Customer Insight Leader podcast

In episode 22, I have a wonderfully scientific conversation with Suresh Pillai who is working in Berlin. He shares about his background in theoretical physics, data science leadership roles (including in eBay) and why complex systems & simulations can help. A great opportunity to delve into a neglected approach compared to machine learning & other scientific methods, but still grounded in what will help today's businesses. I hope Suresh's tips for data scientists and data science leaders help you. Enjoy learning on so many topics in this polymath's delight.

In episode 21 we go international and hear from Andy Sutton in Australia. Andy heads up Data and Personalisation for Endeavour drinks, the largest drinks retailer in Australia & part of the Woolworths group.  He is part poacher and part gamekeeper - thinking of more inventive ways to use customer data to personalise their experience with us, whilst also leading on data governance and privacy.  He made the conversion to retail and Australia 4 years ago, having started his career working with the (his words not mine) almost legendary Paul Laughlin at Lloyds Banking Group in deepest darkest Newport, South Wales.

In this episode we talk about what prompted Andy's moves to Australia and the Retail sector, plus what he has learnt from both as well as Marketing roles. We also discuss non-Data-Scientists leading Data Science teams, the benefits of Research & Analytics teams coming together, plus other controversial topics. With such an open & honest leader, I'm sure you'll enjoy this conversion and find something to which you can relate.

For the milestone of our twentieth episode, I chat with Scott Logie, MD of REaD Group Insight. Scott has worked in the data industry for over 30 years on both the client and agency side.  He has also been Chair of the DMA and now runs the Customer Engagement Committee.  So, in this conversation we had the opportunity to take 'the long view' on use of data, regulation, leadership and skills development. What has changed & what's remained true. Lots of insights shared by Scott as we explored many common experiences and what they have to teach both analysts & data leaders today.

In episode 19, I speak to Jason Bartram (while he was at the Ombudsman Services, prior to his new role at eBay). This is another recording from my archives, but a conversation well worth revisiting. In this interview we discuss his current role and career path, including lessons learnt in the hotel trade. He has a great anecdote involving the then Home Secretary and a fight in the kitchen. Jason also explains the importance of developing resilience as a leader and how different roles have helped him develop.

We then talk about some of the interesting work that Jason is currently doing at the Ombudsman Services. This includes an interesting application of speech analytics to identify different personality types. The timely topics of measuring emotion and GDPR also make an appearance. Many thanks to Jason for his candour and for sharing his advice for developing as an analyst and a leader. Listen out for his advice on coping in the ‘panic zone‘, as well as focusing on analysis that can be actioned. Execution is key to making a difference, I agree with Jason on that priority. Hope you enjoy our conversation and it helps inspire you in your role.

In this eighteenth episode, I chat with Alan Crawley, Founder & CEO of Optima Partners. As you hear in our conversation his boutique consultancy focusses on analytics for interaction optimisation, customer strategy & innovation. He also has a background as a marine biologist which we explore as a great starting point for his career in data science. We discuss the advancements in data, data science & AI that are really helping businesses. Plus, the need for commercial awareness & Alan's tips for leaders or those starting their career. Hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

For our seventeenth episode, we turn our attention to Analytics and how analysts & their leaders can succeed in their careers. On this episode, I am joined by Harry Wilkes, Head of Customer Analytics for RELX.

During our chat we discuss his current role and career path, including the value of commercial focussed Database Marketing or lead generation roles. We review both technical and softer skills that can help leaders effectively manage their teams and analysts develop the skills they need. Out chat also includes lessons learnt from the book that Harry recommended in this blog post.

Harry shares his own experience and what is working for him and his team in their global consulting role supporting a wide range of businesses. A fascinating new perspective on common challenges. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed catching up with Harry.

For our sixteenth episode, we return to interviews with Data Science leaders working in business today. I am joined by Gwilym Morrison who leads Data Science at the UK mutual insurer, Royal London. During our chat we discuss his current role and career path, including his transition from analyst to a people leader. Gwilym usefully shares the 6 skills that he has identified as needed within Data Science teams. These are well worth hearing and reassuring, as they map across to a number of topics we have already covered on Customer Insight Leader blog. He also calls out the Data Science Radar framework from Mango Solutions, who have previously shared their view on achieving Data Science readiness.  So, plenty of tips for other leaders and I hope you really enjoy our conversation.

In this fifteenth episode, we turn our attention to Data Visualisation. I'm in conversation with Jon Schwabish, economist, senior fellow at the Urban Institute in Washington DC & data visualisation author/trainer/consultant with his own firm PolicyViz.com. Our wide ranging conversation explore the critical need for data visualisation skills, the generous data viz community and developments in the tools available. We also reflect on lessons for all analysts from Jon's latest book "Elevate the Debate", plus mention the collection of charts Jon shares online. I really enjoyed this conversation and encourage you to check out a number of the resources we mention via different sections of policyviz.com (including his recommended podcast).

In this fourteenth episode, we go deeper into leadership & psychology. I interview Ty Francis, founder of Meus, Gestalt leadership coach, consultant and filmmaker. Together we explore the need for the work he does with leadership teams seeking development, transformation, culture change and communication. This blossoms into a conversation about human beings, real transformation, Gestalt principles and creativity. We consider, more deeply, how leaders (including technical leaders) can more fully express themselves and serve the wider organisation. This includes the role of filmmaking & poetry. A lot to enjoy in this longer episode, so settle down to savour this one.

In this thirteenth episode, lucky for you, I interview Kanika Chaganty who is CDO for Vitality UK (a leading health insurer). Her background is both in Business Intelligence (with a technical understanding of operationalising data) and in strategy/innovation (with a Post Grad diploma from Oxford University). We talk about her career journey, including the importance of hybrid (business + technical) skills. We also explore the role of the CDO (perhaps CDO 2.0) as well as how Kanika has benefitted from working in different countries during her career. She shares useful tips for both experienced managers and those starting out in their data careers. I hope you find our very enjoyable conversation useful.