In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we sit down with Allison Olson, Senior Vice President of Analytics Solutions at Merkle. Allison shares her inspiring career journey, filled with proud moments, challenges, and valuable leadership insights. She talks about the importance of following your gut, taking risks, and how COVID-19 reshaped leadership attitudes.

We then discuss how AI is transforming personalisation and, ultimately, buying behaviour. Allison breaks down the shift from static to dynamic personalisation, exploring how adaptive experiences powered by real-time data guide customer decisions. She also covers the ethical use of AI, strong data foundations, and the transformative role of generative AI in creating truly tailored customer experiences that influence what we buy and why.

00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Personal Growth
00:21 The Role of Gut Instinct in Decision Making
00:52 Challenges and Ethical Concerns in Data Analytics
01:34 Welcome to Data Analytics Chat
02:12 Alison Olson's Career Journey
04:46 The Evolution of Leadership
07:11 Impact of COVID on Leadership
08:37 Learning from Failures and Taking Risks
10:37 Balancing Management and Leadership
13:45 Skills and Mindsets for Leadership
16:32 Advice for Aspiring Leaders
21:01 Introduction to Dynamic Personalisation
21:59 The Concept of Dynamic Personalisation
23:23 Static vs. Dynamic Personalisation
25:34 Real-World Examples of Personalisation
27:22 Data Types for Adaptive Experiences
29:27 Predictive Signals for User Needs
30:42 Balancing Personalisation and Privacy
35:12 Challenges in Real-Time Personalisation
38:16 Generative AI and Future Possibilities
40:05 The Future of Jobs in Data and Analytics
43:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker welcomes Viji Krishnamurthy, VP and Head of AI and Generative AI at Oracle. With over two decades of experience spanning startups, Samsung, and Oracle, Viji shares her journey from academic research to leading enterprise AI initiatives.

Viji discusses pivotal career moments, the transition from scientist to product leader, and the importance of continuous learning and collaboration. 

The data topic looks into the challenges, successes, and transformations of generative AI in the enterprise. The conversation explores the evolving role of data professionals, the challenges of implementing generative AI at scale, and the cultural shifts required for organisations to fully harness AI’s potential.

Viji highlights the need for robust data platforms, evaluation frameworks, and feedback-driven learning, while offering practical advice for aspiring leaders and insights into the future of business.

00:00 Becoming Managers of Agents: The New Workplace Paradigm
01:19 Welcome & Introduction to Data Analytics Chat
02:08 Viji Krishnamurthy’s Career Journey
03:47 Influential Mentors and Defining Moments
07:41 Transitioning from Scientist to Product Leader
10:55 High-Value Problem Solving in Data Science
13:23 Overcoming Career Challenges and Breaking Stereotypes
18:19 The Evolving Role of Data Professionals
21:50 Key Skills and Mindsets for Leadership
27:43 Continuous Learning and Staying Ahead in AI
32:28 Quantum Physics and the Future of Intelligence
38:08 Advice for Aspiring Leaders
41:08 Generative AI: Enterprise Challenges
44:08 Success Stories and Business Value
48:52 Addressing Risks: Hallucinations, Bias, and Trust
52:09 Cultural and Organisational Shifts for GenAI Adoption
57:05 The Future: Agents, Automation, and Collaboration
60:00 Closing Thoughts and Predictions

Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we welcome Michael Shaw, Senior Vice President of Data and AI at Dow Jones. Michael shares his fascinating career journey, which includes experiences at Google, Facebook, and Instacart. 

He discusses the key challenges he faced, such as managing hypergrowth during the pandemic, transitioning into leadership roles, and driving ROI in data projects. 

The discussion examines how to measure success in data initiatives, manage stakeholder expectations, and strike a balance between achieving quick wins and long-term strategic benefits. 

Michael provides insights on retaining top talent, fostering cultural shifts, and leveraging AI for business growth. 

