget.

•.     Promoted from Associate Community Manager (ACM) in corporate office to new business unit.

Business Unit Manager

About Me
I’ve had boardroom wins and locker room losses—and I proudly own both.
From the football field to the founder’s seat, my 20+ year journey in business is part highlight reel, part blooper reel. I’ve co-founded and sold three businesses, advised on over 50 M&A deals, and helped public institutions rethink how they fund and execute multi-million dollar facility projects. I've been featured or recognized by Harvard, the NFL, Vox Media, and some of the brightest minds in business. But I’ve also…
-Trusted the wrong people.
-Missed red flags in diligence.
-Lost equity in a bad buyout.
-Started projects too fast.
-Burned out because I wouldn’t ask for help.
-Every L gave me leverage. Every stumble taught me what can’t be taught in a classroom.

How It Started:
I began as a high school English teacher and football coach. That early blend of heart, hustle, and mentorship still shapes how I lead teams and build businesses.

How It’s Going:
Co-founded of a successful M&A advisory firm in NYC
Founder of SuccessCoach.com, helping athletes become CEOs
Author of After The Game, a best-selling book endorsed by the NFL, Ivy League, MLB, FIFA, Vox, NCAA Champs, and many CEO's.
Built a K-12 leadership firm for school districts through School Leaders, a trusted firm that brings together experts in Facilities, Maintenance & Operations, Business & Financial Services, and Leadership & Administrative Support.

Core Beliefs:
Joy, family, and integrity over ego
Growth is earned through friction, not comfort
Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice—it’s about creating space for others to lead

If you’ve ever failed forward, built something from scratch, or believe in second chances—you’ll probably get where I’m coming from.
Let’s connect and build something that matters—on and off the field.

The pursuit of what's possible post sport is defined by the ability to successfully apply the skills and characteristics you learn in athletics, and apply them to business. We enhance the lives of athletes after sport and sit at the intersection of Private Equity and Ex-Athletes.

Educators and teachers union. The way to help our students succeed is built in sport. My thesis is use AI for individualized learning and sports/arts for the skills that build champions.
Sports literally rewires the brain in ways that predict elite business performance. In the appendix my book, I lay out the 10 neuroscientifically-proven principles that athletics builds and why athletes make exceptional leaders and entrepreneurs.

Here they are:

Creative Thinking
Sports activates the parietal lobe → companies with high creativity deliver 70% above-average shareholder returns (McKinsey)
Resilience
Strengthened prefrontal cortex = superior stress regulation and ability to lead through disruption
Curiosity
Enhanced hippocampus function → lifelong learning and market adaptability (HBR)
Reliability
The #1 predictor of CEO success — candidates with proven reliability are 2× more likely to get the job and excel (HBR)
Intrinsic Motivation
Dopamine-driven passion that turns leaders into multipliers of team performance
Empathy
Activated mirror neuron system → higher trust, engagement, and transformational leadership outcomes
Leadership
Collegiate athletes consistently show superior leadership behavior and interpersonal skills in the workplace
Competitive Mindset
Enlarged anterior cingulate cortex in athletes → sharper strategic decision-making under pressure
Metacognition
The self-awareness and deliberate practice that separates top performers in any field (Geoff Colvin, Talent is Overrated)
Coachability
The ultimate superpower: the willingness to receive feedback, adapt, and continuously improve — the trait that keeps winners winning long after the final whistle

The science is clear — athletes don’t just bring grit. We bring a cognitive edge that drives financial performance, innovation, and culture.
If you’re a former athlete wondering “what’s next?” — your brain already has the answer. You were built for this.

Grab After the Game. It’s the playbook we all wish we’d had the day we hung up the jersey.
#AthleteEntrepreneur #Leadership #Neuroscience #EntrepreneurshipThroughAcquisition #AfterTheGame

Jay Dixon

On a Mission to Help Others Find Identity, Direction & Ownership

I had the privilege of teaching and coaching the 14th draft pick in the nfl. But, it wasn’t all peaches and cream to get him there. The public education system wanted to kick him out, and tried feverishly to do so. 

I was a high school English teacher and football coach in a 100% free and reduced lunch school. My hall of teachers were folks who had never been outside the walls of education, having gone from school as a student to school as a teacher.

Javon would sleep during class. Not pay attention, and never have his materials. He was kicked out of class all the time by my hall of teachers.

When I would see him sitting in the hall, kicked out of class, I would bring him into mine and let him sit at my desk. 

The teachers didn’t like it, and the superintendent and principal even came to my class to reprimand me. They told me it wasn’t how we educated and that my classroom was disorganized. 

I told them to leave. They weren’t allowed to come in my class any further. I had many meetings with the career educators that went from school to school. 

Why did I do it? Because Javon didn’t have a home to go to after school. He slept in class because he would sleep on a couch and not have the proper nutrition. 

