A Data Visionary Turning Numbers Into Narratives

SEQUOAH LLOYD

CEO

SL Data Enterprises

Numbers don’t lie, but they don’t speak for themselves either. Every day, businesses generate 328.77 million terabytes of data, yet a shocking 73% of it goes untouched—sitting idle in dashboards and databases, never translating into strategic action. Companies invest millions in analytics tools, but without the right expertise, all that information remains just noise.

DATA ISN’T VALUABLE UNTIL IT TELLS A STORY, UNTIL IT DRIVES A DECISION, UNTIL IT CREATES IMPACT

says Sequoah Lloyd, a self-taught tech visionary who has dedicated her career to transforming raw numbers into business intelligence. As the CEO of SL Data Enterprises, LLC, Sequoah has redefined what it means to harness data for success. From fixing her first crashed computer at nine years old to automating over 10,000 BI reports for Fortune 50, 100, and 500 companies, her journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, innovation, and strategic problem-solving. Her expertise extends far beyond data analysis—she builds AI-powered marketing models, develops enterprise-wide Power BI solutions, and leads large-scale Robotic Process Automation (RPA) transformations that save organizations millions. Whether working with industry giants like Abbott, Pratt & Whitney, or CSG, or mentoring professionals on Power Platform and AI-driven analytics, Sequoah’s impact is both vast and deeply personal. A LinkedIn Top Voice in Analytics and Business Intelligence (2023), she has become a sought-after expert in the world of business intelligence. But beyond the titles and accolades, her mission remains simple: to help businesses unlock the full potential of their data and turn information into action. So, what does it take to bridge the gap between data and decision-making? How can AI and automation shape the future of business intelligence? To explore these questions and more, TradeFlock sat down with Sequoah Lloyd for an exclusive conversation about her journey, insights, and the evolving landscape of datadriven innovation.

BALANCE ISN’T ABOUT DOING LESS —IT’S ABOUT WORKING SMARTER AND MAKING TIME FOR WHAT TRULY MATTERS

What unconventional methods helped you master data science and BI?

I fixed my first crashed computer at nine. That moment sparked my obsession with tech. By 14, I was coding. In college, a database class introduced me to data modeling—I loved it so much I took the certification exam and passed on the first try. My professor urged me to learn SQL, and curiosity led me to Power BI via YouTube in 2014. I was hooked. Self-paced projects on Coursera and LinkedIn Learning sharpened my skills, and within a year, I was teaching data science and BI before stepping into the corporate world.

How has your background shaped your leadership and business approach?

My mother’s sacrifices taught me to always do the right thing—the first time. Growing up as a firstgeneration Bahamian American, I learned the value of integrity, hard work, and community. That’s exactly how I lead—ethically, transparently, and with a focus on empowering others. In business, it’s not just about solving problems; it’s about educating clients to build strong, scalable data systems that create lasting impact.

What’s the biggest myth about being a CEO?

People love to believe that CEOs are some kind of superheroes who have all the answers — but here’s the truth: The idea of the all-knowing, all-powerful CEO is largely a myth. What really makes a CEO effective isn’t micromanaging or calling every shot; it’s building the right team, setting a clear vision, and trusting others to lead. The job isn’t about having every answer — it’s about creating an environment where the best answers can come from anywhere.

How do you keep AI-driven decisions ethical and unbiased?

I’ve learned that AI doesn’t just process data — it inherits our past, the good and the bad. That’s why I believe making AI fair isn’t just a technical challenge; it’s a human one too. I make it a rule to audit the data, test for hidden biases, and keep monitoring even after deployment. Because ethical AI isn’t a checkbox — it’s an ongoing responsibility to make sure tech doesn’t repeat the mistakes of history.

Who or what inspires you the most in your entrepreneurial journey?

If there’s one person who shaped my journey, it’s my mentor, Jason Hare — the first person who made me believe I could lead in the data world. He taught me more than data; he taught me how to lead with purpose. That’s why, even today, I remind my team that “data is the new oil — but it only drives value when it’s accurate, protected, and tells a clear story.”

What’s a hobby people wouldn’t expect from you?

People might not expect it, but I’m a true adrenaline junkie at heart. Whether it’s skydiving, parasailing, or ziplining upside down, I’m always chasing the next thrill. I believe that fear is the worst way to live your life, and having regrets is the thief of joy. That’s why I take risks — not just in business, but in every experience life throws my way.

What’s a major learning experience from working with Fortune 500 companies?

I’ve always believed that the right data, at the right time, can change everything. While working at a Fortune 500 healthcare company, I saw how manually pulling reports in Excel slowed down our newborn hearing screening process. I suggested using Power BI to give real-time access to critical data. I wrote SQL queries, built the model, and created visual dashboards—helping coordinators and managers act faster and more accurately. It turned a tedious process into a dynamic, datadriven system that made a real impact.

How is data storytelling evolving with AI and automation?

AI is making data storytelling more dynamic, but humans will always be the storytellers. What started as a way to make data more understandable is now supercharged by AI, transforming insights in real-time. I’ve used Copilot Studio across Power BI, Power Apps, and Power Automate to streamline analysis, automate reports, and generate insights through natural language. AI reduces errors and enhances efficiency, but it won’t replace us—it needs us to train and refine it. As AI evolves, so will we, adapting to new roles and opportunities in a data-driven future.

How do you balance work and life as a serial entrepreneur?

I don’t believe in the idea that work-life balance means doing less—it’s about doing things smarter. “Balance isn’t about doing less—it’s about working smarter and making time for what truly matters.” I keep everything structured by syncing my calendars to avoid conflicts, automating tasks in my tax business, and using resume templates to save time. I also set boundaries—tutoring mainly in the evenings or weekends—to ensure I don’t burn out. And when it’s time to unplug, I focus on selfcare, meditation, and being with loved ones. At the end of the day, productivity means nothing if I’m not taking care of myself too.

Which recognition has meant the most to you and why?

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the awards on your shelf don’t matter as much as the ones that touch your heart. For me, that moment came in 2022 when I was named an NCWIT Collegiate Award Finalist for a report I created to make sure newborns didn’t miss their initial hearing screenings. That recognition meant the most because it wasn’t just about numbers or dashboards — it was about making sure every baby got the care they deserved. That’s the kind of work that stays with you.

What’s one thing you’d change in your industry?

If I could rewrite one rule in the data world, it’d be this — stop chasing quantity and start valuing quality. Too often, we hoard information without purpose. I want to shift the focus because better data leads to better decisions. It’s not about collecting more; it’s about collecting what truly matters.