Send us a textIn this episode of the Data Analytics Chat podcast, we dive deep into the world of data and AI with Linda Powell, former Deputy Chief Data Officer. Linda shares insights from her unique career journey, spanning roles at the Federal Reserve, Treasury Department, Citibank, and more. She discusses the differences and similarities between public and private sectors, the importance of data foundations in AI, and offers advice for those looking to build their careers in data management. Learn about challenges, pivotal career moments, and the value of education and curiosity in navigating the evolving data landscape.00:00 Public vs. Private Sector: A Personal Insight01:08 Introducing Linda Powell: Career Highlights01:52 Linda's Career Journey: From Economics to Data Management04:20 Public vs. Private Sector: Motivations and Misconceptions10:57 Defining Moments and Career Setbacks14:09 The Importance of Education and Curiosity18:57 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Leadership21:56 Learning Leadership Through Books22:43 The Importance of Kindness in Leadership23:12 Building a Motivated Team24:00 Leadership by Example25:33 Transition to Data and AI26:06 The Hype and Strategy of AI27:20 The Speed and Complexity of AI30:42 The Importance of Data Foundations36:05 AI in Sensitive Industries39:34 Balancing Quick Wins and Long-Term AI Strategy42:29 Starting Points for AI Foundations44:11 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThank you for listening!
-------- Â
44:47
--------
44:47
Why Every Company Needs a Data Platform Strategy
Send us a textIn this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker interviews Manoj Mohan, an engineering executive with experience at Intuit, Meta, Apple, and Cloudera. Manoj shares his journey from software engineering to data leadership, offering invaluable insights into building resilient data platforms and driving innovation in the world of data and AI.Manoj discusses pivotal moments in his career, the challenges of moving from technical roles to leadership, and the importance of learning from both successes and failures. He emphasises the need for a data platform strategy over simply assembling a stack of tools, and shares practical advice for newcomers and leaders alike. The conversation also covers the pitfalls of focusing on quick technology wins, the critical role of governance, and how to future-proof your data strategy in an era of rapid AI advancement.00:00 Treating Data as a First-Class Citizen01:19 Welcome & Guest Introduction01:46 Manoj’s Career Journey & Background02:45 Transition from Software to Data Engineering05:06 Moving into Engineering Leadership07:11 Advice for Newcomers: Learning & Unlearning09:12 Defining Moments in Manoj’s Career12:05 Lessons from Career Setbacks15:03 The Importance of Data Platform Strategy17:18 Data Stack vs. Data Platform Strategy21:06 Evaluating and Choosing Data Tools24:04 Why Companies Buy Tools Instead of Building Strategy27:13 Real-World Example: Great Stack, Failed Strategy30:00 Governance and Business-Tech Alignment33:00 Building a Scalable, Future-Proof Data Platform36:00 The Role of Data Platforms in AI & Innovation41:00 Final Thoughts & FarewellThank you for listening!
-------- Â
42:54
--------
42:54
How To Solve Business/ Consumer Problems Using AI
Send us a textIn this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker interviews Bilal Ahmed, Chief AI and Data Officer at Paul Tech AG, about his career journey and invaluable insights into the world of data and AI. Bilal shares his experiences from his extensive career, highlighting pivotal moments, challenges, and the transition from a technical to a leadership role. He discusses the importance of self-belief, taking calculated risks, and the role of persistence and resilience in achieving success. We look into solving business and consumer problems using AI, emphasising the importance of asking the right questions and having the correct data. Bilal also touches upon the hype surrounding generative AI and the need to educate businesses on realistic expectations. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey00:12 Believing in Yourself and Embracing Failure01:14 Career Highlights and Future Plans03:17 Transitioning from Technical to Leadership Roles04:49 Learning and Mentorship06:54 Key Advice for Innovation and Change Management07:53 Stakeholder Management and Career Setbacks13:08 AI in Business: Misconceptions and Realities35:09 Balancing Quick Wins with Long-Term Solutions37:42 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThank you for listening!
-------- Â
38:51
--------
38:51
How Do We Thread Gen AI Into Our Processes?
