More than Numbers

Speed is everything when it comes to data; and Cleo, an AI-powered money assistant, has mastered the art of fast, data-driven decision-making. And it's a crucial reason behind them being one of the UK's fastest-growing startups.

In this episode of More than Numbers Live, we sit down with Conor O’Kane, Head of Analytics at Cleo, to unpack how data isn’t just a support function but a core driver of Cleo's explosive growth.

From starting with a small analytics team to scaling a 35-person analytics division within a 300-person company, Conor shares how embedding analysts into product teams fosters:

• Strategic thinking;
• Rapid iteration, and
• High-impact decision-making

He also reveals why Cleo prioritizes speed at every level—from tool selection to team structure, and shares their publicly available skills framework, which is a must-read for anyone in data.

Want to learn how to build a high-impact analytics team, leverage data for real business impact, and accelerate decision-making in your own organization? This episode is packed with actionable insights to help you do just that!

Tune in to hear how Cleo's approach to analytics can transform the way you think about data-driven growth.

What you'll learn

• [01:22] Conor's first BI tool experience and reflections on how analytics has evolved.
• [04:30] Cleo's data team structure: 60 data professionals in a 300-person company.
• [06:32] Ways that Cleo has optimized for speed in its modern data stack.
• [09:52] Reasons that Cleo avoids adding unnecessary data tools to maintain agility.
• [11:17] The power of embedding analysts into product teams for strategic impact.
• [14:48] How Cleo's publicly available skills framework elevates analytics as a career path.
• [18:05] Shaping strategy, not just reporting on data: what makes Cleo's analysts different.
• [21:58] Choosing a company that fuels your growth (and other data career advice).
• [25:54] Insight into Conor's goal-setting and accountability approach.

Downloads & links

👋 Connect with Conor on LinkedIn

🔗 Learn more about Conor's company: Cleo

🔗 Check out Cleo's must-read progression frameworks

🚀 Connect with Ollie Hughes

🎙️ Subscribe to MtN

Data teams have the power to drive business growth, but only when they have the right tools, strategies, and data to turn insights into action. In this debut episode of More Than Numbers Live, we discuss how AI and semantic layers can transform data teams with David Jayatillake, VP of AI at Cube.

Tuning in, you'll learn about the four tenets of driving business value through data teams:

1. Operational clarity
2. Problem-solving
3. Decision efficiency
4. Impact measurement

We also dive into practical applications of AI in data workflows and explore the steps for accelerating access to data insights, automating root cause analysis, and enhancing collaboration between engineers and business teams.

David is a seasoned data leader with extensive expertise in credit, payments, and revenue management. As a two-time founder, investor, and AI enthusiast, David is passionate about finding innovative ways to leverage data for growth and competitive advantage.

Tune in now for insights into the risks of poorly implemented AI tools, actionable strategies for effectively integrating AI into data workflows, why storytelling is a vital skill, and more!

Brilliant data bits [Adoption of AI] is always a GTM [Go-To-Market] problem. It is not usually a product problem ~ David Jayatillake [0:19:12] I believe [that] AI can be very helpful in many different settings and not just for analytical ~ David Jayatillake [0:11:50] What you'll learn

• [01:01] Hear about David's early experiences with Business Intelligence (BI) tools.
• [02:39] Learn about Cube’s internal data stack and how its semantic layer is structured.
• [05:30] Discover the benefits of a semantic layer and how it improves data governance.
• [06:39] Find out about Cube's shift to using SQLMesh and its impact on data modeling.
• [10:20] Unlock a proven framework to help data teams drive value.
• [11:45] Explore how AI is enhancing workflows and improving operational clarity.
• [14:23] What impact AI has on problem-solving, speed, and root-cause analysis.
• [17:28] Insights into the gaps and limitations of AI and what to expect in the future.
• [19:37] Examine how AI will benefit data development and engineering tasks.
• [20:35] Unpack the risks and dangers of poorly designed and implemented AI tools.
• [23:38] Get tips for managing expectations when leaders push for AI dashboards.
• [25:41] Why David thinks sales and storytelling skills are essential for a successful career.

Downloads & links

👋 Connect with David: LinkedIn | X | Substack

🔗 Check out David's company: Cube

🚀 Connect with Ollie Hughes

🎙️ Subscribe to MtN