The Data Storytellers Podcast

The Data Storytellers Podcast

The Data Storytellers is a leading professional community dedicated to building business influence for data and analytics leaders. Our mission is to empower and enable Data Science & Analytics professionals and organizations to actualize their full potential. In the evolving landscape of business, Data Science and Analytics departments are emerging as a business within a business, driving strategic decisions and influencing outcomes.

  1. Dispelling The Myths of The AI Bubble | Ron Hetrick (Lightcast)

    2 DAYS AGO

    Dispelling The Myths of The AI Bubble | Ron Hetrick (Lightcast)

    In this episode of The Data Storytellers Podcast, we sit down with Ron Hetrick, Principal Economist at Lightcast, to unpack the deep structural issues driving the U.S. labor shortage. Ron explains why this is not a short-term blip but a long-term demographic shift that will redefine how companies hire, grow, and operate. From fertility rate collapse and immigration policy to flawed assumptions about productivity, he helps us understand the real economic forces reshaping the talent landscape. We explore why AI and automation are not the silver bullets many executives hope for, and what leaders should focus on instead. Ron also shares what economists missed about remote work, the dangers of oversimplified labor data, and how companies can rethink workforce strategy in an age of persistent scarcity. Chapters: 00:00 – Introductions and Ron’s career path from TV to economics03:12 – What’s really driving the U.S. labor shortage07:21 – Why this isn’t a temporary workforce dip11:44 – The demographic math no one is talking about15:32 – Immigration, fertility, and the myth of the "lazy worker"20:10 – Why unemployment stats don’t tell the full story25:33 – The silent shift from job scarcity to talent scarcity30:48 – What economists missed about remote work and productivity36:15 – The false hope of automation as a labor solution41:09 – How companies are overestimating what AI can replace46:27 – The hard ceiling of productivity without people51:12 – Forecasting the long-term consequences of talent shortages56:33 – What future-ready organizations are doing differently1:01:44 – Redesigning workforce strategy for a shrinking labor pool1:06:28 – Advice for leaders on adapting to the new labor reality1:10:13 – Final thoughts on demographic truth vs tech hype

    1h 51m
  2. Making Sense of the AI Narrative Chaos in 2025 | Rich Heimann (Author, Director of AI @ State of South Carolina)

    23 OCT

    Making Sense of the AI Narrative Chaos in 2025 | Rich Heimann (Author, Director of AI @ State of South Carolina)

    On this episode of The Data Storytellers Podcast, Rich Heimann, author of Doing AI, GenAI Revealed, and the newly released Sutskever's List, joins us for a deep and provocative conversation on why most enterprise AI initiatives fail. Rich unpacks how internal power structures, belief systems, and corporate incentives shape what AI gets funded, how it's framed, and why so many efforts fall short. We explore the gap between organizational theater and technical progress, and why understanding human systems matters more than mastering the technical stack. If you're an AI or data leader struggling with implementation, this episode offers a fresh lens that might explain why the problem isn't your model. Want more? Rich’s new book Sutskever’s List: Foundational Ideas of Modern AI is now available — and you can get it HERE with 45% off. Chapters: 00:00 – Introductions and Rich’s background 02:44 – The real reasons AI adoption fails in enterprise settings 07:12 – Power, status, and the illusion of AI progress 12:25 – Why many AI initiatives are more about performance than impact 17:31 – Data science vs business theater: who’s really calling the shots? 21:50 – Cultural friction: how belief systems shape technical outcomes 26:43 – Rich on the danger of over-rationalizing human systems 32:17 – Lessons from behavioral economics and AI ethics 37:09 – What leaders pretend to want vs what they actually support 42:03 – Redefining AI success: who gets to decide what matters? 47:58 – Stories vs truth: how narratives become strategy 53:11 – The objectivity myth and why some orgs cling to it 59:04 – LLMs, RAGs, and the current moment of hype 1:04:50 – Why technologists need to understand organizational design 1:09:44 – Advice for AI leaders trying to make change stick 1:14:02 – Final reflections on trust, transformation, and learning

