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 AI and data implementation, 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 organizational 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!

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we welcome Carol Kim, Executive Director at IBM, who shares her intriguing journey from a finance background to leading technology, data, and AI at IBM's Global Real Estate Organization. Carol talks about her career transformation, the importance of curiosity, authentic leadership, and the role of storytelling in decision-making. The episode also delves into the significance of data governance and quality for data-driven decision-making and how to build effective data governance frameworks. Carol further discusses adapting to different cultures, continuous reinvention, and the hidden costs of poor data quality. Tune in to get insights into navigating a tech-driven career and the pivotal role of data in modern enterprises.

00:00 Introduction: The Power of Willingness to Learn
01:12 Welcome to Data Analytics Chat
02:01 Carol Kim's Career Journey
02:57 The Role of Data in Real Estate
03:38 Adapting to Different Cultures
07:54 The Importance of Storytelling in Data
09:59 Challenges in Leadership and Career Transitions
15:13 The Significance of Data Governance and Quality
24:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben welcomes Ilya Meizin, SVP Head of AI Solutions at Dun & Bradstreet. Ilya shares his career journey from management consulting to leading AI solutions, highlighting the importance of implementation, continuous learning, and cross-domain expertise. He discusses the evolution of AI agents, their capabilities, and the shift from linear models to stateful, autonomous agents. The conversation delves into complexities of scaling AI, embedding agents in enterprise architecture, and balancing technical innovation with business value. Ilya also emphasizes the necessity of high-quality data and the role of collaboration across departments for successful AI deployment.

00:00 Introduction and Initial Insights
01:14 Guest Introduction and Career Overview
02:45 Transition from Strategy to Implementation
04:15 Learning and Adapting in Consulting
05:35 Defining Career Moments
10:35 Handling Challenges and Stress
13:03 Leadership and Team Dynamics
14:45 Balancing Technical and Business Skills
20:01 Focus and Credibility in Leadership
23:18 Introduction to AI Agents
23:39 Capabilities of AI Agents
24:22 Technical Aspects of AI Agents
25:39 Complex Problem Solving with AI Agents
28:40 High-Value Use Cases for AI Agents
32:14 Team Collaboration in AI Deployment
33:19 Challenges in Scaling AI Agents
37:21 Data Quality and AI Agents
45:12 Future of AI Agents in Enterprises
48:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we sit down with Allison Olson, Senior Vice President of Analytics Solutions at Merkle. Allison shares her inspiring career journey, filled with proud moments, challenges, and valuable leadership insights. She talks about the importance of following your gut, taking risks, and how COVID-19 reshaped leadership attitudes.

We then discuss how AI is transforming personalisation and, ultimately, buying behaviour. Allison breaks down the shift from static to dynamic personalisation, exploring how adaptive experiences powered by real-time data guide customer decisions. She also covers the ethical use of AI, strong data foundations, and the transformative role of generative AI in creating truly tailored customer experiences that influence what we buy and why.

00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Personal Growth
00:21 The Role of Gut Instinct in Decision Making
00:52 Challenges and Ethical Concerns in Data Analytics
01:34 Welcome to Data Analytics Chat
02:12 Alison Olson's Career Journey
04:46 The Evolution of Leadership
07:11 Impact of COVID on Leadership
08:37 Learning from Failures and Taking Risks
10:37 Balancing Management and Leadership
13:45 Skills and Mindsets for Leadership
16:32 Advice for Aspiring Leaders
21:01 Introduction to Dynamic Personalisation
21:59 The Concept of Dynamic Personalisation
23:23 Static vs. Dynamic Personalisation
25:34 Real-World Examples of Personalisation
27:22 Data Types for Adaptive Experiences
29:27 Predictive Signals for User Needs
30:42 Balancing Personalisation and Privacy
35:12 Challenges in Real-Time Personalisation
38:16 Generative AI and Future Possibilities
40:05 The Future of Jobs in Data and Analytics
43:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker welcomes Viji Krishnamurthy, VP and Head of AI and Generative AI at Oracle. With over two decades of experience spanning startups, Samsung, and Oracle, Viji shares her journey from academic research to leading enterprise AI initiatives.

Viji discusses pivotal career moments, the transition from scientist to product leader, and the importance of continuous learning and collaboration.

The data topic looks into the challenges, successes, and transformations of generative AI in the enterprise. The conversation explores the evolving role of data professionals, the challenges of implementing generative AI at scale, and the cultural shifts required for organisations to fully harness AI’s potential.

Viji highlights the need for robust data platforms, evaluation frameworks, and feedback-driven learning, while offering practical advice for aspiring leaders and insights into the future of business.

