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. AI Strategy, Leadership & Future of Work with Tamar Yehoshua, Advisor & Former President at Glean

    AUG 20

    AI Strategy, Leadership & Future of Work with Tamar Yehoshua, Advisor & Former President at Glean

    Learn more about Cambridge Spark and how we’re helping organisations upskill their workforce in Data & AI: https://cambridgespark.com In this episode of Data & AI Mastery, Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma sits down with Tamar Yehoshua, Advisor and former President of Product & Technology at Glean, and former Chief Product Officer at Slack and VP at Google. Tamar brings decades of experience leading product and engineering teams at the most influential tech companies. Throughout this episode you will learn what AI literacy looks like in the boardroom today and why imagination, not just infrastructure, is the biggest barrier to AI transformation. You will also hear Tamar give us her take on the evolving role of AI agents in reshaping work across engineering, sales, and product and how the next generation of leaders can bridge the gap between incremental improvement and radical reimagination. You’ll also hear insights on how top companies are defining their AI metrics, the role of boards in demanding ROI from AI investments, and why the most successful leaders are those who remain authentic, transparent, and consistent. If you’re navigating AI transformation or leading teams through change, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Chapter Markers: (03:45) Tamar's leadership principles (11:44) What metrics matter for AI? (16:28) Use cases and real-world AI agent examples (19:06) What is Glean and how does it work? (25:52) From incremental improvement to reimagination (28:54) Quickfire round: Lisp, math, musicals (29:36) Closing reflections & key takeaways Useful Links: Connect with Tamar on LinkedIn Visit the Glean Website Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programs at cambridgespark.com

    33 min
  2. Redefining AI: From Automation to Adaptive Systems with Daniel Hulme, Chief AI Officer at WPP

    AUG 6

    Redefining AI: From Automation to Adaptive Systems with Daniel Hulme, Chief AI Officer at WPP

    Learn how Cambridge Spark can help your business transform with data and AI: https://cambridgespark.com In this episode of Data & AI Mastery, host Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma sits down with Daniel Hulme, Chief AI Officer at WPP, to explore a bold rethinking of artificial intelligence—beyond automation and into adaptive, evolving systems. Daniel shares how marketing is being reengineered through AI—dynamic segmentation, synthetic audiences, brand-safe content generation, and more—and how businesses must focus on frictions rather than blindly chasing trends. Drawing on decades of experience, he also reveals a powerful framework for AI defensibility built on data, talent, and leadership. This is a must-listen for executives, AI practitioners, and innovators eager to move past hype and into action. 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe and follow to catch more discussions with data & AI leaders who are transforming their industries. Chapter Markers: (05:50) The case for goal-directed adaptive systems (08:05) Why businesses chase tech hype instead of solving problems (12:34) Case study: Using AI to augment creativity at scale (15:07) Micro-moments & the future of personalised, timely marketing (17:00) Real-world transformation challenges (and how to overcome them) (19:05) What gives AI efforts defensibility in business (21:39) Biggest misconceptions business leaders have about AI (24:46) Daniel on staying ahead: predictions, neuromorphic AI, philosophy Useful Links: Connect with Daniel Hulme on LinkedIn Visit the WPP Website Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programs at cambridgespark.com

    29 min
  3. Reinventing Construction with Data & AI with James Garner, Head of AI & Data at Gleeds

    JUL 23

    Reinventing Construction with Data & AI with James Garner, Head of AI & Data at Gleeds

    Learn how Cambridge Spark can help your business transform with data and AI: https://cambridgespark.com In this episode of Data & AI Mastery, Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma is joined by James Garner, Head of AI & Data at Gleeds, a global construction consultancy. Together they explore how a traditionally conservative industry is embracing data and AI to drive innovation, improve forecasting, and revolutionise operations. James shares his remarkable journey from chartered quantity surveyor to leading Gleeds' AI and data initiatives. They discuss why domain expertise combined with data science is the new superpower — and why finding these "translators" is so hard. They also cover the importance of hackathons, experimentation, and failing fast to discover valuable AI use cases in construction. And finally they discuss why data quality matters — but isn't the blocker people think it is anymore — and why culture and continuous upskilling are the real keys to AI adoption. Whether you’re in construction, infrastructure, energy, or just keen to see how AI is reshaping even the most traditional sectors, this conversation is packed with practical insights and future-facing perspectives. 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe and follow to catch more discussions with data & AI leaders who are transforming their industries. Chapter Markers: (07:10) Data quality, domain expertise, and building that first model (10:22) Taking prototypes to production (11:28) GPT chatbots, LLMs, and the assist tool for industry knowledge (13:48) Why hackathons and safe sandboxing accelerate innovation (16:47) The near future: AI agents, robotics, and blockchain impact (21:30) Worries about industry readiness and losing control to big tech (22:57) Quickfire Round: contrarian views, magic wand problems & learning mindset Useful Links: Connect with James Garner on LinkedIn Visit the Gleeds Website Find out more about Project Flux here Subscribe to the Project Flux Newsletter & Podcast here  Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programs at cambridgespark.com

