The Woman Who Made Data Work Across Industries: Celeste Fralick’s Story

Data is everywhere today from the electricity we use at home to how hospitals monitor patients. But while numbers are guiding decisions, truly understanding and using data is still a challenge for many organizations.

In this edition of The Executive Outlook, we feature Dr. Celeste Fralick, Chief Data and Technology Officer at Choir Corp, whose career spans over 40 years in biomedical engineering, AI, and data science. She has led transformative projects across healthcare, energy, and cybersecurity while mentoring the next generation of leaders.

Who Is Celeste Fralick?

Celeste didn’t plan to become a data and AI leader, it kind of chose her. Fresh out of college, she worked as a bench microbiologist. “The first project I was given was statistical process control. I had no idea what it was,” she laughs. “But I jumped in, and I was hooked. From that moment, I realized data was my passion.”

Over the years, she has focused on understanding patterns, building insights, and using AI to solve real-world problems. Even her PhD dissertation explored neural networks and statistics long before AI became mainstream.

Data Alone Isn’t Enough

One of the key lessons Celeste shares is this: “It’s not just about numbers. Leadership is what turns data into action.”

She recalls the challenge of deciding between staying technical or moving into management. “Leadership isn’t about checking every detail,” she says. “It’s about trusting your team, giving them space, and guiding them when needed.”

At McAfee, she led a team composed entirely of women. By letting them own their work even allowing mistakes, she saw remarkable results. “The team learned fast, collaborated well, and achieved more than I could alone.”

Real-World Impact: Energy & Healthcare

Celeste’s work isn’t theoretical. She uses data to create tangible results.

  • Energy Efficiency: She analyzed electricity usage across 36 similar homes. One home had unusually high consumption because the pool cleaner ran at peak hours. “The homeowner chose to continue, but the study highlighted how personalized insights guide better decisions and savings.”

  • Healthcare Monitoring: Celeste helped develop a system to monitor elderly patients remotely, tracking weight, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and lung capacity. Alerts were sent when intervention was needed. This project influenced regulations, helped set monitoring standards, and created telehealth billing codes.

  • Cybersecurity: She applies a “stair-step” approach, starting with simple models and gradually increasing complexity. “Data and AI are central to security, but you must monitor results carefully. Without oversight, errors can have serious consequences.”

Advice for Emerging Professionals

Celeste has clear guidance for anyone starting in data or AI:

  • Learn the basics: Python, statistics, problem-solving.

  • Take smart risks, even in unfamiliar areas.

  • Seek mentors who focus on your strengths.

Her own career shows that curiosity and persistence are more important than knowing everything upfront. Moving from microbiology to semiconductor technology was intimidating but it strengthened her problem-solving skills and analytical thinking.

Focus on Strengths, Not Labels

Early in her career, a manager tried to make Celeste a software engineer. It wasn’t her strength. She instead focused on AI, data analysis, and insights and her career accelerated.

She emphasizes that leaders should nurture people’s strengths, not force them into a mold. “Once you focus on what you do best, growth happens naturally,” she says.

Leadership Is Human First

For Celeste, leadership is about relationships and trust, not just metrics. She still keeps in touch with former teams to share challenges, wins, and guidance. “Data shows possibilities, but people make the difference,” she explains.

Her story proves that technical expertise combined with thoughtful leadership can transform industries from energy to healthcare to cybersecurity.

Why This Matters

Whether you’re a startup founder, a student interested in AI, or a business leader, Celeste’s journey offers valuable lessons:

  • Data alone is not enough, it needs leadership and vision.

  • AI can solve problems but only if you understand the data and monitor results.

  • Focus on your strengths and those of your team.

  • Curiosity, persistence, and trust are essential for growth.

The Bottom Line: Data + Leadership = Impact

Celeste Fralick demonstrates that data is more than numbers. It’s insight, guidance, and a tool to make real-world impact. Her career shows that staying curious, trusting your team, and focusing on strengths can change not just careers, but entire industries.

Want to Learn More?
Listen to the full podcast episode on Spotify.

Watch her full Episode on Youtube.


#DataLeadership #WomenInTech #AI #Leadership #TheExecutiveOutlook #DataScience #Innovation #Mentorship

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