Michele Doyle
Vice President, Data
Durham, North Carolina
My Role
I'm the Vice President of Data at Sennos, where we're on a mission to bring data clarity and intelligence to fluidics-heavy industries - think craft beer, alternative proteins, and biopharma - using AI, sensors, and some beautifully nerdy data analytics.
My job sits at the intersection of engineering, product, and operations, which is exactly where data shines when it’s done right. I lead the vision and execution of our data platform, shape how we use analytics and AI, and guide a fantastic team of data professionals. Together, we’re not just building tools, we’re building a data culture that really sticks.
As we grow, my focus is making sure our data systems and strategy scale with us because our ambitions certainly aren’t small. If we do this right (and we are) we’re not just supporting growth, we’re changing the entire data playbook for fluidics-based industries. And honestly? That’s pretty awesome.
What I love most about my role
At the core, I just really love data, and I want everyone else to love it too. To me, it’s a beautifully structured way to describe the world: it reveals patterns, sparks ideas, and helps us see what matters. But I’m also practical
to the bone. Data has to solve real problems. I get a lot of satisfaction from engineering systems that do exactly that, creating tools that help people make smarter decisions and move faster with more clarity.
One of the best parts of my role is the range. I get to collaborate across every corner of Sennos and with our partners in craft brewing, alt protein, and biopharma. I’ve worked in healthcare, financial services, and tech over the past 25 years, and I’ve learned that the smartest solutions come from the most open conversations. What is exciting to me is the shared curiosity, the willingness to roll up sleeves to dive into weird and complex stuff, and the sense that this community - this oddly delightful group of scientists, brewers, and builders - might actually help change the world. How cool is that?
How I define success
Success isn’t one-size-fits-all, but for me, it’s about collective momentum. If the organization is thriving and we’re lifting others along the way, that’s a win. I’m deeply competitive, but with a twist: no one can beat me, because I want you to win too. That mindset has shaped how I lead, how I collaborate, and how I define impact. Real success is getting over the finish line and bringing as many people with you as you can.
The best piece of business advice I ever received was
There isn’t just one best piece of business advice. I’ve been lucky enough to work alongside people who were incredibly generous with their wisdom. Over the years, I’ve collected the things they’ve said and written, the things they’ve modeled, and the lessons that stuck. A few have become touchstones for how I work and lead:
“You don’t have to be the leader to lead.” That one’s from Erin Stellato, currently a Principal Program Manager at Microsoft. She said this during a SQL Summit WIT session over ten years ago, and it’s been a guiding light for me, especially as a woman in tech. Some of
the most influential people I’ve worked with weren’t in official leadership roles, but they led anyway, by lifting others, building trust, and pushing for better.
“Don’t short the vision.” This one came from our own CTO at Sennos, John Considine. It reminds me to aim high, even if the path forward seems unknowable. To not limit the possibility with what I thought was plannable. Some of the most worthwhile things I’ve built started as goals I wasn’t sure we could pull off but we tried anyway and aimed for our big vision. That’s where the magic happens.
“Everything is a system.” E.J. Sutherland, the CIO during my time at Commonwealth Financial, used to say this and it stuck with me. It’s a signal to zoom out and look at how things connect before diving into the details. Whether you’re debugging a pipeline or building a team, nothing operates in isolation. It’s all part of something bigger.
“You’ve earned the right to be here” This one came from my colleague Erick Crowell, the VP of Product here at Sennos, and it still hits me square in the chest. It’s not just permission, it’s power flowing from your experience. And I try to pay this concept forward, especially to those who haven’t always been told they belong in business or tech or leadership. Because they do belong.
These pieces of advice aren’t just sticky notes hanging over my desk; they shape how I show up every day. They remind me that leadership is shared, that vision is fuel, and that context and courage are everything. And most of all, they remind me how lucky I’ve been to work alongside people who have been so unselfish with their knowledge.
What would I tell my younger self
What would I tell my younger self? Honestly: don’t change a thing. Sure, some lessons were hard, but each one carried a realization I needed. Every mistake led me somewhere important.
I’d also tell the me-that-was to have courage. Say the things that need saying. You belong in the room; you’re there for a reason. You don’t have to prove it. Just stand in your knowledge and be yourself.
What 2B Bolder mean to me
To me, 2B Bolder is about owning what you’re great at and not whispering it. It means standing firmly in your skills and saying, “I know what I bring to the table,” without apology. Boldness isn’t about volume; it’s about clarity. I’ve built a career as a strong engineer and thoughtful architect not because I always had the answers, but because I’ve stayed curious and committed to doing the work. I’m confident in what I know and always open to learning more. When you’re clear on where you stand, it’s a lot easier to stand tall.
It also means community. None of us thrive alone. Some weeks we spend more time with coworkers than family, and building a space where you can be fully yourself is where real growth happens. Whether it’s in your workplace, a meet-up, or a group like 2B Bolder, having a trusted circle that celebrates authenticity is what allows boldness to surface and stick.
Years of Experience
25+
I recommend you focus on developing these 3 skills to succeed in a role like mine
1. Data Engineering & Architecture
2. Strategy & Vision
3. Applied Artificial Intelligence