Data & AI Mastery

Cambridge Spark
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In the age of rapid technological change, how can you harness the power of data and AI to transform your business?  Welcome to Data & AI Mastery, the podcast where cutting-edge insights meet practical strategies for success.  Hosted by Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma, Founder of Cambridge Spark, this show dives deep into how leading organisations across the globe are using Data & AI to revolutionise operations, streamline efficiency, and drive innovation. Each episode features conversations with senior leaders, revealing their career stories and real-world case studies, and actionable takeaways that you can apply—whether you're climbing the career ladder or already in the C-suite.  From AI-driven solutions to practical tips for navigating your data transformation journey, Data & AI Mastery will equip you with the tools to thrive in the AI era. Stay ahead, stay inspired, and unlock your potential with Data & AI Mastery—your ultimate guide to mastering data and AI for business.

  1. From Data Scientist to the C-Suite: Foundations, ROI, and Leading AI at Scale — Kevin Cassar, Chief Data & AI Officer at TalkTalk

    2D AGO

    From Data Scientist to the C-Suite: Foundations, ROI, and Leading AI at Scale — Kevin Cassar, Chief Data & AI Officer at TalkTalk

    👉 Discover how Cambridge Spark helps organisations build the data and AI capabilities leaders need to drive real business impact: cambridgespark.com In this episode of Data & AI Mastery, host Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma is joined by Kevin Cassar, Chief Data & AI Officer at TalkTalk, to explore what it truly takes to lead data and AI transformation from the ground up, and from the boardroom down. Kevin’s journey is a rare one. Starting as a data scientist, completing a Level 7 Data Science & AI apprenticeship, and rising to the C-suite, he brings a uniquely grounded perspective on leadership, ROI, foundations, and people-centred transformation. Together, they unpack how high-performing data teams are built, how AI initiatives win executive buy-in, and why getting the foundations right is the difference between sustainable impact and expensive tech debt. Listeners will learn the three critical skills every Chief Data & AI Officer needs today, what “strong foundations” really mean and why continuous learning and upskilling are non-negotiable in fast-moving AI environments. This episode is packed with practical guidance for CIOs, CDOs, AI leaders, and aspiring executives who want to scale AI responsibly, deliver ROI, and build teams that can keep learning as the business evolves. Be sure to follow Data & AI Mastery wherever you listen to your podcasts to never miss an episode. Chapter Markers: (01:40) — Kevin Cassar’s career journey from data scientist to C-suite (04:50) — Getting the foundations right to accelerate later (09:10) — Translating AI work into business value (14:00) — Better customer outcomes and operational efficiency (18:40) — Bringing the business along every sprint (22:20) — Lessons from Kevin’s Level 7 apprenticeship journey (28:40) — Measuring maturity: how to show progress to the CEO (31:40) — Quick-fire round: contrarian views on AI (36:00) — Raoul’s reflections: pitching AI, foundations, and balance Useful Links: Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programmes at cambridgespark.com

    28 min
  2. Measuring What Matters: How to Drive Real AI Transformation — Conny Ploth, VP Global AI Transformation

    JAN 21

    Measuring What Matters: How to Drive Real AI Transformation — Conny Ploth, VP Global AI Transformation

    Discover how Cambridge Spark helps organisations build the data and AI capabilities needed to deliver measurable business impact: cambridgespark.com In this episode of Data & AI Mastery, host Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma is joined by Conny Ploth, VP of Global AI Transformation in the financial services sector, to unpack what it really takes to deliver measurable, people-first AI transformation in complex, regulated organisations. Conny brings a unique perspective shaped by a career spanning microfinance, consulting, ESG, and large-scale financial institutions. Her message is clear: if you can’t measure it, don’t start it and AI transformation only succeeds when data, people, and processes move together. Together, they explore how leaders can move beyond AI hype and focus on impact, adoption, and sustainable value creation. Listeners will learn why measurement and baselines are non-negotiable before starting any AI initiative, how to balance quick wins (task automation) with longer-term transformational bets and how legacy organisations can compete with AI-native startups by creating safe spaces for experimentation. This episode is packed with practical guidance for CIOs, transformation leaders, and executives who want AI to deliver real outcomes — not just prototypes. Be sure to follow Data & AI Mastery wherever you listen to your podcasts to never miss an episode. Chapter Markers: (01:40) — Conny Ploth’s career journey into AI leadership (06:00) — The three AI value levers: efficiency, growth, experience (10:50) — Governance, guardrails, and balancing access with protection (14:30) — Setting the AI vision and aligning with business strategy (18:40) — Identifying quick wins vs long-term strategic initiatives (24:00) — Running AI as a portfolio of initiatives (28:00) — Upskilling at scale: why experience beats traditional training (33:50) — Quick-fire round: fitness, routines, and personal habits (35:40) — Raoul’s closing reflections: people, process, and purpose Useful Links: Connect with Conny on LinkedIn Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programmes at cambridgespark.com

