Data Analytics Chat

Hosted by Ben Parker

TechnologyInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Feb 2026

Language

EN-GB

About the show

*** The podcast is on a short pause as I focus on scaling my recruitment firm, bigger things coming soon *** 🎧 Welcome to Data Analytics Chat – the podcast where data meets real careers. Data isn’t just numbers; it’s a journey. Each episode, we explore a key topic shaping the world of data analytics and discuss the career paths of our guests. This podcast brings together top experts to share: - Insights on today’s biggest data trends - The challenges they’ve faced (and how they overcame them) - Their career journeys, lessons learned, and advice for the next generation of data professionals This is for anyone passionate about data and the people behind it. 👉 Hit subscribe and join us on the learning journey. Connect with host - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben---parker/

Listen to episodes

60 recent

February 4, 2026Episode 7442 min

From Data Projects to Data Products: Essential Skills for AI Leaders

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 projects to data products, highlighting the need for product skills in the age of AI. Elena emphasises the importance of understanding the business, building customer-centric solutions, and investing in both technical and soft skills for AI leaders. Her insights provide a roadmap for anyone looking to excel in data and AI roles in today's dynamic business environment.00:00 Introduction to the Factory Process and Data Science Challenges01:00 Welcome to Data Analytics Chat with Elena Alikhachkina01:33 Ena's Career Journey and Insights04:14 The Importance of Understanding Business Processes09:17 Shifting from Data Projects to Data Products11:08 The Need for a Product Mindset in AI15:06 Challenges in Adopting a Product Mindset16:39 Encouraging Proactivity and Collaboration18:08 The Role of Education in Driving Change22:34 The Need for Reeducation in Technology and Data22:50 Embedding Data and AI in Business Curriculum23:14 The Changing Role of Data in Leadership24:01 The Importance of Soft Skills in Tech25:31 Trust in Data and Technology26:30 Essential Skills for the Future28:20 The Shift to Product-Centric Roles29:50 Bridging the Gap Between Business and Tech30:16 Investing in Personal Development31:19 Understanding the Customer's Needs34:00 The Value of Product Thinking in AI35:47 Career Growth Through Business Understanding41:03 Final Thoughts and Call to ActionThank you for listening!

January 29, 2026Episode 7337 min

The Future of Data Scientists and Data Engineers: How Data Teams Must Change

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 work. We discuss which skills will matter most in the future, why so many data initiatives struggle to deliver impact, and how organisations should rethink team structure and collaboration to stay relevant. A practical conversation for leaders and practitioners who want to build data teams that actually deliver value in an AI-driven world.00:00 Introduction to Scaling Analytics and AI00:50 The Role of Leadership in Data Science01:24 Exploring the Future of Data Roles01:46 Guest Introduction: Phoenix Pei02:18 Phoenix's Career Journey and Insights09:34 The Evolution of Data Roles with AI11:08 The Importance of Business Understanding in Data Science24:54 Challenges in Data Science Implementation25:07 Leadership Alignment and Data-Driven Decisions33:53 Preparing Data Teams for the Future37:17 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThank you for listening!

January 21, 2026Episode 7223 min

How To Make Successful Decisions In AI

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 outcomes.The conversation explores the tension between speed and governance, when to build vs buy, and why trust and governance are not obstacles to progress, but foundations for sustainable AI adoption.This is a practical, experience-led discussion for leaders who want to build AI capabilities that last.00:00 Introduction: The AI Hype and Strategy Revisions01:09 Guest Introduction: Meet Durai Rajamanickam02:09 AI Initiatives: Technical Capabilities and Investments03:46 Build vs Buy: Evaluating AI Tools05:36 Common AI Missteps: Hype and Misdiagnosis07:41 Successful AI Implementation: Business and Technical Alignment09:11 Governance and Trust: The Key to Sustainable AI09:47 Real-World Examples: When AI Falls Short12:22 Balancing Speed and Governance in AI15:22 Decision-Making in AI: Trust and Autonomy21:03 Final Thoughts: Advice for AI Leadership23:04 Conclusion: Wrapping Up the DiscussionThank you for listening!

January 14, 2026Episode 7139 min

What It Really Takes to Adopt Generative AI at Scale

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, 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 Challenges01:08 Guest Introduction: Nayan Paul from Accenture01:46 Nayan Paul's Role and Responsibilities05:08 Early Experiments and Lessons Learned07:02 From Experimentation to Value Creation10:14 Business Adoption and Technology Enablement16:15 Framework for Successful AI Implementation29:24 Balancing Speed with Responsibility34:09 Advice for Moving from Curiosity to Impact38:43 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThank you for listening!

