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In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we welcome David Ellison, Chief Data Scientist and Director of AI Engineering at Lenovo. 

We’ll explore David's career journey from studying computer science to transforming businesses with AI. 

Learn about his pivot into data science, lessons from working at the postal service, and his strategies for delivering ROI with AI projects. 

In this episode, you will learn:

·       How to turn AI initiatives into real business ROI, not just prototypes

·       Why most AI projects fail and what successful companies do differently

·       How to align AI with business KPIs from day one

·       Why soft skills like communication and storytelling are critical for data professionals

·       How to fail fast and deliver value quickly in AI projects

·       What executives actually want to hear from data teams

·       How to stand out in a competitive data job market

·       David Edison’s personal journey: from PhD graduate to Chief Data Scientist at Lenovo

·       Real-world case studies: including saving millions in manufacturing and helping NASCAR win races

00:00 Introduction to Data Analytics Chat Podcast

00:28 Guest Introduction: David Ellison

01:04 David's Career Journey

04:08 Transitioning Across Industries

06:08 Learning and Adapting in AI

09:30 Defining Moments in David's Career

13:48 Soft Skills and Leadership

21:56 Achieving ROI with AI

33:21 Real-World AI Success Stories

37:07 Final Thoughts and Advice

Thank you for listening!