    38 min
  3. Curiosity, Trust, and Building AI at Scale — Sudhish Mohan, Group CIO & CTO at TransUnion

    JAN 7

    Curiosity, Trust, and Building AI at Scale — Sudhish Mohan, Group CIO & CTO at TransUnion

    Learn how Cambridge Spark helps organisations build the data and AI skills leaders need to stay relevant in a fast-moving world: cambridgespark.com In this episode of Data & AI Mastery, host Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma is joined by Sudhish Mohan, Group CIO & CTO UK and Europe at TransUnion, to explore what it really takes to lead data and AI transformation in a highly regulated, high-impact industry. Sudhish shares his perspective on leading technology and analytics across the credit ecosystem, where decisions affect banks, businesses, and millions of consumers, and why curiosity, judgment, and long-term thinking matter more than ever as AI adoption accelerates. From developer productivity and fraud detection to data governance and cybersecurity, this conversation cuts through the hype to reveal what AI transformation looks like in practice, not in theory. Listeners will learn why curiosity is the most important leadership trait in the age of AI, how TransUnion is approaching AI adoption as a slow, deliberate evolution, not a silver bullet, the difference between more data and better data, and what truly makes a strong data environment Whether you’re a CIO, data leader, or executive navigating AI investment decisions, this episode offers grounded, experience-led insights into building resilient, responsible data and AI capabilities at scale. Be sure to follow Data & AI Mastery wherever you listen to your podcasts to never miss an episode.  Chapter Markers: (01:40) — Sudhish Mohan’s role at TransUnion and its real-world impact (06:45) — Why most AI initiatives fail to deliver expected value (10:00) — AI across three buckets: risk, operations, and customer value (12:30) — Using GenAI to improve service desk and operational workflows (17:00) — What makes a great data environment (21:30) — Why curiosity matters more than qualifications (26:30) — Quick-fire round: favourite subject and learning habits (28:00) — Raoul’s reflections: cybersecurity, talent, and hybrid cloud Useful Links: Connect with Sudhish on LinkedIn Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programmes at cambridgespark.com

    31 min
  4. Trust, Data, and Decision-Making Beyond Earth — Andrew Feustel, Former NASA Astronaut

    12/24/2025

    Trust, Data, and Decision-Making Beyond Earth — Andrew Feustel, Former NASA Astronaut

    Discover how Cambridge Spark helps leaders and teams build the data and AI skills needed to operate in high-stakes, real-world environments: cambridgespark.com In this episode of Data & AI Mastery, host Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma is joined by Andrew Feustel, former NASA astronaut, ISS Commander, and veteran of three space missions. Andrew has spent over two decades at NASA, flying on the Space Shuttle, leading missions aboard the International Space Station, and performing complex spacewalks to repair critical infrastructure like the Hubble Space Telescope. In this conversation, he shares a rare, human perspective on decision-making in the most extreme data environments imaginable: outer space. Together, they explore what space exploration can teach business and technology leaders about trust, automation, AI, and the limits of data-driven systems. Listeners will learn how astronauts rely on data, telemetry, and human judgment during high-risk missions, why data never perfectly matches reality, and why that matters in critical environments and why humans must remain in the loop when decisions carry irreversible consequences This episode offers powerful lessons for leaders navigating AI adoption, risk management, and decision-making, reminding us that technology is only as effective as the humans who design, trust, and use it. Be sure to follow Data & AI Mastery wherever you listen to your podcasts to never miss an episode. Chapter Markers: (04:40) — Why data is central to every space mission (09:40) — Trust, automation, and critical systems in spaceflight (11:00) — Why we don’t fully trust autonomous systems (yet) (14:20) — Why AI is essential for space telescopes and discovery (16:40) — What makes NASA exceptional at preparing people (19:10) — How AI is already accelerating space innovation (20:30) — Automated rocket landings and decision systems (23:50) — Quick-fire round: unforgettable space memories (28:00) — Raoul’s reflections: trust, AI, and human-in-the-loop systems Useful Links: Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programmes at cambridgespark.com

    30 min
  5. Beyond Technology: Building a Data & AI Culture That Lasts — Insights from Capgemini’s Leaders

    12/10/2025

    Beyond Technology: Building a Data & AI Culture That Lasts — Insights from Capgemini’s Leaders