    29 min
  4. Jeff Boudier, Product & Growth at Hugging Face, on Building a Culture of Impact & Why Small AI Models Win

    JUL 9

    Jeff Boudier, Product & Growth at Hugging Face, on Building a Culture of Impact & Why Small AI Models Win

    Transform your workforce with cutting-edge data & AI skills — visit cambridgespark.com to get started today. In this episode of Data & AI Mastery, Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma sits down with Jeff Boudier, who leads Product and Growth at Hugging Face, the world’s leading open platform for AI builders. Throughout the episode, the pair explore how enterprises are turning to smaller, specialised open models to solve real business problems; the importance of maintaining control over your data; and how Hugging Face is helping enterprises bring AI safely into production. Whether you’re a CTO navigating how to deploy AI at scale or an engineer eager to sharpen your edge, this episode delivers powerful takeaways on using data & AI strategically — not just for experimentation, but for driving real ROI. Subscribe to Data & AI Mastery and never miss insights from global leaders pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with data. Chapter Markers: (05:50) Real-world ROI: Financial services & patent tech using smaller open models (08:50) When to adopt specialised vs. large models (10:50) The AI adoption curve & why general models aren’t one-size-fits-all (12:30) Protecting your data: governance, builder culture, and avoiding lock-in (14:30) How Hugging Face keeps up with the latest developments in AI (17:50) Supporting enterprises: from rogue IT to secure, compliant AI (21:30) Security, safe tensors & scanning models for vulnerabilities (24:40) Quick-fire round: Jeff’s favourite programming language, subjects & music genre Useful Links: Connect with Jeff Boudier on LinkedIn Visit the Hugging Face Website Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programs at cambridgespark.com

    29 min
  5. Balancing Data Compliance, Strategy, and Innovation with Sam Smith, VP Global Data Privacy & Governance at Merlin Entertainments

    JUN 25

    Balancing Data Compliance, Strategy, and Innovation with Sam Smith, VP Global Data Privacy & Governance at Merlin Entertainments

    Want to unlock the full potential of data & AI across your organisation? Visit cambridgespark.com to explore how we help enterprises upskill their workforce with cutting-edge, industry-relevant training programmes that drive real business impact. In this episode of Data & AI Mastery, host Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma sits down with Sam Smith, VP of Global Data Privacy and Governance at Merlin Entertainments, to explore how privacy and governance are the unsung heroes powering innovation in data-driven businesses. Sam shares her fascinating career shift from solicitor to data leader and unpacks what it really means to build effective global data governance strategies. They discuss how to demonstrate ROI from data governance, the carrot vs. stick of compliance, and the practical challenges of AI regulation in a hyper-connected world. Whether you’re a privacy professional, business leader, or data practitioner, this episode offers real-world insights on embedding privacy by design, aligning legal and commercial goals, and why AI literacy is now a business-wide mandate—not just a legal issue. If you found this episode valuable, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review. Chapter Markers: (02:00) Samantha’s journey: From law to data privacy (04:30) Why data governance is a hard sell—and how to frame ROI (08:30) Data governance as both insurance and innovation (10:30) Key terms explained: Ownership, stewardship, and privacy (14:00) The ethics and strategy behind collecting personal data (18:00) What happens when AI tools go too far? (25:00) Where AI and data governance teams should sit in your org (27:45) Quick-fire questions: Industry views, lifelong learning, and favorite tunes (29:30) Raoul’s reflections: Why AI literacy matters now more than ever Useful Links: Connect with Sam Smith on LinkedIn Visit the Merlin Entertainments Website Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programs at cambridgespark.com

    33 min
  6. Roxane Heaton, MD of Digital Colleague Experience at Barclays on Designing Better Work with AI

    JUN 11

    Roxane Heaton, MD of Digital Colleague Experience at Barclays on Designing Better Work with AI

