The Databricks Diaries

Join Máté Gulyás (Databricks MVP, CEO of Datapao) and Joe Ingleby as we explore how Unity Catalog, Lakebase, and GenAI are revolutionising data engineering and business operations in this episode of Databricks Diaries!

This is a must-listen for modern enterprises looking to empower their teams with seamless data governance, enhanced collaboration, and scalable solutions.

Tune in to learn more about:

The power of effective data governance for secure operations

How Unity Catalog drives collaboration across teams

Real-world business impacts of streamlined data management

This episode is packed with actionable insights for data engineers, business leaders, and anyone aiming to leverage the full potential of their data. Don’t miss the chance to learn from one of the best in the field!

🔔Loved the episode? Don't forget to hit that LIKE button!

In this episode of AI Readiness, Andy Davis speaks with Laura Alexander, Head of Data Services at Hodge, about what it really takes to get an organisation ready for AI. From data governance and culture to regulation and imposter syndrome, they explore why readiness is more human than technical.

Laura shares insights on how Hodge is approaching its AI journey — including practical steps around Microsoft Fabric, data lineage, and building internal buy-in. They also dig into critical topics like model bias, image rights, and how to prioritise the right use cases (without falling into the classic transformation trap).

Whether you're leading data transformation or just trying to work out where to begin, this one’s for you.

Listen now for a grounded, no-jargon take on what AI readiness really means in 2025.

Want to take part in our podcast series? Register your interest here - https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=vdocM8ZJ9EuonNXRdbLdTCzOze2Z6hdOoSA6HgNF3_lUMUQ3V0Q5Q1RER05LSVA0RllRSTlMNDQyVS4u&route=shorturl

In this episode of AI Readiness, Andy Davis is joined by James Garner, Head of AI & Data at Gleeds, to explore why so many AI rollouts underdeliver—and what to do about it.

James pulls no punches as he shares real-world lessons from organisations misfiring with tools like Microsoft Copilot. From wasted licences to cultural resistance, he explains why the problem isn’t the tech—it’s how we introduce it.

They discuss the critical role of mindset, literacy, and trust in driving adoption, and why most AI strategies fail before they start. You’ll hear why use cases aren’t the real starting point, and how simply asking “can AI do this for me?” can unlock powerful change.

💡 If your team has AI tools but no traction—this one’s for you.

Want to take part in our podcast series? Register your interest here - https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=vdocM8ZJ9EuonNXRdbLdTCzOze2Z6hdOoSA6HgNF3_lUMUQ3V0Q5Q1RER05LSVA0RllRSTlMNDQyVS4u&route=shorturl

In this episode, Andy Davis chats with Ako Sabir, a seasoned data and transformation leader in the insurance sector, about what really holds organisations back from embedding AI at scale.

Ako unpacks why technical challenges are rarely the true blockers, and why structural complexity, poor early decisions, and cultural resistance often derail even the best-intentioned AI strategies. From avoiding "proof-of-concept purgatory" to building governance that enables rather than polices, this conversation is packed with real-world experience.

You’ll hear practical advice on how to balance value delivery with foundational maturity — and why successful AI isn’t about tools, but about mindset, trust, and timing.

Want to take part in our podcast series? Register your interest here - https://forms.office.com/e/pXathB2tMD

Join Thor, Director of Field Engineering at Databricks, and Dan from Primus as they dive into the exciting future of artificial intelligence. In this episode, we unpack what it takes for organisations to get AI-ready, from mastering data governance to promoting ethical AI. With real-world examples, Thor explains how AI can transform businesses, empower teams, and address challenges like bias and accessibility. Whether you're curious about the latest innovations or looking to prepare for the next wave of AI, join us for our latest episode of The Databricks Diaries.

Want to take part in our podcast series? Register your interest here - https://forms.office.com/e/pXathB2tMD

In this episode, Andy Davis speaks with Iñigo Antolín, Head of Data Management and Governance at the British Council, about the deep-rooted organisational barriers to AI adoption.

From the risks of “shiny tool syndrome” to the vital role of incentives, Iñigo shares why successful AI initiatives depend far more on cultural readiness than technical capability. They discuss why common assumptions about model fairness, data quality, and scalability often miss the mark — and why governance, sponsorship, and experimentation are essential.

A practical, honest look at what really drives AI readiness, especially for organisations early in their journey or facing internal resistance.

Want to take part in our podcast series? Register your interest here - https://forms.office.com/e/pXathB2tMD

In this episode, Andy Davis is joined by Shani Reynolds, Head of Data Governance at First Sentier Investors, to explore the real-world journey of AI adoption in financial services. They dive into the cultural and behavioural shifts needed to make AI stick, from experimenting with chatbots to building trust through transparent prompt engineering and iterative learning.

Shani shares insights on how AI readiness isn't just about data maturity — it’s about people, mindset, and a governance framework that evolves alongside innovation. Expect candid reflections on the role of regulators, internal resistance, and what actually works when moving from policy to production.

Whether you're just beginning your AI journey or stuck in "success theatre", this episode is packed with practical takeaways.

Want to take part in our podcast series? Register your interest here - https://forms.office.com/e/pXathB2tMD

In this episode, Andy Davis sits down with Daniel Tibble, Data Product Director at Mobilize (Renault), to unpack what it really means for organisations to be "AI ready." From building a data-driven culture to leveraging GenAI for operational efficiency and natural language querying, Daniel shares grounded insights and real-world examples from his time at Booking.com, Wejo, and Mobilize. Whether you're navigating your first AI use case or scaling intelligent data products, this conversation is packed with actionable takeaways for data leaders and digital transformation teams.

•  Why data governance still rules
•  How to identify high-value use cases
•  The myth of hiring "magic" AI developers
• GenAI's real-world role in product and customer insight

Want to take part in our podcast series? Register your interest here - https://forms.office.com/e/pXathB2tMD

Join James Hickey, Head of Data Science and AI at esure Group, as he explores AI readiness and the challenges of deploying AI into production. From data governance and risk management to model updates and fairness in AI, James shares insights into creating responsible, user-focused AI. Learn how cross-functional collaboration and tools like Databricks have transformed esure's AI projects, streamlining processes and ensuring measurable ROI. A must-listen for anyone passionate about AI and innovation!

Want to take part in our podcast series? Register your interest here - https://forms.office.com/e/pXathB2tMD

Nik Walker, a creative and resilient leader of people in the data space, shares his knowledge on how he creates high-performing, psychologically safe teams working with Agile Methodologies by taking a human-centric approach to leadership.

If you are recruiting your team of data professionals, tune in for advice on how to approach this!

Want to take part in our podcast series? Register your interest here - https://forms.office.com/e/pXathB2tMD