Balancing Data Compliance, Strategy, and Innovation with Sam Smith, VP Global Data Privacy & Governance at Merlin Entertainments
Want to unlock the full potential of data & AI across your organisation? Visit cambridgespark.com to explore how we help enterprises upskill their workforce with cutting-edge, industry-relevant training programmes that drive real business impact.
In this episode of Data & AI Mastery, host Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma sits down with Sam Smith, VP of Global Data Privacy and Governance at Merlin Entertainments, to explore how privacy and governance are the unsung heroes powering innovation in data-driven businesses.
Sam shares her fascinating career shift from solicitor to data leader and unpacks what it really means to build effective global data governance strategies. They discuss how to demonstrate ROI from data governance, the carrot vs. stick of compliance, and the practical challenges of AI regulation in a hyper-connected world.
Whether you’re a privacy professional, business leader, or data practitioner, this episode offers real-world insights on embedding privacy by design, aligning legal and commercial goals, and why AI literacy is now a business-wide mandate—not just a legal issue.
If you found this episode valuable, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review.
Chapter Markers:
02:00 – Samantha’s journey: From law to data privacy
04:30 – Why data governance is a hard sell—and how to frame ROI
08:30 – Data governance as both insurance and innovation
10:30 – Key terms explained: Ownership, stewardship, and privacy
14:00 – The ethics and strategy behind collecting personal data
18:00 – What happens when AI tools go too far?
25:00 – Where AI and data governance teams should sit in your org
27:45 – Quick-fire questions: Industry views, lifelong learning, and favorite tunes
29:30 – Raoul’s reflections: Why AI literacy matters now more than ever
Useful Links:
Connect with Sam Smith on LinkedIn
Visit the Merlin Entertainments Website
Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn
Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programs at cambridgespark.com
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33:27
Roxane Heaton, MD of Digital Colleague Experience at Barclays on Designing Better Work with AI
Want to equip your workforce with the data and AI skills they need to drive real transformation? Cambridge Spark partners with global organisations to build high-impact, scalable training programmes that deliver measurable business outcomes. Learn more at cambridgespark.com.
In this episode of Data & AI Mastery, Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma speaks with Roxane Heaton, Managing Director of Digital Colleague Experience at Barclays, about what it means to design digital systems for real people—at scale.
Roxane shares her unique journey across the public and private sectors, from the Cabinet Office to Macmillan and now at Barclays, and brings an unshakable focus on user-centered innovation. In a world obsessed with digital transformation, Roxane challenges conventional thinking by arguing that AI doesn’t replace thinking—it deepens it.
Whether you're a digital leader, HR strategist, or AI practitioner, Roxane offers an inspiring and grounded vision for inclusive, impactful transformation.
Tune in to discover how to unlock human potential through data-driven design.
Chapter Markers:
05:46 – How to Measure the Impact of Digital Tools
08:32 – Using Passive vs Active Data in AI Design
10:47 – Automation, Copilots & Rethinking Workflows
13:07 – Why Upskilling Requires More Than Just Tools
16:33 – The Role of Ethics and Data Governance
19:51 – Storytelling as a Leadership Skill in the AI Era
20:21 – Why Design Thinking is the Must-Have Mindset
26:01 – Raoul’s Reflections
Useful Links:
Connect with Roxane Heaton on LinkedIn
Visit the Barclays Website
Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn
Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programs at cambridgespark.com
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28:21
6 Months of Data & AI Mastery: Raoul-Gabriel Urma, Group CEO at Cambridge Spark Reflects on Lessons, Leaders & the Future
Curious about how you or your organisation can lead in the age of AI? Visit CambridgeSpark.com to explore cutting-edge training programmes and resources.
To celebrate the six-month milestone of Data & AI Mastery, we flip the script! This time, host Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma steps into the hot seat, interviewed by Cambridge Spark's CTO, Kevin Lemagnen.
In this special anniversary episode, Raoul shares his personal journey—from coding on calculators in high school to founding Cambridge Spark and leading the conversation on data and AI transformation.
