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

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

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