Data & AI Mastery

Tamar Yehoshua, former President at Glean and seasoned leader with a rich background at Google and Slack, discusses the essence of AI literacy in today's boardrooms. She emphasizes that imagination is the biggest hurdle to AI transformation, not just infrastructure. Tamar shares insights on AI agents' roles in various sectors and how successful leaders maintain authenticity and transparency. Additionally, she highlights the importance of defining AI metrics and the role boards play in ensuring a strong ROI from AI investments.

Learn how Cambridge Spark can help your business transform with data and AI: https://cambridgespark.com In this episode of Data & AI Mastery, host Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma sits down with Daniel Hulme, Chief AI Officer at WPP, to explore a bold rethinking of artificial intelligence—beyond automation and into adaptive, evolving systems. Daniel shares how marketing is being reengineered through AI—dynamic segmentation, synthetic audiences, brand-safe content generation, and more—and how businesses must focus on frictions rather than blindly chasing trends. Drawing on decades of experience, he also reveals a powerful framework for AI defensibility built on data, talent, and leadership. This is a must-listen for executives, AI practitioners, and innovators eager to move past hype and into action. 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe and follow to catch more discussions with data & AI leaders who are transforming their industries. Chapter Markers: (05:50) The case for goal-directed adaptive systems (08:05) Why businesses chase tech hype instead of solving problems (12:34) Case study: Using AI to augment creativity at scale (15:07) Micro-moments & the future of personalised, timely marketing (17:00) Real-world transformation challenges (and how to overcome them) (19:05) What gives AI efforts defensibility in business (21:39) Biggest misconceptions business leaders have about AI (24:46) Daniel on staying ahead: predictions, neuromorphic AI, philosophy Useful Links: Connect with Daniel Hulme on LinkedIn Visit the WPP Website Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programs at cambridgespark.com

Learn how Cambridge Spark can help your business transform with data and AI: https://cambridgespark.com In this episode of Data & AI Mastery, Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma is joined by James Garner, Head of AI & Data at Gleeds, a global construction consultancy. Together they explore how a traditionally conservative industry is embracing data and AI to drive innovation, improve forecasting, and revolutionise operations. James shares his remarkable journey from chartered quantity surveyor to leading Gleeds' AI and data initiatives. They discuss why domain expertise combined with data science is the new superpower — and why finding these "translators" is so hard. They also cover the importance of hackathons, experimentation, and failing fast to discover valuable AI use cases in construction. And finally they discuss why data quality matters — but isn't the blocker people think it is anymore — and why culture and continuous upskilling are the real keys to AI adoption. Whether you’re in construction, infrastructure, energy, or just keen to see how AI is reshaping even the most traditional sectors, this conversation is packed with practical insights and future-facing perspectives. 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe and follow to catch more discussions with data & AI leaders who are transforming their industries. Chapter Markers: (07:10) Data quality, domain expertise, and building that first model (10:22) Taking prototypes to production (11:28) GPT chatbots, LLMs, and the assist tool for industry knowledge (13:48) Why hackathons and safe sandboxing accelerate innovation (16:47) The near future: AI agents, robotics, and blockchain impact (21:30) Worries about industry readiness and losing control to big tech (22:57) Quickfire Round: contrarian views, magic wand problems & learning mindset Useful Links: Connect with James Garner on LinkedIn Visit the Gleeds Website Find out more about Project Flux here Subscribe to the Project Flux Newsletter & Podcast here  Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programs at cambridgespark.com

Transform your workforce with cutting-edge data & AI skills — visit cambridgespark.com to get started today. In this episode of Data & AI Mastery, Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma sits down with Jeff Boudier, who leads Product and Growth at Hugging Face, the world’s leading open platform for AI builders. Throughout the episode, the pair explore how enterprises are turning to smaller, specialised open models to solve real business problems; the importance of maintaining control over your data; and how Hugging Face is helping enterprises bring AI safely into production. Whether you’re a CTO navigating how to deploy AI at scale or an engineer eager to sharpen your edge, this episode delivers powerful takeaways on using data & AI strategically — not just for experimentation, but for driving real ROI. Subscribe to Data & AI Mastery and never miss insights from global leaders pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with data. Chapter Markers: (05:50) Real-world ROI: Financial services & patent tech using smaller open models (08:50) When to adopt specialised vs. large models (10:50) The AI adoption curve & why general models aren’t one-size-fits-all (12:30) Protecting your data: governance, builder culture, and avoiding lock-in (14:30) How Hugging Face keeps up with the latest developments in AI (17:50) Supporting enterprises: from rogue IT to secure, compliant AI (21:30) Security, safe tensors & scanning models for vulnerabilities (24:40) Quick-fire round: Jeff’s favourite programming language, subjects & music genre Useful Links: Connect with Jeff Boudier on LinkedIn Visit the Hugging Face Website Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programs at cambridgespark.com

