Hub & Spoken: Data | Analytics | Chief Data Officer | CDO | Data Strategy

Why decision making is hard and how leaders can do it better

In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO of Cynozure, goes solo and explores one of the most critical yet under-discussed business skills...decision making. Drawing on real-world examples, research, and personal experience, Jason unpacks why so many organisations struggle to make effective decisions, despite it being core to leadership, innovation, and progress. From decision paralysis to overconfidence, and data overload to gut instinct, he looks at the formal frameworks and informal dynamics that shape how choices are made across all levels of a business. The episode delves into the role of vision, bias, data literacy, and emotional intelligence, and outlines the essential skills leaders need to build confidence, clarity and adaptability into their decision-making culture. Whether you're leading a team, shaping strategy, or navigating change, this episode is packed with practical ideas to help you make better, faster, and more informed decisions. 🎧 Tune in now to rethink how decisions really get made, and how to make yours count. ***********    Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that helps organisations to reach their data potential. It works with clients on data and AI strategy, data management, data architecture and engineering, analytics and AI, data culture and literacy, and data leadership. The company was named one of The Sunday Times' fastest-growing private companies in both 2022 and 2023 and recognised as The Best Place to Work in Data by DataIQ in 2023 and 2024. Cynozure is a certified B Corporation. 

How PensionBee uses data & AI for better customer experience and business growth

In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO of Cynozure, chats with Luis Mejia, VP Data, Platforms & AI at PensionBee, about how the company is transforming the pension industry through smart use of data and AI. Luis shares how a digital-first mindset is helping PensionBee enhance customer experience, manage data effectively, and fuel business growth. He dives into how AI is being used in customer service, blending tech with human touch to build trust, and why ethics and transparency matter more than ever. From marketing to customer support, this episode explores the real-world challenges and opportunities of using data and AI. Luis also looks ahead to a future where AI helps democratise data and puts power in the hands of individuals. A must-listen for data and business leaders driving change in a digital world. Research Luis mentioned in the episode: https://www.pensionbee.com/uk/press/ai-and-pensions https://www.pensionbee.com/uk/press/age-vs-ai   Follow Luis on LinkedIn Follow Jason on LinkedIn ***********    Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that helps organisations to reach their data potential. It works with clients on data and AI strategy, data management, data architecture and engineering, analytics and AI, data culture and literacy, and data leadership. The company was named one of The Sunday Times' fastest-growing private companies in both 2022 and 2023 and recognised as The Best Place to Work in Data by DataIQ in 2023 and 2024. Cynozure is a certified B Corporation. 

Building a digital-first, female-centric insurance business

In this episode of Hub & Spoken, host Jason Foster welcomes Sam White, the multi-award-winning Founder of Freedom Services Group and Global Founder of Stella Insurance Australia.  Sam shares her journey of building Stella Insurance, the challenges and opportunities of creating a digital-first insurance company, the importance of customer experience, and how Stella Insurance is reimagining financial services from a female perspective. Sam also discusses the impact of regulatory changes, the role of AI in the insurance industry, and the significance of diversity in business. This is a real gem of an episode, especially for entrepreneurs and business leaders interested in digital transformation, insurance innovations, and diversity in leadership.  Follow Sam: linkedin.com/in/samwhiteentrepreneur/ Follow Jason: linkedin.com/in/jasonbfoster/ ***********    Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that helps organisations to reach their data potential. It works with clients on data and AI strategy, data management, data architecture and engineering, analytics and AI, data culture and literacy, and data leadership. The company was named one of The Sunday Times' fastest-growing private companies in both 2022 and 2023 and recognised as The Best Place to Work in Data by DataIQ in 2023 and 2024. Cynozure is a certified B Corporation. 

Insights from Data Means Business, Second Edition

Jason's co-author, Barry Green, joins this next episode as they discuss the release of the second edition of "Data Means Business" on 25th March.  Returning for his third conversation on the podcast, Barry shares updates on the evolving landscape of data and AI, the impact of generative AI, and the importance of business capabilities. They delve into the changes since the first edition, including the role of the Chief Data Officer and the significance of adaptability in today's fast-paced world. Tune in to hear their thoughts on driving transformational change and delivering value with data & AI. The second edition of Data Means Business will be out on 25th March and will be available on Amazon. ***********    Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that helps organisations to reach their data potential. It works with clients on data and AI strategy, data management, data architecture and engineering, analytics and AI, data culture and literacy, and data leadership. The company was named one of The Sunday Times' fastest-growing private companies in both 2022 and 2023 and recognised as The Best Place to Work in Data by DataIQ in 2023 and 2024. Cynozure is a certified B Corporation. 

Gender Diversity in Data & AI with Lou Hutchins, Director of Data Culture and Literacy at Cynozure and Rose Attridge, Strategy Advisor at Cynozure

This episode is a special edition in honour of International Women's Day on 8th March. Host Jason Foster is joined by Lou Hutchins, Director of Data Culture & Literacy at Cynozure, and Rose Attridge, Strategy Advisor at Cynozure. Together, they explore gender diversity in data and AI, the importance of sponsorship and allies, and challenges in male-dominated industries. They also discuss the role of data and AI in driving change, the need for role models, early engagement, and company action.    ***********    Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that helps organisations to reach their data potential. It works with clients on data and AI strategy, data management, data architecture and engineering, analytics and AI, data culture and literacy, and data leadership. The company was named one of The Sunday Times' fastest-growing private companies in both 2022 and 2023 and recognised as The Best Place to Work in Data by DataIQ in 2023 and 2024. Cynozure is a certified B Corporation.