00:00 Becoming Managers of Agents: The New Workplace Paradigm
01:19 Welcome & Introduction to Data Analytics Chat
02:08 Viji Krishnamurthy’s Career Journey
03:47 Influential Mentors and Defining Moments
07:41 Transitioning from Scientist to Product Leader
10:55 High-Value Problem Solving in Data Science
13:23 Overcoming Career Challenges and Breaking Stereotypes
18:19 The Evolving Role of Data Professionals
21:50 Key Skills and Mindsets for Leadership
27:43 Continuous Learning and Staying Ahead in AI
32:28 Quantum Physics and the Future of Intelligence
38:08 Advice for Aspiring Leaders
41:08 Generative AI: Enterprise Challenges
44:08 Success Stories and Business Value
48:52 Addressing Risks: Hallucinations, Bias, and Trust
52:09 Cultural and Organisational Shifts for GenAI Adoption
57:05 The Future: Agents, Automation, and Collaboration
60:00 Closing Thoughts and Predictions

Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we welcome Michael Shaw, Senior Vice President of Data and AI at Dow Jones. Michael shares his fascinating career journey, which includes experiences at Google, Facebook, and Instacart.

He discusses the key challenges he faced, such as managing hypergrowth during the pandemic, transitioning into leadership roles, and driving ROI in data projects.

The discussion examines how to measure success in data initiatives, manage stakeholder expectations, and strike a balance between achieving quick wins and long-term strategic benefits.

Michael provides insights on retaining top talent, fostering cultural shifts, and leveraging AI for business growth.

00:00 Introduction and Early Career Lessons
01:08 Welcome to Data Analytics Chat
01:58 Michael Shaw's Career Journey
08:28 Transition to Leadership
17:49 Challenges and Overcoming Them
28:08 Defining Success and ROI in Data Projects
31:26 Leveraging Data for Business Objectives
32:04 Building a Core Data Foundation
33:05 Managing Stakeholder Expectations
34:14 Balancing Quick Wins and Long-Term Benefits
35:46 Tactical Approaches to Data Management
38:15 Overcoming Data Quality and Governance Issues
44:31 Driving Adoption and Cultural Change
49:48 Capturing and Communicating Softer Benefits
54:31 Evolving Expectations of ROI with AI
01:02:11 Setting Realistic Goals for Businesses
01:04:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben welcomes Priya Gopal, a seasoned professional who has worked with major pharma companies like Takeda and GSK and recently founded her own consulting firm, Inferential Data LLC.

Priya shares her journey from a hands-on database developer to a strategic leader in the field of clinical research. She discusses the importance of cultural readiness for transformation, the role of data standards in drug discovery, and the challenges in implementing these standards across global teams.

Priya also provides insights into balancing regulatory requirements with internal data governance and the potential for cross-industry collaboration to drive innovation in pharma.

00:00 Introduction to Transformation and Leadership

01:23 Guest Introduction and Career Journey

04:14 Defining Moments and Leadership Insights

10:20 Challenges and Lessons in Pharma

20:34 Creating Data Standards in Pharma

28:42 Balancing Global Regulations and Internal Governance

34:18 The Role of AI and Automation

39:42 Cross-Industry Collaboration and Future Opportunities

44:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we welcome Shourabh Mukherji, a data and analytics expert with 25 years of experience at major firms such as Chubb and JPMorgan Chase.

Shourabh shares his journey from starting a small enterprise in India to working with senior executives in the United States. The discussion examines his career milestones, key challenges, and the vital leadership skills required in the industry.

The data topic explores essential data management principles, the importance of aligning data strategies with business objectives, and the role of AI and new technologies in modern enterprises. Shourabh emphasises the significance of building strong data foundations and fostering empathy within teams to drive successful data-driven decisions.

00:00 A Defining Moment: Leap of Faith
01:19 Introduction to Data Analytics Chat
02:08 Shourabh Mukherji's Career Journey
07:07 Challenges and Defining Moments
09:47 Building Trust and Stakeholder Management
15:57 Key Skills for Leadership
22:32 Core Data Management Principles
25:38 Understanding Business Needs Before Data Management
26:42 Centralised vs. Embedded Data Quality Ownership
28:09 The Importance of Needs Analysis in Data Management
31:54 Identifying and Prioritising Business Needs
34:15 Building a Strong Data Solution Framework
40:05 Effective Data Distribution for Decision Making
42:53 Aligning Business Objectives with Data Initiatives
44:42 Evolving Data Management Strategies with AI

Thank you for listening!