Send us a textIn this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker welcomes Tony Giordano, the Senior Partner and VP for Global Data Platform Services at IBM. They discuss Tony's extensive career, including pivotal moments and lessons learned from working globally in the data space. The conversation covers the transformative impact of Gen AI, the evolution of data architecture, and the strategic integration of AI into business processes. Tony shares valuable insights on navigating technological advancements, maintaining domain expertise, and preparing for a future driven by data innovations. 00:00 Introduction to the Exciting World of Data Consulting01:08 Welcome to Data Analytics Chat01:45 Tony Giordano's Career Journey05:31 The Impact of Working in Different Countries08:48 Leading a Global Team at IBM10:43 Cultural Lessons from Japan22:56 Career Setbacks and Lessons Learned24:45 The Future of Data and AI28:58 The Calculator Debate and Modern Tools30:31 The Importance of Domain Expertise32:08 Celebrating Data Luminaries33:29 The Evolution of Data Patterns35:40 The Shiny Object Syndrome39:48 The Role of Gen AI in Business44:20 Cultural and Organizational Challenges48:57 The Future of Data and Gen AIThank you for listening!
-------- Â
58:12
--------
58:12
What Happens When We Adopt AI – The Change Management Journey
Send us a textKartick Kalaimani, VP at Dentsu, joins Ben Parker to demystify AI adoption and its critical human element. This insightful episode delves into common misconceptions about AI, highlighting the importance of clean data, clearly defined use cases, and strong change management. Kartick shares his extensive career journey and provides actionable advice on bridging the gap between technology and people, emphasising that successful AI transformation is ultimately a human journey focused on belief and adoption.In this episode, you will learn:* Â Kartick's four key career phases: mastering operations, quality and transformation, scaling transformation across finance and media, and data transformation.* Â The importance of pushing beyond your comfort zone for career growth and leadership development.* Â How to overcome major career setbacks by learning from challenges and focusing on the human side of change.* Â Kartick's unique edge in connecting business value, technology, and people.* Â Common misconceptions about AI adoption, such as viewing it as "plug and play" or self-sufficient.* Â Why AI transformation is fundamentally a human journey that requires active engagement and belief.* Â How businesses can effectively align AI adoption with real business problems rather than just chasing trends.* Â Strategies for leaders to address fear, resistance, and cultural challenges during AI transformation.* Â The crucial role of reskilling and upskilling the workforce for successful AI integration.* Â Advice for non-technical professionals on how to effectively participate in the AI journey.* Â Why the biggest myth about AI is that it serves as a "silver bullet" solution.* Â Kartick's vision for a future AI-ready organisation where humans and AI co-create value.Timestamps:00:02:00 Welcome and Introduction00:02:40 Kartick's Career Journey: Four Key Phases00:05:45 Pushing Beyond Your Comfort Zone for Growth00:08:00 Gaining Leadership Expertise and Mentorship00:09:20 Major Career Setbacks and Their Lessons00:12:30 Finding Your Edge in a Competitive Environment00:13:50 Common Misconceptions in AI Adoption00:18:10 Aligning AI with Real Business Problems00:21:50 Human and Cultural Challenges in AI Transformation00:24:00 How Leaders Can Approach AI Challenges00:26:00 Advice for Non-Technical Listeners on AI00:27:30 Busting the Biggest Myth About AI in Business00:30:10 What a Well-Transformed AI-Ready Organisation Looks Like00:32:00 Turning Point in Successful Change Initiatives00:33:15 Closing RemarksThank you for listening!
🎧 Welcome to Data Analytics Chat – the podcast where data meets real careers. Data isn’t just numbers; it’s a journey. Each episode, we explore a key topic shaping the world of data analytics while also discussing the career paths of our guests.This podcast brings together top experts to share:- Insights on today’s biggest data trends- The challenges they’ve faced (and how they overcame them)- Their career journeys, lessons learned, and advice for the next generation of data professionalsThis isn’t just a podcast, it’s a community for anyone passionate about data and the people behind it.👉 Hit subscribe and join us on the journey. Connect with host - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben---parker/
UK