Data Driven Leadership

Hosted by Resultant

Technology Business

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Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

The power of Data is undeniable. And unharnessed - it's nothing but chaos. Making data your ally. Using it to lead with confidence and clarity. Host Jess Carter is solving problems in real-time to reveal what's possible. Helping communities and people thrive. This is Data Driven Leadership a show brought to you by Resultant.

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60 recent

June 3, 202630 min

How Southwest Airlines Built an AI Literacy Program That Drives Real Adoption

In this episode, Jess Carter sits down with Nicola Smith, senior AI advisor at Southwest Airlines, to explore how organizations can operationalize AI strategically and build a workforce ready for the future. Nicola shares her insights on AI literacy, human-centered design, and creating a mindset of abundance that empowers employees rather than creating fear. In this episode, you'll learn: How to develop an enterprise AI strategy that works across departments The importance of building AI literacy programs How AI can enhance creativity, innovation, and decision-making Things to listen for: (00:00) Introduction to the episode with Nicola Smith (04:44) Building enterprise and departmental AI strategies (07:30) Bottom-up innovation and employee-driven AI use cases (09:51) Adoption through AI literacy programs (13:24) Combating fear and cultivating a mindset of abundance (22:22) Storytelling and transparency in AI-driven organizations (27:49) Future AI initiatives and emerging technologies Nicola's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolasmith22/

May 6, 202617 min

Why AI Literacy Is Critical for Today's Business Leaders

How can business and IT leaders align on AI and make smarter decisions together? Jess Carter reflects on conversations with business, IT, and data leaders across industries, sharing common themes she has observed around AI adoption. She discusses the disconnect between technical teams and business stakeholders, and offers practical advice on how to bridge that gap, build confidence with AI, and focus on real business value. In this episode, you'll learn: How data leaders can better connect AI initiatives to business outcomes Why developing hands-on experience with AI tools is critical How business leaders can experiment with AI while managing risk and cost Things to listen for: (00:00) Introduction to the episode (02:16) The two types of IT and data leaders approaching AI (06:25) Prompt engineering and AI experimentation (09:20) Managing data security and tool limitations (14:06) Why AI adoption looks different for every organization Jess's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaccarter/ Not sure if your AI efforts are actually paying off? Take this free quiz and find out where your business stands: https://info.resultant.com/ai-value-scorecard

April 8, 2026Episode 9339 min

Can Certain Personality Traits Undermine Leadership? Understanding the Dark Triad with Ernest O'Boyle

When times get tough, we rely on leaders to make the hard decisions. That's why their character is so critical—it can make or break a team, a company, or even an entire organization. In this episode, Jess Carter sits down with Ernest O'Boyle to explore the "dark triad" of leadership and how these toxic traits can quietly sabotage a workplace. Professor Ernest shares his research on how these traits often go unchecked, leading to manipulation and a toxic culture. They discuss how leaders with dark triad traits can distort data, influencing outcomes and undermining trust in data-driven decisions. In this episode, you'll learn: How toxic leadership traits impact team performance The effects of narcissism and Machiavellianism in leadership dynamics How to build and maintain a positive workplace culture despite challenging behaviors Things to listen for: (00:00) Introduction to the episode with Ernest O'Boyle (02:00) The dark triad traits in leadership (06:45) How narcissism and psychopathy show up in the workplace (10:25) Leadership in high-pressure environments (14:10) Managing manipulative behaviors in teams (18:00) How organizational culture shapes leadership behavior (22:15) Ethical dilemmas in decision-making (27:30) Can toxic leadership traits be reformed? Ernest's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ernest-o-boyle-4547a729/