I got to know him. Fed him. And drive him to a home after practice. I told him he didn’t need to read Romeo and Juliet, the curriculum wouldn’t serve him and it was bad. I was honest with him. So, I would spoon feed him the way to get through the course. Had him watch the movie rather than read it, and write me what he had learned, along with the idioms and other English language arts items necessary. 

Soon enough, he graduated and was able to play football in college. I knew sports would be the best education for him, not what the high school curriculum demanded. 

And when he was drafted 14th overall, I couldn’t be more proud of my decision to go against the grain of the superintendent and principal. They had no idea what he was dealing with in high school, nor, did they care. Their job security was more important.

You see, sometimes, it takes a bold character and selfless nature to help change our world. I still see it today, some in education are wielded by the higher ups that are influenced by vendors and politicians. I don’t blame them, I just ask that everyone working with young lives do what’s right, not what’s prescribed. 

While Javon is one story, there are many others. Many business lessons were learned by he and I about being honest, being vulnerable, and chasing dreams together.

Write your script, just be sure it’s the script you decide and not what the masses prescribe.

#athlete #education #leadership

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Odell Beckham Jr ran through nearly $60m in earnings. When I tried to help him two years ago, I was blocked by wealth advisors from having a conversation. It’s easy to fix this story, here was my playbook I eas offering him.

First, let’s start with the mindset transition from athlete to entrepreneur and CEO. Start with my empirically backed mindset assessment to find the strengths and weaknesses. Then, in collaboration with Harvard Psychology, the 15 mindset techniques take 8 weeks to master and will build the foundation for his next championship to pursue in business and life. 

Next, we will explore the PE/VC landscape of strategic capital allocation with a tiered system of risk, along with involvement and opportunity for Odell to put his energy into and chase the championship of each. Everything from angel investing, growth capital, search funds, and venture funds. 

Then, we write his playbook and work with him each day to build his new team after the game. 

It’s proven, research backed, and athlete approved to help athletes like Odell bridge the identity gap post sport and thrive in business and life after sport. 

And, we include the physical transition and new physical energy activities to ensure he never has to leave the athlete identity on the field. 

If you are an athlete or ex athlete seeking the next championship, feel free to reach out and we can discuss the next big win.

#athlete #leadership #education #athletelife #nfl

Consultant | Published Author | Girldad | Dude

I’ve failed and been on the bench a ton. The exercise of doing a Failure Resume was not only humbling, it was motivating and encouraging to see how I’ve kept going. 
I encourage everyone to do a Failure Resume and see how many times they have sat on the bench in life and business.

#athlete #leadership

Ran this poll recently and the results about athletes finding their purpose in life and careers after sports. The data is clear. 
If you are an ex athlete, a current athlete, or an administrator of athletes, I’m happy to help them solve this identity gap after sports. 

#athlete #sports #leadership #education

If you’re family gave you love as a child and no money as an adult, you’re way ahead of the game.

The best education is on the field or court. Did you know, playing sports improves your meta-cognition? The ability to decide with speed and conviction, the top predictor of success. Business schools cant teach it. Heres one way its learned:

Remember your coach telling you to see the game and yourself making big plays before the game was played?
You likely began visualizing and playing the game in your head nights before kickoff or tipoff. The feelings were illuminated and the hairs on your arm began to spring. Then, came game time, its like you had already been there, and those plays were second nature. 

Quicker decision making, better results. 

Now, apply it to business. Visualize yourself and the next big play, the next decision, the next moment that matters. Feel the decision in your heart, let it light up your chest, and play out the scenarios in your mind. 

Then, when the decision is put on your desk, you have already made it, with conviction. 

Thats the athletic education. 

The most powerful education one can receive. 

#athlete #leadership #privateequity

I learned a lot about going from idea to a building with our name on it. I was in my 20’s. Confident, motivated, and tech savvy. My leadership examples were football coaches. 

What I wished I would have know is more EQ and the human side of business.

The game was attracting the top asset managers and brokers to my team.

But, I thought it was all about the idea and the tech. 

So, rather than lead with open ears and empathy, I led from the front and told others to catch up. 

That didn’t work out well. Agents came and went, and asset managers didn’t adopt the technology. 

I should have listened, led from the back, and understood that ideas are cheap, it’s people and relationships that make a business.

This business was eventually sold for little. But, the learnings were incredible. 

#athlete #leadership

Lots of people are calling out the College Football Playoff Committee. But before we get too negative, let me tell you what committee member Coach Ault taught me an so many, and what it means in business: 

- “Circle the wagons.” -rally your team around a unified defense, and protect your core assets first before worrying about new offense.

- “5 minutes early you’re on time, if you’re on time you’re late.” - be the first in the room.

- “Set your jaw.” - push forward with relentless determination no matter how hard the hits come

- “The color red is worn by communist and UNLV.” - well, it’s funny. But, it means to unify as a team around common values and purpose. Wear your colors. 

Good luck to all #ncaa teams as they chase the ultimate prize. 

NCAA College Football Playoff #leadership

School district leadership is hard. So, I wanted to bring teaching from the most elite athletes and business leaders to schools in California. With my dad, Leadership 2.0 was born.  

