Data Analytics Chat

Ben Parker
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*** The podcast is on a short pause as I focus on scaling my recruitment firm, bigger things coming soon *** 🎧 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 and discuss 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 is for anyone passionate about data and the people behind it.👉 Hit subscribe and join us on the learning journey.  Connect with host - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben---parker/  

  1. 4 FEB

    From Data Projects to Data Products: Essential Skills for AI Leaders

    In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we welcome Elena Alikhachkina, a four-time Chief AI and Data Officer with Fortune 500 companies, and a board advisor. Elena shares her journey in data analytics and AI spanning over 25 years, covering key transitions in her career and the importance of blending business acumen with technical expertise.  The discussion focuses on the critical shift from data projects to data products, highlighting the need for product skills in the age of AI. Elena emphasises the importance of understanding the business, building customer-centric solutions, and investing in both technical and soft skills for AI leaders. Her insights provide a roadmap for anyone looking to excel in data and AI roles in today's dynamic business environment. 00:00 Introduction to the Factory Process and Data Science Challenges 01:00 Welcome to Data Analytics Chat with Elena Alikhachkina 01:33 Ena's Career Journey and Insights 04:14 The Importance of Understanding Business Processes 09:17 Shifting from Data Projects to Data Products 11:08 The Need for a Product Mindset in AI 15:06 Challenges in Adopting a Product Mindset 16:39 Encouraging Proactivity and Collaboration 18:08 The Role of Education in Driving Change 22:34 The Need for Reeducation in Technology and Data 22:50 Embedding Data and AI in Business Curriculum 23:14 The Changing Role of Data in Leadership 24:01 The Importance of Soft Skills in Tech 25:31 Trust in Data and Technology 26:30 Essential Skills for the Future 28:20 The Shift to Product-Centric Roles 29:50 Bridging the Gap Between Business and Tech 30:16 Investing in Personal Development 31:19 Understanding the Customer's Needs 34:00 The Value of Product Thinking in AI 35:47 Career Growth Through Business Understanding 41:03 Final Thoughts and Call to Action Thank you for listening!

    42 min

  2. 29 JAN

    The Future of Data Scientists and Data Engineers: How Data Teams Must Change

    In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we’re joined by Phoenix Pei, SVP, Analytics Manager at Truist, to explore how the roles of Data Scientists and Data Engineers are changing in the age of AI and automation.   Phoenix explains why trust, leadership alignment, and business understanding are becoming more critical than technical skills alone, and how generative AI is reshaping how data teams work. We discuss which skills will matter most in the future, why so many data initiatives struggle to deliver impact, and how organisations should rethink team structure and collaboration to stay relevant.   A practical conversation for leaders and practitioners who want to build data teams that actually deliver value in an AI-driven world. 00:00 Introduction to Scaling Analytics and AI 00:50 The Role of Leadership in Data Science 01:24 Exploring the Future of Data Roles 01:46 Guest Introduction: Phoenix Pei 02:18 Phoenix's Career Journey and Insights 09:34 The Evolution of Data Roles with AI 11:08 The Importance of Business Understanding in Data Science 24:54 Challenges in Data Science Implementation 25:07 Leadership Alignment and Data-Driven Decisions 33:53 Preparing Data Teams for the Future 37:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Thank you for listening!

    38 min

  3. 21 JAN

    How To Make Successful Decisions In AI

    In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, Ben speaks with Durai Rajamanickam, a senior AI leader, about what it really takes to turn AI ambition into something organisations can trust and scale. They discuss why many AI initiatives fail long before the technology becomes the issue, the risks of hype-driven decision-making, and the importance of clear goals, strong business ownership, and measurable outcomes. The conversation explores the tension between speed and governance, when to build vs buy, and why trust and governance are not obstacles to progress, but foundations for sustainable AI adoption. This is a practical, experience-led discussion for leaders who want to build AI capabilities that last. 00:00 Introduction: The AI Hype and Strategy Revisions 01:09 Guest Introduction: Meet Durai Rajamanickam 02:09 AI Initiatives: Technical Capabilities and Investments 03:46 Build vs Buy: Evaluating AI Tools 05:36 Common AI Missteps: Hype and Misdiagnosis 07:41 Successful AI Implementation: Business and Technical Alignment 09:11 Governance and Trust: The Key to Sustainable AI 09:47 Real-World Examples: When AI Falls Short 12:22 Balancing Speed and Governance in AI 15:22 Decision-Making in AI: Trust and Autonomy 21:03 Final Thoughts: Advice for AI Leadership 23:04 Conclusion: Wrapping Up the Discussion Thank you for listening!

    24 min

  4. 14 JAN

    What It Really Takes to Adopt Generative AI at Scale

    Most organisations are experimenting with generative AI. Very few are turning it into a real business impact. In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we speak with Nayan Paul, Managing Director and Chief Architect for Generative AI at Accenture, about what it really takes to move from pilots to production. They explore why GenAI adoption is fundamentally a leadership and operating-model challenge, not just a technology challenge, covering business ownership, data readiness, governance, and the balance between speed and responsibility. This is a practical, honest conversation for leaders who want GenAI to become a real capability inside their organisation, not just another experiment. 00:00 Introduction to Generative AI Challenges 01:08 Guest Introduction: Nayan Paul from Accenture 01:46 Nayan Paul's Role and Responsibilities 05:08 Early Experiments and Lessons Learned 07:02 From Experimentation to Value Creation 10:14 Business Adoption and Technology Enablement 16:15 Framework for Successful AI Implementation 29:24 Balancing Speed with Responsibility 34:09 Advice for Moving from Curiosity to Impact 38:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Thank you for listening!

