BizTech Forward

AI is supposed to be revolutionizing retail. Personalized recommendations, seamless checkout, virtual try-ons — the whole pitch. But if the technology is so good, why are physical stores still packed?

Anni sits down with Dmitry Olerinskiy, Digital Strategy Director at Decathlon, to talk about what's actually happening when AI meets shopping. They discuss the corporate AI strategies and customer experience, why algorithms often feel like bad guessing, and what retail tech gets right versus what it keeps trying to fix that isn't broken.

Tell us what you think about the future of shopping at [email protected]

Dmitry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olerinskiy/

What does it actually mean to be ready for AI? In this episode, Anni sits down with Alistair Wandesforde, SVP at DataArt, to see what companies say about their AI capabilities and what's really happening on the ground. They discuss why smart executives keep skipping foundational work, whether AI is actually killing the IT services industry (it is not), and where the real work is.

Alistair on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alistairwandesforde/

Got your own AI implementation stories? Email us at [email protected]

Season 2's most controversial moments! Eight tech leaders share their unpopular opinions on AI, recruitment, learning culture, market competition, and more. The honest hot takes from tech leaders who aren't afraid to challenge conventional wisdom.

Reach out to us at [email protected]

We wrap up Season 2 with episodes 13-16! Featuring Doron Fagelson's fascinating look at how data is transforming art commerce, Greg Abbott's insights on the tech behind your next trip, Olesya Khokhulia on enterprise partnerships beyond just delivery, and Alexey Utkin's brutally honest conversation about data reality. Four conversations that brought Season 2 to a close with valuable insights and refreshing honesty.

Reach out to us at [email protected]

Join host Anni Tabagua for the first half of Season 2! This recap covers episodes 9-12 featuring Mike Peterson on evolving client expectations from IT vendors, Maryna Melnik on scaling learning culture across organizations, Marcos Mauro on Latin America's incredible tech boom, and Julia Zavileyskaya on today's state of tech talent. Four conversations that set the tone for Season 2's deep dive into tech's human side.

Reach out to us at [email protected]

In this episode, Anni sits down with Alexey Utkin, Head of Data and Analytics Lab at DataArt, for a candid conversation about what’s really going on in the world of data.

They talk about the myths companies cling to, the real value behind the buzzwords, and what it takes to move from dashboards and demos to actual business outcomes. GenAI makes an appearance, of course, but so do the unglamorous truths about governance, context, why your “data strategy” might just be wishful thinking. And! Alexey shares his unpopular opinions on the topic and wants to hear yours!

Reach out to us at [email protected]

Connect with Alexey on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alexey-utkin

What do enterprise clients really expect from their technology partners, and how has that changed over the years? In this episode, Anni speaks with Olesya Khokhulia, VP of Global Enterprise Accounts at DataArt, about the evolution of client relationships, the quiet signals that build trust, and what it takes to stay relevant in an environment where expectations are always shifting. A reflective conversation about listening, partnership, and the future of tech collaboration.

Reach out to us at [email protected]

Connect with Olesya on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olesya-olga-khokhoulia-75161120/

Travel is back — but it’s not the same. In this episode, we sit down with Greg Abbott, a veteran of the travel tech world with over three decades of experience, to talk about how the industry is evolving. From the rise of AI and real-time data to the promise (and pitfalls) of hyper-personalization, Greg walks us through the big shifts shaping how we move through the world. We talk about what’s working, what’s overhyped, and what the future might really look like for travelers and the businesses that serve them.

Reach out to us at [email protected].

Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gregoryabbott

From ancient artifacts to AI-curated collections—art is evolving, and fast. In this episode, host Anni explores how technology is transforming the art world, from online marketplaces to data-driven personalization and virtual galleries.

She’s joined by Doron Fagelson, SVP of Media & Entertainment at DataArt, who shares insights on the biggest shifts facing auction houses, galleries, and online platforms as younger, digital-native collectors reshape the landscape. Whether you're a techie, collector, or just curious about the future of art—this one's for you. Please subscribe, rate & share!

Doron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doron-fagelson-b486b87/

📩 We’d love your thoughts: [email protected]

In this episode, host Anni chats with Julia Zavileyskaya, Chief People Officer at DataArt, about the biggest hiring trends, AI’s role in recruitment, and what really keeps employees engaged. What’s changing in tech hiring?
Must-have skills for the future
AI & data-driven HR—where’s the balance?
The truth about retention & company culture? Plus, Julia shares why AI shouldn’t make hiring decisions.

Tune in now! Subscribe & share!

Thoughts? Email us at [email protected].

Julia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliazavileyskaya/