Chicago Marathon and Oceanman: Head of Data & Analytics at Sergek Group on His Lifestyle

The Head of Data & Analytics at Sergek Group shared his experience working with data, discussed the importance of analytics for urban systems, and explained how sports help maintain balance in life and career.

Shaigazy Mukhtarov, Astana, Head of Data & Analytics, LinkedIn

About Me

I hold the position of Head of Data and Analytics at Sergek Group, where I have been working for four and a half years. My responsibilities include leading and managing the company's data, primarily transportation data.

Sergek Group is a comprehensive ecosystem of products, and the data we collect and analyze plays a key role in optimizing urban traffic situations and implementing environmental projects.

After completing the Bolashak program in the United Kingdom in 2020, I joined Sergek Group, starting as a mid-level specialist. I was inspired by the company's goals and its approach to technology. Over this time, I have progressed from a mid-level specialist to leading a small team.

Working at Sergek Group allows me to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Thanks to clear task planning, I have been exercising daily for two and a half years. My day starts at 06:00 with training sessions—swimming and running—without days off. For me, the main thing is that it brings pleasure and benefit, without radical loads that could undermine motivation and results.

Where and How I Learn

My work is directly related to data processing, so I constantly improve my knowledge and keep up with new trends. In recent years, data analytics has developed rapidly: methods have become more complex, and tools more powerful. To stay at the same level, it is important to regularly study, read research, and exchange experience with colleagues. Analytics can be compared to mining precious stones: valuable insights are extracted from large datasets to make strategic decisions.

Regarding learning, I can recommend the ChatGPT tool—especially its paid versions, which are capable of providing detailed and comprehensive answers to a wide range of questions. This tool significantly simplifies and accelerates information search. I started using it since its presentation in April 2023 and consider it a vital assistant for testing hypotheses, generating ideas, and acquiring knowledge.

I am also studying for the Certified Data Management Professional certification—a field related to corporate data governance and architecture in accordance with international standards. This is especially important given our company's expansion into international markets.

Online courses are useful for acquiring basic knowledge. However, for in-depth study of a topic, I prefer professional articles, research, and participation in specialized events. Live communication with experts remains an indispensable factor for knowledge exchange.

In addition to learning, for over a year and a half I have been teaching myself: I conduct training for the public sector, including the Presidential Academy of Public Administration of Kazakhstan, and for businesses. I am also the author of an online data analysis course within Sergek Academy, where we trained 30 students.

Furthermore, I speak at industry events—for example, in 2023 I was a speaker at the Kolesa Group meetup, where I shared practical cases. Such meetings are a great opportunity to exchange experience with industry professionals.

My Environment

My environment mainly consists of people who share a similar outlook on life. These are predominantly my peers, although there are also those who are older.

The first group includes athletes who lead a healthy lifestyle and set an example for others. It was precisely such people—conscious and responsible regarding their health—who inspired me in the past. I am also a father raising a son, striving to instill useful habits in him.

The second group is colleagues from Sergek Group, with whom we work on projects and develop professionally. Among them are developers, analysts, transportation specialists, engineers, and economists.

The third group is relatives and close ones. This is family, friends, as well as people with whom I share a student past and joint work on personal projects. In recent years, I have become passionate about mountain hiking. In April 2023, my colleagues and I trekked to Everest Base Camp, and since then I have planned ascents annually, mainly within Kazakhstan.

I actively participate in professional communities: I attend Digital Almaty, Retail Almaty, Digital Bridge, meetups of the DSML Kazakhstan Community, and recently joined the Data Management Association Kazakhstan. Such events help exchange experience and maintain connections.

At the start of a career, it is easiest to find like-minded people among former classmates and colleagues. It is important to combine work communication with informal meetings—this strengthens trust. Sports clubs also create an environment where you can meet people from different fields and find new sources of motivation.

How I Spend My Free Time

I have been actively swimming and running for two and a half years, with the main emphasis on swimming. My first competition was Oceanman Kazakhstan, where I swam one and a half kilometers in open water. In 2024, I covered a five-kilometer distance, effectively half of the Half Oceanman, and in July 2025 I plan to complete the full 10-kilometer distance.

I started running later, but in 2024 I covered 280 kilometers, including six 10-kilometer races and one half-marathon. In the autumn of 2024, I won a lottery for participation in the Chicago Marathon, a 42-kilometer race, and I am planning to go to this race. The Chicago Marathon is included in the list of the six largest marathons in the world, so for me this is a significant event. 

Sports help maintain physical and mental resilience, especially in IT, where there is a lot of sedentary work and a high level of stress. Regular training replaces harmful ways of relaxing, promotes concentration, and improves quality of life.

An active lifestyle plays an important place in my daily routine. I regularly go hiking, trekking, and trail running. This is not only an exciting hobby but also a great opportunity to maintain physical fitness and spend time in the fresh air. In addition, I try to spend free time with my son, paying attention to his upbringing and development.

I also love reading: I am interested in ancient philosophy, history, dystopias, and science fiction. Reading helps broaden horizons and deepen knowledge.

Besides reading, I value the opportunity to spend time with friends. These can be individual meetings or gatherings in small groups. We organize joint events, invite guests, and create a pleasant atmosphere, exchanging positive emotions.

Where to Buy What

In technology, I value convenience and reliability. I prefer the Apple ecosystem—I use their phone, headphones, and other devices for their stable operation and comfort. For sports and travel, I choose GoPro for filming and Garmin smartwatches, which help track workouts, sleep, and recovery, which is important for productivity.

I buy technology only in trusted places—either in retail chains or through official online stores. I mainly place orders via kaspi.kz, and for accessories and other useful goods, I often use nemo.kz. I have not yet made purchases from foreign stores.