00:00 Introduction and Early Career Lessons
01:08 Welcome to Data Analytics Chat
01:58 Michael Shaw's Career Journey
08:28 Transition to Leadership
17:49 Challenges and Overcoming Them
28:08 Defining Success and ROI in Data Projects
31:26 Leveraging Data for Business Objectives
32:04 Building a Core Data Foundation
33:05 Managing Stakeholder Expectations
34:14 Balancing Quick Wins and Long-Term Benefits
35:46 Tactical Approaches to Data Management
38:15 Overcoming Data Quality and Governance Issues
44:31 Driving Adoption and Cultural Change
49:48 Capturing and Communicating Softer Benefits
54:31 Evolving Expectations of ROI with AI
01:02:11 Setting Realistic Goals for Businesses
01:04:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben welcomes Priya Gopal, a seasoned professional who has worked with major pharma companies like Takeda and GSK and recently founded her own consulting firm, Inferential Data LLC. 

Priya shares her journey from a hands-on database developer to a strategic leader in the field of clinical research. She discusses the importance of cultural readiness for transformation, the role of data standards in drug discovery, and the challenges in implementing these standards across global teams. 

Priya also provides insights into balancing regulatory requirements with internal data governance and the potential for cross-industry collaboration to drive innovation in pharma. 

00:00 Introduction to Transformation and Leadership

01:23 Guest Introduction and Career Journey

04:14 Defining Moments and Leadership Insights

10:20 Challenges and Lessons in Pharma

20:34 Creating Data Standards in Pharma

28:42 Balancing Global Regulations and Internal Governance

34:18 The Role of AI and Automation

39:42 Cross-Industry Collaboration and Future Opportunities

44:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we welcome Shourabh Mukherji, a data and analytics expert with 25 years of experience at major firms such as Chubb and JPMorgan Chase. 

Shourabh shares his journey from starting a small enterprise in India to working with senior executives in the United States. The discussion examines his career milestones, key challenges, and the vital leadership skills required in the industry. 

The data topic explores essential data management principles, the importance of aligning data strategies with business objectives, and the role of AI and new technologies in modern enterprises. Shourabh emphasises the significance of building strong data foundations and fostering empathy within teams to drive successful data-driven decisions.

00:00 A Defining Moment: Leap of Faith
01:19 Introduction to Data Analytics Chat
02:08 Shourabh Mukherji's Career Journey
07:07 Challenges and Defining Moments
09:47 Building Trust and Stakeholder Management
15:57 Key Skills for Leadership
22:32 Core Data Management Principles
25:38 Understanding Business Needs Before Data Management
26:42 Centralised vs. Embedded Data Quality Ownership
28:09 The Importance of Needs Analysis in Data Management
31:54 Identifying and Prioritising Business Needs
34:15 Building a Strong Data Solution Framework
40:05 Effective Data Distribution for Decision Making
42:53 Aligning Business Objectives with Data Initiatives
44:42 Evolving Data Management Strategies with AI

Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we sit down with Juan Gorricho, a leader in data analytics with experience at top companies like Walt Disney, Visa, and TD Bank. 

Now the founder of Strategic Data Transformation, Juan shares his journey in the data field, the challenges of delivering data projects, the importance of aligning data projects with business goals, and managing expectations amid the AI hype. 

He also provides leadership lessons, emphasising the value of empathy, listening, and team growth. 

00:00 Introduction to Data Analytics Chat

00:07 Guest Introduction: Juan Gorricho Career Journey

01:00 Early Career and Education

01:37 The Intersection of Data, Technology, and Business

06:05 Challenges and Success in Data Projects

11:46 Managing Expectations in the AI Hype Cycle

15:25 Leadership Lessons and Team Management

23:36 Influences and Principles of Leadership

27:22 Breaking into Leadership: Overcoming Fears and Embracing Change

29:56 The Importance of Servant Leadership

30:45 Challenges in Data Projects: Business Alignment and Adoption

34:23 Human and Cultural Roadblocks in Data Projects

43:22 The Role of Communication in Data Project Success

52:03 Overcoming Obstacles and Achieving Success in Data Projects

Thank you for listening!

9In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we sit down with Dushyanth Sekhar, Head of AI and Data Platforms at S&P Global. Dush shares key insights from his career journey, emphasising the importance of learning from failures in the AI space. 

He discusses his transition from a non-technology background to leading AI and data initiatives, the role of continuous learning, and the significance of setting a vision and promoting a risk-taking culture in leadership. 

The conversation highlights the strategic implementation of generative AI and agents in transforming data workflows and enhancing company growth. 

