Most organisations are experimenting with generative AI. Very few are turning it into a real business impact.

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, Ben speaks with Nayan Paul, Managing Director and Chief Architect for Generative AI at Accenture, about what it really takes to move from pilots to production.

They explore why GenAI adoption is fundamentally a leadership and operating-model challenge, not just a technology challenge, covering business ownership, data readiness, governance, and the balance between speed and responsibility.

This is a practical, honest conversation for leaders who want GenAI to become a real capability inside their organisation, not just another experiment.

00:00 Introduction to Generative AI Challenges
01:08 Guest Introduction: Nayan Paul from Accenture
01:46 Nayan Paul's Role and Responsibilities
05:08 Early Experiments and Lessons Learned
07:02 From Experimentation to Value Creation
10:14 Business Adoption and Technology Enablement
16:15 Framework for Successful AI Implementation
29:24 Balancing Speed with Responsibility
34:09 Advice for Moving from Curiosity to Impact
38:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we welcome Sujit Narapareddy, Head of Data and Analytics at AWS Sales. Sujit shares his insights on AI transformation in large enterprises, likening it to the shift from paper maps to GPS.

We discuss the critical role of human judgment in the age of AI, how organisations can effectively integrate AI into their workflows, and the importance of building a strong data foundation. Sujit shares his personal journey from a technical role to a leadership position, highlighting the importance of business intuition and continuous learning.

The conversation covers how AI will change organisations by embedding insights into workflows and reducing the friction between knowing and acting.

00:00 Introduction to AI Transformation
01:42 Guest Introduction: Sujit Nara Par
02:08 Exploring AI's Impact on Organizations
02:32 Sujit's Career Journey and Leadership Insights
09:21 The Role of AI in Enhancing Human Roles
16:17 Challenges and Strategies for AI Integration
28:28 Preparing for the Future of AI
30:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we welcome Carlos Pineda, the Head of Data Analytics and Insight at Diageo North America. Carlos shares his extensive experience in data analytics across Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, and North America.

They discuss the growing role of AI in both personal and corporate life, the importance of a strong data foundation, and the critical need to understand business processes and foster strong relationships. Carlos emphasises the importance of targeted AI use cases, end-to-end transformation, and continuous delivery in AI implementation.

The conversation delves into effective leadership strategies, experimentation, and the value of consistent stakeholder engagement to integrate AI into business operations successfully. Key topics include data readiness, the role of generative AI, and the overall impact of AI-driven business transformations.

00:00 Introduction to AI in Daily Life
01:15 Welcome to Data Analytics Chat
01:53 Meet Carlos Pineda
02:51 Career Decisions and Growth
05:30 Leadership Challenges and Lessons
08:02 The Reality of AI in Business
09:58 The Importance of Business Acumen
13:13 Challenges in AI Implementation
30:38 The Cost and Value of AI
33:39 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we welcome Misha Trubskyy, head of Claims Data Science at Mercury Insurance. Misha shares his journey from academia to corporate life, highlighting his transition from econometrics to leading data science initiatives in insurance. He discusses the significance of continuous learning, the challenges of implementing AI and data, and the importance of hiring and retaining top talent. Misha also delves into his leadership principles, the value of technical proficiency, and the importance of empathy in managing teams. Key issues such as the evolving hiring landscape, market conditions, and strategies for organisational growth are explored in-depth.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Philosophy
00:14 The Importance of Continuous Learning
00:44 Challenges in the AI and Data Science Field
01:20 Guest Introduction: Misha Ky
02:24 Misha's Career Journey
03:43 Current Excitements in AI and Data Science
06:09 Navigating Human Elements in Claims
07:37 Leadership Challenges and Lessons
11:28 The Value of Individuality in Leadership
19:31 Advice for Aspiring Data Leaders
29:52 Hiring Challenges in AI and Data Science
37:02 Finding the Right People for the Job
37:23 The Importance of Critical Thinking
37:41 Authenticity in Interviews
38:26 The Role of Technology in Interviews
38:51 Evaluating Candidates Beyond Technical Skills
41:36 The Misconception About Technical Skills
42:25 Personality and Attitude in Hiring
44:21 Challenges in the Job Market
48:55 Investing in Junior Staff
01:04:33 Retention Strategies for Top Performers
01:10:03 Future of the Hiring Landscape
01:13:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we welcome Carol Kim, Executive Director at IBM, who shares her intriguing journey from a finance background to leading technology, data, and AI at IBM's Global Real Estate organisation.

Carol discusses her career transformation, the importance of curiosity and authentic leadership, and the role of storytelling in decision-making. The episode also looks into the significance of data governance and quality for data-driven decision-making and how to build effective data governance frameworks. Carol further discusses adapting to different cultures, continuous reinvention, and the hidden costs of poor data quality.