Together, they also go on to reflect on the biggest takeaways from past guests and why lifelong learning is no longer optional. Plus, Raoul answers a rapid-fire round of personal and professional questions that offer a glimpse into the mind behind one of the industry's most forward-thinking educators.
Whether you're aspiring to lead in tech or shaping strategy from the C-suite, this episode offers insights, inspiration, and practical wisdom.
Chapter Markers:
05:00 – From calculators to classrooms: Raoul’s early love for education
15:00 – The ROI of AI: cost vs. customer delight
20:00 – Bold prediction: The rise of agentic AI in education
23:00 – Favorite guest moments: from NATO to Lloyds to Pearson
26:00 – The future of work and why apprenticeships matter
27:30 – Quickfire round: contrarian views, reading habits, Python love, and more
Useful Links:
Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn
Connect with Kevin Lemagnen on LinkedIn
Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programs at cambridgespark.com
Functional Programming in Java by Raoul-Gabriel Urma: Amazon Link
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32:46
Driving AI Innovation in Financial Services with Apoorv Kashyap, Head of Artificial Intelligence at Santander UK
In this episode of the Data & AI Mastery podcast, host Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma, sits down with Apoorv Kashyap, Head of Artificial Intelligence at Santander UK.
They explore the transformative power of AI in financial services, including how to leverage advanced machine learning models to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and drive business value.
Apoorv shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities of deploying AI at scale, the importance of ethical AI, and the future of AI-driven finance.
Don't forget to subscribe for more insights from AI leaders and industry experts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your network.
Chapter Markers:
02:15 - Apoorv Kashyap’s Career Journey in AI
06:45 - Building Scalable AI Solutions
12:30 - Overcoming Data Challenges in Financial Services
18:50 - The Importance of Ethical AI
24:15 - Future Trends in AI and Financial Services
28:30 - Closing Thoughts and Key Takeaways
Useful Links:
Connect with Apoorv Kashyap on LinkedIn
Visit the Santander UK Website
Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programs at cambridgespark.com
Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn
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35:37
Reimagining Education with AI: How Dave Treat, CTO at Pearson is Transforming Learning with Data & AI
In this episode of Data & AI Mastery, Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma sits down with Dave Treat, Chief Technology Officer at Pearson, to explore how one of the world’s largest education companies is leveraging AI and data to deliver more personalised, accessible, and effective learning experiences.
With deep insights into the evolution of digital learning, Dave shares how Pearson is integrating generative AI across its content creation, tutoring, and assessment capabilities—while ensuring responsible and ethical use of the technology.
From AI-powered learning companions to scalable data infrastructure, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the digital transformation of education at scale.
Whether you're in EdTech, data leadership, or AI strategy, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways for anyone building data-driven experiences at scale.
Chapter Markers:
03:28 – From capital markets to edtech: Dave’s tech journey
06:10 – What digital transformation means in a global education company
08:45 – Pearson’s strategy for integrating generative AI
11:52 – Personalised tutoring and assessment using AI
15:34 – Building a robust data infrastructure for AI at scale
18:27 – Balancing innovation with regulation and responsible AI
21:10 – Organisational design and AI governance
24:56 – AI literacy and upskilling the workforce
Useful Links:
Connect with Dave on LinkedIn
Learn more about Pearson via their website
Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programs at cambridgespark.com
Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn
In the age of rapid technological change, how can you harness the power of data and AI to transform your business?
Welcome to Data & AI Mastery, the podcast where cutting-edge insights meet practical strategies for success.
Hosted by Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma, Founder of Cambridge Spark, this show dives deep into how leading organisations across the globe are using Data & AI to revolutionise operations, streamline efficiency, and drive innovation.
Each episode features conversations with senior leaders, revealing their career stories and real-world case studies, and actionable takeaways that you can apply—whether you're climbing the career ladder or already in the C-suite.
From AI-driven solutions to practical tips for navigating your data transformation journey, Data & AI Mastery will equip you with the tools to thrive in the AI era.
Stay ahead, stay inspired, and unlock your potential with Data & AI Mastery—your ultimate guide to mastering data and AI for business.
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