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Bridging Business and AI: How Telerik Academy Prepares Tomorrow’s Data Leaders

As AI reshapes how businesses operate, the role of the modern data professional is transforming too. It’s no longer just about generating reports or dashboards—it’s about driving strategy, solving real business problems, and building intelligent systems that scale.

At the forefront of this evolution is Svetla Yankova, a Data and Analytics Leader with a rare blend of experience in computer science, economics, and artificial intelligence. Svetla began her career as a Financial Auditor at KPMG, later joining Telerik (now Progress Software), where she led enterprise-wide data initiatives supporting over $600M in revenue and impacting 2,000+ internal users.

Now, as she completes her Executive Diploma in AI for Business from Oxford and pursues an MSc in AI from the University of Bath, Svetla is bringing everything she’s learned into Telerik Academy’s new Upskill Data, AI & BI program. Designed to bridge the gap between data expertise and business impact, the program empowers professionals to go beyond technical skills and grow into strategic, AI-savvy leaders.

You have a rare background that combines computer science, economics, and AI. How does that shape your approach to teaching today’s data professionals?

I’ve always found the intersection between business and technology exciting. But nearly 20 years ago, “data” wasn’t really a thing outside of academia. It took some time to find my calling. Studying computer science at the High School of Mathematics in Varna developed my algorithmic thinking. Economics helped me understand how businesses and entire economies function. My time at KPMG gave me exposure to a broad range of industries and business models.

Eventually, I found my space in data. Over 12 years at Progress, I built and led data ecosystems that supported complex decision-making and real-world impact. More recently, my studies at Oxford have helped me understand how AI will shape corporate strategy and how organizations can successfully drive AI transformation.
All of that has gone into shaping this program. I’ve structured it around three core capabilities: data management, advanced analytics, and practical AI. Together, they’ll help professionals thrive in tomorrow’s data landscape. Data management is essential for building secure, scalable, high-quality data environments. Advanced analytics enables data professionals to become true strategic advisors to business leadership. And finally, practical AI skills will be critical for any digital professional—so we’re equipping our learners with the right mindset and tools to work with AI in real-world data contexts.

You led the entire data organization at Progress. What’s one key learning from that experience that you’ve built into the Upskill program?

One of the most important lessons was understanding the business users—what they need, what challenges they face, and what success looks like from their perspective. We made it a priority to collaborate closely with stakeholders across the company to deliver data products that actually solved problems, whether that meant surfacing the right KPIs, building dashboards, or providing data-driven recommendations.

We’re embedding that same mindset into the program. There’s a strong emphasis on business understanding. We’ve created two sessions called "Understanding the Business"—one focused on digital and one on FMCG and manufacturing. In these sessions, we explore which metrics matter most in these industries and bring in business leaders to share how they use data to make real decisions.

You're currently studying at Oxford and starting a program at Bath. How are these experiences shaping the program?

Oxford has been a truly transformational experience. It’s broadened my thinking and helped me better understand the role of AI in business. I’m bringing three main components from that journey into the course: a solid foundation in AI with a focus on deep learning; principles of causal inference, which we’ll explore in our prescriptive analytics lecture; and real-world AI use cases, along with risk management frameworks for responsible AI adoption.

Now, with my MSc in AI at Bath just beginning, I expect it will add even more depth to our AI foundations as the program evolves.

What will people who complete the program walk away with—and be proud of achieving—by the end of the program?

By the end of the course, participants will have built real, end-to-end data products. Through hands-on projects and guided exercises, they’ll master three essential skills: building a data pipeline in the cloud—from ingestion to serving; conducting deep data analysis from that pipeline; and leveraging AI to either automate or enhance their data product.

These aren’t just academic exercises. The final project gives students the chance to develop a real solution—something that could even go to market. Whether they choose to pursue roles in enterprise environments or launch something of their own, they’ll be equipped with technical, analytical, and strategic skills to lead with confidence in a world powered by data and AI.

Ready to go beyond dashboards and become a true data leader?

Telerik Academy’s Upskill Data, AI & BI Program is more than a course—it’s a launchpad for professionals ready to make an impact in the age of AI. Whether you're coming from a business background or already working in data, this program will help you level up with the tools, mindset, and experience to lead digital transformation.

The future of AI in data is waiting—are you ready to shape it? Check out our Upskill Data and AI/BI program and apply. 

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