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In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker talks with Anju Gupta, the Chief Data and AI Officer at BNSF Railway, to explore her successful career journey to date and discuss AI adoption.

Anju reveals her career journey, sharing pivotal moments that shaped her path and the profound influence of AI on various industries. She discusses overcoming challenges, the significance of collaboration, and essential skills like resilience, humility, and influencing.

Anju provides a detailed exploration of AI adoption at scale, highlighting common roadblocks, strategic approaches for aligning AI with business goals, and the importance of a well-rounded build, buy, and partner strategy.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:39 Anju's Early Career Journey

03:43 Pivotal Moments and AI Adoption

06:15 Overcoming Challenges and Building Influence

17:23 The Importance of Mentors and Sponsors

24:32 Handling Setbacks and Learning from Failure

29:04 The Dangers of Comparison

31:15 Skills for Success in the Industry

34:10 Challenges in AI Adoption

42:50 Moving from AI Experimentation to Full-Scale Adoption

46:48 Common Mistakes in Early AI Adoption

50:55 Aligning AI Initiatives with Business Goals

53:26 Leveraging External Expertise for AI Success

56:42 Final Thoughts and Advice

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Why do so many data and analytics projects fall short, even in the most well-funded companies?

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker talks with Murli Buluswar, Head of Analytics at Citibank's US Personal Bank, to explore what companies are doing wrong in data and analytics solutions.

We also explore his impressive career journey, from statistician to leader and unpack what it really takes to scale impact in data and analytics.

00:00 Introduction to the Guest and Episode Overview

00:48 Career Beginnings and Early Insights

03:50 Transition to Leadership and Enterprise Thinking

06:37 Continuous Learning and Self-Improvement

17:53 Challenges and Skills in Data-Driven Leadership

36:41 Common mistakes companies make when building analytics solutions

40:55 Companies' obsession with the latest tools and technologies

45:29 Poor leadership or lack of accountability at the top

46:23 Industry guilty of overcomplicating data strategies

48:21 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

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In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker talks with Shashi Kumar, Head of Data Engineering & Analytics at Hearst, to explore how the rise of generative AI is reshaping the role of data engineering.

Whether you’re an aspiring data leader or a hands-on engineer, this episode is packed with practical insights, career advice, and how top organisations adapt to the new AI landscape.

You’ll learn:

• How Shashi transitioned from DBA to senior data leader and what helped him stand out
• The key skills, tools, and certifications that are shaping the modern data engineer
• How generative AI is changing data architecture, pipeline design, and collaboration
• Why governance, unstructured data, and real-time pipelines are now mission-critical
• What strategic investments should companies make to scale Gen AI effectively

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:41 Shashi Kumar's Career Journey

03:42 Transition to Leadership

05:44 Key Career Moments

08:57 Facing Career Setbacks

11:31 Skills for Success in Data Engineering

16:50 Impact of Generative AI on Data Engineering

20:52 Modern Data Engineering Tools and Skills

24:21 Collaboration Between Data Engineering and Data Science

28:42 Modern Data Architectures and Gen AI

33:57 Strategic Investments for Gen AI Adoption

34:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, Ben Parker chats with Gerrit Grotewold, Head of Personalisation at BMW Research, to explore what it takes to build a long, impactful career in data and AI.

With his career at BMW, Gerrit shares how he transitioned from electrical engineering into AI leadership, the key challenges he faced stepping into management, and the learning habits that keep him ahead.

👉 Whether you’re a data professional just starting or an experienced expert, this episode is packed with great insights to help you grow and learn.

You’ll learn:

• How domain knowledge gives you a competitive edge in data
• Why curiosity and soft skills matter more than ever in tech
• How to stay relevant in the age of LLMs and AI disruption
• Practical tips for transitioning from technical expert to people leader
• The mindset shift required to grow your career and enjoy the journey

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:06 Gerrit's Early Career and Education

01:43 Joining BMW and Career Growth

02:53 Transition to AI and Data

03:40 Passion for the Automotive Industry

05:22 Key Career Moments

08:00 Challenges and Overcoming Them

09:21 Management Transition

13:01 Skills and Traits for Success

17:28 Continuous Learning and Staying Relevant

21:18 Career Advice and Reflections

27:28 Pride in Achievements

28:27 Conclusion and Farewell

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In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker sits down with Sassoon Kosian, Corporate Vice President of Data Science at New York Life, to explore the journey from early challenges in physics to becoming a leader in the data and AI space.