00:00 Introduction: The Power of Willingness to Learn
01:12 Welcome to Data Analytics Chat
02:01 Carol Kim's Career Journey
02:57 The Role of Data in Real Estate
03:38 Adapting to Different Cultures
07:54 The Importance of Storytelling in Data
09:59 Challenges in Leadership and Career Transitions
15:13 The Significance of Data Governance and Quality
24:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben welcomes Ilya Meyzin, SVP Head of AI Solutions at Dun & Bradstreet. Ilya shares his career journey from management consulting to leading AI solutions, highlighting the importance of implementation, continuous learning, and cross-domain expertise. He discusses the evolution of AI agents, their capabilities, and the shift from linear models to stateful, autonomous agents. The conversation delves into the complexities of scaling AI, embedding agents in enterprise architecture, and balancing technical innovation with business value. Ilya also emphasises the necessity of high-quality data and the importance of cross-departmental collaboration for successful AI deployment.

00:00 Introduction and Initial Insights
01:14 Guest Introduction and Career Overview
02:45 Transition from Strategy to Implementation
04:15 Learning and Adapting in Consulting
05:35 Defining Career Moments
10:35 Handling Challenges and Stress
13:03 Leadership and Team Dynamics
14:45 Balancing Technical and Business Skills
20:01 Focus and Credibility in Leadership
23:18 Introduction to AI Agents
23:39 Capabilities of AI Agents
24:22 Technical Aspects of AI Agents
25:39 Complex Problem Solving with AI Agents
28:40 High-Value Use Cases for AI Agents
32:14 Team Collaboration in AI Deployment
33:19 Challenges in Scaling AI Agents
37:21 Data Quality and AI Agents
45:12 Future of AI Agents in Enterprises
48:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we sit down with Alison Olson, the Senior Vice President of Analytics Solutions at Merkle Dentsu. Alison shares her inspiring career journey, filled with proud moments, challenges, and insights into leadership. She discusses the importance of following your gut, taking risks, and the impact of COVID on leadership attitudes. The conversation explores dynamic personalization in AI, contrasting it with static personalization and discussing the seamless integration of adaptive experiences with real-time data. Alison also touches on the ethical use of AI, data management, and the transformative potential of generative AI in providing tailored customer experiences.

00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Personal Growth
00:21 The Role of Gut Instinct in Decision Making
00:52 Challenges and Ethical Concerns in Data Analytics
01:34 Welcome to Data Analytics Chat
02:12 Alison Olson's Career Journey
04:46 The Evolution of Leadership
07:11 Impact of COVID on Leadership
08:37 Learning from Failures and Taking Risks
10:37 Balancing Management and Leadership
13:45 Skills and Mindsets for Leadership
16:32 Advice for Aspiring Leaders
21:01 Introduction to Dynamic Personalization
21:59 The Concept of Dynamic Personalization
23:23 Static vs. Dynamic Personalization
25:34 Real-World Examples of Personalization
27:22 Data Types for Adaptive Experiences
29:27 Predictive Signals for User Needs
30:42 Balancing Personalization and Privacy
35:12 Challenges in Real-Time Personalization
38:16 Generative AI and Future Possibilities
40:05 The Future of Jobs in Data and Analytics
43:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker welcomes Viji Krishnamurthy, VP and Head of AI and Generative AI at Oracle. With over two decades of experience spanning startups, Samsung, and Oracle, Viji shares her journey from academic research to leading enterprise AI initiatives.

Viji discusses pivotal career moments, the transition from scientist to product leader, and the importance of continuous learning and collaboration.

The data topic looks into the challenges, successes, and transformations of generative AI in the enterprise. The conversation explores the evolving role of data professionals, the challenges of implementing generative AI at scale, and the cultural shifts required for organisations to fully harness AI’s potential.

Viji highlights the need for robust data platforms, evaluation frameworks, and feedback-driven learning, while offering practical advice for aspiring leaders and insights into the future of business.

00:00 Becoming Managers of Agents: The New Workplace Paradigm
01:19 Welcome & Introduction to Data Analytics Chat
02:08 Viji Krishnamurthy’s Career Journey
03:47 Influential Mentors and Defining Moments
07:41 Transitioning from Scientist to Product Leader
10:55 High-Value Problem Solving in Data Science
13:23 Overcoming Career Challenges and Breaking Stereotypes
18:19 The Evolving Role of Data Professionals
21:50 Key Skills and Mindsets for Leadership
27:43 Continuous Learning and Staying Ahead in AI
32:28 Quantum Physics and the Future of Intelligence
38:08 Advice for Aspiring Leaders
41:08 Generative AI: Enterprise Challenges
44:08 Success Stories and Business Value
48:52 Addressing Risks: Hallucinations, Bias, and Trust
52:09 Cultural and Organisational Shifts for GenAI Adoption
57:05 The Future: Agents, Automation, and Collaboration
60:00 Closing Thoughts and Predictions

Thank you for listening!