March 25, 2026Episode 9227 min

How Hungryroot Built Data Ownership and Its Impact on AI with Ben Ganzfried

AI can make decisions fast. But weak data foundations still slow everything down. In this episode, Jess Carter sits down with Senior Director of Data Platform & Governance at Hungryroot Ben Ganzfried to discuss what it takes to build trust in data as companies grow. At Hungryroot, data does more than support reporting. It informs recommendations, recipes, and inventory decisions. Ben shares lessons on building data foundations that help teams move faster with more confidence. He explains why governance should reinforce accountability, not create friction, and why unclear ownership becomes a bigger risk when more decisions depend on data. In this episode, you'll learn: Why data governance is crucial for business growth Best practices for managing data security and accessibility How to foster a data-driven culture within your organization Things to listen for: (00:00) Introduction to the episode with Ben Ganzfried (02:41) How Hungryroot uses data to personalize the customer experience (08:39) Making faster decisions through better governance (14:15) The rise of data and AI leadership roles (19:23) Why ambiguity becomes a risk as systems scale (23:38) Curiosity as part of data-driven leadership Ben's LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/ben-ganzfried-1a5a8620a/?skipRedirect=true Links from the episode - https://www.cdomagazine.tech/opinion-analysis/lessons-in-ambiguity-data-ai-and-the-limits-of-informal-coordination https://benganzfried.com/f/the-nature-of-data-the-foundation-we-forgot-and-why-it-matters https://benganzfried.com/f/the-year-the-margin-for-error-disappeared https://www.cdomagazine.tech/opinion-analysis/lessons-in-ambiguity-data-ai-and-the-limits-of-informal-coordination

March 11, 2026Episode 9136 min

Former FBI Executive on Leading Through Crisis with Incomplete Data

Some moments define the kind of leader you are. When the stakes are high and the data is incomplete, your character becomes the strategy. In this episode, former FBI agent Herbert Stapleton joins Jess Carter to explore the role of integrity, decision-making, and leadership in high-stakes environments. Drawing from his two decades of experience in federal law enforcement, Herb shares his insights on how character and effective leadership are essential when the stakes are life and death. He discusses the importance of honesty, accountability, and the challenges of making tough decisions with incomplete information. In this episode, you'll learn: How to lead with integrity under intense pressure The importance of humility and confidence in leadership Ways to foster trust and loyalty within your team during crises Things to listen for: (00:00) Introduction to the episode with Herbert Stapleton (02:20) Herb's journey from law school to the FBI (06:34) Leadership development in the FBI (10:03) Decision-making with incomplete information (14:32) How to deal with crises in corporate settings (17:35) Prioritizing wellness in your team (22:21) Developing character in the age of AI (28:33) Can integrity be taught? Herb's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herb-stapleton-b94a19126/ https://www.dinsmore.com/

February 25, 2026Episode 9029 min

Are You Leading AI or Letting It Lead You?

Many organizations are adopting AI tools at record speed. Few are stepping back to ask whether they are meaningfully transforming how work gets done. In this episode of Data-Driven Leadership, Jess Carter sits down with Sindhu Venkata, Vice President of Technical Delivery at Resultant, to discuss what intentional AI leadership looks like. Sindhu introduces the idea of the "AI speed trap" — the cycle of moving faster, producing more, and slowly eroding quality, trust, and critical thinking along the way. She explains why AI failure is rarely a technology problem; it's a leadership problem. This episode is especially relevant for executives, data leaders, and operators navigating AI adoption across their teams. In this episode, you'll learn: The difference between operational AI and transformational AI Why the AI speed trap creates fatigue and poor outputs How leaders can adopt AI without losing critical thinking Things to listen for: (00:00) Introduction to the episode with Sindhu Venkata (08:02) The AI speed trap and work slop (17:57) AI licenses vs. transformational strategy (23:57) Trust erosion and AI hallucinations (27:55) Leading AI adoption with intention Sindhu's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sindhuvenkata/

