Data Analytics Chat

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, Ben speaks with Durai Rajamanickam, a senior AI leader, about what it really takes to turn AI ambition into something organisations can trust and scale.
They discuss why many AI initiatives fail long before the technology becomes the issue, the risks of hype-driven decision-making, and the importance of clear goals, strong business ownership, and measurable outcomes.
The conversation explores the tension between speed and governance, when to build vs buy, and why trust and governance are not obstacles to progress, but foundations for sustainable AI adoption.
This is a practical, experience-led discussion for leaders who want to build AI capabilities that last.

00:00 Introduction: The AI Hype and Strategy Revisions
01:09 Guest Introduction: Meet Durai Rajamanickam
02:09 AI Initiatives: Technical Capabilities and Investments
03:46 Build vs Buy: Evaluating AI Tools
05:36 Common AI Missteps: Hype and Misdiagnosis
07:41 Successful AI Implementation: Business and Technical Alignment
09:11 Governance and Trust: The Key to Sustainable AI
09:47 Real-World Examples: When AI Falls Short
12:22 Balancing Speed and Governance in AI
15:22 Decision-Making in AI: Trust and Autonomy
21:03 Final Thoughts: Advice for AI Leadership
23:04 Conclusion: Wrapping Up the Discussion
Thank you for listening!

Most organisations are experimenting with generative AI. Very few are turning it into a real business impact.
In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we speak with Nayan Paul, Managing Director and Chief Architect for Generative AI at Accenture, about what it really takes to move from pilots to production.
They explore why GenAI adoption is fundamentally a leadership and operating-model challenge, not just a technology challenge, covering business ownership, data readiness, governance, and the balance between speed and responsibility.
This is a practical, honest conversation for leaders who want GenAI to become a real capability inside their organisation, not just another experiment.

00:00 Introduction to Generative AI Challenges
01:08 Guest Introduction: Nayan Paul from Accenture
01:46 Nayan Paul's Role and Responsibilities
05:08 Early Experiments and Lessons Learned
07:02 From Experimentation to Value Creation
10:14 Business Adoption and Technology Enablement
16:15 Framework for Successful AI Implementation
29:24 Balancing Speed with Responsibility
34:09 Advice for Moving from Curiosity to Impact
38:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we welcome Sujit Narapareddy, Head of Data and Analytics at AWS Sales. Sujit shares his insights on AI transformation in large enterprises, likening it to the shift from paper maps to GPS. 
We discuss the critical role of human judgment in the age of AI, how organisations can effectively integrate AI into their workflows, and the importance of building a strong data foundation. Sujit shares his personal journey from a technical role to a leadership position, highlighting the importance of business intuition and continuous learning. 
The conversation covers how AI will change organisations by embedding insights into workflows and reducing the friction between knowing and acting. 

00:00 Introduction to AI Transformation
01:42 Guest Introduction: Sujit Narapareddy
02:08 Exploring AI's Impact on Organisations
02:32 Sujit's Career Journey and Leadership Insights
09:21 The Role of AI in Enhancing Human Roles
16:17 Challenges and Strategies for AI Integration
28:28 Preparing for the Future of AI
30:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we welcome Carlos Pineda, the Head of Data Analytics and Insight at Diageo North America. Carlos shares his extensive experience in data analytics across Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, and North America. 
They discuss the growing role of AI in both personal and corporate life, the importance of a strong data foundation, and the critical need to understand business processes and foster strong relationships. Carlos emphasises the importance of targeted AI use cases, end-to-end transformation, and continuous delivery in AI implementation. 
The conversation explores effective leadership strategies, experimentation, and the value of consistent stakeholder engagement to successfully integrate AI into business operations. Key topics include data readiness, the role of generative AI, and the overall impact of AI-driven business transformations.

00:00 Introduction to AI in Daily Life
01:15 Welcome to Data Analytics Chat
01:53 Meet Carlos Pineda
02:51 Career Decisions and Growth
05:30 Leadership Challenges and Lessons
08:02 The Reality of AI in Business
09:58 The Importance of Business Acumen
13:13 Challenges in AI Implementation
30:38 The Cost and Value of AI
33:39 Final Thoughts and Farewell
Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we welcome Misha Trubskyy, head of Claims Data Science at Mercury Insurance. Misha shares his journey from academia to corporate life, highlighting his transition from econometrics to leading data science initiatives in insurance. He discusses the significance of continuous learning, the challenges of implementing AI and data, and the importance of hiring and retaining top talent. Misha also delves into his leadership principles, the value of technical proficiency, and the importance of empathy in managing teams. Key issues such as the evolving hiring landscape, market conditions, and strategies for organisational growth are explored in-depth.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Philosophy
00:14 The Importance of Continuous Learning
00:44 Challenges in the AI and Data Science Field
01:20 Guest Introduction: Misha Ky
02:24 Misha's Career Journey
03:43 Current Excitements in AI and Data Science
06:09 Navigating Human Elements in Claims
07:37 Leadership Challenges and Lessons
11:28 The Value of Individuality in Leadership
19:31 Advice for Aspiring Data Leaders
29:52 Hiring Challenges in AI and Data Science
37:02 Finding the Right People for the Job
37:23 The Importance of Critical Thinking
37:41 Authenticity in Interviews
38:26 The Role of Technology in Interviews
38:51 Evaluating Candidates Beyond Technical Skills
41:36 The Misconception About Technical Skills
42:25 Personality and Attitude in Hiring
44:21 Challenges in the Job Market
48:55 Investing in Junior Staff
01:04:33 Retention Strategies for Top Performers
01:10:03 Future of the Hiring Landscape
01:13:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Thank you for listening!