Busy isn’t the same as valuable.

Too many data teams fall into the trap of endless activity chasing the next tool, migration, or hype, without ever proving their impact.

In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO and Founder of Cynozure, sits down with Maaike van den Branden, former Chief Data Officer at Compare the Market and Mumsnet, to uncover what truly makes a data team successful.

Drawing on two decades of experience, Maaike shares the practical ingredients for teams that deliver real value: clarity of purpose, balanced skills, open recognition, and strong culture. Together, they explore how leaders can:

1. Build happy, high-performing teams that last

2. Avoid over-promoting tech at the expense of people

3. Prove business impact without getting lost in the noise

If you’ve ever wondered what separates a high-performing data team from a busy one, this conversation is your answer.

🎧 Listen now to learn the real secret to data team success.

AI is no longer a distant concept; it’s here, reshaping the way we live and work. From coding and customer service to creative content, AI is already taking on tasks once thought to be uniquely human. But what does that mean for the future of work, and more importantly, for the role of leaders?

In this solo episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO and Founder of Cynozure, explores the real implications of AI on jobs, leadership, and human value. Drawing lessons from history, automation, shipping containers, even the rise of personal computing, Jason argues that every wave of technology has shifted humans “up a level of abstraction,” moving us from doing to designing, to directing and innovating.

He sets out four essential human traits to thrive in the age of AI:

1. Think bigger – focus on outcomes, strategy, and imagination

2. Lead differently – provide clarity, orchestrate teams, and build culture

3. Connect deeper – lean into empathy, context, and trust

4. Grow and adapt – stay curious, resilient, and open to change

🎧 Tune in to hear Jason’s take on how we can design the future we want to be part of.

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Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that helps organisations to reach their data potential. It works with clients on data and AI strategy, data management, data architecture and engineering, analytics and AI, data culture and literacy, and data leadership. The company was named one of The Sunday Times' fastest-growing private companies in both 2022 and 2023 and recognised as The Best Place to Work in Data by DataIQ in 2023 and 2024. Cynozure is a certified B Corporation. 

 

What if the future of leadership wasn't explained by another CEO, but by an AI?

In this special episode of Hub & Spoken, hosted by Jason Foster, CEO & Founder of Cynozure, the guest isn't a data or business leader. It's ChatGPT. Together, they explore one of the most pressing questions for organisations today: What does leadership mean in the age of artificial intelligence? 

The discussion contrasts the logical view of leadership, vision, decision-making and orchestration, with the uniquely human qualities that machines can't replicate: courage under pressure, conviction, vulnerability, and trust. 

The result is a fascinating tension. AI can support with logic, speed, and analysis. But leadership is still defined by what makes us human.

🎧 Tune in for this experiment in leadership dialogue.

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Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that helps organisations to reach their data potential. It works with clients on data and AI strategy, data management, data architecture and engineering, analytics and AI, data culture and literacy, and data leadership. The company was named one of The Sunday Times' fastest-growing private companies in both 2022 and 2023 and recognised as The Best Place to Work in Data by DataIQ in 2023 and 2024. Cynozure is a certified B Corporation. 

In this episode of Hub & Spoken, host Jason Foster, CEO & Founder of Cynozure, is joined by James Lupton, Chief Technology Officer at Cynozure, to explore the findings from What Matters Most for Insurers Now — a new report shaped by insights from 35 senior leaders across the insurance industry.

While the report focuses on insurers, its lessons resonate far more widely. Jason and James discuss how organisations across sectors are wrestling with the same issues: outdated and overly customised legacy systems that hold back innovation, a persistent gap between the ambition to build a data-driven culture and the actions taken to achieve it, and the importance of leadership support that goes beyond lip service to meaningful investment and behaviour change.

They also consider the next frontier: AI agents. With many firms experimenting but few ready to deploy, Jason and James unpack what true readiness looks like and why success requires more than just technology.

This episode offers practical reflections for leaders in complex, regulated industries who are striving to “fix forward” and unlock the real value of data and AI.

Download What Matters Most for Insurers Now here

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Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that helps organisations to reach their data potential. It works with clients on data and AI strategy, data management, data architecture and engineering, analytics and AI, data culture and literacy, and data leadership. The company was named one of The Sunday Times' fastest-growing private companies in both 2022 and 2023 and recognised as The Best Place to Work in Data by DataIQ in 2023 and 2024. Cynozure is a certified B Corporation.

In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO & Founder of Cynozure, speaks with David Germain, portfolio Non-Executive Director and former senior technology and transformation leader in banking, financial services and insurance. Drawing on 30 years of global experience, David shares how sustainable business growth depends on more than just strategy and technology - it's rooted in inclusive leadership, organisational culture, and curiosity at every level.

They explore why leadership teams must reflect their customer base, how to create psychological safety to encourage innovation, and why "constructive disruption" is essential for long-term success. David discusses the challenge of balancing today's operational pressures with the future ambitions of an organisation, and why trust, diversity of thought, and resilience are non-negotiables.

The conversation also examines the role of technology, particularly AI, as both an enabler and a disruptor, and why leaders must prepare their people for the cultural and operational shifts it brings.

If you're a business leader seeking practical ways to align people, culture, and technology for lasting impact, this episode offers clear, real-world perspectives.

—— Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that helps organisations to reach their data potential. It works with clients on data and AI strategy, data management, data architecture and engineering, analytics and AI, data culture and literacy, and data leadership. The company was named one of The Sunday Times' fastest-growing private companies in both 2022 and 2023 and recognised as The Best Place to Work in Data by DataIQ in 2023 and 2024. Cynozure is a certified B Corporation.