February 11, 2026Episode 8937 min

How to Be a Master Negotiator and Lead with Confidence

Data can point to the right answer, but negotiation determines whether it happens. In this episode of Data Driven Leadership, Jess Carter sits down with Charlotte Westerhaus-Renfrow, Clinical Associate Professor of Business Law and Management at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. They discuss why negotiation is a core leadership skill that transforms the way you approach tough conversations. Charlotte explains why effective leaders do not rely on one negotiation style. They prepare, assess the moment, and pivot when the strategy no longer serves the goal. This episode is especially relevant for leaders navigating complex tradeoffs, limited options, or tense conversations where outcomes and relationships both matter. In this episode, you'll learn: How to recognize the negotiation style that works best for you Strategies for building and maintaining strong professional relationships The importance of mentorship in leadership development Things to listen for: (00:00) Introduction to the episode with Charlotte Westerhaus-Renfrow (09:08) How to select a mentor (11:52) Negotiation styles and strategies (23:19) When you're overwhelmed, do this (26:28) Know your alternatives in a negotiation (28:24) Leveraging AI for better communication (31:56) Building and maintaining professional relationships Charlotte's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlottewesterhaus/ Self-assessment: https://hubs.ly/Q042Ty6d0

January 28, 2026Episode 8813 min

Hands-on Leadership: Closing Process Gaps and Iterating AI Strategy

How can leaders make better data-driven decisions? Jess Carter shares some of her recent reflections on leadership, from improving workflows within the organization to navigating AI. She talks about how leaders can stay hands-on, spot problems before they turn into bigger issues that impact the business, and earn their team's trust. In this episode, you'll learn: The questions leaders need to ask to identify problems in the organization Tips for democratizing decision-making How a personal philosophy around AI leads to more confident decisions Things to listen for: (00:00) Introduction to the episode (01:05) A methodology for spotting problems you might otherwise miss (04:40) Showing up and building trust with your team (06:26) Democratizing problem-solving (08:23) How to start figuring out your AI philosophy Jess's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaccarter/

January 14, 2026Episode 8737 min

What Every Leader Needs to Know About Sustainable AI Adoption: Insights from a Fortune 500 AI Executive

"Slow is smooth, smooth is fast." This saying rings true when it comes to AI adoption in today's fast-paced world. While everyone seems to be rushing toward the next big AI breakthrough, the reality is that hasty decisions often lead to costly mistakes. In this episode of Data-Driven Leadership, Jess Carter sits down with Patrick McQuillan, global head of AI and data governance at a Fortune 500 company to discuss how leaders can adopt AI thoughtfully and sustainably. Patrick shares his expertise on balancing rapid innovation with long-term success, the critical role of AI governance, and how organizations can avoid common pitfalls in their AI journey. Tune in to learn how a strategic, measured approach to AI can drive lasting impact for both businesses and their customers. In this episode, you'll learn: How AI governance reduces failure rates and protects trust Why data foundations matter more than new models What leaders should ask before they fund or scale AI Things to listen for: (00:00) Introduction to the episode with Patrick McQuillan (05:50) Guidance for early AI adopters on pace and expectations (12:41) When AI governance becomes a leadership priority (15:28) The likelihood of public AI failures (20:10) Long-term AI adoption (26:36) AI in higher education and job readiness (31:10) Responsible use of GenAI tools in the workplace Patrick's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pjmcquillan/

December 31, 2025Episode 8635 min

The Data-Driven Leader's Guide to Navigating Change in 2026

2025 was a breakthrough year for AI adoption, with new tools enabling seamless integration between business and technical teams. Organizations leveraged AI to improve operations, enhance decision-making, and unlock growth opportunities, though not without challenges. In this episode, Jess Carter sits down with Michael Schwarz, Senior Vice President of Professional Services at Resultant, to reflect on the key lessons from 2025. They discuss the successes and hurdles organizations encountered in their AI journeys and share actionable insights for leaders heading into 2026. Michael also offers his predictions for 2026 and how businesses can leverage AI to lead in the next phase of digital transformation. In this episode, you'll learn: How 2025 accelerated AI adoption across industries The balance between power and responsibility in using AI Key priorities for leaders to focus on in 2026, especially within industries like healthcare Things to listen for: (00:00) Introduction to the episode with Michael Schwarz (06:08) Reflections on 2025 with fast-moving technology (11:31) What leaders need to know about the future of AI (18:07) Predictions for 2026 (25:10) Where to focus AI investment for growth (31:15) Improving patient experience for 2026 Michael's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schwarzmike/

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