Event Roundup
Data Meetup - October 2026
By Eleanor Wright · 21 October 2026
Oxford Data Meetup: Exploring the Human Side of Data
How can data help us better understand human behaviour, improve communication and build stronger connections? These were some of the questions explored at our latest Oxford Data Meetup, proudly supported by Humand Talent Solutions.
At Humand Talent Solutions, we're passionate about bringing Oxfordshire's technology community together, which is why we love being involved in the Oxford Data Meetup.
Our October event was another fantastic evening, bringing together data professionals, technology enthusiasts and business leaders for insightful talks, interesting discussions and plenty of networking.
Hosted at BIPC Oxfordshire, this month's meetup explored how data can be used to measure things we traditionally consider difficult to quantify, particularly communication and human behaviour.
For technology and hiring leaders, understanding how people communicate, engage and make decisions is increasingly important. Whether you're building a product, growing a team or connecting with the right talent, data can offer valuable insights into what works and why.
With two brilliant speakers approaching the subject from very different perspectives, there was plenty for everyone to take away.
What We Heard
This month's theme focused on using data to better understand human interactions, from what encourages people to respond to cold outreach to how technology can help us develop stronger communication skills.
We welcomed Jeremy Basset, CEO of Super Benji, and Bartek Ogonowski, CEO of LEVRA, who shared their experiences of applying data to real-world challenges.
One particularly interesting takeaway was that senior decision-makers may actually be more likely to respond to cold messages than many people assume.
We also heard about the importance of user feedback when developing technology products, and why being willing to adapt or even completely rethink an original approach can be essential to success.
Although the talks explored different areas, both highlighted a common theme: data becomes particularly powerful when it helps us better understand people.
It was also brilliant to see so many familiar faces, alongside new attendees joining the community. One of the things we enjoy most about these events is seeing people from different businesses, backgrounds and specialisms come together to share ideas and make new connections.
Talks and Evidence
Jeremy Basset – Using Data to Understand Cold Outreach
Our first speaker, Jeremy, CEO of Super Benji, explored how data can help us understand what makes people respond to cold outreach.
His talk challenged some common assumptions about engagement, including the idea that senior decision-makers are particularly difficult to reach.
Jeremy discussed the importance of building trust, creating meaningful interactions and understanding the factors that encourage people to respond.
Working in recruitment, this was particularly relevant to us at Humand. We're constantly looking at how we can make our conversations more meaningful, whether that's reaching out to candidates or building relationships with businesses.
It was a great reminder that successful outreach isn't simply about contacting more people, but about understanding who you're speaking to and what matters to them.
Bartek Ogonowski – Measuring and Improving Communication Skills
Next, Bartek, CEO of LEVRA, explored how data can be used to measure and improve communication and social skills.
His talk looked at how technology can help us better understand an area that has traditionally been considered subjective and difficult to measure.
Bartek also shared insights into LEVRA's development journey, particularly how user feedback has influenced the direction of the platform.
It was fascinating to hear how listening to users, adapting to their needs and sometimes reconsidering an original approach have played an important role in the company's evolution.
Both talks offered different perspectives on how data can be applied beyond traditional analytics, helping us understand behaviours, improve interactions and make more informed decisions.
The Humand Perspective
At Humand Talent Solutions, people are at the heart of everything we do.
We work closely with technology businesses across Oxfordshire and beyond, helping them find the talent they need to grow, innovate and succeed.
One of the things that stood out to us from this month's meetup was how closely the topics connected to the world of recruitment and business.
Jeremy's talk reinforced the importance of genuine, personalised communication. In recruitment, building relationships and understanding what motivates people is far more valuable than simply sending out large volumes of messages.
Bartek's discussion highlighted something equally important: listening, learning and being willing to adapt. These are qualities we see in successful technology businesses, particularly those navigating growth and change.
Our biggest takeaway was that while data can help us make smarter decisions, understanding people is what makes those decisions meaningful.
It's also why we believe events like the Oxford Data Meetup are so valuable. They create opportunities for people to step outside their day-to-day work, discover new ideas and build relationships across the local technology community.
We're proud to play a part in making that happen and to continue supporting the people and businesses helping Oxfordshire's tech sector thrive.
What's Next? Join Us at the November Oxford Data Meetup
Thursday 12th November 2026 | 6pm | Oxford Centre for Innovation, 2nd Floor
We're already looking forward to our next Oxford Data Meetup, and we'd love for you to join us!
This time, we're heading to a new venue, the Oxford Centre for Innovation, which will be hosting and supporting the event.
We've got another fantastic line-up of speakers, covering two topics that are particularly relevant to businesses working with data and AI.
Talk 1: Dominik Lukeš – The Future of Data in the Age of AI Agents
New Opportunities for Old Methods in Data Management and Collection
Dominik Lukeš is an AI Consultant at the University of Oxford's AI Competency Centre and has delivered workshops on AI in research, education and data management since 2023.
Dominik will explore what the rise of AI agents means for managing, collecting and analysing large amounts of data, and the opportunities this creates for existing data management approaches.
Talk 2: Jonathan Waddingham – The Numbers Look Good. Should We Celebrate?
Lessons in Product Judgement from JustGiving, Lightful and Beyond
Jonathan Waddingham is a product leader and advisor with over 20 years of experience in mission-driven technology.
At JustGiving, he led the development of its crowdfunding platform from an early idea to £100 million raised in five years. He later became Chief Product Officer at Lightful, helping charities around the world develop their digital capabilities.
Jonathan now works with founders and teams on product strategy, growth and practical AI adoption.
His talk will explore product judgement and the importance of looking beyond the numbers to understand what really matters when making business and product decisions.
Join the Oxford Data Community
As always, the evening will be hosted by Shaked Keidar, who will also share an overview of the latest developments in the world of data.
There will be plenty of time to meet other professionals, exchange ideas and make new connections, followed by informal drinks at a local pub for anyone who would like to continue the conversations.
Whether you're working in data science, AI, software engineering or leading a growing technology business, we'd love to welcome you.
Register for the next Oxford Data Meetup here:
Supporting Oxfordshire's Technology Community
A huge thank you to Jeremy Basset and Bartek Ogonowski for sharing their insights at our October event, to BIPC Oxfordshire for hosting us, and to everyone who joined us for another brilliant evening.
Special thanks also go to Shaked Keidar and Lena Chapman for their continued hard work in bringing the community together.
The Oxford Data Meetup is hosted by Shaked Keidar in partnership with Humand Talent Solutions, and we're delighted to be involved in supporting and growing this community.
As a specialist technology recruitment partner, we work with innovative businesses, start-ups and scale-ups across Oxfordshire and beyond, connecting them with the people who can help them succeed.
But for us, being part of the technology community goes beyond recruitment. It's about building relationships, sharing knowledge and creating opportunities for people and businesses to connect.
We're looking forward to another brilliant evening on 12th November, and hope to see you there!