Pragmatism in Practice

Shawn Mandel, Chief Digital & Data Officer at Parkland, brings 25 years of experience in media and energy to the discussion. He explores what defines a great change agent and how to secure buy-in for transformation initiatives. Shawn emphasizes the necessity of curiosity and respect in leadership, sharing strategies for relationship-building during digital changes. He also discusses the importance of measuring value and fostering a culture that embraces continuous improvement, making it essential listening for business leaders.

In this engaging discussion, Tiankai Feng, Head of Data Strategy & Governance at Thoughtworks Europe, and Emily Gorcenski, VP of Data and AI Service Line, dive deep into the ethics of data management. They address the urgent need for responsible data practices that balance innovation with sustainability. The conversation explores the impact of data on communities, the importance of diverse perspectives in decision-making, and how to foster a supportive culture for data-driven strategies. Their insights are a must for anyone in the field looking to navigate ethical challenges.

Tiankai Feng, Head of Data Strategy & Governance at Thoughtworks and author on data strategy, joins Sebastian Kaus, Head of Data Governance at Vattenfall, focused on net-zero emissions. They discuss the importance of humanizing data through storytelling, empathy, and creativity. Gamifying data governance is a key topic, showcasing how playful approaches can boost employee engagement. They also explore the evolution of data governance, emphasizing context and collaboration to enhance decision-making and ethical practices in data usage.

Tiankai Feng, Head of Data Strategy & Governance at Thoughtworks and author of "Humanizing Data Strategy," teams up with Asmaa Hechenberger, a Data Engineering Lead at WWK Lebensversicherung. They delve into the critical elements of a successful data strategy, emphasizing the five Cs: competence, collaboration, communication, creativity, and conscience. The conversation highlights the importance of teamwork, addressing organizational pain points, and fostering communities to bridge the gap between business and tech. Personal connections and understanding cultural dynamics are essential for effective collaboration.

The European Health Data Space launches this year, promising huge opportunities, as well as challenges, for healthcare organizations. This podcast episode is essential listening for healthcare tech leaders, researchers and policymakers not just in Europe, but globally, who want to understand how to effectively leverage data to build resilient health systems, and foster long-term competitiveness and innovation.   Host: Kimberly Boyd   Guests Alexandra Lovin, Technical Director for Healthcare & Life Sciences at Thoughtworks Khrystyna Shlyakhtovska, Data Ecosystems Program Manager at AWS  

Even when product builders have a groundbreaking vision, it can often be thwarted by organizational roadblocks. In this episode, we explore how Air Canada successfully navigated some of these challenges to reimagine its customer experience and its ways of working. If you’re a product leader wanting to do the same, this podcast will give you all the insights you need to get started.   Host: Kimberly Boyd   Guests: Ivana Ciric - Director of Product, Practice at Thoughtworks Jose Platero - Director of Product & Design at Air Canada  

Norbert Wirth, VP of Data at PAYBACK, a leader in loyalty marketing, shares insights on revolutionizing data management. He discusses how transitioning from a centralized data warehouse to a data mesh framework has sparked innovation. By empowering multidisciplinary teams and leveraging cloud technology, PAYBACK enhanced collaboration and data accessibility. Wirth highlights the crucial role of effective communication and training during this shift, ensuring all stakeholders embrace this transformative approach for better customer insights.

Many businesses struggle with outdated systems that impede progress and efficiency. In this episode, Erik shares insights on how AI-assisted software engineering, especially using Large Language Models (LLMs), can revolutionize legacy modernization. If you are a business leader, wanting to understand the benefits, challenges, and future prospects of this approach, this is the podcast for you

Recent events, like the CrowdStrike incident, highlight the critical need for business leaders to understand and strengthen their IT infrastructure. Sarah Taraporewalla and Max Griffiths explore strategies for balancing rapid software delivery with system resilience. If you are a business leader interested in fortifying your organization’s defenses against technology crises, this podcast is for you.

Marina Ribke, an expert in secure data sharing, and Sebastian Werner, a professional in breaking down data collaboration barriers, dive into the essentials of modern data strategies. They illustrate how data collaboration is as vital as oil for industries today. The conversation highlights the innovative Katina X ecosystem in automotive supply chains, and discusses leveraging AI to enhance data quality and resolve sharing challenges. Ultimately, they emphasize a cultural shift towards data-driven decisions to revolutionize businesses.