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  • The Hidden Barriers to Data Maturity, with Jessica Talisman (Senior Information Architect at Adobe)
    2025/07/09

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    In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker sits down with Jessica Talisman, Senior Information Architect at Adobe, to uncover why so many organisations struggle to move beyond basic data management.

    Jessica shares in-depth industry insights on the root causes of poor data quality, the often-overlooked role of data governance, and why AI initiatives frequently fail without a robust data foundation.

    From her unique career path rooted in library and information science to leading complex data ecosystems in tech, Jessica offers a fresh, pragmatic view on what it really takes to build scalable, trusted data systems.

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

    00:38 Jessica's Unconventional Career Path

    03:19 Motivations and Career Shifts

    05:03 The Importance of Data Management

    08:11 Emerging Roles in Data and AI

    10:43 Passion and Career Growth

    27:38 Facing Career Setbacks

    33:59 Navigating Life's Challenges with Self-Care

    35:03 The Importance of Mindset and Personal Growth

    35:36 Turning Setbacks into Opportunities

    39:31 Discovering and Leveraging Your Superpowers

    45:20 Building High-Quality Data Ecosystems

    47:37 The Role of Leadership in Data Governance

    55:31 Breaking Down Data Silos

    59:16 Investing in Knowledge Graphs

    01:04:04 Advice for Data Leaders

    01:07:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Thank you for listening!

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    1 時間 7 分
  • What It Really Takes to Drive AI Adoption: Lessons from Anju’s Data Career, with Anju Gupta (Chief Data and AI Officer at BNSF Railway)
    2025/06/25

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    In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker talks with Anju Gupta, the Chief Data and AI Officer at BNSF Railway, to explore her successful career journey to date and discuss AI adoption.

    Anju reveals her career journey, sharing pivotal moments that shaped her path and the profound influence of AI on various industries. She discusses overcoming challenges, the significance of collaboration, and essential skills like resilience, humility, and influencing.

    Anju provides a detailed exploration of AI adoption at scale, highlighting common roadblocks, strategic approaches for aligning AI with business goals, and the importance of a well-rounded build, buy, and partner strategy.

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

    00:39 Anju's Early Career Journey

    03:43 Pivotal Moments and AI Adoption

    06:15 Overcoming Challenges and Building Influence

    17:23 The Importance of Mentors and Sponsors

    24:32 Handling Setbacks and Learning from Failure

    29:04 The Dangers of Comparison

    31:15 Skills for Success in the Industry

    34:10 Challenges in AI Adoption

    42:50 Moving from AI Experimentation to Full-Scale Adoption

    46:48 Common Mistakes in Early AI Adoption

    50:55 Aligning AI Initiatives with Business Goals

    53:26 Leveraging External Expertise for AI Success

    56:42 Final Thoughts and Advice

    Thank you for listening!

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    57 分
  • Why Data Projects Keep Failing, with Murli Buluswar (Head of Analytics at Citibank)
    2025/06/18

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    Why do so many data and analytics projects fall short, even in the most well-funded companies?

    In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker talks with Murli Buluswar, Head of Analytics at Citibank's US Personal Bank, to explore what companies are doing wrong in data and analytics solutions.

    We also explore his impressive career journey, from statistician to leader and unpack what it really takes to scale impact in data and analytics.


    00:00 Introduction to the Guest and Episode Overview

    00:48 Career Beginnings and Early Insights

    03:50 Transition to Leadership and Enterprise Thinking

    06:37 Continuous Learning and Self-Improvement

    17:53 Challenges and Skills in Data-Driven Leadership

    36:41 Common mistakes companies make when building analytics solutions

    40:55 Companies' obsession with the latest tools and technologies

    45:29 Poor leadership or lack of accountability at the top

    46:23 Industry guilty of overcomplicating data strategies

    48:21 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

    Thank you for listening!

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    49 分
  • The Gen AI Shift: Data Engineering Redefined, with Shashi Kumar (Head of Data Engineering & Analytics at Hearst)
    2025/06/11

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    In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker talks with Shashi Kumar, Head of Data Engineering & Analytics at Hearst, to explore how the rise of generative AI is reshaping the role of data engineering.

    Whether you’re an aspiring data leader or a hands-on engineer, this episode is packed with practical insights, career advice, and how top organisations adapt to the new AI landscape.

