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In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker talks with Shashi Kumar, Head of Data Engineering & Analytics at Hearst, to explore how the rise of generative AI is reshaping the role of data engineering.

Whether you’re an aspiring data leader or a hands-on engineer, this episode is packed with practical insights, career advice, and how top organisations adapt to the new AI landscape.

You’ll learn:

• How Shashi transitioned from DBA to senior data leader and what helped him stand out
• The key skills, tools, and certifications that are shaping the modern data engineer
• How generative AI is changing data architecture, pipeline design, and collaboration
• Why governance, unstructured data, and real-time pipelines are now mission-critical
• What strategic investments should companies make to scale Gen AI effectively

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:41 Shashi Kumar's Career Journey

03:42 Transition to Leadership

05:44 Key Career Moments

08:57 Facing Career Setbacks

11:31 Skills for Success in Data Engineering

16:50 Impact of Generative AI on Data Engineering

20:52 Modern Data Engineering Tools and Skills

24:21 Collaboration Between Data Engineering and Data Science

28:42 Modern Data Architectures and Gen AI

33:57 Strategic Investments for Gen AI Adoption

34:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, Ben Parker chats with Gerrit Grotewold, Head of Personalisation at BMW Research, to explore what it takes to build a long, impactful career in data and AI.

With his career at BMW, Gerrit shares how he transitioned from electrical engineering into AI leadership, the key challenges he faced stepping into management, and the learning habits that keep him ahead.

👉 Whether you’re a data professional just starting or an experienced expert, this episode is packed with great insights to help you grow and learn.

You’ll learn:

• How domain knowledge gives you a competitive edge in data
• Why curiosity and soft skills matter more than ever in tech
• How to stay relevant in the age of LLMs and AI disruption
• Practical tips for transitioning from technical expert to people leader
• The mindset shift required to grow your career and enjoy the journey

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:06 Gerrit's Early Career and Education

01:43 Joining BMW and Career Growth

02:53 Transition to AI and Data

03:40 Passion for the Automotive Industry

05:22 Key Career Moments

08:00 Challenges and Overcoming Them

09:21 Management Transition

13:01 Skills and Traits for Success

17:28 Continuous Learning and Staying Relevant

21:18 Career Advice and Reflections

27:28 Pride in Achievements

28:27 Conclusion and Farewell

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In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker sits down with Sassoon Kosian, Corporate Vice President of Data Science at New York Life, to explore the journey from early challenges in physics to becoming a leader in the data and AI space.

Gain insights into managing high-performing teams, staying relevant in a fast-paced industry, and navigating corporate politics.

Key topics include:

• Navigating a career shift from consulting to in-house leadership.
• Overcoming “orphan initiatives” and creating impactful data solutions.
• Essential skills for data science success: strategic thinking, technical depth, communication, and adaptability.
• Staying ahead in the fast-moving world of GenAI.
• Building strong, trusted relationships with business stakeholders.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:40 Career Journey and Early Interests

02:26 Transition to Data Science and Consulting

04:10 Current Industry Challenges

06:56 Key Career Moments and Management Transition

13:04 Challenges in Large Organisations

16:32 Skills for Leadership in Data Science

20:53 Staying Relevant in a Fast-Paced Industry

23:14 Job Market and Advice for Aspiring Data Scientists

25:55 Proudest Achievements and Building Relationships

27:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Is ethical AI just a buzzword?

 In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker chats with Mark Brady, Deputy Chief Data Officer at KBR, who reveals the real risks behind today’s AI systems and why most organisations are unprepared.

Mark breaks down the Six Laws of Safe AI, a practical, no-fluff framework for securing the future as AI gains power, autonomy, and physical-world access.
 
 

We also discuss:

• Why “data science” today feels more like alchemy
• The broken culture of data hoarding in organisations
• What hiring managers are getting completely wrong
• How to spot real AI danger before it’s too late
• Why transparency and interoperability are non-negotiable

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:34 Mark Brady's Career Journey

02:01 Transition to Leadership

02:57 Key Moments in Data Science

07:35 Challenges in Data Management

11:56 Hiring the Right Data Scientist

18:15 AI and Security Concerns

23:58 Future of AI and Defensive Measures

34:56 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

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In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker sits down with Aaron Hand, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer at ArcelorMittal, to reveal what life is really like in the C-suite.

With a career spanning UBS, Holcim, and now leading AI strategy at one of the world’s largest manufacturing companies, Aaron shares candid insights on the challenges, pressures, and strategic thinking required to succeed as a modern CDO or CAIO.