    Learn how Cambridge Spark helps organisations build the data and AI skills needed to drive cultural and business transformation: cambridgespark.com In this special episode of Data & AI Mastery, host Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma is joined by three senior leaders from Capgemini: Claire Williams, Vice President for Analytics & AI in the Retail and CPG sector, leads global data and AI transformation for consumer health organisations.Arlene Carsley, Head of Workforce Transformation, focuses on building the culture, skills, and mindset needed for lasting change.Mansukh Mann, Managing Consultant in Workforce Transformation, works at the intersection of data, AI, and talent strategy to ensure technology and people move in sync. Together, they explore what true data and AI transformation look like in practice and why success depends as much on people and mindset as it does on technology. Listeners will discover why the urgency for AI transformation is being driven from the boardroom down and what that means for leaders, how to balance quick wins with long-term value, how to create momentum without losing strategic focus, why 70% of transformations fail, and how to avoid the common traps of poor sponsorship, misaligned metrics, and siloed thinking. This episode is packed with practical lessons for executives, transformation leaders, and data professionals looking to turn AI ambition into sustainable impact. Be sure to follow Data & AI Mastery wherever you listen to your podcasts to never miss an episode. Chapter Markers: (01:38) - What’s Driving the Urgency Behind AI Transformation? (08:49) - FOBO: Fear of Becoming Obsolete (12:05) - Leadership Upskilling with Cambridge Spark (17:12) - Why 70% of Transformations Fail (23:10) - Early Warning Signs Your Transformation Is Failing (25:55) - AI for AI’s Sake: A Recipe for Waste (29:50) - Why Skills, Safety and Experimentation Matter (34:55) - Balancing Quick Wins with Long-Term Goals (41:00) - One Piece of Advice for CEOs (45:40) - Raoul’s Closing Reflections Useful Links: Connect with Claire on LinkedIn Reach out to Arlene on LinkedIn Learn more from Mansukh on LinkedIn Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programmes at cambridgespark.com Visit Capgemini’s website for more information

    48 min
  6. How F1 Processes 1.1 MILLION Data Points Per Second — Ruth Buscombe, Motorsport Engineer and Presenter, F1 TV

    11/25/2025

    How F1 Processes 1.1 MILLION Data Points Per Second — Ruth Buscombe, Motorsport Engineer and Presenter, F1 TV

    Learn how Cambridge Spark helps organisations and leaders develop the data and AI skills that drive real transformation: cambridgespark.com Ever wondered how Formula 1 teams make lightning-fast decisions at 200mph? In this episode, host Raoul-Gabriel Urma sits down with Ruth Buscombe, former race strategist for Scuderia Ferrari, Sauber, and Haas F1, to unpack the incredible world of real-time data strategy in one of the most high-pressure environments on Earth. Ruth shares what it's really like making million-dollar calls in milliseconds, how her team processes 1.1 million data points per second from each car, and why the best lessons come from spectacular failures (not champagne-soaked victories).  One of the most fascinating parts of the discussion is when Ruth explains the eternal tension between data and gut feel, and why human intuition still matters even when you have the best models in the world.  Spoiler: your "gut" is really just your brain's LLM of past experience. They also explore how F1 teams decide which sensors and data points actually move the needle when margins come down to 0.012 seconds, and what it's like to make high-stakes pit-stop calls with incomplete information (sound familiar, business leaders?).  Ruth also shares some powerful stories about ‘failing forward’, including why Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says "the day we fail is the day our competitors should fear us most." Plus, they look at how AI is transforming sports broadcasting, with F1 now able to search 75 years of race footage using simple natural-language queries. And of course, they wrap up with a quick-fire round covering everything from Python vs MATLAB to favourite subjects at Cambridge and yes, Taylor Swift workout playlists. Be sure to follow Data & AI Mastery wherever you listen to your podcasts to never miss an episode. You can check out Formula 1's official site to learn more about the sport, or head to F1 TV if you want to dive deeper into the data and analysis Ruth works on. Whether you're leading a startup, managing a data team, or just fascinated by how top performers think under pressure, this conversation is packed with insights you can actually use. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction: Learning from F1's best failures 02:00 - Ruth's journey from Cambridge engineering to the F1 pit wall 03:00 - The insane scale of F1 data (1.1M points/second!) 06:00 - How do you decide what data to collect? 09:00 - Three pillars: Performance, competitor analysis & race strategy 13:00 - When should you trust data vs. gut instinct? 17:00 - Managing risk like a portfolio manager 20:00 - Creating a culture that embraces pressure 23:00 - AI transforming F1 broadcasting & fan experience 26:00 - Quick-fire: Python, physics & being a Swiftie 27:00 - Key takeaways for business leaders Links Connect with Ruth on LinkedIn Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programmes at cambridgespark.com Visit Formula 1's official site at formula1.com  Visit F1 TV at f1tv.formula1.com

