Hub & Spoken: Data | Analytics | Chief Data Officer | CDO | Data Strategy

In this episode of  Hub & Spoken , Jason Foster talks to  Cali Wood , Head of Data and AI Strategy & Culture at AXA UK and Ireland. Cali shares how AXA is shaping its data and AI transformation through a clear strategic framework built on creation of value, connection of data and tooling, and culture to accelerate value. From embedding human-centred design into automation use cases to launching a...

In this solo episode, Cynozure CEO Jason Foster explores what it really means to create value with data and AI and why it can't be treated as a nice-to-have outcome at the end of a project. Jason breaks down a practical, repeatable approach to designing value in from the start, with clear intent, strong foundations, and input-focused delivery. He shares real-world examples and analogies to show ho...

In this episode of  Hub & Spoken , Jason Foster, CEO & Founder of Cynozure, speaks with  Lisa Allen , Director of Data at  The Pensions Regulator (TPR) , about the role of data in protecting savers and shaping a more resilient pensions industry. Lisa shares the story behind TPR's new data strategy and how it's helping to modernise an ecosystem that oversees more than £2 trillion in savings across...

Behavioural data is fast becoming a cornerstone of modern business strategy. Not just for media measurement or advertising optimisation, but across product, pricing, logistics, and platform development. It tells us what people actually do, not just what they say they do. As traditional market research struggles with low engagement and recall bias, brands are turning to digital behavioural data to...

In this episode of  Hub & Spoken , Jason Foster speaks with  Colin Zima , CEO and Co-founder of  Omni , a modern business intelligence platform that combines the best of governance and usability. With a background spanning roles at Looker and Google, and two decades as both a data user and builder, Colin brings a unique perspective on the evolution of BI and the real role of AI in shaping its futu...

In this episode of  Hub & Spoken , Jason Foster, CEO of Cynozure, goes solo and explores one of the most critical yet under-discussed business skills...decision making. Drawing on real-world examples, research, and personal experience, Jason unpacks why so many organisations struggle to make effective decisions, despite it being core to leadership, innovation, and progress. From decision paralysis...

In this episode of  Hub & Spoken , Jason Foster, CEO of Cynozure, chats with  Luis Mejia , VP Data, Platforms & AI at PensionBee , about how the company is transforming the pension industry through smart use of data and AI. Luis shares how a  digital-first mindset is helping PensionBee enhance customer experience, manage data effectively, and fuel business growth. He dives into how AI is being use...

In this episode of Hub & Spoken, host Jason Foster welcomes Sam White, the multi-award-winning Founder of Freedom Services Group and Global Founder of Stella Insurance Australia.  Sam shares her journey of building Stella Insurance, the challenges and opportunities of creating a digital-first insurance company, the importance of customer experience, and how Stella Insurance is reimagining financia...

Jason's co-author, Barry Green, joins this next episode as they discuss the release of the second edition of "Data Means Business" on 25th March.  Returning for his third conversation on the podcast, Barry shares updates on the evolving landscape of data and AI, the impact of generative AI, and the importance of business capabilities. They delve into the changes since the first edition, including...

This episode is a special edition in honour of International Women's Day on 8th March. Host Jason Foster is joined by Lou Hutchins, Director of Data Culture & Literacy at Cynozure, and Rose Attridge, Strategy Advisor at Cynozure. Together, they explore gender diversity in data and AI, the importance of sponsorship and allies, and challenges in male-dominated industries. They also discuss the role...

In this episode, host Jason Foster is joined by Adam Elman, Director of Sustainability - EMEA, at Google.    Together they explore defining sustainability from environmental, social and governance perspectives , and the role of AI in sustainability, including AI's potential to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by up to 10% by 2030.   They also discuss the future of sustainability and possibil...

In this episode, host Jason Foster is joined by Amanda Bickerstaff, CEO & Founder, AI for Education.   Together they explore the impact of AI on young people, particularly in the context of education. They discuss AI literacy, the need for AI literacy among students, teachers, and policymakers and the need for understanding AI's capabilities, limitations, and ethical considerations.   They also di...