00:00 Embracing Failures in AI
01:07 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
01:50 Career Journey and Early Beginnings
03:03 Transition to AI and Key Learnings
04:19 Defining Moments and Career Decisions
05:33 Moving to the US and Professional Growth
10:16 Leadership Insights and Risk-Taking
17:19 Staying Updated in a Fast-Paced Field
19:36 Excitement for the Future of AI
21:10 Overestimating Risk and Underestimating Opportunity
21:54 The Evolution of Language Models at S&P
23:49 Integrating AI into Workflows
28:31 Enhancing and Creating New Products with LLMs
30:54 Future-Proofing and Optimising with AI
37:19 The Role of Agents in AI
40:19 Lessons Learned from AI Integration
41:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we welcome Sundip Gorai, Global Head of Data Science and AI at Global Payments, a Fortune 500 company. Sundip shares insights from his expansive career journey, which spans across various industries like banking and manufacturing, and discusses how agentic AI is revolutionising business. 

He offers insight into AI strategy, the challenges of adopting AI, and the importance of striking a balance between technology and ethics and social responsibility. Sundip also reflects on the future of work, the impact of AI on jobs, and the need for continuous learning in this rapidly evolving field.

00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts on Leadership
01:04 Welcome to Data Analytics Chat
02:18 Sundip Gorai's Career Journey
08:11 Defining Moments and Challenges in Career
17:17 Leadership Skills and Attributes
19:47 Meditation and Stress Management
24:10 Approaching AI Strategy
28:54 Choosing the Right Tools for AI Strategy
29:04 The Unchanging Layers of AI Strategy
30:01 The Obsession with Tools and Technologies
31:07 Understanding Agent AI
34:07 Industries Adopting Agent AI
39:01 Challenges in Deploying AI
43:15 Impact of AI on Jobs and Skills
49:10 Future of Business and Mankind with AI

Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben welcomes Matthew Paruthickal, Global Head of Data and AI Architecture Engineering at Sanofi, to discuss the evolution of data technology from single-box systems to agent AI. 

They explore Matthew's career journey, the importance of solving business problems with technology, and the significant moments that shaped his approach to data. Topics include the layered data stack, overcoming technical and organisational challenges, the role of trust and speed in data, and how businesses can leverage AI for better decision-making. 

00:00 The Evolution of Data and AI
00:48 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
01:48 Matthew's Career Journey
02:17 Technological Shifts in Data Management
03:46 The Importance of Trust and Speed in Data
07:40 Defining Moments and Career Setbacks
09:46 Mentorship and Business Value
16:51 Building a Layered Data Stack
19:09 Understanding the Layered Data Stack
20:12 Challenges in Executing a Layered Data Stack
21:14 Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approach
22:07 The Importance of Business Focus
23:53 Aligning Data Stack with Strategic Decision Making
26:30 E-commerce Data Challenges and Solutions
29:14 Common Difficulties in Data Tool Investments
31:17 Evaluating New Data Tools
35:27 Balancing Automation with Real-Time Insights
37:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thank you for listening!

In this episode of the Data Analytics Chat podcast, we welcome Sameer Sethi, Chief AI Officer at Hackensack Meridian Health, to discuss his exciting career journey and the evolving balance between human intuition and AI-driven decision signals.

Sameer offers his perspective on the maturation of data analytics, the acceleration of technology adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the role of AI in transforming healthcare delivery. 

He also examines the risks associated with over-reliance on AI, the value of human-factor engineering in successful AI implementation, and why human judgment remains indispensable in high-stakes environments.

00:00 Introduction to Data and AI Journey

00:29 Impact of COVID on Technology Adoption

01:06 Welcome to the Podcast

01:41 Sameer's Career Journey

03:13 Pivot to Healthcare

06:22 Defining Moments in Healthcare Technology

14:18 Challenges and Setbacks

15:53 Importance of Mentorship and Self-Awareness

20:40 Networking and Experiencing the Field

23:40 Choosing the Right Data Signals

25:08 AI and Job Security: A Balanced Perspective

28:18 Human Intuition vs. AI Signals in Healthcare

29:56 The Importance of Human Factor Engineering

33:50 Ensuring Trustworthy Data Signals

35:32 The Future of AI in Process Automation

38:16 Blending Human Oversight with AI Decision Making

44:09 The Critical Role of Data in AI

46:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thank you for listening!