The Data Storytellers Podcast

The Data Storytellers Podcast
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  • BUSINESS
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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. What "Data-Driven" Actually Means | Anthony Jackel (Ferrara)

    JAN 5

    What "Data-Driven" Actually Means | Anthony Jackel (Ferrara)

    What separates analytics teams that get a seat at the table from those stuck in the reporting queue? Anthony Jackel, Senior Director of Business Intelligence & Analytics at Ferrara, has spent his career answering that question, from Kraft to one of America's largest candy companies. In this conversation, we explore: What "data-driven enterprise" actually meansThe shift from data providers to decision enablersWhy user-centered design matters as much for dashboards as it does for iPhonesHow to build analytics products that drive action, not just curiosityThe mindset shift that earns analytics a seat at the table 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 to Anthony Jackel and his role at Ferrara03:35 – Building Ferrara’s analytics team from scratch07:42 – The problem with dashboards and low-value data work11:50 – Connecting analytics to business decisions and revenue16:25 – The importance of commercial empathy for data leaders20:18 – Getting out of the service provider mindset25:04 – Translating technical insights for non-technical audiences28:45 – Why building trust is more important than being right33:29 – Lessons from finance that shaped his analytics approach37:12 – Coaching and developing high-performing analytics talent41:05 – The challenge of balancing curiosity with execution45:18 – Internal marketing and the power of repeatable wins49:56 – Final advice for future analytics leaders 📍 Chapter Timestamps (Finalized for 50:13 runtime)

    50 min
  2. AI Optimism vs. Evidence in Late 2025 | Ylan Kazi (Blue Cross Blue Shield North Dakota)

    11/12/2025

    AI Optimism vs. Evidence in Late 2025 | Ylan Kazi (Blue Cross Blue Shield North Dakota)

    In this episode of The Data Storytellers Podcast, we sit down with Ylan Kazi, Chief Data & AI Officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, to cut through the noise around enterprise AI. Ylan explains why early machine learning hype never matched operational reality, how LLMs changed the game once they became accessible to anyone, and why most AI failures stem from cultural friction rather than technical limitations. He breaks down the gap between expectations and actual ROI, the overlooked complexity behind agentic AI, and the fundamental difference between inserting AI into old workflows and redesigning processes to be AI native. We also explore the economic and societal contours of the current AI cycle, including energy constraints, the cultural backlash against AI generated content, and why exponential progress looks slow until it doesn’t. Ylan shares what the coming micro bubbles might look like, how labor markets are shifting, and why new technology forces each of us to examine the meaning of human work. We end with a look at his AI Edge newsletter and what he is tracking as this transformation accelerates. Chapters: 00:00 Introductions and Ylan’s early AI skepticism04:30 Traditional AI vs generative AI and why prompting skill matters08:00 Why enterprise ROI lags and why most failures are cultural12:00 The economics of LLMs, energy constraints, and infrastructure realities18:00 Agentic AI, undocumented processes, and why value requires redesign25:00 Automation, talent pipelines, and shifts in labor markets34:00 Cultural reactions to AI content and the value of human creation45:00 The case for micro bubbles and faster boom bust cycles57:00 Ylan’s newsletter, what he is writing about, and closing thoughts

    1h 7m
  3. Dispelling The Myths of The AI Bubble | Ron Hetrick (Lightcast)

    11/04/2025

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

    10/23/2025

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

    10/02/2025

    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
  6. The AI Leadership Playbook for Global Enterprises | Elena Alikhachkina

    09/04/2025

    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 Connectivity 02:41 – Why AI transformation is a leadership challenge, not a tech one 06:50 – How to build trust across functions when driving change 10:22 – The power of storytelling in operational environments 14:36 – Creating a data strategy that scales globally 18:58 – Why speed alone is not a data strategy 23:11 – Aligning AI with core business priorities 27:04 – Moving from isolated use cases to enterprise-wide value 31:17 – Lessons from Nestlé and Johnson & Johnson 36:03 – Defining value clearly in industrial use cases 40:40 – The evolution of the Chief Data and AI Officer role 44:12 – Building multidisciplinary teams that earn business trust 49:18 – Advice for data leaders entering legacy-heavy environments 53:46 – Why curiosity, empathy, and resilience matter most 58:03 – How Elena built her career across industries and functions 1:03:40 – What’s next in data and AI at TE Connectivity 1:08:12 – Closing thoughts on leadership, impact, and lifelong learning

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

    08/21/2025

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

    07/31/2025

    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
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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.

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  • Creator
    The Data Storytellers Podcast
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    139
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Data Storytellers Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Data Storytellers Podcast