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How Enterprises Can Transform for the AI Era (and Why Small Builder Teams Win) | With Echeyde Cubillo

Ben Parker hosts Echeyde Cubillo on Data Analytics Chat to discuss why large organisations struggle to transform for the AI era and how to build a practical playbook from legacy to AI. Cubillo argues there is no substitute for hands-on coding and that startups and small teams can outperform large groups because layers of management dilute context, slow execution, and add bureaucracy. He says incumbents must radically rethink product UX from form-based...

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With Elena Alikhachkina — 4x Chief AI & Data Officer and Board Advisor

What does it really take to move from data projects to data products?

In this episode, Ben Parker speaks with Elena Alikhachkina about one of the biggest shifts happening across Data and AI and why technical expertise alone is no longer enough.

Drawing on more than 25 years in the industry, Elena explores how organisations can build more customer-focused, commercially relevant Data and AI products through stronger product thinking, busin...

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With Phoenix Pei — SVP, Analytics Manager at Truist

What will the Data Scientist and Data Engineer of the future look like?

In this episode, Ben Parker speaks with Phoenix Pei about how AI and automation are changing data roles — and why technical expertise alone may no longer be enough.

Phoenix explores the growing importance of business understanding, trust and leadership alignment, why many data initiatives still struggle to create meaningful impact, and how organisations may need to rethink the structu...

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With Durai Rajamanickam — Senior AI Leader

How do leaders make better decisions about AI when the technology, risks and expectations are changing so quickly?

In this episode, Ben Parker speaks with Durai Rajamanickam about what it takes to turn AI ambition into something organisations can trust, scale and create value from.

They explore why AI initiatives can go wrong before technology is even the problem, the danger of hype-driven decisions, and why clear business objectives and leadership alignment matter.

...

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With Nayan Paul — Managing Director & Chief Architect, Generative AI at Accenture

Why are so many organisations experimenting with Generative AI, but so few turning it into meaningful business impact?

In this episode, Ben Parker speaks with Nayan Paul about what it really takes to move GenAI from experimentation into production and scale.

They explore why successful adoption isn't simply a technology challenge. It requires business ownership, the right operating model, strong data foundations and a clear approach to go...

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With Sujit Narapareddy — Head of Data & Analytics, AWS Sales

What separates organisations experimenting with AI from those actually changing how work gets done?

In this episode, Ben Parker speaks with Sujit Narapareddy about what it really takes to embed AI into an organisation and why technology is only part of the challenge.

Sujit explores the importance of human judgement, strong data foundations and leadership alignment, alongside the organisational changes required to move from AI experimentation to real adoption.

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With Carlos Pineda — Head of Data Analytics & Insight, Diageo North America

Where is AI actually creating value today and where are organisations still getting distracted by the hype?

In this episode, Ben Parker speaks with Carlos Pineda about the reality of implementing AI inside large organisations and what separates experimentation from meaningful business transformation.

Carlos explores why successful AI starts with understanding the business problem, having the right data foundations and embedding AI into real processes rather than simply adopt...

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With Misha Trubskyy — Head of Claims Data Science, Mercury Insurance

Why is hiring exceptional AI and Data talent still so difficult even in a market full of candidates?

In this episode, Ben Parker speaks with Misha Trubskyy about what organisations are getting wrong when hiring, assessing and retaining AI and Data professionals.

Drawing on his experience leading Data Science in insurance, Misha explores the disconnect between companies struggling to find the right skills and candidates who feel hiring processes have...

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With Carol Kim — Executive Director, IBM

Can an organisation really be data-driven if its data can't be trusted?

In this episode, Ben Parker speaks with Carol Kim about why Data Governance and Data Quality are fundamental to better decision-making and what happens when organisations fail to get them right.

Carol explores how poor-quality data affects far more than technology, creating hidden costs across decision-making, operations and the wider business.

Drawing on her journey from finance into t...

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With Ilya Meyzin — SVP, Head of AI Solutions at Dun & Bradstreet

Are AI agents genuinely the next major shift in enterprise AI or are many still sophisticated workflows wrapped around LLMs?

In this episode, Ben Parker speaks with Ilya Meyzin about what AI agents can actually do today and what it takes to turn experimentation into real business value.

Ilya explores how agents differ from traditional AI systems, where the strongest use cases are emerging, and why many promising pilot...

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With Allison Olson — SVP, Analytics Solutions at Merkle

How much of what we buy is influenced by AI without us even realising it?

In this episode, Ben Parker speaks with Allison Olson about how AI and real-time data are transforming personalisation and changing the way brands understand, influence and interact with their customers.

Allison explores the shift from static recommendations to dynamic experiences that adapt to customer behaviour in real time, the data required to make this possible, and where...

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With Viji Krishnamurthy — VP & Head of AI and Generative AI at Oracle

Why do some organisations turn Generative AI into real business value while others struggle to move beyond experimentation?

In this episode, Ben Parker speaks with Viji Krishnamurthy about what it really takes to implement and scale Generative AI inside the enterprise.