January 7, 2026Episode 7030 min

Why Most Organisations Aren’t Ready for AI, Even If They Think They Are

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 Transformation01:42 Guest Introduction: Sujit Narapareddy02:08 Exploring AI's Impact on Organisations02:32 Sujit's Career Journey and Leadership Insights09:21 The Role of AI in Enhancing Human Roles16:17 Challenges and Strategies for AI Integration28:28 Preparing for the Future of AI30:02 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThank you for listening!

December 17, 2025Episode 6933 min

The Reality of AI Today

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 explores effective leadership strategies, experimentation, and the value of consistent stakeholder engagement to successfully integrate AI into business operations. 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 Life01:15 Welcome to Data Analytics Chat01:53 Meet Carlos Pineda02:51 Career Decisions and Growth05:30 Leadership Challenges and Lessons08:02 The Reality of AI in Business09:58 The Importance of Business Acumen13:13 Challenges in AI Implementation30:38 The Cost and Value of AI33:39 Final Thoughts and FarewellThank you for listening!

December 12, 2025Episode 681 hr 11 min

Why Hiring And Retaining Top AI Talent Has Become Harder Than Ever

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 Philosophy00:14 The Importance of Continuous Learning00:44 Challenges in the AI and Data Science Field01:20 Guest Introduction: Misha Ky02:24 Misha's Career Journey03:43 Current Excitements in AI and Data Science06:09 Navigating Human Elements in Claims07:37 Leadership Challenges and Lessons11:28 The Value of Individuality in Leadership19:31 Advice for Aspiring Data Leaders29:52 Hiring Challenges in AI and Data Science37:02 Finding the Right People for the Job37:23 The Importance of Critical Thinking37:41 Authenticity in Interviews38:26 The Role of Technology in Interviews38:51 Evaluating Candidates Beyond Technical Skills41:36 The Misconception About Technical Skills42:25 Personality and Attitude in Hiring44:21 Challenges in the Job Market48:55 Investing in Junior Staff01:04:33 Retention Strategies for Top Performers01:10:03 Future of the Hiring Landscape01:13:42 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThank you for listening!

December 4, 2025Episode 6723 min

Why Data Governance & Data Quality Are Important

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 examines 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 Learn01:12 Welcome to Data Analytics Chat02:01 Carol Kim's Career Journey02:57 The Role of Data in Real Estate03:38 Adapting to Different Cultures07:54 The Importance of Storytelling in Data09:59 Challenges in Leadership and Career Transitions15:13 The Significance of Data Governance and Quality24:06 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThank you for listening!

December 3, 2025Episode 6649 min

The Rise of AI Agents

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 Insights01:14 Guest Introduction and Career Overview02:45 Transition from Strategy to Implementation04:15 Learning and Adapting in Consulting05:35 Defining Career Moments10:35 Handling Challenges and Stress13:03 Leadership and Team Dynamics14:45 Balancing Technical and Business Skills20:01 Focus and Credibility in Leadership23:18 Introduction to AI Agents23:39 Capabilities of AI Agents24:22 Technical Aspects of AI Agents25:39 Complex Problem Solving with AI Agents28:40 High-Value Use Cases for AI Agents32:14 Team Collaboration in AI Deployment33:19 Challenges in Scaling AI Agents37:21 Data Quality and AI Agents45:12 Future of AI Agents in Enterprises48:17 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThank you for listening!

November 26, 2025Episode 6544 min

The Power of Personalisation: How AI Influences What We Buy

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 transforming personalisation and, ultimately, buying behaviour. Allison breaks down the shift from static to dynamic personalisation, exploring how adaptive experiences powered by real-time data guide customer decisions. She also covers the ethical use of AI, strong data foundations, and the transformative role of generative AI in creating truly tailored customer experiences that influence what we buy and why.00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Personal Growth00:21 The Role of Gut Instinct in Decision Making00:52 Challenges and Ethical Concerns in Data Analytics01:34 Welcome to Data Analytics Chat02:12 Alison Olson's Career Journey04:46 The Evolution of Leadership07:11 Impact of COVID on Leadership08:37 Learning from Failures and Taking Risks10:37 Balancing Management and Leadership13:45 Skills and Mindsets for Leadership16:32 Advice for Aspiring Leaders21:01 Introduction to Dynamic Personalisation21:59 The Concept of Dynamic Personalisation23:23 Static vs. Dynamic Personalisation25:34 Real-World Examples of Personalisation27:22 Data Types for Adaptive Experiences29:27 Predictive Signals for User Needs30:42 Balancing Personalisation and Privacy35:12 Challenges in Real-Time Personalisation38:16 Generative AI and Future Possibilities40:05 The Future of Jobs in Data and Analytics43:57 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThank you for listening!