In Episode 09 of the AI Readiness series, Andy Davis is joined by Brian Harkin, Ian Balfour-Church, and George Roffey from Centrus – a financial advisory firm with a strong focus on infrastructure, housing, and sustainability.

Together, they explore:

• Why AI isn’t a silver bullet — and how Centrus is using it as a force multiplier
• How to strike the right balance between innovation, regulation, and lightweight governance
• Why early wins and internal storytelling are critical to adoption
• The tension between efficiency gains and environmental impact in AI adoption
• Real-world examples of AI helping advisory teams focus less on processing, more on delivering insight

Whether you're leading data strategy or just navigating AI's impact in a complex industry — this episode is packed with lessons on culture, mindset, and tangible value.

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Discover how Unity Catalog is revolutionising data engineering and business operations in this episode of Databricks Diaries! Join Databricks MVP Máté Gulyás and Joe Ingleby as we explore how Unity Catalog empowers teams with seamless data governance, enhanced collaboration, and scalable solutions for modern enterprises.

Tune in to learn more about:

The power of effective data governance for secure operations

How Unity Catalog drives collaboration across teams

Real-world business impacts of streamlined data management

This episode is packed with actionable insights for data engineers, business leaders, and anyone aiming to leverage the full potential of their data. Don’t miss the chance to learn from one of the best in the field!

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In this episode of AI Readiness, Andy Davis speaks with Laura Alexander, Head of Data Services at Hodge, about what it really takes to get an organisation ready for AI. From data governance and culture to regulation and imposter syndrome, they explore why readiness is more human than technical.

Laura shares insights on how Hodge is approaching its AI journey — including practical steps around Microsoft Fabric, data lineage, and building internal buy-in. They also dig into critical topics like model bias, image rights, and how to prioritise the right use cases (without falling into the classic transformation trap).

Whether you're leading data transformation or just trying to work out where to begin, this one’s for you.

Listen now for a grounded, no-jargon take on what AI readiness really means in 2025.

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In this episode of AI Readiness, Andy Davis is joined by James Garner, Head of AI & Data at Gleeds, to explore why so many AI rollouts underdeliver—and what to do about it.

James pulls no punches as he shares real-world lessons from organisations misfiring with tools like Microsoft Copilot. From wasted licences to cultural resistance, he explains why the problem isn’t the tech—it’s how we introduce it.

They discuss the critical role of mindset, literacy, and trust in driving adoption, and why most AI strategies fail before they start. You’ll hear why use cases aren’t the real starting point, and how simply asking “can AI do this for me?” can unlock powerful change.

💡 If your team has AI tools but no traction—this one’s for you.

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In this episode, Andy Davis chats with Ako Sabir, a seasoned data and transformation leader in the insurance sector, about what really holds organisations back from embedding AI at scale.

Ako unpacks why technical challenges are rarely the true blockers, and why structural complexity, poor early decisions, and cultural resistance often derail even the best-intentioned AI strategies. From avoiding "proof-of-concept purgatory" to building governance that enables rather than polices, this conversation is packed with real-world experience.

You’ll hear practical advice on how to balance value delivery with foundational maturity — and why successful AI isn’t about tools, but about mindset, trust, and timing.

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Join Thor, Director of Field Engineering at Databricks, and Dan from Primus as they dive into the exciting future of artificial intelligence. In this episode, we unpack what it takes for organisations to get AI-ready, from mastering data governance to promoting ethical AI. With real-world examples, Thor explains how AI can transform businesses, empower teams, and address challenges like bias and accessibility. Whether you're curious about the latest innovations or looking to prepare for the next wave of AI, join us for our latest episode of The Databricks Diaries.

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In this episode, Andy Davis speaks with Iñigo Antolín, Head of Data Management and Governance at the British Council, about the deep-rooted organisational barriers to AI adoption.

From the risks of “shiny tool syndrome” to the vital role of incentives, Iñigo shares why successful AI initiatives depend far more on cultural readiness than technical capability. They discuss why common assumptions about model fairness, data quality, and scalability often miss the mark — and why governance, sponsorship, and experimentation are essential.

A practical, honest look at what really drives AI readiness, especially for organisations early in their journey or facing internal resistance.

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In this episode, Andy Davis is joined by Shani Reynolds, Head of Data Governance at First Sentier Investors, to explore the real-world journey of AI adoption in financial services. They dive into the cultural and behavioural shifts needed to make AI stick, from experimenting with chatbots to building trust through transparent prompt engineering and iterative learning.

Shani shares insights on how AI readiness isn't just about data maturity — it’s about people, mindset, and a governance framework that evolves alongside innovation. Expect candid reflections on the role of regulators, internal resistance, and what actually works when moving from policy to production.

Whether you're just beginning your AI journey or stuck in "success theatre", this episode is packed with practical takeaways.

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