Drawing on more than two decades across research, startups, Samsung and Oracle, Viji explores the technical, cultural and organisational challenges that emerge as companies move GenAI into...

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With Michael Shaw — SVP, Data & AI at Dow Jones

How should organisations measure the real value of their Data and AI investments?

In this episode, Ben Parker speaks with Michael Shaw about one of the biggest challenges facing Data and AI leaders: defining what success actually looks like.

Drawing on experience at Dow Jones, Google, Facebook and Instacart, Michael explores how organisations can connect Data initiatives to business objectives, balance quick wins with long-term value, and set realistic expectations with...

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With Priya Gopal — Founder, Inferential Data LLC | Former Takeda & GSK

Why are strong data standards so important in pharma and why are they so difficult to implement consistently?

In this episode, Ben Parker speaks with Priya Gopal about what it takes to build and implement effective data standards across complex pharmaceutical organisations.

Drawing on her experience across clinical research and major pharma companies including Takeda and GSK, Priya explores the importance of cultural readiness, the challenges of implementing standards acros...

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In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we welcome Shourabh Mukherji, a data and analytics expert with 25 years of experience at major firms such as Chubb and JPMorgan Chase. 

Shourabh shares his journey from starting a small enterprise in India to working with senior executives in the United States. The discussion examines his career milestones, key challenges, and the vital leadership skills required in the industry. 

The data topic explores essential data management principles, the importance of aligning data strategies with business objectives, and the role of AI and ne...

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In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we sit down with Juan Gorricho, a leader in data analytics with experience at top companies like Walt Disney, Visa, and TD Bank. 

Now the founder of Strategic Data Transformation, Juan shares his journey in the data field, the challenges of delivering data projects, the importance of aligning data projects with business goals, and managing expectations amid the AI hype. 

He also provides leadership lessons, emphasising the value of empathy, listening, and team growth. 

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9In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we sit down with Dushyanth Sekhar, Head of AI and Data Platforms at S&P Global. Dush shares key insights from his career journey, emphasising the importance of learning from failures in the AI space. 

He discusses his transition from a non-technology background to leading AI and data initiatives, the role of continuous learning, and the significance of setting a vision and promoting a risk-taking culture in leadership. 

The conversation highlights the strategic implementation of generative AI and agents in transforming data wo...

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In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we welcome Sundip Gorai, Global Head of Data Science and AI at Global Payments, a Fortune 500 company. Sundip shares insights from his expansive career journey, which spans across various industries like banking and manufacturing, and discusses how agentic AI is revolutionising business. 

He offers insight into AI strategy, the challenges of adopting AI, and the importance of striking a balance between technology and ethics and social responsibility. Sundip also reflects on the future of work, the impact of AI on jobs, and the need f...

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In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben welcomes Matthew Paruthickal, Global Head of Data and AI Architecture Engineering at Sanofi, to discuss the evolution of data technology from single-box systems to agent AI. 

They explore Matthew's career journey, the importance of solving business problems with technology, and the significant moments that shaped his approach to data. Topics include the layered data stack, overcoming technical and organisational challenges, the role of trust and speed in data, and how businesses can leverage AI for better decision-making. 

00:00 The Evolution of Da...

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In this episode of the Data Analytics Chat podcast, we welcome Sameer Sethi, Chief AI Officer at Hackensack Meridian Health, to discuss his exciting career journey and the evolving balance between human intuition and AI-driven decision signals.

Sameer offers his perspective on the maturation of data analytics, the acceleration of technology adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the role of AI in transforming healthcare delivery. 

He also examines the risks associated with over-reliance on AI, the value of human-factor engineering in successful AI i...

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In this episode of the Data Analytics Chat podcast, host Ben Parker welcomes Steve Labkoff, Vice President for Development and Medical Analytics at Bristol Myers Squibb. 

Steve shares his incredible career journey, from starting as a traditional physician to pioneering roles in medical informatics and analytics across various pharmaceutical companies. 

The discussion explores the intricacies of personalised medicine, highlighting the importance of identifying the right data and the challenges it presents. Steve also highlights the impact of life experiences on his career, the value of mentorship, and his innovative co...

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In this episode of the Data Analytics Chat podcast, we explore the world of data and AI with Linda Powell, former Deputy Chief Data Officer. 

Linda shares insights from her unique career journey, which spans roles at the Federal Reserve, the Treasury Department, Citibank, and more. She discusses the differences and similarities between public and private sectors, and the importance of data foundations in AI. She offers advice for those looking to build their careers in data management. 

00:00 Public vs. Private Sector: A Personal Insight
01:08 Introducing Linda Powell: Ca...

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In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker interviews Manoj Mohan, an engineering executive with experience at Intuit, Meta, Apple, and Cloudera. 

Manoj shares his journey from software engineering to data leadership, offering invaluable insights into building resilient data platforms and driving innovation in the world of data and AI.

Manoj discusses pivotal moments in his career, the challenges of moving from technical roles to leadership, and the importance of learning from both successes and failures. He emphasises the need for a data platform strategy over simply a...