    39 min

  5. 7 JAN

    Why Most Organisations Aren’t Ready for AI, Even If They Think They Are

    In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we welcome Sujit Narapareddy, Head of Data and Analytics at AWS Sales. Sujit shares his insights on AI transformation in large enterprises, likening it to the shift from paper maps to GPS.  We discuss the critical role of human judgment in the age of AI, how organisations can effectively integrate AI into their workflows, and the importance of building a strong data foundation. Sujit shares his personal journey from a technical role to a leadership position, highlighting the importance of business intuition and continuous learning.  The conversation covers how AI will change organisations by embedding insights into workflows and reducing the friction between knowing and acting.  00:00 Introduction to AI Transformation 01:42 Guest Introduction: Sujit Narapareddy 02:08 Exploring AI's Impact on Organisations 02:32 Sujit's Career Journey and Leadership Insights 09:21 The Role of AI in Enhancing Human Roles 16:17 Challenges and Strategies for AI Integration 28:28 Preparing for the Future of AI 30:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Thank you for listening!

    31 min

  6. 17/12/2025

     The Reality of AI Today

    In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we welcome Carlos Pineda, the Head of Data Analytics and Insight at Diageo North America. Carlos shares his extensive experience in data analytics across Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, and North America.  They discuss the growing role of AI in both personal and corporate life, the importance of a strong data foundation, and the critical need to understand business processes and foster strong relationships. Carlos emphasises the importance of targeted AI use cases, end-to-end transformation, and continuous delivery in AI implementation.  The conversation explores effective leadership strategies, experimentation, and the value of consistent stakeholder engagement to successfully integrate AI into business operations. Key topics include data readiness, the role of generative AI, and the overall impact of AI-driven business transformations. 00:00 Introduction to AI in Daily Life 01:15 Welcome to Data Analytics Chat 01:53 Meet Carlos Pineda 02:51 Career Decisions and Growth 05:30 Leadership Challenges and Lessons 08:02 The Reality of AI in Business 09:58 The Importance of Business Acumen 13:13 Challenges in AI Implementation 30:38 The Cost and Value of AI 33:39 Final Thoughts and Farewell Thank you for listening!

    34 min

  7. 12/12/2025

    Why Hiring And Retaining Top AI Talent Has Become Harder Than Ever

    In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we welcome Misha Trubskyy, head of Claims Data Science at Mercury Insurance. Misha shares his journey from academia to corporate life, highlighting his transition from econometrics to leading data science initiatives in insurance. He discusses the significance of continuous learning, the challenges of implementing AI and data, and the importance of hiring and retaining top talent. Misha also delves into his leadership principles, the value of technical proficiency, and the importance of empathy in managing teams. Key issues such as the evolving hiring landscape, market conditions, and strategies for organisational growth are explored in-depth. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Philosophy 00:14 The Importance of Continuous Learning 00:44 Challenges in the AI and Data Science Field 01:20 Guest Introduction: Misha Ky 02:24 Misha's Career Journey 03:43 Current Excitements in AI and Data Science 06:09 Navigating Human Elements in Claims 07:37 Leadership Challenges and Lessons 11:28 The Value of Individuality in Leadership 19:31 Advice for Aspiring Data Leaders 29:52 Hiring Challenges in AI and Data Science 37:02 Finding the Right People for the Job 37:23 The Importance of Critical Thinking 37:41 Authenticity in Interviews 38:26 The Role of Technology in Interviews 38:51 Evaluating Candidates Beyond Technical Skills 41:36 The Misconception About Technical Skills 42:25 Personality and Attitude in Hiring 44:21 Challenges in the Job Market 48:55 Investing in Junior Staff 01:04:33 Retention Strategies for Top Performers 01:10:03 Future of the Hiring Landscape 01:13:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Thank you for listening!

    1hr 11min

  8. 04/12/2025

    Why Data Governance & Data Quality Are Important

    In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we welcome Carol Kim, Executive Director at IBM, who shares her intriguing journey from a finance background to leading technology, data, and AI at IBM's Global Real Estate organisation.  Carol discusses her career transformation, the importance of curiosity and authentic leadership, and the role of storytelling in decision-making. The episode also examines the significance of data governance and quality for data-driven decision-making, and how to build effective data governance frameworks. Carol further discusses adapting to different cultures, continuous reinvention, and the hidden costs of poor data quality.  00:00 Introduction: The Power of Willingness to Learn 01:12 Welcome to Data Analytics Chat 02:01 Carol Kim's Career Journey 02:57 The Role of Data in Real Estate 03:38 Adapting to Different Cultures 07:54 The Importance of Storytelling in Data 09:59 Challenges in Leadership and Career Transitions 15:13 The Significance of Data Governance and Quality 24:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Thank you for listening!

    24 min
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About

*** The podcast is on a short pause as I focus on scaling my recruitment firm, bigger things coming soon *** 🎧 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 and discuss 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 is for anyone passionate about data and the people behind it.👉 Hit subscribe and join us on the learning journey.  Connect with host - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben---parker/  

Information

  • Creator
    Ben Parker
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    74
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Data Analytics Chat
  • Show Website
    Data Analytics Chat

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