Want to unlock the full potential of data & AI across your organisation? Visit cambridgespark.com to explore how we help enterprises upskill their workforce with cutting-edge, industry-relevant training programmes that drive real business impact. In this episode of Data & AI Mastery, host Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma sits down with Sam Smith, VP of Global Data Privacy and Governance at Merlin Entertainments, to explore how privacy and governance are the unsung heroes powering innovation in data-driven businesses. Sam shares her fascinating career shift from solicitor to data leader and unpacks what it really means to build effective global data governance strategies. They discuss how to demonstrate ROI from data governance, the carrot vs. stick of compliance, and the practical challenges of AI regulation in a hyper-connected world. Whether you’re a privacy professional, business leader, or data practitioner, this episode offers real-world insights on embedding privacy by design, aligning legal and commercial goals, and why AI literacy is now a business-wide mandate—not just a legal issue. If you found this episode valuable, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review. Chapter Markers: (02:00) Samantha’s journey: From law to data privacy (04:30) Why data governance is a hard sell—and how to frame ROI (08:30) Data governance as both insurance and innovation (10:30) Key terms explained: Ownership, stewardship, and privacy (14:00) The ethics and strategy behind collecting personal data (18:00) What happens when AI tools go too far? (25:00) Where AI and data governance teams should sit in your org (27:45) Quick-fire questions: Industry views, lifelong learning, and favorite tunes (29:30) Raoul’s reflections: Why AI literacy matters now more than ever Useful Links: Connect with Sam Smith on LinkedIn Visit the Merlin Entertainments Website Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programs at cambridgespark.com

Want to equip your workforce with the data and AI skills they need to drive real transformation? Cambridge Spark partners with global organisations to build high-impact, scalable training programmes that deliver measurable business outcomes. Learn more at cambridgespark.com. In this episode of Data & AI Mastery, Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma speaks with Roxane Heaton, Managing Director of Digital Colleague Experience at Barclays, about what it means to design digital systems for real people—at scale. Roxane shares her unique journey across the public and private sectors, from the Cabinet Office to Macmillan and now at Barclays, and brings an unshakable focus on user-centered innovation. In a world obsessed with digital transformation, Roxane challenges conventional thinking by arguing that AI doesn’t replace thinking—it deepens it. Whether you're a digital leader, HR strategist, or AI practitioner, Roxane offers an inspiring and grounded vision for inclusive, impactful transformation. Tune in to discover how to unlock human potential through data-driven design. Chapter Markers: (05:46) How to Measure the Impact of Digital Tools (08:32) Using Passive vs Active Data in AI Design (10:47) Automation, Copilots & Rethinking Workflows (13:07) Why Upskilling Requires More Than Just Tools (16:33) The Role of Ethics and Data Governance (19:51) Storytelling as a Leadership Skill in the AI Era (20:21) Why Design Thinking is the Must-Have Mindset (26:01) Raoul’s Reflections Useful Links: Connect with Roxane Heaton on LinkedIn Visit the Barclays Website Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programs at cambridgespark.com

Curious about how you or your organisation can lead in the age of AI? Visit CambridgeSpark.com to explore cutting-edge training programmes and resources. To celebrate the six-month milestone of Data & AI Mastery, we flip the script! This time, host Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma steps into the hot seat, interviewed by Cambridge Spark's CTO, Kevin Lemagnen.  In this special anniversary episode, Raoul shares his personal journey—from coding on calculators in high school to founding Cambridge Spark and leading the conversation on data and AI transformation. Together, they also go on to reflect on the biggest takeaways from past guests and why lifelong learning is no longer optional. Plus, Raoul answers a rapid-fire round of personal and professional questions that offer a glimpse into the mind behind one of the industry's most forward-thinking educators. Whether you're aspiring to lead in tech or shaping strategy from the C-suite, this episode offers insights, inspiration, and practical wisdom. Chapter Markers: (05:00) From calculators to classrooms: Raoul’s early love for education (15:00) The ROI of AI: cost vs. customer delight (20:00) Bold prediction: The rise of agentic AI in education (23:00) Favorite guest moments: from NATO to Lloyds to Pearson (26:00) The future of work and why apprenticeships matter (27:30) Quickfire round: contrarian views, reading habits, Python love, and more Useful Links: Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn Connect with Kevin Lemagnen on LinkedIn Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programs at cambridgespark.com Functional Programming in Java by Raoul-Gabriel Urma: Amazon Link