    1h 25m
  3. The Hard Truths of Enterprise AI Adoption | Jodi Blomberg (Cox Automotive)

    2 OCT

    The Hard Truths of Enterprise AI Adoption | Jodi Blomberg (Cox Automotive)

    In this episode of The Data Storytellers Podcast, we speak with Jodi Blomberg, VP of AI and Machine Learning at Cox Automotive. Jodi shares her experience leading AI transformation at scale in a highly regulated, legacy-rich environment. We explore how to balance long-term R&D with immediate impact, why trust and humility are critical in AI leadership, and how to move from proofs of concept to deployed products that make a real difference. Jodi also discusses the cultural and operational shifts required to truly embed AI in the enterprise and her own career journey from econometrics to machine learning. Connect with us:Website: https://thedatastorytellers.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-data-storytellersApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-data-storytellers-podcast/id1493766476Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2N0vZtHZHgod4Tll2LX2xaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz9e56lhYUfORiOHMiLlPmA Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction and Jodi Blomberg’s role at Cox Automotive02:44 – The mission of the AI and Machine Learning team06:12 – Where AI is driving value in automotive ecosystems10:25 – Lessons learned leading data teams in legacy orgs14:01 – Balancing long-term R&D with business impact18:17 – Why successful AI teams don’t chase shiny objects22:39 – The cultural change required for enterprise AI26:15 – From proof of concept to production in a regulated space30:34 – Jodi’s career path from econometrics to applied AI35:48 – The role of humility and empathy in AI leadership40:09 – Bringing executive stakeholders on the journey

    43 min
  4. The AI Leadership Playbook for Global Enterprises | Elena Alikhachkina

    4 SEPT

    The AI Leadership Playbook for Global Enterprises | Elena Alikhachkina

    In this episode of The Data Storytellers Podcast, we speak with Elena Alikhachkina, Chief Data and AI Officer at TE Connectivity. With a background spanning Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Nestlé, and now one of the world’s largest industrial tech companies, Elena shares what it takes to lead AI transformation across global, complex organizations. We talk about the realities of operationalizing data and AI in manufacturing, the soft skills required to drive trust and adoption, and how to move from use cases to enterprise value. Elena also reflects on how she built her career across industries, why curiosity is her superpower, and how data leaders can move from technical execution to strategic leadership. Connect with us: Website: https://thedatastorytellers.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-data-storytellers Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-data-storytellers-podcast/id1493766476 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2N0vZtHZHgod4Tll2LX2xa YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz9e56lhYUfORiOHMiLlPmA Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction and Elena’s current role at TE Connectivity02:41 – Why AI transformation is a leadership challenge, not a tech one06:50 – How to build trust across functions when driving change10:22 – The power of storytelling in operational environments14:36 – Creating a data strategy that scales globally18:58 – Why speed alone is not a data strategy23:11 – Aligning AI with core business priorities27:04 – Moving from isolated use cases to enterprise-wide value31:17 – Lessons from Nestlé and Johnson & Johnson36:03 – Defining value clearly in industrial use cases40:40 – The evolution of the Chief Data and AI Officer role44:12 – Building multidisciplinary teams that earn business trust49:18 – Advice for data leaders entering legacy-heavy environments53:46 – Why curiosity, empathy, and resilience matter most58:03 – How Elena built her career across industries and functions1:03:40 – What’s next in data and AI at TE Connectivity1:08:12 – Closing thoughts on leadership, impact, and lifelong learning

    1h 13m
  5. How Agentic AI Will Reshape Customer Experience | Rangan Gangavaram (Verizon)

    21 AUG

    How Agentic AI Will Reshape Customer Experience | Rangan Gangavaram (Verizon)

