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

In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO and Founder of Cynozure, is joined by Blaire Palmer, author, keynote speaker and expert on leadership and the future of work. This episode is a candid conversation about what organisations must rethink if they want people and performance to thrive in an era shaped by rapid technological change. Drawing on her background as a BBC journalist, one of Europe's first accredited coaches and the author of 'Punks in Suits', Blaire unpacks the long-held assumptions that quietly limit how people show up at work. She and Jason discuss why culture and trust remain the real competitive edge and why short-termism undermines long-term value. Their conversation also explores how leadership must evolve as AI takes on more of the routine and emotionally neutral tasks inside organisations. Together, they make the case that AI shouldn't be treated as an efficiency play, but as a catalyst for unlocking human potential, creativity and contribution. They discuss the organisations already redefining what "good" looks like, from value led decision-making to designing environments where people can genuinely do their best work. An interesting, people-centred conversation about rewriting the rules of work for what comes next. Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that helps organisations to reach their data potential. It works with clients on data and AI strategy, data management, data architecture and engineering, analytics and AI, data culture and literacy, and data leadership. The company was named one of The Sunday Times' fastest-growing private companies in both 2022 and 2023 and recognised as The Best Place to Work in Data by DataIQ in 2023 and 2024. Cynozure is a certified B Corporation.

Most organisations don't struggle with change because of strategy or technology, they struggle because change is fundamentally human. In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO & Founder of Cynozure, speaks with Sunil Kumar, Chief Transformation Officer, to explore why transformation so often stalls and what leaders can do to make it stick. Drawing on more than 26 years working across airlines, telecoms, finance and FMCG, Sunil explains why context, such as geopolitics, customer behaviour, industry shifts and internal culture, is the deciding factor in how change lands. When leaders ignore that context, resistance and fatigue follow. Jason and Sunil discuss the human realities behind change, including: Why people naturally resist it How values and beliefs influence adoption Why narrative and excitement matter more than familiar project metrics Sunil also shares his practical "push, pull, connect" model for building momentum and why adoption, not go-live, should be the true measure of success. 🎧 Listen to the full episode now Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that helps organisations to reach their data potential. It works with clients on data and AI strategy, data management, data architecture and engineering, analytics and AI, data culture and literacy, and data leadership. The company was named one of The Sunday Times' fastest-growing private companies in both 2022 and 2023 and recognised as The Best Place to Work in Data by DataIQ in 2023 and 2024. Cynozure is a certified B Corporation.

Shachar Meir, a seasoned data advisor with 20+ years at Meta and PayPal, discusses why even well-resourced companies struggle with data. He emphasizes that the root issues lie in people, process, and culture rather than technology. Shachar critiques the tendency of data teams to obsess over tools instead of understanding business needs. He advocates for a professional mindset within data teams, advising companies to prioritize meaningful metrics and structured thinking to drive real value. Incremental changes and strong leadership are key to overcoming data chaos.

Roberto Maranca, a data and digital transformation expert, discusses the essence of creating a 'data fit' organization. He talks about looking to ancient philosophies to tackle modern data challenges and emphasizes the importance of a leadership mindset for data rather than treating it as merely a tech issue. The conversation touches on human understanding in AI interactions, formalizing knowledge into data intelligence, and the significance of aligning data strategies with tangible outcomes. Roberto also highlights the moral responsibility of humans amidst rising AI advancements.

Busy isn't the same as valuable. Too many data teams fall into the trap of endless activity chasing the next tool, migration, or hype, without ever proving their impact. In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO and Founder of Cynozure, sits down with Maaike van den Branden, former Chief Data Officer at Compare the Market and Mumsnet, to uncover what truly makes a data team successful. Drawing on two decades of experience, Maaike shares the practical ingredients for teams that deliver real value: clarity of purpose, balanced skills, open recognition, and strong culture. Together, they explore how leaders can: Build happy, high-performing teams that last Avoid over-promoting tech at the expense of people Prove business impact without getting lost in the noise If you've ever wondered what separates a high-performing data team from a busy one, this conversation is your answer. 🎧 Listen now to learn the real secret to data team success.

