CDO Matters Podcast

Kash Mehdi, VP of Growth at DataGalaxy, dives into the evolving landscape of data management. He discusses why traditional data catalogs fall short, emphasizing the need for data product thinking to enhance usability and context. Kash explores the integration of metadata with data quality, the importance of governing unstructured data using AI, and how organizations can avoid creating siloed AI agents by providing rich business context. He also critiques single-owner data models and stresses collaborative approaches to data ownership.

Episode OverviewWhat happens when a seasoned data leader decides to step out of corporate life and build something entirely new? In this episode, I sit down with Dora Boussias—former Stryker executive, dynamic speaker, and now founder of DoraB Global—to talk about her leap into entrepreneurship, the importance of authenticity, personal reinvention, and what it really takes to carve out your own brand in the data space. If you’ve ever wondered what’s possible beyond the traditional career path, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Dora Boussias on LinkedIn

In this engaging discussion, Ron Green, CTO and co-founder of KungFu.AI, sheds light on the complexities of AI adoption. He highlights three crucial phases where companies can achieve the highest ROI, shifting from product-led requests to CEO-driven initiatives. Ron explains the significance of proprietary data as a competitive edge, exemplified by a loan-factoring case. He also tackles common pitfalls in moving from proof of concepts to production and offers insights on making data AI-ready while addressing bias. Dive into the realities of AI beyond the hype!

Episode Summary Malcolm Hawker and Junaid Farooq unpack one of the toughest challenges in data leadership: moving beyond outdated notions of ownership to embrace accountability and results.Their conversation sheds light on the mindsets and practices that separate struggling programs from transformative ones.Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Junaid Farooq on LinkedIn

Andreas Blumauer, Founder and CEO of the Semantic Web Company, shares his expertise in semantic web standards and enterprise knowledge graphs. He discusses how knowledge graphs are revolutionizing data strategies to make data AI-ready. Key topics include the importance of semantics and domain models, the challenges of understanding context in data interpretation, and the interplay between AI integration and knowledge graphs. Andreas emphasizes the need for data governance and the future of data modeling in an AI-driven world, highlighting the evolving roles of professionals in this space.

In this engaging conversation, Jonathan Reeve, Chief Product Officer at BetaNext, shares his passion for merging product and data. He explores how data can be transformed into a strategic product and the critical role of customer feedback post-launch. The discussion highlights the challenge of scaling products while integrating AI to enhance operational efficiency. Reeve also emphasizes the importance of storytelling and influence for leaders, making this a fascinating listen for anyone looking to innovate with smarter data strategies.

Raju Mudunuri, Director of Data at Lexmark and a master of digital transformation, dives into the intricacies of Master Data Management (MDM). He highlights a stunning success story that boosted revenue by $2 million, showcasing the importance of unified data strategies. The discussion touches on transforming hardware businesses through data integration, enhancing customer engagement, and applying data science for predictive insights. Raju also reveals how establishing gold records in MDM can elevate data science practices and streamline operations.

Barr Moses, CEO of Monte Carlo, delves into the realm of data observability, emphasizing its importance in ensuring data reliability. She discusses how organizations can catch data issues early to build trust and improve decision-making, citing Unity's $100 million loss as a cautionary tale. With insights into leveraging AI for data governance and transitioning to an exceptions-based approach, Moses highlights the evolving landscape of data management. The conversation encourages data professionals to embrace their roles as strategic consultants.

Mark Stouse, CEO and founder of ProofAnalytics.ai, returns to discuss a groundbreaking Delaware court ruling that redefines fiduciary duties for data leaders. He emphasizes that traditional ROI measures are outdated, urging CDOs to innovate or face obsolescence. The conversation highlights the crucial role of data integrity, the transformative potential of AI in corporate governance, and the challenges of maintaining content authenticity on social platforms. Stouse's insights navigate the evolving landscape of compliance and the urgent need for data to align with organizational goals.

Episode OverviewIn this episode of the CDO Matters Podcast, Malcolm Hawker welcomes Jane Urban, the CDAO of Improzo, for a deep dive into the transformative role of data and AI in healthcare.From predicting patient outcomes to improving care delivery, Jane shares practical insights drawn from her extensive experience. Whether you're in healthcare, pharma, or life sciences, this conversation highlights how data can drive real-world impact.Episode Links and ResourcesFollow Malcolm Hawker on LinkedInFollow Jane Urban on LinkedIn