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In 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 a...

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In 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 Ex...

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Kartick Kalaimani, VP 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, emphasising that successful AI transformation is ultimately a human journey focused on belief and adoption.

In this episode, you will learn:

*   Kartick's four key career phases: mastering operations, quality and t...

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In 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, y...

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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

·       W...

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In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker welcomes Michael Hicks, Executive Director at Novartis. 

We explore Michael's unconventional career journey, which transitions from academia to business and from procurement to advanced analytics within the pharmaceutical industry. 

Michael shares his thoughts on career decisions, the importance of positivity in teams, and the essential skills for success. The episode also dives into the crucial discussion on the trustworthiness of generative AI, its ethical implications, and the balance between human intuition and AI decision-making. 

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In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker sits down with Jessica Talisman, Senior Information Architect at Adobe, to uncover why so many organisations struggle to move beyond basic data management.

Jessica shares in-depth industry insights on the root causes of poor data quality, the often-overlooked role of data governance, and why AI initiatives frequently fail without a robust data foundation. 

From her unique career path rooted in library and information science to leading complex data ecosystems in tech, Jessica offers a fresh, pra...

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In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker speaks with Joe Bugajski, former Chief Data Officer at Visa and Gartner. 

Joe shares his remarkable career journey, which included building prototype vehicles, launching a machine learning company, and becoming a C-level data leader and coach.

For the data topic, we discuss what it really takes to lead and coach high-performing data teams. Joe offers honest insights on moving from technical expert to leader, how to communicate data value to the business, and the importance of...

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In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker talks with Anju Gupta, the Chief Data and AI Officer at BNSF Railway, to explore her successful career journey to date and discuss AI adoption. 

Anju reveals her career journey, sharing pivotal moments that shaped her path and the profound influence of AI on various industries. She discusses overcoming challenges, the significance of collaboration, and essential skills like resilience, humility, and influencing. 

Anju provides a detailed exploration of AI adoption at scale, highlighting common roadblocks, stra...

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Why do so many data and analytics projects fall short, even in the most well-funded companies?

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker talks with Murli Buluswar, Head of Analytics at Citibank's US Personal Bank, to explore what companies are doing wrong in data and analytics solutions. 

We also explore his impressive career journey, from statistician to leader and unpack what it really takes to scale impact in data and analytics.

00:00 Introduction to the Guest and Episode Overview

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In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker talks with Shashi Kumar, Head of Data Engineering & Analytics at Hearst, to explore how the rise of generative AI is reshaping the role of data engineering.

Whether you’re an aspiring data leader or a hands-on engineer, this episode is packed with practical insights, career advice, and how top organisations adapt to the new AI landscape.

You’ll learn:

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In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, Ben Parker chats with Gerrit Grotewold, Head of Personalisation at BMW Research, to explore what it takes to build a long, impactful career in data and AI.

With his career at BMW, Gerrit shares how he transitioned from electrical engineering into AI leadership, the key challenges he faced stepping into management, and the learning habits that keep him ahead.

👉 Whether you’re a data professional just starting or an experienced expert, this episode is packed with great insights to help...

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In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker sits down with Sassoon Kosian, Corporate Vice President of Data Science at New York Life, to explore the journey from early challenges in physics to becoming a leader in the data and AI space.

Gain insights into managing high-performing teams, staying relevant in a fast-paced industry, and navigating corporate politics.

Key topics include:

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Is ethical AI just a buzzword?

 In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker chats with Mark Brady, Deputy Chief Data Officer at KBR, who reveals the real risks behind today’s AI systems and why most organisations are unprepared.

Mark breaks down the Six Laws of Safe AI, a practical, no-fluff framework for securing the future as AI gains power, autonomy, and physical-world access.
 
 

We also discuss:

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In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker sits down with Aaron Hand, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer at ArcelorMittal, to reveal what life is really like in the C-suite.

With a career spanning UBS, Holcim, and now leading AI strategy at one of the world’s largest manufacturing companies, Aaron shares candid insights on the challenges, pressures, and strategic thinking required to succeed as a modern CDO or CAIO.

You'll discover:

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In this episode of the Data Analytics podcast, we welcome Pablo Vega Behar, Director of Machine Learning at Fitch Group. 

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Pablo Vega-Behar, Director of Machine Learning Engineering at Fitch Group, as he shares his journey in the AI industry. From navigating career pivots to leading innovative machine learning projects, Pablo reveals practical strategies for success and leadership in a rapidly evolving field. 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:37 Pablo's Journey into Data Science

04:04 Transitioning Industries and...

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In this episode of the Data Analytics podcast, we welcome Milan Dhore, Director of AI Strategy and Cloud Engineering at The Hartford. 

Milan discusses his career journey, the pivotal moments that shaped his path in the industry and identifies current challenges in the data and AI space. He offers insights into the importance of ROI, data quality and the evolving landscape of cloud and AI technologies. 

Milan also shares career advice for those entering the field, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and strategic thinking.