    You’ll learn:

    • How Shashi transitioned from DBA to senior data leader and what helped him stand out
    • The key skills, tools, and certifications that are shaping the modern data engineer
    • How generative AI is changing data architecture, pipeline design, and collaboration
    • Why governance, unstructured data, and real-time pipelines are now mission-critical
    • What strategic investments should companies make to scale Gen AI effectively

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

    00:41 Shashi Kumar's Career Journey

    03:42 Transition to Leadership

    05:44 Key Career Moments

    08:57 Facing Career Setbacks

    11:31 Skills for Success in Data Engineering

    16:50 Impact of Generative AI on Data Engineering

    20:52 Modern Data Engineering Tools and Skills

    24:21 Collaboration Between Data Engineering and Data Science

    28:42 Modern Data Architectures and Gen AI

    33:57 Strategic Investments for Gen AI Adoption

    34:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Thank you for listening!

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    35 分
  • BMW’s AI Leader on Soft Skills, Career Growth & Thriving in Tech, with Gerrit Grotewold (Head of Personalisation at BMW)
    2025/06/04

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    In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, Ben Parker chats with Gerrit Grotewold, Head of Personalisation at BMW Research, to explore what it takes to build a long, impactful career in data and AI.

    With his career at BMW, Gerrit shares how he transitioned from electrical engineering into AI leadership, the key challenges he faced stepping into management, and the learning habits that keep him ahead.

    👉 Whether you’re a data professional just starting or an experienced expert, this episode is packed with great insights to help you grow and learn.

    You’ll learn:

    • How domain knowledge gives you a competitive edge in data
    • Why curiosity and soft skills matter more than ever in tech
    • How to stay relevant in the age of LLMs and AI disruption
    • Practical tips for transitioning from technical expert to people leader
    • The mindset shift required to grow your career and enjoy the journey

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

    01:06 Gerrit's Early Career and Education

    01:43 Joining BMW and Career Growth

    02:53 Transition to AI and Data

    03:40 Passion for the Automotive Industry

    05:22 Key Career Moments

    08:00 Challenges and Overcoming Them

    09:21 Management Transition

    13:01 Skills and Traits for Success

    17:28 Continuous Learning and Staying Relevant

    21:18 Career Advice and Reflections

    27:28 Pride in Achievements

    28:27 Conclusion and Farewell

    Thank you for listening!

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    29 分
  • How to Lead and Succeed in Data, with Sassoon Kosian (Corporate Vice President of Data Science at New York Life)
    2025/05/28

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    In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker sits down with Sassoon Kosian, Corporate Vice President of Data Science at New York Life, to explore the journey from early challenges in physics to becoming a leader in the data and AI space.

    Gain insights into managing high-performing teams, staying relevant in a fast-paced industry, and navigating corporate politics.

    Key topics include:

    • Navigating a career shift from consulting to in-house leadership.
    • Overcoming “orphan initiatives” and creating impactful data solutions.
    • Essential skills for data science success: strategic thinking, technical depth, communication, and adaptability.
    • Staying ahead in the fast-moving world of GenAI.
    • Building strong, trusted relationships with business stakeholders.

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

    00:40 Career Journey and Early Interests

    02:26 Transition to Data Science and Consulting

    04:10 Current Industry Challenges

    06:56 Key Career Moments and Management Transition

    13:04 Challenges in Large Organisations

    16:32 Skills for Leadership in Data Science

    20:53 Staying Relevant in a Fast-Paced Industry

    23:14 Job Market and Advice for Aspiring Data Scientists

    25:55 Proudest Achievements and Building Relationships

    27:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Thank you for listening!

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    28 分
  • Safety First: The Six Laws for Safe AI, with Mark Brady (Deputy Chief Data Officer at KBR)
    2025/05/21

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    Is ethical AI just a buzzword?


    In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker chats with Mark Brady, Deputy Chief Data Officer at KBR, who reveals the real risks behind today’s AI systems and why most organisations are unprepared.

    Mark breaks down the Six Laws of Safe AI, a practical, no-fluff framework for securing the future as AI gains power, autonomy, and physical-world access.

    We also discuss:

    • Why “data science” today feels more like alchemy
    • The broken culture of data hoarding in organisations
    • What hiring managers are getting completely wrong
    • How to spot real AI danger before it’s too late
    • Why transparency and interoperability are non-negotiable

    Episode Breakdown:



    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

    00:34 Mark Brady's Career Journey

    02:01 Transition to Leadership

    02:57 Key Moments in Data Science

    07:35 Challenges in Data Management

    11:56 Hiring the Right Data Scientist

    18:15 AI and Security Concerns

    23:58 Future of AI and Defensive Measures

    34:56 Conclusion and Upcoming Events






    Thank you for listening!

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    35 分