One Version of the Truth

Taylor Culver
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  • Business

One Version of the Truth is an executive interview series about how innovation and growth actually happen. After more than a decade working in data, I’ve heard the phrase “one version of the truth” repeated inside countless organizations. In practice, it is rarely that simple. Best practices alone do not drive transformation. What moves companies forward are leaders who make judgment calls, weigh trade-offs, and commit to a version of reality they are willing to act on, even when it is incomplete or contested. Season one focuses on data, analytics, and AI as levers for business change, with future seasons expanding into leadership, entrepreneurship, and growth.

Episodes

  1. Jul 27

    Why the Data & AI Value Gap Starts in the Boardroom with Kyle Winterbottom

    The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities in data leadership, focusing on the gap between technical expertise and business value. It delves into the role of data leaders, the need for commercial acumen, and the shift from technical capabilities to executive leadership. The conversation delves into the importance of aligning data work with business value, the need for a shift in the skill set of data leaders, and the challenges faced by data professionals in the current landscape. It also emphasizes the significance of seeking help and making strategic career decisions in the data industry. Takeaways Data leadership requires a shift from technical expertise to commercial acumenThe gap between technical expertise and business value is a key challenge in data leadership Business value alignment is crucialShift in skill set for data leadersImportance of seeking help and making strategic career decisions Chapters 00:00 The Role of Data Leaders08:04 The Evolution of Data Leadership10:55 The Challenge of Business Value18:02 The Shift to Executive Leadership22:48 Closing the Gap27:02 Aligning Data Work with Business Value28:27 Challenges Faced by Data Professionals30:20 Strategic Career Decisions in the Data Industry32:00 The Role of Data Leaders in Business Value36:35 The Need for Help and Strategic Career Decisions39:51 The Importance of Business Value Orientation44:25 The Role of Data Leaders in Business Success49:41 Strategic Career Decisions for Data Leaders

    Why the Data & AI Value Gap Starts in the Boardroom with Kyle Winterbottom

  2. Jul 13

    What the Best Data, Analytics & AI-Driven Companies Do Differently with Jack Phillips

    The conversation with Jack Phillips, CEO of the International Institute of Analytics, delves into the evolution of analytics, the monetization of data and information services, the role of data leaders in commercial use cases, the challenges of data demand and supply, the changing landscape of data leadership, and the future of data and AI in organizations. Takeaways Data leaders are shifting from a focus on technology to a more commercially minded approachThe future of data and AI involves a fundamental reorganization of businesses to leverage data for growth and innovation Chapters 00:00 The Evolution of Analytics03:07 Monetizing Data and Information Services06:05 The Role of Data Leaders in Commercial Use Cases10:21 The Challenges of Data Demand and Supply13:39 The Changing Landscape of Data Leadership35:32 The Future of Data and AI in Organizations

    What the Best Data, Analytics & AI-Driven Companies Do Differently with Jack Phillips

  3. Jul 6

    Building a $10M+ Data Business in the AI Boom in 12 Months with Kai Thapa

    Kai Thapa, founder and CEO of Sunny Data, shares insights on entrepreneurship, business problem-solving, and the importance of focusing on core business problems. The conversation delves into the challenges of data leadership, the evolution of enterprise transformation, and the significance of people and change management in technology solutions. The conversation delves into the challenges of navigating shifting objectives, the impact of leadership changes on data projects, the realities of AI implementation, and the need for agile iteration in AI projects. It also explores accelerated project cycles, value delivery, Sunny Data's growth journey, entrepreneurial insights, data-driven decision-making, and the significance of leadership and trust in business relationships. Takeaways Understanding core business problems is crucial for creating lasting value from data.The alignment of technology with people, culture, and business processes is essential for successful enterprise transformation. Navigating shifting objectives and leadership changes is crucial in data projects.AI implementation requires context, human involvement, and business commitment for success. Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Entrepreneurship05:27 Focus on Core Business Problems10:51 Impact, Curiosity, and Motivation16:47 Solution-Oriented vs. Enterprise Change23:20 AI Implementation Realities29:12 Value Delivery and Alignment36:13 Data-Driven Decision Making

    Building a $10M+ Data Business in the AI Boom in 12 Months with Kai Thapa

  4. Jun 22

    Why Data Projects Fail Long Before the Technology Does with Matt Wicks

    In this episode, Taylor Culver interviews Matt Wicks, co-CEO of the Virtual Forge, to explore the challenges and decisions faced by technology leaders. They discuss the importance of trust in technology initiatives, the promises and limitations of AI, and the impact of organizational politics on technology outcomes. Takeaways Trust is crucial in technology initiativesThe promises and limitations of AIOrganizational politics shape technology outcomes Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Matt Wicks and the Virtual Forge05:02 The Misunderstandings and Expectations of AI16:48 Leadership Style and Lessons Learned26:36 Navigating Organizational Politics and Trust39:44 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

    Why Data Projects Fail Long Before the Technology Does with Matt Wicks

  5. Jun 8

    Building Community, Context, and Trust in Data Leadership with Tony Shaw

    The conversation delves into the evolution of data leadership, the impact of crisis on data governance, the role of social capital, the importance of business context, the transition from conference to content business, the value of community and open conversations, the use of data in decision-making, and the future of data leadership and AI governance. Takeaways Social capital is a critical asset for data leadersBusiness context is essential for effective data management Chapters 00:00 The Evolution of Data Leadership07:33 The Role of Social Capital in Data Leadership13:29 The Value of Community and Open Conversations30:40 The Use of Data in Decision-Making36:56 The Future of Data Leadership and AI Governance

