Driven by Data: The Podcast BONUS EPIOSDE: Driven by Data LIVE; Panel Discussion 1: The Biggest Challenges in Data, Analytics & AI and How They're Being Tackled!
In October 2025, Orbition Group hosted Driven by Data LIVE, where they welcomed 120 CDOs/Data Leaders to Tobacco Dock in London for a half-day event, which included 3 panel discussions and some roundtable conversations.
The first panel discussion saw Kyle Winterbottom joined by;
- Davin Crowley-Sweet, Chief Data Officer at National Highways
- Kelly Hume, Lead Partner at Baringa
- Kinnari Ladha, Chief Data Officer at Merlin Entertainments
- Daniel Hulme, Chief Data & AI Officer at WPP
Where they debated; The Biggest Challenges in Data, Analytics & AI and How They're Being Tackled, which includes;
- Why perceived data quality challenges are actually data confidence and communication issues.
- Why business leaders need a stronger data vocabulary to drive better outcomes.
- How shifting from projects to products improves data ownership and accountability.
- Why lack of trust in data stems from unclear standards and outdated systems.
- Why hype has led to organisations chasing use cases without defining problems.
- Why Low-hanging fruit often yields superficial success.
- Why true business value from AI comes from addressing complex, strategic problems.
- Why organisations must rethink processes not just adopt new tools.
- How brave leadership unlocks better digital decisions.
- Why data leaders must simplify the AI conversation for executives.
- How a dual AI strategy balances innovation and control.
- Why AI regulation is necessary but only when thoughtfully designed.
- Why ethical AI depends on explainability, not intentions.
- Why traditional company values don’t guide AI ethics.
- Why building trust in data starts with being trusted as a data leader.
- Why orchestration, not capability, is often the barrier to delivery.
- How reframing data roles helps escape the ‘service desk’ trap.
- Why tension in organisations can lead to better outcomes.
- Why upskilling execs in data requires empathy, not just education.
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