Learn more about Cambridge Spark and how we’re helping organisations upskill their workforce in Data & AI: https://cambridgespark.com In this episode of the Data & AI Mastery podcast, host Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma, sits down with Apoorv Kashyap, Head of Artificial Intelligence at Santander UK.  They explore the transformative power of AI in financial services, including how to leverage advanced machine learning models to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and drive business value.  Apoorv shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities of deploying AI at scale, the importance of ethical AI, and the future of AI-driven finance. Don't forget to subscribe for more insights from AI leaders and industry experts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your network. Chapter Markers: (02:15) Apoorv Kashyap’s Career Journey in AI (06:45) Building Scalable AI Solutions (12:30) Overcoming Data Challenges in Financial Services (18:50) The Importance of Ethical AI (24:15) Future Trends in AI and Financial Services (28:30) Closing Thoughts and Key Takeaways Useful Links: Connect with Apoorv Kashyap on LinkedIn Visit the Santander UK Website Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programs at cambridgespark.com Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn

Learn more about Cambridge Spark and how we’re helping organisations upskill their workforce in Data & AI: https://cambridgespark.com In this episode of Data & AI Mastery, Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma sits down with Dave Treat, Chief Technology Officer at Pearson, to explore how one of the world’s largest education companies is leveraging AI and data to deliver more personalised, accessible, and effective learning experiences. With deep insights into the evolution of digital learning, Dave shares how Pearson is integrating generative AI across its content creation, tutoring, and assessment capabilities—while ensuring responsible and ethical use of the technology. From AI-powered learning companions to scalable data infrastructure, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the digital transformation of education at scale. Whether you're in EdTech, data leadership, or AI strategy, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways for anyone building data-driven experiences at scale. Chapter Markers: (03:28) From capital markets to edtech: Dave’s tech journey (06:10) What digital transformation means in a global education company (08:45) Pearson’s strategy for integrating generative AI (11:52) Personalised tutoring and assessment using AI (15:34) Building a robust data infrastructure for AI at scale (18:27) Balancing innovation with regulation and responsible AI (21:10) Organisational design and AI governance (24:56) AI literacy and upskilling the workforce Useful Links: Connect with Dave on LinkedIn Learn more about Pearson via their website  Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programs at cambridgespark.com Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn

Learn more about Cambridge Spark and how we’re helping organisations upskill their workforce in Data & AI: https://cambridgespark.com In this episode of the Data & AI Mastery podcast, Raoul sits down with James Utting, Chief Business Officer for the Emerging Technology Group at UBS, to explore what it means to build an AI-first culture in a global financial institution. James starts off by sharing his career journey—from graduate to senior leadership—highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped his expertise in AI strategy, digital transformation, and leadership. He then goes on to detail UBS’s AI-first culture initiative, explaining how the bank empowers employees to integrate AI into daily decision-making, fosters tailored AI education, and ensures governance for responsible AI use. If you're a data leader, AI practitioner, or business executive, this conversation offers valuable takeaways on how to successfully navigate AI adoption at scale. Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Chapter Markers: (01:45) James’ Career Journey & Key Inflection Points (06:31) Why UBS is Developing an AI-First Culture (10:12) Initiatives to Drive AI Adoption at Scale (15:38) The Role of Education & AI Champions in Transformation (20:12) How UBS Prioritises AI Initiatives & Investments (24:45) Quickfire Round: Leadership, Learning & AI for Good (27:16) Closing Thoughts & Key Takeaways Useful Links: Connect with James Utting on LinkedIn Learn more about UBS’s AI initiatives on the UBS Website Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programs at cambridgespark.com Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn