ChatADS

Applied AI & Data Science

ChatADS is a podcast from the University of Chicago exploring how data science and artificial intelligence are shaping industries, careers, and the world around us. Hosted by Daniel Truesdale, Director of Enrollment Management & Analytics, the show features candid conversations with faculty, students, alumni, and industry professionals. Episodes cover real-world applications, career paths, ethical considerations, and emerging trends shaping the future of data science.

  1. Sep 9

    Building a Career Across Data and Business

    What does it take to build a career at the intersection of business, data science, and AI? In this episode of ChatADS, Daniel Truesdale sits down with MS in Applied Data Science student Bandar Soufi to talk about his path from healthcare and consulting to data science. Bandar shares what led him to pursue graduate study at the University of Chicago, how generative AI has changed the way he approaches learning and coding, and how his recent internship at Bain & Company brought his interests in business and technology together. They also discuss how AI is reshaping the roles of consultants and data scientists, the value of understanding both the technical and business sides of a problem, and Bandar’s goal of moving beyond using technology to helping build what comes next.

    Building a Career Across Data and Business

  2. Aug 20

    AI Talent, Strategy, and AGI: What is the New Edge?

    ChatADS host Daniel Truesdale sits down with Natalia Elezovic, Senior AI Engineer at Bank of America working on Erica for Employees, for a conversation exploring how to solve AI problems at scale, the next bottlenecks in the AI space, the skillsets that matter, how to build an AI strategy across industries, and where we're at with AGI. Natalia's career has evolved from hands-on model performance and management to leadership and mentorship, stakeholder management, and AI governance, giving her a front-row view of the patterns that separate AI initiatives that scale from those that stall, and how that's reshaping hiring and team-building decisions as roles shift. Whether you're a young professional navigating the AI industry right now, building an AI strategy for a single team, or scaling one across an entire organization, this conversation offers a clear-eyed, insider's read on where the real leverage is now, and where it's headed next. Learn more about Natalia and explore her work and writing at: https://nataliaelezovic.com/

    AI Talent, Strategy, and AGI: What is the New Edge?

  3. Aug 7

    The Power of Community in an AI World

    In this episode of ChatADS, Daniel sits down with DuJuan Smith, Director of Student Affairs for the UChicago's MS in Applied Data Science program, for a conversation that goes far beyond higher education. DuJuan reflects on the experiences that shaped his approach to leadership, from discovering the transformative power of college, to studying abroad in Ghana, sailing around the world with Semester at Sea, and leading through the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, they explore why curiosity, community, and critical thinking matter more than ever in the age of AI. DuJuan shares how he approaches AI as a thought partner, one that helps generate ideas, uncover blind spots, and expand perspectives without replacing the uniquely human work of critical thinking, relationship building, and making informed decisions.

    The Power of Community in an AI World

  4. Jul 23

    The Career Skills AI Can't Replace

    What does it take to build a successful career in AI beyond technical skills? In this episode of ChatADS, Daniel sits down with Jenny Schmidt, founder of J Schmidt Consulting and instructor for the University of Chicago's MS in Applied Data Science Career Seminar, to discuss how students and professionals can stand out in today's rapidly evolving job market. Jenny shares practical advice on networking, navigating career transitions, developing executive presence, embracing ambiguity, and using AI as a tool without losing your unique voice. Jenny and Daniel also explore why emotional intelligence, curiosity, and communication have become some of the most valuable skills in the age of AI. Whether you're looking for your first data science role, pivoting careers, or preparing for leadership, this conversation is full of actionable insights to help you grow.

    The Career Skills AI Can't Replace

  5. Jun 25

    AI is the Industrial Revolution for Knowledge Workers

    ChatADS host Daniel Truesdale chats with Nicole Janeway Bills, Founder & CEO of Data Strategy Professionals, to explore how AI is transforming the way organizations operate, and why technology alone isn't enough to drive successful adoption. Nicole shares her perspective on data strategy, governance, organizational culture, and the growing gap between AI capabilities and organizational readiness. Together, they discuss why AI doesn't fail like humans do, the importance of experimentation, how governance must evolve alongside AI, and what skills will matter most in an increasingly automated world. Whether you're a data professional, student, or simply curious about the future of work, this conversation offers practical insights into navigating one of the biggest technological shifts of our time.

  6. Jun 15

    What Happens When AI Gets Too Good? | Part 2 with Batu Gundogdu

    In Part 2 of their conversation, MS in Applied Data Science instructor Batu Gundogdu and host Daniel Truesdale explore some of the biggest questions surrounding the future of artificial intelligence. The discussion covers Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), the race between leading AI companies, the push for smaller and more efficient models, and whether AI could one day surpass human capabilities across multiple domains. They also examine the challenge of defining intelligence, the possibility of truly original AI-generated ideas, and what may continue to distinguish humans from machines.

    What Happens When AI Gets Too Good? | Part 2 with Batu Gundogdu

  7. Jun 4

    Faculty Spotlight: The Evolution of AI with Batu Gundogdu

    In this Faculty Spotlight conversation, Batu Gundogdu traces the evolution of AI from early machine learning research and speech processing to today's large language models and emerging world models. Along the way, he discusses how AI has changed over the last decade, what may come next, and how foundational concepts continue to shape modern systems. Batu also shares lessons from his first AI consulting projects, including how to identify real business problems, communicate across disciplines, and create value with machine learning. The conversation explores career growth, learning through failure, and why adaptability is one of the most important skills in a rapidly changing field.

    Faculty Spotlight: The Evolution of AI with Batu Gundogdu

  8. May 19

    Ordering up AI

    AI assistants are starting to do more than answer questions; they’re beginning to take action. In this episode of ChatADS, MS in Applied Data Science alumna Hailey Kleban joins Daniel to discuss Resy’s new integration with Claude, the future of agentic AI in restaurant booking, and the real-world challenges of balancing automation, security, and human oversight.

    Ordering up AI
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About

ChatADS is a podcast from the University of Chicago exploring how data science and artificial intelligence are shaping industries, careers, and the world around us. Hosted by Daniel Truesdale, Director of Enrollment Management & Analytics, the show features candid conversations with faculty, students, alumni, and industry professionals. Episodes cover real-world applications, career paths, ethical considerations, and emerging trends shaping the future of data science.

Information

  • Creator
    Applied AI & Data Science
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Applied AI & Data Science
  • Show Website
    ChatADS