Data Analytics Chat

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we welcome Mary Alfheim, VP of Data and Analytics, and Joseph Kroon, Data Architect, both from Headspace. Mary previously led analytics teams at Amazon Prime Video and HBO, while Joseph spent time in Cigna's data organisation and, earlier, as a Black Hawk helicopter crew chief in the National Guard. Mary and Joseph share how Headspace r...

Send us Fan Mail Trust in AI: How Do You Build Trust That Creates Real Business Value? Companies are pouring billions into AI, but investment alone doesn't deliver value. In this episode, Ben Parker sits down with Paul Drennan to unpack why trust is the missing link between AI spending and real business outcomes. They explore what builds — and breaks — trust in AI systems, how organisations c...

Send us Fan Mail From Legacy to AI: The Playbook for Transformation In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker interviews Echeyde Cubillo, a veteran technologist with experience from eBay to multiple startups, now leading AI transformations in enterprises. They explore why large organizations struggle with AI adoption despite greater resources than startups. The real barrier isn'...

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we welcome Elena Alikhachkina, a four-time Chief AI and Data Officer with Fortune 500 companies, and a board advisor. Elena shares her journey in data analytics and AI spanning over 25 years, covering key transitions in her career and the importance of blending business acumen with technical expertise.  The discussion focuses on the critical shift from data...

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we’re joined by Phoenix Pei, SVP, Analytics Manager at Truist, to explore how the roles of Data Scientists and Data Engineers are changing in the age of AI and automation.   Phoenix explains why trust, leadership alignment, and business understanding are becoming more critical than technical skills alone, and how generative AI is reshaping how data teams wor...

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, Ben speaks with Durai Rajamanickam, a senior AI leader, about what it really takes to turn AI ambition into something organisations can trust and scale. They discuss why many AI initiatives fail long before the technology becomes the issue, the risks of hype-driven decision-making, and the importance of clear goals, strong business ownership, and measurable...

Most organisations are experimenting with generative AI. Very few are turning it into a real business impact. In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we speak 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,...

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 str...

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...

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 an...

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 exam...

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 sta...

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we sit down with Allison Olson, Senior Vice President of Analytics Solutions at Merkle. Allison shares her inspiring career journey, filled with proud moments, challenges, and valuable leadership insights. She talks about the importance of following your gut, taking risks, and how COVID-19 reshaped leadership attitudes.   We then discuss how AI is transformi...

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...

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we welcome Michael Shaw, Senior Vice President of Data and AI at Dow Jones. Michael shares his fascinating career journey, which includes experiences at Google, Facebook, and Instacart.  He discusses the key challenges he faced, such as managing hypergrowth during the pandemic, transitioning into leadership roles, and driving ROI in data projects.  The discu...

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben welcomes Priya Gopal, a seasoned professional who has worked with major pharma companies like Takeda and GSK and recently founded her own consulting firm, Inferential Data LLC.    Priya shares her journey from a hands-on database developer to a strategic leader in the field of clinical research. She discusses the importance of cultural readiness for...

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we welcome Shourabh Mukherji, a data and analytics expert with 25 years of experience at major firms such as Chubb and JPMorgan Chase.  Shourabh shares his journey from starting a small enterprise in India to working with senior executives in the United States. The discussion examines his career milestones, key challenges, and the vital leadership skills req...

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we sit down with Juan Gorricho, a leader in data analytics with experience at top companies like Walt Disney, Visa, and TD Bank.  Now the founder of Strategic Data Transformation, Juan shares his journey in the data field, the challenges of delivering data projects, the importance of aligning data projects with business goals, and managing expectations amid...

9In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we sit down with Dushyanth Sekhar, Head of AI and Data Platforms at S&P Global. Dush shares key insights from his career journey, emphasising the importance of learning from failures in the AI space.  He discusses his transition from a non-technology background to leading AI and data initiatives, the role of continuous learning, and the significance of...

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we welcome Sundip Gorai, Global Head of Data Science and AI at Global Payments, a Fortune 500 company. Sundip shares insights from his expansive career journey, which spans across various industries like banking and manufacturing, and discusses how agentic AI is revolutionising business.  He offers insight into AI strategy, the challenges of adopting AI, and...

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben welcomes Matthew Paruthickal, Global Head of Data and AI Architecture Engineering at Sanofi, to discuss the evolution of data technology from single-box systems to agent AI.  They explore Matthew's career journey, the importance of solving business problems with technology, and the significant moments that shaped his approach to data. Topics in...

In this episode of the Data Analytics Chat podcast, we welcome Sameer Sethi, Chief AI Officer at Hackensack Meridian Health, to discuss his exciting career journey and the evolving balance between human intuition and AI-driven decision signals. Sameer offers his perspective on the maturation of data analytics, the acceleration of technology adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the role of AI...

In this episode of the Data Analytics Chat podcast, host Ben Parker welcomes Steve Labkoff, Vice President for Development and Medical Analytics at Bristol Myers Squibb.  Steve shares his incredible career journey, from starting as a traditional physician to pioneering roles in medical informatics and analytics across various pharmaceutical companies.  The discussion explores the intricacies of pe...

In this episode of the Data Analytics Chat podcast, we explore the world of data and AI with Linda Powell, former Deputy Chief Data Officer.  Linda shares insights from her unique career journey, which spans roles at the Federal Reserve, the Treasury Department, Citibank, and more. She discusses the differences and similarities between public and private sectors, and the importance of data foundat...

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker interviews Manoj Mohan, an engineering executive with experience at Intuit, Meta, Apple, and Cloudera.  Manoj shares his journey from software engineering to data leadership, offering invaluable insights into building resilient data platforms and driving innovation in the world of data and AI. Manoj discusses pivotal moments in his career, th...