What It Really Takes to Drive AI Adoption: Lessons from Anju’s Data Career, with Anju Gupta (Chief Data and AI Officer at BNSF Railway)
Send us a textIn this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker talks with Anju Gupta, the Chief Data and AI Officer at BNSF Railway, to explore her successful career journey to date and discuss AI adoption. Anju reveals her career journey, sharing pivotal moments that shaped her path and the profound influence of AI on various industries. She discusses overcoming challenges, the significance of collaboration, and essential skills like resilience, humility, and influencing. Anju provides a detailed exploration of AI adoption at scale, highlighting common roadblocks, strategic approaches for aligning AI with business goals, and the importance of a well-rounded build, buy, and partner strategy. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:39 Anju's Early Career Journey03:43 Pivotal Moments and AI Adoption06:15 Overcoming Challenges and Building Influence17:23 The Importance of Mentors and Sponsors24:32 Handling Setbacks and Learning from Failure29:04 The Dangers of Comparison31:15 Skills for Success in the Industry34:10 Challenges in AI Adoption42:50 Moving from AI Experimentation to Full-Scale Adoption46:48 Common Mistakes in Early AI Adoption50:55 Aligning AI Initiatives with Business Goals53:26 Leveraging External Expertise for AI Success56:42 Final Thoughts and AdviceThank you for listening!
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Why Data Projects Keep Failing, with Murli Buluswar (Head of Analytics at Citibank)
Send us a textWhy do so many data and analytics projects fall short, even in the most well-funded companies?In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker talks with Murli Buluswar, Head of Analytics at Citibank's US Personal Bank, to explore what companies are doing wrong in data and analytics solutions. We also explore his impressive career journey, from statistician to leader and unpack what it really takes to scale impact in data and analytics.00:00 Introduction to the Guest and Episode Overview00:48 Career Beginnings and Early Insights03:50 Transition to Leadership and Enterprise Thinking06:37 Continuous Learning and Self-Improvement17:53 Challenges and Skills in Data-Driven Leadership36:41 Common mistakes companies make when building analytics solutions40:55 Companies' obsession with the latest tools and technologies 45:29 Poor leadership or lack of accountability at the top46:23 Industry guilty of overcomplicating data strategies 48:21 Final Thoughts and ConclusionThank you for listening!
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The Gen AI Shift: Data Engineering Redefined, with Shashi Kumar (Head of Data Engineering & Analytics at Hearst)
Send us a textIn this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker talks with Shashi Kumar, Head of Data Engineering & Analytics at Hearst, to explore how the rise of generative AI is reshaping the role of data engineering. Whether you’re an aspiring data leader or a hands-on engineer, this episode is packed with practical insights, career advice, and how top organisations adapt to the new AI landscape. You’ll learn: How Shashi transitioned from DBA to senior data leader and what helped him stand outThe key skills, tools, and certifications that are shaping the modern data engineerHow generative AI is changing data architecture, pipeline design, and collaborationWhy governance, unstructured data, and real-time pipelines are now mission-criticalWhat strategic investments should companies make to scale Gen AI effectively 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:41 Shashi Kumar's Career Journey03:42 Transition to Leadership05:44 Key Career Moments08:57 Facing Career Setbacks11:31 Skills for Success in Data Engineering16:50 Impact of Generative AI on Data Engineering20:52 Modern Data Engineering Tools and Skills24:21 Collaboration Between Data Engineering and Data Science28:42 Modern Data Architectures and Gen AI33:57 Strategic Investments for Gen AI Adoption34:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Thank you for listening!
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BMW’s AI Leader on Soft Skills, Career Growth & Thriving in Tech, with Gerrit Grotewold (Head of Personalisation at BMW)
Send us a textIn this episode of Data Analytics Chat, Ben Parker chats with Gerrit Grotewold, Head of Personalisation at BMW Research, to explore what it takes to build a long, impactful career in data and AI. With his career at BMW, Gerrit shares how he transitioned from electrical engineering into AI leadership, the key challenges he faced stepping into management, and the learning habits that keep him ahead. 👉 Whether you’re a data professional just starting or an experienced expert, this episode is packed with great insights to help you grow and learn. You’ll learn: How domain knowledge gives you a competitive edge in dataWhy curiosity and soft skills matter more than ever in techHow to stay relevant in the age of LLMs and AI disruptionPractical tips for transitioning from technical expert to people leaderThe mindset shift required to grow your career and enjoy the journey 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:06 Gerrit's Early Career and Education01:43 Joining BMW and Career Growth02:53 Transition to AI and Data03:40 Passion for the Automotive Industry05:22 Key Career Moments08:00 Challenges and Overcoming Them09:21 Management Transition13:01 Skills and Traits for Success17:28 Continuous Learning and Staying Relevant21:18 Career Advice and Reflections27:28 Pride in Achievements28:27 Conclusion and FarewellThank you for listening!
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How to Lead and Succeed in Data, with Sassoon Kosian (Corporate Vice President of Data Science at New York Life)
Send us a textIn this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker sits down with Sassoon Kosian, Corporate Vice President of Data Science at New York Life, to explore the journey from early challenges in physics to becoming a leader in the data and AI space. Gain insights into managing high-performing teams, staying relevant in a fast-paced industry, and navigating corporate politics. Key topics include: Navigating a career shift from consulting to in-house leadership.Overcoming “orphan initiatives” and creating impactful data solutions.Essential skills for data science success: strategic thinking, technical depth, communication, and adaptability.Staying ahead in the fast-moving world of GenAI.Building strong, trusted relationships with business stakeholders. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:40 Career Journey and Early Interests02:26 Transition to Data Science and Consulting04:10 Current Industry Challenges06:56 Key Career Moments and Management Transition13:04 Challenges in Large Organisations16:32 Skills for Leadership in Data Science20:53 Staying Relevant in a Fast-Paced Industry23:14 Job Market and Advice for Aspiring Data Scientists25:55 Proudest Achievements and Building Relationships27:45 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThank you for listening!
Welcome to Data Analytics Chat – the podcast that dives deep into the ever-evolving world of Data and AI.Each episode unpacks the latest trends, innovations, and challenges shaping data science and artificial intelligence today. But this isn’t just about tech, it’s about the people behind it.We spotlight real career journeys from professionals across the industry, sharing the pivotal moments, obstacles overcome, and lessons learned along the way.Tune in for candid conversations with leading experts as they offer practical advice, industry insights, and inspiration to help you grow your own career in data.Connect with host - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben---parker/
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