Send us a textIn this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker interviews Bilal Ahmed, Chief AI and Data Officer at Paul Tech AG, about his career journey and invaluable insights into the world of data and AI. Bilal shares his experiences from his extensive career, highlighting pivotal moments, challenges, and the transition from a technical to a leadership role. He discusses the importance of self-belief, taking calculated risks, and the role of persistence and resilience in achieving success. We look into solving business and consumer problems using AI, emphasising the importance of asking the right questions and having the correct data. Bilal also touches upon the hype surrounding generative AI and the need to educate businesses on realistic expectations. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey00:12 Believing in Yourself and Embracing Failure01:14 Career Highlights and Future Plans03:17 Transitioning from Technical to Leadership Roles04:49 Learning and Mentorship06:54 Key Advice for Innovation and Change Management07:53 Stakeholder Management and Career Setbacks13:08 AI in Business: Misconceptions and Realities35:09 Balancing Quick Wins with Long-Term Solutions37:42 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThank you for listening!
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How Do We Thread Gen AI Into Our Processes?
Send us a textIn this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker welcomes Tony Giordano, the Senior Partner and VP for Global Data Platform Services at IBM. They discuss Tony's extensive career, including pivotal moments and lessons learned from working globally in the data space. The conversation covers the transformative impact of Gen AI, the evolution of data architecture, and the strategic integration of AI into business processes. Tony shares valuable insights on navigating technological advancements, maintaining domain expertise, and preparing for a future driven by data innovations. 00:00 Introduction to the Exciting World of Data Consulting01:08 Welcome to Data Analytics Chat01:45 Tony Giordano's Career Journey05:31 The Impact of Working in Different Countries08:48 Leading a Global Team at IBM10:43 Cultural Lessons from Japan22:56 Career Setbacks and Lessons Learned24:45 The Future of Data and AI28:58 The Calculator Debate and Modern Tools30:31 The Importance of Domain Expertise32:08 Celebrating Data Luminaries33:29 The Evolution of Data Patterns35:40 The Shiny Object Syndrome39:48 The Role of Gen AI in Business44:20 Cultural and Organizational Challenges48:57 The Future of Data and Gen AIThank you for listening!
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What Happens When We Adopt AI – The Change Management Journey
Send us a textKartick Kalaimani, VP Enterprise MDM Data and Transformation Lead at Dentsu, joins Ben Parker to demystify AI adoption and its critical human element. This insightful episode delves into common misconceptions about AI, highlighting the importance of clean data, clearly defined use cases, and strong change management. Kartick shares his extensive career journey and provides actionable advice on bridging the gap between technology and people, emphasizing that successful AI transformation is ultimately a human journey focused on belief and adoption.In this episode, you will learn:* Â Kartick's four key career phases: mastering operations, quality and transformation, scaling transformation across finance and media, and data transformation.* Â The importance of pushing beyond your comfort zone for career growth and leadership development.* Â How to overcome major career setbacks by learning from challenges and focusing on the human side of change.* Â Kartick's unique edge in connecting business value, technology, and people.* Â Common misconceptions about AI adoption, such as viewing it as "plug and play" or self-sufficient.* Â Why AI transformation is fundamentally a human journey that requires active engagement and belief.* Â How businesses can effectively align AI adoption with real business problems rather than just chasing trends.* Â Strategies for leaders to address fear, resistance, and cultural challenges during AI transformation.* Â The crucial role of reskilling and upskilling the workforce for successful AI integration.* Â Advice for non-technical professionals on how to effectively participate in the AI journey.* Â Why the biggest myth about AI is that it serves as a "silver bullet" solution.* Â Kartick's vision for a future AI-ready organization where humans and AI co-create value.Timestamps:00:02:00 Welcome and Introduction00:02:40 Kartick's Career Journey: Four Key Phases00:05:45 Pushing Beyond Your Comfort Zone for Growth00:08:00 Gaining Leadership Expertise and Mentorship00:09:20 Major Career Setbacks and Their Lessons00:12:30 Finding Your Edge in a Competitive Environment00:13:50 Common Misconceptions in AI Adoption00:18:10 Aligning AI with Real Business Problems00:21:50 Human and Cultural Challenges in AI Transformation00:24:00 How Leaders Can Approach AI Challenges00:26:00 Advice for Non-Technical Listeners on AI00:27:30 Busting the Biggest Myth About AI in Business00:30:10 What a Well-Transformed AI-Ready Organization Looks Like00:32:00 Turning Point in Successful Change Initiatives00:33:15 Closing RemarksThank you for listening!
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Why Have Firms Not Focused on Data Readiness
Send us a textIn this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker interviews Nipa Basu, a seasoned data analytics executive. Nipa shares her captivating career journey from pursuing a PhD in economics in India to becoming a Chief Data Officer in the United States. They discuss pivotal moments that shaped her career, the evolution of data science, and what distinguishes good leaders from great ones in the tech industry. They also delve into why many firms struggle with data readiness and the importance of balancing technical expertise with soft skills. In this episode, you will learn:Nipa Basu’s career journey from technical contributor to C-suite executive in data analyticsThe difference between good and great leadership in data scienceThe importance of storytelling and communication skills for data professionalsHow to build and lead large, high-performing data teamsThe evolving landscape of data science and the need for continuous learningWhy many companies struggle with data readiness before launching AI initiativesCommon misconceptions about data readiness and the role of the C-suitePractical steps for organisations to become truly data-readyThe impact of organisational culture, skills gaps, and leadership on data successReal-world examples of career setbacks and adaptability in the data industry00:00 Introduction and Early Career01:37 Welcome to Data Analytics Chat02:22 Nipa Basu's Career Journey03:23 Leadership in Data Science05:20 Navigating to the C-Suite00:00 Transitioning Between Roles21:30 Building and Leading Teams27:07 Challenges in Data Readiness41:48 Practical Steps for Data Readiness45:00 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThank you for listening!
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Turning AI into ROI: How to Build Value, Not Just Models
Send us a textIn 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 AdviceThank you for listening!
🎧 Welcome to Data Analytics Chat – the podcast where data meets real careers. Data isn’t just numbers; it’s a journey. Each episode, we explore a key topic shaping the world of data analytics while also discussing the career paths of our guests.This podcast brings together top experts to share:- Insights on today’s biggest data trends- The challenges they’ve faced (and how they overcame them)- Their career journeys, lessons learned, and advice for the next generation of data professionalsThis isn’t just a podcast, it’s a community for anyone passionate about data and the people behind it.👉 Hit subscribe and join us on the journey. Connect with host - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben---parker/
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