You'll discover:

• What a typical day looks like at the CDO/CAIO level
• How to juggle innovation, governance, and business delivery
• Why many CDOs don’t last more than 18 months — and how to survive
• The power of domain knowledge, adaptability, and knowing your blind spots
• How a WhatsApp idea revolutionised cement sales
• Why “AI-first” needs to be more than a buzzword

🎧 A must-listen for data professionals, leaders, and anyone eyeing the C-suite in data & AI.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 – Introduction and Guest Welcome
 00:41 – Aaron Hand's Early Career Journey
 02:26 – Transition into AI and Big Data
 03:38 – Career Progression at UBS
 05:21 – Leading AI at Holcim
 07:28 – Inside the Role of a Chief AI Officer
 16:39 – Managing Expectations and AI Hype
 25:27 – The Value of Great Mentors and Managers
 26:11 – Listening, Trust, and Collaboration
 26:44 – Innovation from the Ground Up: WhatsApp Sales Case
 28:06 – Workshops, Hackathons & Cross-Functional Teams
 29:34 – Flexibility in Strategy and Delivery
 35:48 – Continuous Learning & Staying Ahead with Podcasts
 40:04 – Major Setbacks, Mergers, and Resilience
 43:16 – Career Reflections and Proud Moments
 46:19 – Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Aspiring Leaders

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In this episode of the Data Analytics podcast, we welcome Pablo Vega Behar, Director of Machine Learning at Fitch Group. 

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Pablo Vega-Behar, Director of Machine Learning Engineering at Fitch Group, as he shares his journey in the AI industry. From navigating career pivots to leading innovative machine learning projects, Pablo reveals practical strategies for success and leadership in a rapidly evolving field. 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:37 Pablo's Journey into Data Science

04:04 Transitioning Industries and Leadership

09:13 Current Industry Challenges in AI

13:00 Career Highlights and Advice

18:42 Staying Relevant and Overcoming Setbacks

26:59 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

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In this episode of the Data Analytics podcast, we welcome Milan Dhore, Director of AI Strategy and Cloud Engineering at The Hartford. 

Milan discusses his career journey, the pivotal moments that shaped his path in the industry and identifies current challenges in the data and AI space. He offers insights into the importance of ROI, data quality and the evolving landscape of cloud and AI technologies. 

Milan also shares career advice for those entering the field, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and strategic thinking.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:42 Milan's Early Career and Transition to Data

01:41 Embracing Cloud and Big Data

04:48 The Evolution of Data Engineering

07:53 Challenges in Data Governance and Quality

09:14 AI and Business Value

16:50 Key Moments in Milan's Career

19:45 Overcoming Career Challenges

20:34 Navigating Stakeholder Alignment and Embracing Change

22:23 Overcoming Challenges in Machine Learning

23:57 Skills and Traits for Success in the Field

28:29 Staying Relevant in the Evolving Data and AI Landscape

31:53 Career Advice for Aspiring Data Professionals

36:37 Reflecting on Career Achievements and Future Aspirations

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In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we welcome Swetha Devabhaktuni, Head of Data & Analytics at Synechron.

Swetha shares her career journey and the pivotal moments that shaped it. In this episode, we discuss the hot topic of getting data ready for generative AI, the importance of data quality and governance, and how companies can overcome common pitfalls when preparing their data for advanced AI applications. 

Don't miss valuable insights on leveraging both structured and unstructured data, ensuring data privacy, and developing a data-first risk management strategy.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:41 Swetha's Career Journey

05:54 Key Career Moments and Lessons

08:22 Challenges and Setbacks

11:44 Generative AI and Data Preparation

19:51 Governance and Privacy in Data

22:12 Traditional vs. Modern Data Pipelines

24:19 Assessing Data Readiness for Generative AI

28:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we welcome Shaina Boone, Chief Analytics Officer at PHD Media. 

Shaina shares her unique career journey from an arts background to becoming a leader in marketing science and analytics. We learn about the pivotal moments that shaped her path, her views on AI's role in marketing, and the essential skills and traits for career growth in the rapidly changing data analytics landscape. 

Don't miss this insightful conversation packed with valuable career advice and industry insights!

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:45 Shaina Boone's Career Journey

02:25 Leadership in Analytics

05:03 Challenges in AI and Analytics

10:57 Key Career Moments and Training

16:23 Advice for Aspiring Analysts

22:41 Staying Relevant in a Rapidly Changing Industry

33:51 Proudest Achievements and Conclusion

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In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we welcome Robin Sutara, Field Chief Data Strategy Officer at Databricks. 

Robin shares her unusual journey starting from the US Army to becoming a Chief Data Officer at Microsoft, and now at Databricks. She discusses key career moments, her dedication to diversity in tech, and how pivoting her role aided her career growth. 

Robin emphasizes the importance of mentorship, building a supportive network, and leveraging one's unique strengths and competencies in a career. 

Listen for insights on career transitions, leadership in data, and overcoming challenges in the industry.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:13 Robin's Early Career and Transition to Microsoft

04:30 Climbing the Ladder at Microsoft

08:20 Transition to Databricks and Current Role

09:23 Insights on Learning and Career Development

16:57 Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in Tech

24:02 Overcoming Challenges and Career Advice

42:10 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Thank you for listening!