Hub & Spoken: Data | Analytics | Chief Data Officer | CDO | Data Strategy

In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO & Founder of Cynozure, speaks with Tom Spencer, Director of Customer Data Sciences at Aviva, about what it takes to build a genuinely customer-centric organisation using data and AI. Tom shares how Aviva is using customer analytics, machine learning and emerging AI technologies to improve customer relevance, strengthen retention and create more joined-up experiences across millions of customers and multiple product lines. The conversation explores how large organisations can connect data strategy directly to business outcomes through experimentation, targeting intelligence and faster feedback loops. The episode also looks at the operational realities behind the ambition: legacy systems, fragmented journeys, data foundations and the importance of strong partnerships between data teams and the wider business. Tom reflects on how generative AI is changing customer expectations and why organisations that succeed will be those with the strongest understanding of their customers. 🎧 Tune in to hear the full conversation.

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 Alessandra Di Lorenzo, advisor to CMOs, author of Adjust and TEDx speaker, about how AI is reshaping the internet business model.

They explore the rise of zero-click search, recommendation engines and feed-based commerce, and discuss why brand trust, direct traffic and consumer awareness are becoming more important as AI increasingly acts as a gatekeeper between brands and audiences.

For senior business and technology leaders, this episode offers a timely perspective on what happens when the economics of the internet start to change.

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 special 10th anniversary episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO & Founder of Cynozure, creates a time capsule for the data and AI industry: looking back at the last decade, reflecting on where we are today and exploring what the next ten years could bring.

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Drawing on voices from people who have seen the shifts, lived the challenges and done the work, Jason explores what the industry got right, where expectations have run ahead of reality and what still matters when it comes to creating value from data and AI.

The episode explores AI's rise in the boardroom, the speed of experimentation, the challenge of moving from proof of concept to production and the growing importance of humans in the loop. But it also comes back to the fundamentals that continue to shape success: business outcomes, data quality, governance, adoption, trust, culture and leadership.

It is a chance to pause, take stock and ask what we know to be true now, and where we think things are headed. And, for anyone listening in 2036, to see what we got right and what we got wrong.

What does it take to build a modern data and AI capability inside the organisation responsible for protecting information rights across the UK? In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO and Founder of Cynozure, speaks with Rob Holtom, Executive Director for Digital, Data, Technology and Customer Experience at the ICO, the UK's independent regulator for information rights. Together, they explore what it means to lead data and AI adoption from inside a regulator: balancing innovation with public trust, building capability without losing sight of value, and creating space for experimentation while staying grounded in responsibility. Rob shares how the ICO has approached capability building by starting with people, developing strategic as well as operational skills, and using data and AI to improve scale, efficiency and decision-making. The conversation also looks at why generative AI matters for regulators, where it can unlock value, and why data teams need to stay closely involved rather than treating it as someone else's problem. This is a practical conversation about leadership, policy, experimentation and the reality of using data well in complex organisations.

In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO and Founder of Cynozure, speaks with Lieutenant General Sir Tom Copinger-Symes KCB CBE, Former Deputy Commander Cyber & Specialist Operations Command at the Ministry of Defence. Lieutenant General Sir Tom shares his journey from a traditional infantry career through deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan to leading one of the UK's most important cyber and data capabilities. Drawing on decades of operational experience, he explains how the realities of modern conflict have reshaped the role of data, technology and cyber across defence. The conversation explores how defence is adapting to a world where information moves faster than ever, where data can shape decisions both on and off the battlefield, and where cyber capability is now central to national resilience. Lieutenant General Sir Tom also discusses the leadership challenge of building capability in this environment: attracting and retaining scarce technical talent, evolving culture and incentives, and recognising that the success of technology and data ultimately depends on people. A fascinating look at the intersection of defence, cyber and data and the leadership lessons that apply far beyond the military.

In this International Women's Day special of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, Founder and CEO of Cynozure, is joined by Kavita Sandhu, Client Services Manager, and Jane Usoskina, Senior Solution Architect, for an honest conversation about careers, confidence and change in the data industry.

Together, they explore how data has shifted from a back-office reporting function to a strategic business capability and why that change is creating new opportunities for more diverse talent to thrive. They discuss the outdated idea of what it means to be 'technical', the growing importance of roles spanning strategy, governance, culture and architecture, and why better representation leads to better decisions.

The episode also tackles the realities women still face at work, from pay gaps and being the only woman in the room to the importance of mentorship, psychological safety and leadership that creates space for every voice to be heard.

As AI reshapes how organisations operate, this conversation is a timely reminder that the teams building the future must reflect the people they serve.

As organisations grow, data teams face a familiar challenge - staying focused on what matters while supporting an increasingly complex operation. In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO & Founder of Cynozure, is joined by Rob Kent, Head of Data and AI at Greggs, to explore what pragmatic data leadership looks like in practice. Rob shares how he prioritises work, aligns data initiatives to business strategy and builds trust with stakeholders across the organisation. The discussion spans how data supports both running and growing a business, from forecasting and workforce planning to customer engagement and operational decision-making. Rob also offers a candid perspective on measuring impact, explaining why not every initiative can be tied to direct ROI and why some data capability is simply the cost of doing business well. This episode focuses on clarity over complexity, execution over theory and using data to help people make better decisions every day. 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, is joined by returning guest Pete Williams, former Director of Data at Penguin Random House, to discuss the findings of Cynozure's 2026 report, The Next Horizon: Data, AI and Impact. Drawing on insights from senior data and analytics leaders, they explore a persistent challenge: while expectations of data teams have shifted towards impact, investment often remains focused on platforms and foundations. Jason and Pete reflect on why demonstrating value is still difficult, what the report reveals about priorities, decision-making and data leadership, and the gap between having data and using it effectively. Read the full report to explore what Cynozure's 2026 Data & AI research reveals about turning capability into value. 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, is joined by Roisin McCarthy, Founder of Women in Data®, to discuss why entrepreneurial thinking is fast becoming a core skill for data leaders. Drawing on experience in data, technology and talent, Roisin reflects on how expectations of data teams have changed and why technical excellence alone no longer guarantees impact. The conversation explores the growing need for commercial awareness, accountability and influence, particularly as data leaders are asked to justify investment and deliver measurable outcomes. Jason and Roisin discuss what entrepreneurial skills look like inside large organisations, from treating data initiatives as products to navigating trade-offs, making difficult decisions and staying aligned to purpose when conditions change. A practical, experience-led conversation for senior data professionals who want their work to drive real business value, not just activity. 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 Lindsay Mason, a senior data leader with 20 years of experience across retail and the public sector. Lindsay shares her journey from analysing sales and forecasting trends at Debenhams, where frustration with poor data quality led her into data, to leading data strategy at John Lewis Partnership and moving into the civil service four years ago. The conversation explores what makes data teams visible and valued. Lindsay reflects on joining a team that was "driven and committed but effectively invisible to leadership", teaching her that "if the value isn't visible, it might as well not exist". She shares practical lessons on setting clear visions, why data leaders need to be "cheerleaders" and why "perfect is sometimes the enemy of progress". The discussion covers delivering visible value through use cases, understanding stakeholder outcomes rather than data challenges and building advocates who retell your story across the organisation. 🎧 Listen now to hear Lindsay's practical wisdom on making your team's work recognised and valued. 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.