    29 min
  7. Transforming Healthcare Through Data, AI & Human-Centred Design — Ming Tang, Chief Data and Analytics Officer, NHS England

    11/12/2025

    Transforming Healthcare Through Data, AI & Human-Centred Design — Ming Tang, Chief Data and Analytics Officer, NHS England

    Learn how Cambridge Spark helps organisations and leaders develop the data and AI skills that drive real transformation: cambridgespark.com In this episode of Data & AI Mastery, host Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma speaks with Ming Tang, Chief Data and Analytics Officer at NHS England. Ming has spent her career leading some of the most ambitious digital and data transformations in the UK public sector. Together, they explore how data and AI are reshaping the future of healthcare, from modernising patient journeys and connecting siloed systems to deploying AI tools that help clinicians and operations teams work smarter. Ming’s insights highlight how the right mindset, structure, and curiosity can unlock meaningful impact at scale. Listeners will also discover how the NHS is building a connected, patient-centric ecosystem through the Federated Data Platform (FDP) and the single patient record initiative and why listening and collaboration, not just technology, are key to solving complex system challenges. Whether you work in healthcare, data science, or digital transformation, this conversation offers powerful lessons in leading with purpose, designing around users, and scaling innovation responsibly. Be sure to follow Data & AI Mastery wherever you listen to your podcasts to never miss an episode. Chapter Markers: (03:30) Lessons from leading large-scale transformation (06:00) Why listening and curiosity matter more than technology (11:00) Designing flexible, modular NHS systems for efficiency and collaboration (15:00) The Federated Data Platform: enabling connected, data-driven care (18:00) Real-world AI applications in the NHS: discharge summaries, voice tech & analytics (21:00) Advice for leaders; adopting AI through curiosity and context (25:00) Raoul’s reflections; leading with empathy, curiosity, and user-first thinking Useful Links: Connect with Ming on LinkedIn Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programmes at cambridgespark.com

    27 min
  8. Bridging AI Research and Real-World Impact — Dr. Petar Veličković, Senior Staff Research Scientist at Google DeepMind

    10/29/2025

    Bridging AI Research and Real-World Impact — Dr. Petar Veličković, Senior Staff Research Scientist at Google DeepMind

    Learn more about how CambridgeSpark.com is helping organisations and professionals master Data & AI skills to stay ahead in the digital era. In this episode of Data & AI Mastery, host Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma sits down with Dr. Petar Veličković, Senior Staff Research Scientist at Google DeepMind and Affiliate Lecturer at the University of Cambridge. Together they explore how cutting-edge AI research transitions from theory to practice, spanning from breakthroughs in graph neural networks that power Google Maps worldwide, to the use of AI as a discovery partner in mathematics. Petar shares his journey from Serbia to Cambridge to DeepMind, and the pivotal lessons learned at every stage. Listeners will also hear how DeepMind’s graph machine learning models improve global travel-time predictions in Google Maps, how AI can accelerate scientific discovery, including mathematical proofs and what the concept of an “AI scientist” might mean for the future of research. Whether you’re a data scientist, ML engineer, or executive exploring AI strategy, this episode offers a masterclass in applying AI innovation with purpose and impact. Be sure to follow Data & AI Mastery wherever you listen to your podcasts to never miss an episode. Chapter Markers: (06:00) - Inside DeepMind; what a Senior Staff Research Scientist does (13:00) - From research to real-world impact: challenges & latency trade-offs (19:00) - AI for mathematics; collaborating with top researchers (25:00) - Defining the “AI scientist” and the future of autonomous research (30:00) - What’s next for AI agents and self-directed systems (31:00) - Quick-fire round; programming languages, school favourites & music (33:00) - Raoul’s takeaways; user focus, AI as a thought partner, safe deployment Useful Links: Connect with Petar on LinkedIn Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programmes at cambridgespark.com

    36 min
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Trailer

About

In the age of rapid technological change, how can you harness the power of data and AI to transform your business?  Welcome to Data & AI Mastery, the podcast where cutting-edge insights meet practical strategies for success.  Hosted by Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma, Founder of Cambridge Spark, this show dives deep into how leading organisations across the globe are using Data & AI to revolutionise operations, streamline efficiency, and drive innovation. Each episode features conversations with senior leaders, revealing their career stories and real-world case studies, and actionable takeaways that you can apply—whether you're climbing the career ladder or already in the C-suite.  From AI-driven solutions to practical tips for navigating your data transformation journey, Data & AI Mastery will equip you with the tools to thrive in the AI era. Stay ahead, stay inspired, and unlock your potential with Data & AI Mastery—your ultimate guide to mastering data and AI for business.

Information

  • Creator
    Cambridge Spark
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Cambridge Spark
  • Show Website
    Data & AI Mastery

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