BizTech Forward

AI is supposed to be revolutionizing retail. Personalized recommendations, seamless checkout, virtual try-ons — the whole pitch. But if the technology is so good, why are physical stores still packed? Anni sits down with Dmitry Olerinskiy, Digital Strategy Director at Decathlon, to talk about what's actually happening when AI meets shopping. They discuss the corporate AI strategies and custome...

What does it actually mean to be ready for AI? In this episode, Anni sits down with Alistair Wandesforde, SVP at DataArt, to see what companies say about their AI capabilities and what's really happening on the ground. They discuss why smart executives keep skipping foundational work, whether AI is actually killing the IT services industry (it is not), and where the real work is. Alistair on L...

Season 2's most controversial moments! Eight tech leaders share their unpopular opinions on AI, recruitment, learning culture, market competition, and more. The honest hot takes from tech leaders who aren't afraid to challenge conventional wisdom. Reach out to us at biztechforward@dataart.com

We wrap up Season 2 with episodes 13-16! Featuring Doron Fagelson's fascinating look at how data is transforming art commerce, Greg Abbott's insights on the tech behind your next trip, Olesya Khokhulia on enterprise partnerships beyond just delivery, and Alexey Utkin's brutally honest conversation about data reality. Four conversations that brought Season 2 to a close with valuable ins...

Join host Anni Tabagua for the first half of Season 2! This recap covers episodes 9-12 featuring Mike Peterson on evolving client expectations from IT vendors, Maryna Melnik on scaling learning culture across organizations, Marcos Mauro on Latin America's incredible tech boom, and Julia Zavileyskaya on today's state of tech talent. Four conversations that set the tone for Season 2's de...

In this episode, Anni sits down with Alexey Utkin, Head of Data and Analytics Lab at DataArt, for a candid conversation about what’s really going on in the world of data. They talk about the myths companies cling to, the real value behind the buzzwords, and what it takes to move from dashboards and demos to actual business outcomes. GenAI makes an appearance, of course, but so do the unglamorous t...

What do enterprise clients really expect from their technology partners, and how has that changed over the years? In this episode, Anni speaks with Olesya Khokhulia, VP of Global Enterprise Accounts at DataArt, about the evolution of client relationships, the quiet signals that build trust, and what it takes to stay relevant in an environment where expectations are always shifting. A reflective co...

Travel is back — but it’s not the same. In this episode, we sit down with Greg Abbott, a veteran of the travel tech world with over three decades of experience, to talk about how the industry is evolving. From the rise of AI and real-time data to the promise (and pitfalls) of hyper-personalization, Greg walks us through the big shifts shaping how we move through the world. We talk about what’s wor...

From ancient artifacts to AI-curated collections—art is evolving, and fast. In this episode, host Anni explores how technology is transforming the art world, from online marketplaces to data-driven personalization and virtual galleries. She’s joined by Doron Fagelson, SVP of Media & Entertainment at DataArt, who shares insights on the biggest shifts facing auction houses, galleries, and online...

In this episode, host Anni chats with Julia Zavileyskaya, Chief People Officer at DataArt, about the biggest hiring trends, AI’s role in recruitment, and what really keeps employees engaged. What’s changing in tech hiring?
Must-have skills for the future
AI & data-driven HR—where’s the balance?
The truth about retention & company culture? Plus, Julia shares why AI shouldn’t make hiring dec...

Latin America is experiencing a tech boom like never before, with AI, fintech, open banking, and data centers leading the charge. In this episode, Anni sits down with Marcos Mauro to discuss what’s fueling this transformation, how businesses and clients are adapting, and why Latin America is more than just an emerging market — it’s a global leader in the making. Tune in to explore the region’s eco...

In this episode of BizTech Forward, Anni chats with Maryna Melnik, Head of Learning and Development at DataArt, about how companies can create a culture of continuous learning, scale it across thousands of people, and deliver real business value. They discuss the business case for training junior talent, how learning drives operational efficiency, and why data is key to keeping skills fresh. Plus,...

In this episode of BizTech Forward, Anni sits down with Mike Peterson, Advisory CTO / CIO, Mentor, and Coach, who discusses how client expectations from IT vendors have evolved over the past decade, what clients miss from the ‘old days,’ and how vendors can stay ahead in an ever-changing tech landscape. Tune in for real stories, fresh insights, and a few surprises about what clients really want in...

This is a bonus episode of BizTech Forward: Season One Recap. Host Anni takes you through the eight episodes of the debut season, highlighting some of the best moments and setting the stage for season two! Stay tuned! Reach out to us at biztechforward@dataart.com

In this episode of BizTech Forward, Anni chats with Scott Rayburn, VP Marketing at DataArt, about how marketing has evolved with the rise of data and technology. From B2B branding to martech, content, SEO, and sales enablement, Scott tells us how data is shaping today’s marketing strategies and what’s next. Plus, find out Scott’s unpopular opinion on the future of creative marketing in B2B! Scott...

India is emerging as a tech and business powerhouse, blending ancient traditions with cutting-edge innovation. In this episode, Anni chats with Sheetal Kale, Head of DataArt India, about the country’s modern tech views, AI and data, IPO boom, and India’s gravitational pull in global decision-making. Plus, a closer look at diversity and women-led innovation. Tune in to discover what the ‘New India’...

In this episode, we're joined by Tim McMullen, a true veteran in aviation tech, to discuss the latest trends from airline tech events and the future of aviation. From contactless travel and predictive maintenance to hyper-personalized passenger experiences, Tim shares key industry shifts and even his hot take on what airlines might be getting wrong. Tune in for a closer look! Tim on LinkedIn: http...

In this episode of BizTech Forward, Anni sits down with Anastasia Rezhepp, DataArt’s Head of Design Studio, to talk about the evolution of design processes in the world of UX. From the early, intuitive days of UI/UX to today’s data-driven approaches, they’ll uncover how workflows and priorities have changed — and what’s on the horizon. Tune in for a lively discussion on how the design process shap...

In this episode of BizTech Forward, we chat with Yuri Gubin, Chief Innovation Officer at DataArt, about why data quality is critical for AI success. From real-life analogies — like cooking and road trips — to the risks of bias and the future of AI learning from AI, we break down complex topics in a lighter way. Tune in for an insightful conversation! Yuri Gubin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.co...

In this episode, we chat with Anna Velykoivanenko, Global Employer Branding Director at DataArt, about the perfect blend of technical know-how and human-centric skills, making this a fun yet insightful take on the ever-evolving IT hiring practices. We explore key trends in IT talent — past, present, and future — focusing on the shift from local to global talent pools and the rising demand for resk...

In this episode of BizTech Forward, Anni from DataArt's Media Relations team chats with Alexei Miller, Managing Director at DataArt, about how businesses can truly measure the value of their IT investments. Together, they explore how companies have historically evaluated IT spending, how modern businesses are shifting their focus from simple cost metrics to long-term strategic value, and what...

In the debut episode of BizTech Forward, Anni Tabagua from DataArt's Media Relations team talks with Dmitry Bagrov, Managing Director of DataArt UK, about the profound impact of AI on the automotive industry—a topic that goes beyond just car manufacturers. They explore how AI is revolutionizing everything from driving safety to the way we think about mobility, offering insights that matter to...