Resilience, Ambition, and AI: A Journey from Financier to Data Scientist
Resilience, Ambition, and AI: A Journey from Financier to Data Scientist
An Exclusive Interview with Jhonathan David Shaikh, MBA – President, Chief Data Strategist
at Xabios Data, a Data Analytics & Science Consulting Company based in New York City
By Victor Henson
When we think about career trajectories, we often envision a straight path—one that seamlessly connects a degree to a profession. But for Jhonathan David Shaikh, a University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) graduate, his career has been a dynamic journey of resilience, adaptability, and passion. From overcoming personal health battles to excelling in finance and pivoting into data science, Jhonathan’s story is one of determination and the pursuit of knowledge.
From Patient to PhD: A Journey of Resilience
Victor Henson: What inspired you to attend UHD, and what was your experience like as a student?
Jhonathan Shaikh: Attending UHD was a practical decision that aligned with my circumstances. During my first two years of college, I was a cancer survivor patient at Texas Children’s Hospital as I underwent a bone marrow transplant. I still needed post-transplant treatment, and my health improved to the point where I was able to continue my education. The convenience of UHD’s location near the Texas Medical Center and the newly built light rail made it possible for me to balance school, treatment, and work.
Beyond location, UHD had a strong reputation. It also offered me a four-year scholarship, the La Madrid Kane Scholarship, which was instrumental in making higher education financially feasible. My experience as a student was challenging yet rewarding, I worked at night, attended classes during the day, and received treatment in the mornings. UHD gave me the flexibility to pursue my dreams while managing my health.
Breaking into Finance: The Power of Education
VH: What degree did you earn, and how did your studies prepare you for your career?
JS: I earned a degree in International Business and Finance from UHD. That education directly influenced my first career move—I became a banker in Houston and later a international banking consultant in New York. During my job interviews, I was able to showcase projects I had completed in my finance classes at UHD. Those experiences, coupled with my communication and interpersonal skills, helped me break into the banking industry and eventually into New York City.
The foundation UHD provided me in business and financial management has served me throughout my career. It not only helped me secure my initial banking roles, but it also laid the groundwork for my later transition into data science and artificial intelligence consulting.
Beyond the Classroom: The Importance of Involvement
VH: Did you participate in any internships while at UHD?
JS: I didn’t complete any formal internships, but I was heavily involved in the UHD community. I participated in student government and theater, and I worked closely with the Career Services Center. One of my most memorable moments was chairing Career Day, where I saw firsthand how eager UHD students are to connect with employers and build their futures.
That said, if I could give students one piece of advice, it would be to complete at least one real-world internship before graduating. It makes a significant difference in career preparedness and networking.
Adapting to Change: A Career Shift into AI
VH: What career path did you take after graduating, and what are you doing now?
JS: My journey wasn’t linear. I started in banking, moving up from analyst to officer to senior leadership. However, about eight years in, I discovered data science and artificial intelligence while traveling to China on a final project to earn my MBA at Tulane. I realized its potential and sought made a bold shift and discovery: the future was going to belong to those who had experience, data science & AI knowledge.
I transitioned from banking operations to consulting in AI and data analytics. Eventually, I started my own firm, Xabios Data, where I bring together a group data scientist and we work projects in New York. Our focus is to partner with businesses to help them use data analytics, science & AI for growth.
The Role of AI in Today’s Business World
VH: AI is booming. How does it impact your day-to-day work?
JS: Most people think of AI in terms of tools like ChatGPT, but my work is not exactly only about using those tools. We work with businesses that have data sets—sometimes as small as 10 thousand or as big as 10 million data points or more.
Our job as data scientists is threefold: first, we clean and organize raw data; second, we extract meaningful insights through advance statistics and analytics; and third, we develop AI models that predict future trends. For instance, in real estate, we analyze vast amounts of data to help investors determine which properties to buy and when and where to sell with precision. AI enables us to make precise, data-driven decisions that would be impossible for the human brain to process alone.
Advice for Students Entering the Workforce
VH: Our career fair is coming up. What advice would you give students nervous about meeting employers?
JS: It’s normal to feel intimidated. The key is preparation. Know your résumé inside and out, highlight your strengths, and research the companies beforehand. If possible, set up appointments with employers in advance. Confidence comes from knowing your value—remember, you’re a UHD student, and you’ve done the work to be there.
Competing in a World of Ivy League Graduates
VH: Working in New York, you must encounter colleagues from prestigious universities. How does your UHD education hold up?
JS: Education is about knowledge, not just brand name. While Ivy League schools have strong reputations, UHD provided me with a solid business foundation that prepared me for the financial world. The key to success isn’t where you studied, but how well you apply your knowledge. It’s up to UHD alumni to represent the university well in the professional world.
Making an Impact Through Data Science and Community Work
VH: Have you received any recognitions or awards that are meaningful to you?
JS: The recognition that matters most to me isn’t from my professional work but from my involvement with nonprofits like the Periwinkle Foundation in Houston. They support cancer survivors and families going through medical hardships—something close to my heart. Making an impact on people’s lives is more important than any corporate accolade.
Looking to the Future
VH: What legacy do you hope to leave in your industry and community?
JS: As a data scientist, I hope to uncover new insights that benefit businesses, institutions, and therefore humanity in a meaningful way—something groundbreaking that wouldn’t be possible without AI. Personally, I want to be remembered as someone who made a difference, whether through teaching, mentorship, or business innovation.
Ultimately, success isn’t about personal gain—it’s about how you help others grow and positively impact others.
Jhonathan Shaikh’s story is a testament to resilience, lifelong learning, and embracing change. From finance to AI, from student to banker, to entrepreneur, his journey exemplifies what it means to adapt, innovate, and make a meaningful impact.
For more insights from Jonathan, visit his website www.jhonathands.com or connect with him on LinkedIn and Instagram.