    Want to equip your workforce with the data and AI skills they need to drive real transformation? Cambridge Spark partners with global organisations to build high-impact, scalable training programmes that deliver measurable business outcomes. Learn more at cambridgespark.com. In this episode of Data & AI Mastery, Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma speaks with Roxane Heaton, Managing Director of Digital Colleague Experience at Barclays, about what it means to design digital systems for real people—at scale. Roxane shares her unique journey across the public and private sectors, from the Cabinet Office to Macmillan and now at Barclays, and brings an unshakable focus on user-centered innovation. In a world obsessed with digital transformation, Roxane challenges conventional thinking by arguing that AI doesn’t replace thinking—it deepens it. Whether you're a digital leader, HR strategist, or AI practitioner, Roxane offers an inspiring and grounded vision for inclusive, impactful transformation. Tune in to discover how to unlock human potential through data-driven design. Chapter Markers: (05:46) How to Measure the Impact of Digital Tools (08:32) Using Passive vs Active Data in AI Design (10:47) Automation, Copilots & Rethinking Workflows (13:07) Why Upskilling Requires More Than Just Tools (16:33) The Role of Ethics and Data Governance (19:51) Storytelling as a Leadership Skill in the AI Era (20:21) Why Design Thinking is the Must-Have Mindset (26:01) Raoul’s Reflections Useful Links: Connect with Roxane Heaton on LinkedIn Visit the Barclays Website Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programs at cambridgespark.com

    28 min
  7. 6 Months of Data & AI Mastery: Raoul-Gabriel Urma, Group CEO at Cambridge Spark Reflects on Lessons, Leaders & the Future

    MAY 28

    6 Months of Data & AI Mastery: Raoul-Gabriel Urma, Group CEO at Cambridge Spark Reflects on Lessons, Leaders & the Future

    Curious about how you or your organisation can lead in the age of AI? Visit CambridgeSpark.com to explore cutting-edge training programmes and resources. To celebrate the six-month milestone of Data & AI Mastery, we flip the script! This time, host Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma steps into the hot seat, interviewed by Cambridge Spark's CTO, Kevin Lemagnen.  In this special anniversary episode, Raoul shares his personal journey—from coding on calculators in high school to founding Cambridge Spark and leading the conversation on data and AI transformation. Together, they also go on to reflect on the biggest takeaways from past guests and why lifelong learning is no longer optional. Plus, Raoul answers a rapid-fire round of personal and professional questions that offer a glimpse into the mind behind one of the industry's most forward-thinking educators. Whether you're aspiring to lead in tech or shaping strategy from the C-suite, this episode offers insights, inspiration, and practical wisdom. Chapter Markers: (05:00) From calculators to classrooms: Raoul’s early love for education (15:00) The ROI of AI: cost vs. customer delight (20:00) Bold prediction: The rise of agentic AI in education (23:00) Favorite guest moments: from NATO to Lloyds to Pearson (26:00) The future of work and why apprenticeships matter (27:30) Quickfire round: contrarian views, reading habits, Python love, and more Useful Links: Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn Connect with Kevin Lemagnen on LinkedIn Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programs at cambridgespark.com Functional Programming in Java by Raoul-Gabriel Urma: Amazon Link

    33 min
  8. Driving AI Innovation in Financial Services with Apoorv Kashyap, Head of Artificial Intelligence at Santander UK

    MAY 14

    Driving AI Innovation in Financial Services with Apoorv Kashyap, Head of Artificial Intelligence at Santander UK

    Learn more about Cambridge Spark and how we’re helping organisations upskill their workforce in Data & AI: https://cambridgespark.com In this episode of the Data & AI Mastery podcast, host Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma, sits down with Apoorv Kashyap, Head of Artificial Intelligence at Santander UK.  They explore the transformative power of AI in financial services, including how to leverage advanced machine learning models to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and drive business value.  Apoorv shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities of deploying AI at scale, the importance of ethical AI, and the future of AI-driven finance. Don't forget to subscribe for more insights from AI leaders and industry experts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your network. Chapter Markers: (02:15) Apoorv Kashyap’s Career Journey in AI (06:45) Building Scalable AI Solutions (12:30) Overcoming Data Challenges in Financial Services (18:50) The Importance of Ethical AI (24:15) Future Trends in AI and Financial Services (28:30) Closing Thoughts and Key Takeaways Useful Links: Connect with Apoorv Kashyap on LinkedIn Visit the Santander UK Website Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programs at cambridgespark.com Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn

    36 min
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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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Cambridge Spark
  • Show Website
    Data & AI Mastery

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