AI is no longer a distant concept; it's here, reshaping the way we live and work. From coding and customer service to creative content, AI is already taking on tasks once thought to be uniquely human. But what does that mean for the future of work, and more importantly, for the role of leaders? In this solo episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO and Founder of Cynozure, explores the real implications of AI on jobs, leadership, and human value. Drawing lessons from history, automation, shipping containers, even the rise of personal computing, Jason argues that every wave of technology has shifted humans "up a level of abstraction," moving us from doing to designing, to directing and innovating. He sets out four essential human traits to thrive in the age of AI: Think bigger – focus on outcomes, strategy, and imagination Lead differently – provide clarity, orchestrate teams, and build culture Connect deeper – lean into empathy, context, and trust Grow and adapt – stay curious, resilient, and open to change 🎧 Tune in to hear Jason's take on how we can design the future we want to be part of. ----------- Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that helps organisations to reach their data potential. It works with clients on data and AI strategy, data management, data architecture and engineering, analytics and AI, data culture and literacy, and data leadership. The company was named one of The Sunday Times' fastest-growing private companies in both 2022 and 2023 and recognised as The Best Place to Work in Data by DataIQ in 2023 and 2024. Cynozure is a certified B Corporation.

What if the future of leadership wasn't explained by another CEO, but by an AI? In this special episode of Hub & Spoken, hosted by Jason Foster, CEO & Founder of Cynozure, the guest isn't a data or business leader. It's ChatGPT. Together, they explore one of the most pressing questions for organisations today: What does leadership mean in the age of artificial intelligence? The discussion contrasts the logical view of leadership, vision, decision-making and orchestration, with the uniquely human qualities that machines can't replicate: courage under pressure, conviction, vulnerability, and trust. The result is a fascinating tension. AI can support with logic, speed, and analysis. But leadership is still defined by what makes us human. 🎧 Tune in for this experiment in leadership dialogue. ********** Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that helps organisations to reach their data potential. It works with clients on data and AI strategy, data management, data architecture and engineering, analytics and AI, data culture and literacy, and data leadership. The company was named one of The Sunday Times' fastest-growing private companies in both 2022 and 2023 and recognised as The Best Place to Work in Data by DataIQ in 2023 and 2024. Cynozure is a certified B Corporation.

James Lupton, the Chief Technology Officer at Cynozure, sheds light on the challenges organizations face in maximizing data and AI, particularly in the insurance sector. He critiques the hold that outdated legacy systems have on innovation and emphasizes the necessity of genuine leadership backing. Lupton discusses the role of user engagement in data initiatives and the importance of aligning technology with business goals. As firms explore AI solutions, he stresses that true readiness involves both cultural and technological overhauls, not just tech deployment.

In this engaging discussion, David Germain, a seasoned technology and transformation leader, shares insights from his 30-year career in banking and finance. He emphasizes that sustainable business growth hinges on inclusive leadership and a strong organizational culture. David highlights the importance of diverse leadership teams reflecting their customers. Trust, psychological safety, and 'constructive disruption' are essential for fostering innovation. The role of AI as both an enabler and disruptor is also explored, urging leaders to prepare their teams for upcoming challenges.

Why is meaningful innovation so hard in insurance, and what can be done about it? In this episode of Hub & Spoken, host Jason Foster is joined by John Turner, a global underwriting leader and expert in life and health insurance, to explore the innovation imperative in one of the world's most traditional (and risk-averse) industries. They unpack the complex cultural, structural, and regulatory challenges that make change difficult in insurance, from siloed teams and outdated processes to over-engineered tech solutions that miss the mark. But they also spotlight the opportunities: from automation that enhances the customer journey to cross-functional collaboration that drives real transformation. 💡 Key talking points include: Why conservative cultures make innovation harder — but not impossible The hidden flaws in traditional underwriting and risk selection How data, automation and behaviour change can unlock new growth The clash between insurers and insurtechs — and how to bridge it What truly customer-led innovation looks like Whether you're in insurance, financial services, or just trying to drive change in a legacy-heavy environment, this episode is packed with ideas, reflections, and real-world experience you can learn from. ********** Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that helps organisations to reach their data potential. It works with clients on data and AI strategy, data management, data architecture and engineering, analytics and AI, data culture and literacy, and data leadership. The company was named one of The Sunday Times' fastest-growing private companies in both 2022 and 2023 and recognised as The Best Place to Work in Data by DataIQ in 2023 and 2024. Cynozure is a certified B Corporation.