Gain insights into managing high-performing teams, staying relevant in a fast-paced industry, and navigating corporate politics.

Key topics include:

• Navigating a career shift from consulting to in-house leadership.
• Overcoming “orphan initiatives” and creating impactful data solutions.
• Essential skills for data science success: strategic thinking, technical depth, communication, and adaptability.
• Staying ahead in the fast-moving world of GenAI.
• Building strong, trusted relationships with business stakeholders.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:40 Career Journey and Early Interests

02:26 Transition to Data Science and Consulting

04:10 Current Industry Challenges

06:56 Key Career Moments and Management Transition

13:04 Challenges in Large Organisations

16:32 Skills for Leadership in Data Science

20:53 Staying Relevant in a Fast-Paced Industry

23:14 Job Market and Advice for Aspiring Data Scientists

25:55 Proudest Achievements and Building Relationships

27:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Is ethical AI just a buzzword?

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker chats with Mark Brady, Deputy Chief Data Officer at KBR, who reveals the real risks behind today’s AI systems and why most organisations are unprepared.

Mark breaks down the Six Laws of Safe AI, a practical, no-fluff framework for securing the future as AI gains power, autonomy, and physical-world access.

We also discuss:

• Why “data science” today feels more like alchemy
• The broken culture of data hoarding in organisations
• What hiring managers are getting completely wrong
• How to spot real AI danger before it’s too late
• Why transparency and interoperability are non-negotiable

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:34 Mark Brady's Career Journey

02:01 Transition to Leadership

02:57 Key Moments in Data Science

07:35 Challenges in Data Management

11:56 Hiring the Right Data Scientist

18:15 AI and Security Concerns

23:58 Future of AI and Defensive Measures

34:56 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

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In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker sits down with Aaron Hand, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer at ArcelorMittal, to reveal what life is really like in the C-suite.

With a career spanning UBS, Holcim, and now leading AI strategy at one of the world’s largest manufacturing companies, Aaron shares candid insights on the challenges, pressures, and strategic thinking required to succeed as a modern CDO or CAIO.

You'll discover:

• What a typical day looks like at the CDO/CAIO level
• How to juggle innovation, governance, and business delivery
• Why many CDOs don’t last more than 18 months — and how to survive
• The power of domain knowledge, adaptability, and knowing your blind spots
• How a WhatsApp idea revolutionised cement sales
• Why “AI-first” needs to be more than a buzzword

🎧 A must-listen for data professionals, leaders, and anyone eyeing the C-suite in data & AI.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 – Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:41 – Aaron Hand's Early Career Journey
02:26 – Transition into AI and Big Data
03:38 – Career Progression at UBS
05:21 – Leading AI at Holcim
07:28 – Inside the Role of a Chief AI Officer
16:39 – Managing Expectations and AI Hype
25:27 – The Value of Great Mentors and Managers
26:11 – Listening, Trust, and Collaboration
26:44 – Innovation from the Ground Up: WhatsApp Sales Case
28:06 – Workshops, Hackathons & Cross-Functional Teams
29:34 – Flexibility in Strategy and Delivery
35:48 – Continuous Learning & Staying Ahead with Podcasts
40:04 – Major Setbacks, Mergers, and Resilience
43:16 – Career Reflections and Proud Moments
46:19 – Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Aspiring Leaders

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In this episode of the Data Analytics podcast, we welcome Pablo Vega Behar, Director of Machine Learning at Fitch Group.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Pablo Vega-Behar, Director of Machine Learning Engineering at Fitch Group, as he shares his journey in the AI industry. From navigating career pivots to leading innovative machine learning projects, Pablo reveals practical strategies for success and leadership in a rapidly evolving field.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:37 Pablo's Journey into Data Science

04:04 Transitioning Industries and Leadership

09:13 Current Industry Challenges in AI

13:00 Career Highlights and Advice

18:42 Staying Relevant and Overcoming Setbacks

26:59 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Thank you for listening!