Data Analytics Chat

Ben Parker
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🎧 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/  

  1. 5 HR AGO

    Why Every Company Needs a Data Platform Strategy

    Send us a text 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 emphasizes the need for a data platform strategy over simply assembling a stack of tools, and shares practical advice for newcomers and leaders alike. The conversation also covers the pitfalls of focusing on quick technology wins, the critical role of governance, and how to future-proof your data strategy in an era of rapid AI advancement. 00:00 Treating Data as a First-Class Citizen 01:19 Welcome & Guest Introduction 01:46 Manoj’s Career Journey & Background 02:45 Transition from Software to Data Engineering 05:06 Moving into Engineering Leadership 07:11 Advice for Newcomers: Learning & Unlearning 09:12 Defining Moments in Manoj’s Career 12:05 Lessons from Career Setbacks 15:03 The Importance of Data Platform Strategy 17:18 Data Stack vs. Data Platform Strategy 21:06 Evaluating and Choosing Data Tools 24:04 Why Companies Buy Tools Instead of Building Strategy 27:13 Real-World Example: Great Stack, Failed Strategy 30:00 Governance and Business-Tech Alignment 33:00 Building a Scalable, Future-Proof Data Platform 36:00 The Role of Data Platforms in AI & Innovation 41:00 Final Thoughts & Farewell Thank you for listening!

    43 min

  2. 27 AUG

    How To Solve Business/ Consumer Problems Using AI

    Send us a text 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 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 Journey 00:12 Believing in Yourself and Embracing Failure 01:14 Career Highlights and Future Plans 03:17 Transitioning from Technical to Leadership Roles 04:49 Learning and Mentorship 06:54 Key Advice for Innovation and Change Management 07:53 Stakeholder Management and Career Setbacks 13:08 AI in Business: Misconceptions and Realities 35:09 Balancing Quick Wins with Long-Term Solutions 37:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Thank you for listening!

    39 min

  3. 20 AUG

    How Do We Thread Gen AI Into Our Processes?

    Send us a text 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 Exciting World of Data Consulting 01:08 Welcome to Data Analytics Chat 01:45 Tony Giordano's Career Journey 05:31 The Impact of Working in Different Countries 08:48 Leading a Global Team at IBM 10:43 Cultural Lessons from Japan 22:56 Career Setbacks and Lessons Learned 24:45 The Future of Data and AI 28:58 The Calculator Debate and Modern Tools 30:31 The Importance of Domain Expertise 32:08 Celebrating Data Luminaries 33:29 The Evolution of Data Patterns 35:40 The Shiny Object Syndrome 39:48 The Role of Gen AI in Business 44:20 Cultural and Organizational Challenges 48:57 The Future of Data and Gen AI Thank you for listening!

    58 min

  4. 13 AUG

    What Happens When We Adopt AI – The Change Management Journey

    Send us a text Kartick 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: *   Kartick's four key career phases: mastering operations, quality and transformation, scaling transformation across finance and media, and data transformation. *   The importance of pushing beyond your comfort zone for career growth and leadership development. *   How to overcome major career setbacks by learning from challenges and focusing on the human side of change. *   Kartick's unique edge in connecting business value, technology, and people. *   Common misconceptions about AI adoption, such as viewing it as "plug and play" or self-sufficient. *   Why AI transformation is fundamentally a human journey that requires active engagement and belief. *   How businesses can effectively align AI adoption with real business problems rather than just chasing trends. *   Strategies for leaders to address fear, resistance, and cultural challenges during AI transformation. *   The crucial role of reskilling and upskilling the workforce for successful AI integration. *   Advice for non-technical professionals on how to effectively participate in the AI journey. *   Why the biggest myth about AI is that it serves as a "silver bullet" solution. *   Kartick's vision for a future AI-ready organization where humans and AI co-create value. Timestamps: 00:02:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:02:40 Kartick's Career Journey: Four Key Phases 00:05:45 Pushing Beyond Your Comfort Zone for Growth 00:08:00 Gaining Leadership Expertise and Mentorship 00:09:20 Major Career Setbacks and Their Lessons 00:12:30 Finding Your Edge in a Competitive Environment 00:13:50 Common Misconceptions in AI Adoption 00:18:10 Aligning AI with Real Business Problems 00:21:50 Human and Cultural Challenges in AI Transformation 00:24:00 How Leaders Can Approach AI Challenges 00:26:00 Advice for Non-Technical Listeners on AI 00:27:30 Busting the Biggest Myth About AI in Business 00:30:10 What a Well-Transformed AI-Ready Organization Looks Like 00:32:00 Turning Point in Successful Change Initiatives 00:33:15 Closing Remarks Thank you for listening!

    34 min

  5. 6 AUG

    Why Have Firms Not Focused on Data Readiness

    Send us a text 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, 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 industry 00:00 Introduction and Early Career 01:37 Welcome to Data Analytics Chat 02:22 Nipa Basu's Career Journey 03:23 Leadership in Data Science 05:20 Navigating to the C-Suite 00:00 Transitioning Between Roles 21:30 Building and Leading Teams 27:07 Challenges in Data Readiness 41:48 Practical Steps for Data Readiness 45:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Thank you for listening!

    46 min

  6. 30 JUL

    Turning AI into ROI: How to Build Value, Not Just Models

    Send us a text 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!

    38 min

  7. 23 JUL

    Can We Trust GenAI?

    Send us a text 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.    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:46 Michael Hicks' Career Journey 01:25 Transition from Academia to Business 02:56 Entering the Pharmaceutical Industry 04:34 Role in Analytics and Procurement 06:30 Challenges and Career Pivots 10:08 Building Trust and Relationships 16:41 Defining Career Moments 24:10 Career Setbacks and Lessons Learned 27:16 Gaining a Competitive Edge 29:31 Innovative Team Leadership 29:50 Creating a Positive Team Culture 31:44 Hiring for Empathy and Curiosity 33:51 Trust in AI Systems 40:03 AI Accountability and Governance 44:01 Ethical Boundaries for AI Decisions 45:58 Human Context and AI Limitations 49:42 Deferring to AI vs. Human Judgment 53:40 Podcast Conclusion and Final Thoughts Thank you for listening!

    54 min

  8. 9 JUL

    The Hidden Barriers to Data Maturity

    Send us a text 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, pragmatic view on what it really takes to build scalable, trusted data systems.   00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:38 Jessica's Unconventional Career Path 03:19 Motivations and Career Shifts 05:03 The Importance of Data Management 08:11 Emerging Roles in Data and AI 10:43 Passion and Career Growth 27:38 Facing Career Setbacks 33:59 Navigating Life's Challenges with Self-Care 35:03 The Importance of Mindset and Personal Growth 35:36 Turning Setbacks into Opportunities 39:31 Discovering and Leveraging Your Superpowers 45:20 Building High-Quality Data Ecosystems 47:37 The Role of Leadership in Data Governance 55:31 Breaking Down Data Silos 59:16 Investing in Knowledge Graphs 01:04:04 Advice for Data Leaders 01:07:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Thank you for listening!

    1h 7m
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About

🎧 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/  

Information

  • Creator
    Ben Parker
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Data Analytics Chat
  • Show Website
    Data Analytics Chat

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