Future Leader profile: Tej Nathwani 
 

Position: Research economist/statistician for the Higher Education Statistics Agency (now part of Jisc), producing official statistics on higher education 
 
As an undergraduate, I particularly enjoyed the statistics/econometrics modules, which mainly involved finding new stories to tell with the data you were working with. Now, I lead research work that helps my organisation design, innovate and evolve our statistical outputs. We’ve been working on creating a new UK-wide area-based measure of deprivation, including publishing an interactive map/postcode search tool.  
 
Leadership philosophy: A good leader must have a clear vision of what they want to achieve and convince others of that pathway as they work towards their objectives 
 
I admire Arsene Wenger. As manager of Arsenal, he displayed a tremendous work ethic and had a clear vision of how he wanted to transform the club when he first started the job. These are necessary qualities of an excellent leader. From an analytical perspective, he was also one of the first managers in the Premier League to understand the potential value data could offer to better understanding the game.  
 
Proudest career moment: Working on the interactive map of area-based deprivation with the Higher Education Statistics Agency 
 
The whole team put in an outstanding effort in producing the designs, and we’ve received positive feedback from users who have recognised the work that went into it. It was a great achievement by everyone involved in the project. 
 
Childhood ambition: To be a snooker player 
 
I wanted to be a snooker player when I was young! I think my dream job now would be to work in the research/statistics department at Arsenal football club. 
 
Advice to aspiring statisticians: Communicating your findings effectively is key if you wish to make impact with your analysis 
 
It is vital to keep asking yourself whether your audience would understand the key messages you are trying to convey with the output you have produced. If not, your work is not complete. 
 
Hobbies: Playing and watching football