Why is meaningful innovation so hard in insurance, and what can be done about it?

In this episode of Hub & Spoken, host Jason Foster is joined by John Turner, a global underwriting leader and expert in life and health insurance, to explore the innovation imperative in one of the world's most traditional (and risk-averse) industries.

They unpack the complex cultural, structural, and regulatory challenges that make change difficult in insurance, from siloed teams and outdated processes to over-engineered tech solutions that miss the mark. But they also spotlight the opportunities: from automation that enhances the customer journey to cross-functional collaboration that drives real transformation.

💡 Key talking points include:

1. Why conservative cultures make innovation harder — but not impossible

2. The hidden flaws in traditional underwriting and risk selection

3. How data, automation and behaviour change can unlock new growth

4. The clash between insurers and insurtechs — and how to bridge it

5. What truly customer-led innovation looks like

Whether you're in insurance, financial services, or just trying to drive change in a legacy-heavy environment, this episode is packed with ideas, reflections, and real-world experience you can learn from.

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Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that helps organisations to reach their data potential. It works with clients on data and AI strategy, data management, data architecture and engineering, analytics and AI, data culture and literacy, and data leadership. The company was named one of The Sunday Times' fastest-growing private companies in both 2022 and 2023 and recognised as The Best Place to Work in Data by DataIQ in 2023 and 2024. Cynozure is a certified B Corporation. 

In this episode, we look at the real story behind transformation in data and AI, and why the classic big bang approach often fails to deliver lasting impact.

Jason explores when large-scale transformation programmes do make sense, like when you're starting from a fundamentally broken place, or when disruption is the goal. But he also digs into the messy reality of what usually happens: slow delivery, rigid plans, lost trust, and a disconnect between activity and real outcomes.

He then makes the case for iterative change. A more human, responsive, and sustainable way to build meaningful transformation over time. With real-world examples and sharp reflections, Jason shares how small, focused steps can create big shifts, and how to blend bold vision with practical delivery.

This episode is full of insight for business and data leaders navigating change, delivering transformation, or just trying to make something actually stick.

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Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that helps organisations to reach their data potential. It works with clients on data and AI strategy, data management, data architecture and engineering, analytics and AI, data culture and literacy, and data leadership. The company was named one of The Sunday Times' fastest-growing private companies in both 2022 and 2023 and recognised as The Best Place to Work in Data by DataIQ in 2023 and 2024. Cynozure is a certified B Corporation. 

In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster talks to Cali Wood, Head of Data and AI Strategy & Culture at AXA UK and Ireland.

Cali shares how AXA is shaping its data and AI transformation through a clear strategic framework built on creation of value, connection of data and tooling, and culture to accelerate value.

From embedding human-centred design into automation use cases to launching a data and AI academy with more than 50% workforce engagement, AXA is making data and AI a true business-wide initiative.

This conversation explores:

1. The three pillars of AXA's data and AI strategy

2. How culture and leadership unlock real business value

3. Scaling responsible AI across a highly regulated industry

4. Evolving from traditional to agentic AI in a people-first way

Whether you're leading data transformation or navigating GenAI, this episode offers practical ideas and inspiration to help bring your people and strategy together.

Listen now to learn how to build AI-driven change - the right way.

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Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that helps organisations to reach their data potential. It works with clients on data and AI strategy, data management, data architecture and engineering, analytics and AI, data culture and literacy, and data leadership. The company was named one of The Sunday Times' fastest-growing private companies in both 2022 and 2023 and recognised as The Best Place to Work in Data by DataIQ in 2023 and 2024. Cynozure is a certified B Corporation. 

In this solo episode, Cynozure CEO Jason Foster explores what it really means to create value with data and AI and why it can't be treated as a nice-to-have outcome at the end of a project.

Jason breaks down a practical, repeatable approach to designing value in from the start, with clear intent, strong foundations, and input-focused delivery. He shares real-world examples and analogies to show how organisations can shift from vague goals to measurable, meaningful impact.

This episode is packed with actionable insights for data and business leaders who want to move from theory to practice and ensure their data work truly makes a difference.

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Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that helps organisations to reach their data potential. It works with clients on data and AI strategy, data management, data architecture and engineering, analytics and AI, data culture and literacy, and data leadership. The company was named one of The Sunday Times' fastest-growing private companies in both 2022 and 2023 and recognised as The Best Place to Work in Data by DataIQ in 2023 and 2024. Cynozure is a certified B Corporation. 

In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO & Founder of Cynozure, speaks with Lisa Allen, Director of Data at The Pensions Regulator (TPR), about the role of data in protecting savers and shaping a more resilient pensions industry.

Lisa shares the story behind TPR's new data strategy and how it's helping to modernise an ecosystem that oversees more than £2 trillion in savings across 38 million members. Drawing on her experience at organisations including the Ordnance Survey and the Open Data Institute, she explains why strong data foundations, industry collaboration, and adaptive thinking are essential to success.

The conversation explores how the regulator is building a data marketplace, adopting open standards, and applying AI to enable risk-based regulation, while reducing unnecessary burdens on the industry. Lisa also discusses the value of working transparently, co-designing with stakeholders, and staying agile in the face of rapid change.

This episode is a must-listen for business leaders, regulators, and data professionals thinking about strategy, innovation, and sector-wide impact.

**********    Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that helps organisations to reach their data potential. It works with clients on data and AI strategy, data management, data architecture and engineering, analytics and AI, data culture and literacy, and data leadership. The company was named one of The Sunday Times' fastest-growing private companies in both 2022 and 2023 and recognised as The Best Place to Work in Data by DataIQ in 2023 and 2024. Cynozure is a certified B Corporation.