Data Analytics Chat

Turning AI into ROI: How to Build Value, Not Just Models

Send us a textIn this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we welcome David Ellison, Chief Data Scientist and Director of AI Engineering at Lenovo.  We’ll explore David's career journey from studying computer science to transforming businesses with AI.  Learn about his pivot into data science, lessons from working at the postal service, and his strategies for delivering ROI with AI projects.  In this episode, you will learn: ·       How to turn AI initiatives into real business ROI, not just prototypes·       Why most AI projects fail and what successful companies do differently·       How to align AI with business KPIs from day one·       Why soft skills like communication and storytelling are critical for data professionals·       How to fail fast and deliver value quickly in AI projects·       What executives actually want to hear from data teams·       How to stand out in a competitive data job market·       David Edison’s personal journey: from PhD graduate to Chief Data Scientist at Lenovo·       Real-world case studies: including saving millions in manufacturing and helping NASCAR win races 00:00 Introduction to Data Analytics Chat Podcast 00:28 Guest Introduction: David Ellison 01:04 David's Career Journey 04:08 Transitioning Across Industries 06:08 Learning and Adapting in AI 09:30 Defining Moments in David's Career 13:48 Soft Skills and Leadership 21:56 Achieving ROI with AI 33:21 Real-World AI Success Stories 37:07 Final Thoughts and AdviceThank you for listening!

Can We Trust GenAI?

Send us a textIn this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker welcomes Michael Hicks, Executive Director at Novartis.  We explore Michael's unconventional career journey, which transitions from academia to business and from procurement to advanced analytics within the pharmaceutical industry.  Michael shares his thoughts on career decisions, the importance of positivity in teams, and the essential skills for success. The episode also dives into the crucial discussion on the trustworthiness of generative AI, its ethical implications, and the balance between human intuition and AI decision-making.  00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:46 Michael Hicks' Career Journey01:25 Transition from Academia to Business02:56 Entering the Pharmaceutical Industry04:34 Role in Analytics and Procurement06:30 Challenges and Career Pivots10:08 Building Trust and Relationships16:41 Defining Career Moments24:10 Career Setbacks and Lessons Learned27:16 Gaining a Competitive Edge29:31 Innovative Team Leadership29:50 Creating a Positive Team Culture31:44 Hiring for Empathy and Curiosity33:51 Trust in AI Systems40:03 AI Accountability and Governance44:01 Ethical Boundaries for AI Decisions45:58 Human Context and AI Limitations49:42 Deferring to AI vs. Human Judgment53:40 Podcast Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThank you for listening!

The Hidden Barriers to Data Maturity

Send us a textIn 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 Welcome00:38 Jessica's Unconventional Career Path03:19 Motivations and Career Shifts05:03 The Importance of Data Management08:11 Emerging Roles in Data and AI10:43 Passion and Career Growth27:38 Facing Career Setbacks33:59 Navigating Life's Challenges with Self-Care35:03 The Importance of Mindset and Personal Growth35:36 Turning Setbacks into Opportunities39:31 Discovering and Leveraging Your Superpowers45:20 Building High-Quality Data Ecosystems47:37 The Role of Leadership in Data Governance55:31 Breaking Down Data Silos59:16 Investing in Knowledge Graphs01:04:04 Advice for Data Leaders01:07:10 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThank you for listening!

How to Lead and Coach High-Performing Data Teams

Send us a textIn this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker speaks with Joe Bugajski, former Chief Data Officer at Visa and Gartner.  Joe shares his remarkable career journey, which included building prototype vehicles, launching a machine learning company, and becoming a C-level data leader and coach. For the data topic, we discuss what it really takes to lead and coach high-performing data teams. Joe offers honest insights on moving from technical expert to leader, how to communicate data value to the business, and the importance of self-awareness, feedback, and continuous learning in leadership. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:35 Joe’s Career Journey03:47 Transition to Leadership06:52 Building and Managing Teams09:32 Importance of Communication and Feedback26:02 Key Moments and Career Transformations42:42 Embracing Failure and Persistence43:13 Healthy Outlets for Stress43:54 The Importance of Hobbies44:59 Learning from Setbacks45:38 Skills for Industry Success46:50 The Role of Vision in Leadership47:09 Mathematics and Machine Learning48:13 The Value of Persistence48:29 Effective Communication and Data Understanding50:43 The Future of Data Science and AI53:55 The Role of C-Level Leaders in Data and AI01:00:54 Skills for the Next Generation of Data Professionals01:08:17 Building a Culture of Experimentation01:13:16 Preparing Teams for AI Integration01:18:06 Concluding Thoughts and Final AdviceThank you for listening!

What It Really Takes to Drive AI Adoption

Send us a textIn 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 Welcome00:39 Anju's Early Career Journey03:43 Pivotal Moments and AI Adoption06:15 Overcoming Challenges and Building Influence17:23 The Importance of Mentors and Sponsors24:32 Handling Setbacks and Learning from Failure29:04 The Dangers of Comparison31:15 Skills for Success in the Industry34:10 Challenges in AI Adoption42:50 Moving from AI Experimentation to Full-Scale Adoption46:48 Common Mistakes in Early AI Adoption50:55 Aligning AI Initiatives with Business Goals53:26 Leveraging External Expertise for AI Success56:42 Final Thoughts and AdviceThank you for listening!