Then, came the hatred, negative talks, and the defamation of us. 

From other industry leaders. 

Those that “dedicate” their lives to helping schools. 

Those that influence others across the industry.

I heard it, I listened, and I was shocked. 

I tried to understand why.

Was it because they were jealous, envious, or didn’t see value?

As I dove deeper, I found out it was about money and relationships.

They thought we were going to take money from their pockets with relationships.

“But, you represent schools, children, and tax payers?”
- my thoughts.

We are simply helping leaders lead in a tough environment. And, we are doing it at a loss because we believe in the need. 

Wow, was I wrong. 

The issues with our schools start at the highest places amongst those that forgot why they dedicate their life to schools. The ones who claim to train but only seek more coal for their own engine. 

They wear fancy suits, drive nice cars, and sulk at the idea of anyone providing more value than they. Our schools need so much help, but they don’t care. 

So, rather than congratulate or talk with us, they decided to defame and disparage us. 

Our schools deserve better. The kids and teachers deserve better. 

Change must happen. And, it needs to happen at the top. Californians deserve better. 

#californiaschools

Want to be an effective CEO? Ditch business school and play sports. 
Private equity friends won’t like it as they are burdened in debt to their school, but the results speak for themselves.

The best operators come from the field or court, not the classroom. 

#leadership #athlete

Want to invest in athletes that didn’t make it big? For investors, it’s the highest performing alternative asset over the last 50 years. And for college and pro athletes, it’s a chance to rewrite their identity and win in the business world utilizing their skills learned in sport. 
DM me for the full deck. 

#athlete #privateequity #leadership

A winning sports program can positively effect every aspect of a school at any level. Academic achievement increases, student absences decrease, and disciplinary actions decrease campus wide. 

Invest in sports.

Ever feel like you’ve “lost your identity” after moving to a new culture? Athletes do, CEO’s do, and many of us experience it, 

A study by Frontiers Psych reveals how that gap leads to depression—via stress. Let’s break it down mathematically!

The model:
•  X: Personal-Enacted Identity Gap (how much your inner self clashes with what you show others)

•  M: Acculturative Stress (culture shock vibes)

•  Y: Depression Symptoms
Equations:
M = 0.338 * X + error  (Gap amps up stress by 34% per unit!)

Y = 0.261 * X + 0.301 * M + error  (Direct gap effect + stress multiplier)

Indirect effect: 0.338 * 0.301 = 0.102  (Stress mediates 28% of the link)

Total: Y rises 0.363 per unit X.

Bridge that identity gap with a coach, mindset techniques, a playbook, and a community wins. 
 #Psychology #athlete #MentalHealth

I enjoy the people on LinkedIn that challenge posts and concepts. Too often, this platform is filled with “yes” people that never challenge you or your post. 
Be willing and comfortable being disliked. It’s okay, and good for critical thought.

California School Districts should consider Robin to assist our schools. Children, teachers, and even bus drivers. The results are incredible and their program is needed in California.

Robin Director of Coaching and Robin Coach

My daily gratitude practice is what brought me to Robin (a post for another day), so this share by Dr. Michael Donovan really struck a chord with me. 

I am grateful for the work I get to do supporting school communities as a member of the Robin team, and I am so proud of the impact our coaches make connecting and sharing mental well-being skills with students, educators & staff, and parents & guardians.

Am I the only one talking about athletes and search funds? Its a natural fit, data backed, and proven. If anyone else out there is on this same path, reach out!

Many School Districts and Public Entities are being sold an illusion with Employee Owned companies. And, the employees are too. The biggest beneficiary is the Private Equity firm and/or Trust behind the play. 

First, ownership is indirect and held in trust, not direct or individual.
Second, employees bear concentrated risk without corresponding power.
Third, ESOPs are often created for owner tax benefits, not worker empowerment.
Fourth, employees are passive beneficiaries, not active owners with delegation rights.

The list goes on. 

Its a strategy being promoted by many Private Equity firms, and the list can go on about the truth behind it. Until then, be sure to understand before you dip your toes in. For some, it works, for others, its the beneficiary that it works for. 

#schooldistrict #leadership #publictrust

I was a high school teacher nearly 20 years ago, if I were one today, I’d definitely have my students using AI on much of their work, if not all. 
Then, I’d have them in shop class, athletics, the arts, or some other career learning class to supplement the curriculum. I’d partner with local and national businesses to develop curriculum surrounding their current workflow and allow my students to learn, understand, then build their strategic thinking and creative thinking skills to improve the workflows. 
Then, I’d coach football. A guy can dream, right?

There are so many learning benefits to sports. Schools should expand their programs. Rather than dive into the data and neuroscience, I thought I’d share this great piece. Emotional, impactful, and accurate. 

Thank you for your dedication to the craft. Enjoy your next chapter. 

#athlete #education #leadership

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Plamen Rabadzhiyski

Jay D.

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