    In this episode of The Data Storytellers Podcast, we speak with Rangan Gangavaram, Senior Director of Analytics & Insights at Verizon, about the promise and pitfalls of agentic AI. Rangan shares why agentic AI is more than just another automation wave, how it differs from RPA, and why its reasoning capabilities could redefine customer interactions. We discuss the decision frameworks enterprises need to adopt, the importance of stakeholder-driven adoption, and how AI transformations resemble the digital era more than traditional data initiatives. Rangan also reflects on his career journey from engineering to analytics leadership and the pivotal role of storytelling in driving AI adoption. Connect with us:Website: https://thedatastorytellers.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-data-storytellersApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-data-storytellers-podcast/id1493766476Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2N0vZtHZHgod4Tll2LX2xaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz9e56lhYUfORiOHMiLlPmAChapters: 00:00 – Introduction and reconnecting after past conversations 01:15 – Why agentic AI is the real deal for enterprises 04:32 – Comparing agentic AI to RPA and automation 07:55 – The multiplier effect of AI-driven reasoning 12:41 – Do today’s AI models really reason? 17:14 – Understanding the driver behind customer problems 19:03 – Key risks and pitfalls in deploying agentic AI 25:12 – Why stakeholder buy-in is essential for adoption 28:40 – AI strategy as part of a holistic transformation 32:58 – How AI transformation mirrors the digital revolution 36:46 – Managing cost concerns for AI at scale 40:33 – Rangan’s career path into data and analytics 46:12 – The importance of storytelling in analytics leadership 52:10 – Advice for aspiring professionals in data and AI 54:40 – Closing reflections and future collaboration

    57 min
  6. Data Foundations vs. AI Hype | Eric Gonzalez (Omnificity)

    31 JUL

    Data Foundations vs. AI Hype | Eric Gonzalez (Omnificity)

    In this episode of The Data Storytellers Podcast we speak with Eric Gonzalez, CEO of Omnificity. Eric explains why strong data foundations are more critical than chasing shiny AI solutions and shares how to educate stakeholders without killing their enthusiasm. We explore how to avoid falling into proof of concept purgatory, how to prioritize initiatives based on impact and feasibility, and how to navigate the organizational egos that often get in the way of real progress. Eric also reflects on his career journey from neuroscience and economics to data leadership and offers actionable advice for building trust and clarity in your organization. Connect With Us: Website: https://thedatastorytellers.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-data-storytellers Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-data-storytellers-podcast/id1493766476 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2N0vZtHZHgod4Tll2LX2xa YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz9e56lhYUfORiOHMiLlPmA Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction and Eric’s take on AI’s rapid democratization01:08 – Why most enterprises are not ready for AI yet05:30 – How to inspire executives without shutting down excitement07:26 – Examples of AI replacing boring and monotonous tasks14:44 – Why companies get stuck in proof of concept purgatory19:41 – The pitfalls of synthetic data and model collapse24:16 – The limitations of large language models and what comes next28:35 – How to approach stakeholders about real business impact32:57 – Eric’s journey from neuroscience to business intelligence40:29 – Lessons learned working across industries44:31 – Why data teams must align information flows with decision flows55:26 – A prioritization framework for enterprise use cases1:02:16 – The biggest bottleneck in organizations is ego1:04:01 – What Dan Gilbert taught about listening to every idea1:07:53 – Closing thoughts and where to follow Eric’s work

    1h 9m
  7. The AI Revolution in 2025 Explained | Nurtekin Savas (PayPal)

    22 JUL

    The AI Revolution in 2025 Explained | Nurtekin Savas (PayPal)