    Building Community, Context, and Trust in Data Leadership with Tony Shaw

  6. Mar 23

    Delivering When the Supply Chain Stops and the Data Says No with Chris Brozek

    In this episode, Taylor Culver sits down with Chris Brozek, a six-time VP of operations in manufacturing, to explore the challenges of data interpretation and decision-making in manufacturing operations. They discuss the role of data in operations, the limitations of dashboards, and the importance of people in driving operational outcomes. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to data, AI, digital transformation, and the impact on manufacturing and supply chain. It delves into the use of AI in operational decision-making, the role of data professionals in enterprise planning, and the potential of AI in transforming physical goods production. The discussion also explores the challenges and opportunities in the adoption of AI and digital technologies in manufacturing and supply chain management. Takeaways Data interpretation drives operational performanceDashboards are limited in driving business decisions AI's potential to transform operational decision-makingThe impact of AI and digital technologies on manufacturing and supply chain management Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Manufacturing in Silicon Valley05:08 The Reality of Manufacturing Operations11:55 The Future of Data in Manufacturing19:47 The Role of Dashboards in Decision-Making25:17 Data Professionals and Enterprise Planning37:08 AI's Impact on Manufacturing and Supply Chain

    Delivering When the Supply Chain Stops and the Data Says No with Chris Brozek

  7. Mar 16

    From $0 to $100M: What Breaks (and Scales) in Data-Driven SaaS Sales with Tim O'Neil

    The conversation with Tim O'Neil delves into the challenges and opportunities in scaling revenue, aligning data to business outcomes, and the impact of AI on sales organizations. Tim shares insights on the evolution of sales leadership, the role of data in sales, and the importance of curiosity in driving growth. He also discusses the impact of AI on sales efficiency and the need for a balance between human expertise and AI capabilities. Takeaways Sales leadership must become operational and data-driven to drive growth and align data to business outcomes.Curiosity, not automation, is the real competitive advantage in sales.AI creates efficiencies in business operations but does not replace the need for human expertise and problem-solving.The adoption of AI in sales organizations requires a shift in the profile and role of sales professionals. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Show and Guest Introduction06:31 Metrics and Data-Driven Leadership in Sales Organizations35:16 The Impact of AI on Growth and Scaling from a Million to $100 Million in Revenue

    From $0 to $100M: What Breaks (and Scales) in Data-Driven SaaS Sales with Tim O'Neil

  8. Mar 9

    How CEO's Use Data When the Answer Isn't Clear with Clare Hart

    Clare Hart, a four-time CEO, shares insights on the role of data in tech-enabled services businesses, the use of data as a catalyst for change, and the importance of predictive analytics. She discusses her journey from technology to sales to CEO, the challenges of using data to align teams, and the principles for strong data leadership. Additionally, she provides valuable perspectives on overcoming data challenges, gaining executive buy-in, and the value of AI in organizations. Takeaways Data as a CatalystPredictive Analytics Chapters 00:00 The Role of Data in Predicting the Future

    How CEO's Use Data When the Answer Isn't Clear with Clare Hart

  9. Mar 2

    Beating the Market: Turning Data Into Signal with Ajit Agrawal

    The conversation delves into the world of data and AI in financial services, exploring the utilization, valuation, and licensing of data to financial institutions. It also discusses the impact of AI on data licensing and the future of data in financial markets. The conversation highlights the value of data as a signal and the market size of data licensing in financial services. Takeaways Data as SignalValue of Data Licensing Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Data and AI in Financial Services05:51 Licensing Data to Financial Institutions12:12 Data Value and Market Size17:49 Data Decay and Market Efficiency23:51 Evaluation and Utilization of Data Sets

    Beating the Market: Turning Data Into Signal with Ajit Agrawal

  10. Feb 25

    Unlocking Value in M&A with Data Insights with Sri Malladi

    The conversation delves into the role of data and analytics in M&A advisory, the impact of data and AI on enterprise value, challenges in translating data and AI investments to outcomes, and the role of data leaders in understanding the business and gaining buy-in from stakeholders. It also explores the impact of AI on organizations and the adoption of AI by data leaders. Takeaways Data and AI play a crucial role in M&A advisory and enterprise value.Building trust and understanding business problems are essential for data leaders.AI is transforming organizations, but expectations may be ahead of reality. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to M&A Advisory07:13 Distinguishing Data and AI Initiatives16:06 Understanding the Business as a Data Leader24:01 Building Trust and Understanding Business Problems31:52 Data Leaders and AI Adoption

    Unlocking Value in M&A with Data Insights with Sri Malladi
  • 10 Episodes

About

One Version of the Truth is an executive interview series about how innovation and growth actually happen. After more than a decade working in data, I’ve heard the phrase “one version of the truth” repeated inside countless organizations. In practice, it is rarely that simple. Best practices alone do not drive transformation. What moves companies forward are leaders who make judgment calls, weigh trade-offs, and commit to a version of reality they are willing to act on, even when it is incomplete or contested. Season one focuses on data, analytics, and AI as levers for business change, with future seasons expanding into leadership, entrepreneurship, and growth.

Information

  • Creator
    Taylor Culver
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Taylor Culver
  • Show Website
    One Version of the Truth