How do you adopt AI and data in one of the most human-centred sectors — without losing sight of the people you serve? In this episode of The esynergy Podcast, Ulrike Eder, CMO at esynergy, speaks with Mike Cadden, CTO of Marie Curie, about how charities can use technology to support care, not replace it. 

Marie Curie operates at the frontline of end-of-life care, where demand is growing and pressures across the NHS and wider system continue to increase. Mike shares why the organisation will never be “tech-led” — but must be tech-enabled to better support nurses, patients, carers, and fundraising efforts. 

The conversation explores Marie Curie’s journey from low data maturity — including consolidating 19 separate patient record systems — to building the foundations needed to use AI responsibly and effectively. 

Key topics covered: 
• Why charities must remain people-led, not technology-led 
• Building strong data foundations and improving data maturity 
• The role of architecture in enabling sustainable transformation 
• Practical use cases for AI, from reducing clinical admin to improving engagement 
• Embedding ethics through governance, guardrails, and human-in-the-loop decision-making 
• Why starting with people and processes is critical to successful AI adoption 

Mike also shares how Marie Curie has established an ethics-first AI governance approach, ensuring that innovation is balanced with responsibility in a highly sensitive environment. 

This episode is essential listening for CTOs, data leaders, public and third-sector professionals, and anyone exploring how to apply AI and technology responsibly in complex, human-centred organisations.