    In this episode of The Data Storytellers Podcast, we speak with Nurtekin Savas, VP and Head of Global Credit Infrastructure, Data & AI at PayPal. Nurtekin shares how PayPal balances innovation with responsibility as it scales global credit products powered by data and AI. From structuring modern analytics platforms to influencing stakeholders and fostering experimentation in regulated environments, Nurtekin offers actionable insights for data leaders navigating fintech complexity. He also reflects on the value of storytelling, leadership trust, and aligning infrastructure with business goals at scale. Connect with us:• Website: https://thedatastorytellers.com/• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-data-storytellers• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-data-storytellers-podcast/id1493766476• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2N0vZtHZHgod4Tll2LX2xa• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz9e56lhYUfORiOHMiLlPmA Chapters: 00:00 – Intro: Meet Nurtekin Savas, PayPal’s Head of Global Credit Infrastructure, Data & AI 04:52 – What Nurtekin’s team owns across data, platforms, and credit 09:45 – The connective tissue between data, infrastructure, and product 14:38 – From AOL to PayPal: a 20+ year fintech journey 19:31 – Why compliance and experimentation must coexist 24:24 – Building the muscle for responsible innovation 29:17 – Creating space to learn and fail in a high-stakes environment 34:10 – Platform architecture: building what’s needed vs. shiny objects 39:03 – Gaining buy-in from senior leadership on infrastructure investments 43:56 – The importance of storytelling in analytics and AI 48:49 – Decision rights, influence, and organizational trust 53:42 – Growing talent: what makes a great data leader 58:35 – Lessons from past roles: Visa, Amazon, Capital One, Fidelity 63:28 – Building systems that scale responsibly across borders 68:21 – Trends Nurtekin is watching in AI and credit innovation 73:14 – Final thoughts on leadership, curiosity, and execution 78:07 – Wrap-up and closing insights

    1h 23m
  8. Building Data-Driven Cultures in Sports, Film, and Streaming | Mikel Davis (VP of Strategic Analytics @ Peacock)

    14 JUL

    Building Data-Driven Cultures in Sports, Film, and Streaming | Mikel Davis (VP of Strategic Analytics @ Peacock)

    On this episode of The Data Storytellers Podcast, we speak with Mikel Davis, VP of Strategic Analytics at Peacock. Mikel shares her journey from early analytics roles in sports and entertainment—including the Cleveland Cavaliers and Legendary Pictures—to leading customer and growth strategies at one of the world’s top streaming platforms. We explore how data is transforming marketing, content, and customer experience across industries, and the leadership skills that help drive real cultural change in large organizations. Connect With Us:• Website: https://thedatastorytellers.com/• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-data-storytellers• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-data-storytellers-podcast/id1493766476• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2N0vZtHZHgod4Tll2LX2xa• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz9e56lhYUfORiOHMiLlPmA Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:36 – The rise of AI: déjà vu from the early data days 02:15 – From data literacy to AI fluency: is it just rebranding? 04:52 – Laszlo’s path from military intel to analytics through marketing 06:21 – Mikel’s current role at Peacock and team’s mandate 07:33 – How Mikel accidentally discovered analytics in college 09:30 – Economics + statistics = the original analytics degree 11:03 – From Accenture to the Cleveland Cavaliers 13:15 – Selling tickets with data: pre-LeBron vs. post-LeBron 15:02 – Pandora’s predictive personalization and data obsession 17:35 – Streaming disruption: what seemed crazy is now normal 18:24 – How LeBron changed Mikel’s job and career path 21:43 – Moving to film: data innovation at Legendary Entertainment 23:55 – F1 Movie example: modernizing film marketing with data 27:56 – Using data to greenlight and cast films more strategically 29:52 – Balancing art and science in content creation 31:29 – Transition to AT&T: data for customer retention 33:33 – The big challenge: keeping cable customers in the streaming era 34:02 – The streaming boom and Netflix as a data pioneer 35:33 – Joining NBCUniversal: centralizing customer data 36:59 – Launching Peacock and driving strategic growth 37:46 – Mikel’s career playbook: building data-driven cultures 38:15 – Adapting insights to executives vs. operations 40:24 – Building trust through stakeholder empathy and flexibility 42:24 – The power of asking good questions and connecting people 43:46 – The #1 blocker: when success without data breeds resistance 44:56 – AI parallels: augmenting, not replacing, human judgment 46:02 – Closing thoughts

    46 min
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About

The Data Storytellers is a leading professional community dedicated to building business influence for data and analytics leaders. Our mission is to empower and enable Data Science & Analytics professionals and organizations to actualize their full potential. In the evolving landscape of business, Data Science and Analytics departments are emerging as a business within a business, driving strategic decisions and influencing outcomes.

Information

  • Creator
    The Data Storytellers Podcast
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    137
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Data Storytellers Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Data Storytellers Podcast

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