In this episode, host Jason Foster is joined by Lara Menke, Leadership Psychologist & Executive Coach.  Together they explore leadership development and the application of business psychology to improve workplace dynamics and team performance.  They also discuss the transformative potential of emotionally intelligent, self-aware, and empathetic leadership in fostering resilient and effective teams...

In this episode, host Jason Foster sits down with Barry Panayi, Chief Data and Insight Officer at John Lewis Partnership to discuss the evolving role of the Chief Data Officer (CDO). Barry shares his journey from coding and analytics to leading data and insights at iconic brands like John Lewis and Waitrose. He offers a unique perspective on how CDOs can transition from technical experts to strate...

In this episode, host Jason Foster is joined by Susie Moan, Chief Data Officer at Currys and member of Cynozure's Advisory Board. They explore some of the highlights of Susie's accomplished career in data and AI, highlighting the significance of data value in a commercial business context .     The conversation also covers how Currys successfully balances growth with cost-saving initiatives, and e...

In this episode, host Jason Foster sits down with Osama Khan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Professor in Finance at Aston University, Birmingham.  Together, they explore how data is transforming the landscape of higher education, from revolutionising decision-making to navigating the challenges and opportunities brought about by AI.    Osama also shares insights into Aston University's pion...

AI has made its way into the boardroom, bringing with it a wave of excitement—and for some, a dose of confusion. For those in the know , AI has become a n accelerator for operational and strategic improvements . But for others, the rapid pace and mixed messages have led to uncertainty. In our latest episode, Cynozure's CEO and Founder, Jason Foster explores the current state of AI in leadership sp...

In this episode, host Jason Foster sits down with Paula Bobbett, Chief Digital Officer at Boots. They discuss her extensive digital experience, which includes roles at Dixon's Carphone, British Airways, Debenhams and Avon.    They also explore the importance of an omnichannel strategy that bridges online and in-store customer experiences, using customer insights and AI tools. ***********       Cyn...

In this special Halloween episode, Jason Foster talks to James Lupton, CTO at Cynozure, and Keith Goldthorpe, Director of Solution Architecture at Cynozure. Reflecting on their conversation from last year, the group revisit some of their predictions and discuss the most significant developments in the realms of data and AI. They also engage in a game of 'AI Spell or Human Skill,' where they debate...

In this episode, host Jason Foster sits down with Cassandra Vukorep , Chief Data Officer at Lloyds of London. The discussion delves into the critical role of data literacy and how fostering a culture of data engagement can benefit a diverse range of organisations across various industries.   They also explore Cassandra's current role at Lloyds and the exciting data opportunities that can be applie...

In this episode, host Jason Foster sits down with Manuel  Heichlinger , inclusivity leader and Managing Director at Audeliss . The pair discuss the myths that often plague conversations around diversity and inclusion within the professional workforce and debunk these assumptions. They also explore some of the unexpected benefits of a diverse workforce, including increased productivity, competitive...

In this episode, host Jason Foster sits down with Steven Pimblett, CDO at Rightmove, to discuss how data and AI can be leveraged as an asset to create value in a company. They explore the different approaches that CDOs take in implementing new data practices into an organisation, as well as the process of creating and demonstrating data value.   Additionally, they examine the shifts in marketing e...

In this episode, host Jason Foster sits down with Anthony Deighton, CEO at Tamr, to delve into the complexities of data quality and analytics. They explore the challenges organisations face in managing and improving data quality, the pivotal role of AI in addressing these challenges, and strategies for aligning data quality initiatives with business objectives. They also explore the evolving role...

In this brilliant episode, Jason Foster delves into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on businesses and everyday life with Tom Goodwin, a world-renowned trends and transformation expert, keynote speaker, consultant, and author. Tom shares his expert insights on how technology reshapes the rules of business, creates new possibilities, and influences consumer behaviour. From discu...

Join Jason Foster as he chats with Lara Burns, Chief Digital Officer at Scouts, about their ambitious digital transformation journey. Lara shares the challenges and successes in modernising one of the world's largest youth organisations, highlighting the critical role of digital tools in boosting volunteer engagement and operational efficiency. The episode also explores the emerging role of AI in...