The Data Chief

Vanja Josifovski, Co-Founder and CEO of Kumo.AI, previously served as CTO at Airbnb and Pinterest. He dives into how data is reshaping innovation, emphasizing the importance of being a 'data-forward organization.' Dr. Vanja reveals the power of relational foundation models in predictive AI, simplifying traditional processes. He discusses the criticality of integration speed as a competitive advantage and encourages leaders to embrace new technologies that offer significant enhancements, urging a shift away from outdated systems.

Anand Iyer, the Senior VP and Chief Data Officer at Ecolab, dives deep into the transformative power of AI in business. He emphasizes a 'Value First Mindset,' ensuring AI projects yield measurable financial impacts. Iyer warns that 'garbage in, disaster out' has become a stark reality in AI, highlighting the critical need for quality data. Self-service analytics with AI is explored as a game changer for empowering non-tech users. Iyer's engineering mindset approach prioritizes understanding problems before solutions, aligning data strategy with company goals.

Join Noelle Russell, CEO of the AI Leadership Institute and author of Scaling Responsible AI. Noelle reflects on her beginnings with Jeff Bezos and the early Alexa team, sharing the importance of passion in her AI journey. She discusses her 'I Love AI' community, a safe space aiding over 3.4 million learners. The 'baby tiger' analogy illustrates the thrilling yet cautious journey of AI development. Noelle promotes empathy and responsible practices in AI, emphasizing collaboration and the impact of diverse perspectives in the tech landscape.

Josh Cunningham, Group Head of Data and AI Culture at Lloyds Banking Group, discusses innovative strategies to foster a data-driven culture. He shares insights on scaling their graduate scheme from 10 to 100, emphasizing the need for a people-centric approach in tech. His creative initiatives include a data escape room and a five-persona literacy framework that caters to varying skill levels. Josh highlights the importance of balancing innovation with ethical AI use, showcasing how Lloyds is becoming a leader in data literacy within the banking sector.

In this insightful conversation, Don Vu, SVP and Chief Data and Analytics Officer at New York Life, shares his journey from Major League Baseball to revolutionizing the insurance industry. He discusses how cutting-edge AI is used to tackle the 'last mile problem' in data operationalization, ensuring data strategies align with business needs. Don highlights the importance of data quality and readiness, and how innovative tools like the GuideMe app enhance advisor-client interactions. His unique blend of experiences showcases the transformative power of data and AI in legacy institutions.

Aimee Smith, the Director of Data at the Metropolitan Police, is leading a groundbreaking transformation in law enforcement. She discusses the shift to AI and cloud technology, highlighting innovative initiatives like the V100 program aimed at reducing violence against women. Aimee shares insights on the Met’s data strategy, tracing its origins to a vision of leveraging data for smarter policing. From integrating operational systems to enhancing community safety through analytics, her work is redefining how police engage with data.

Joining the discussion is Ray Boyle, Vice President of Data and Analytics at Hyatt, who is reshaping the hospitality landscape. He reveals Hyatt's innovative four-pillar data strategy, emphasizing employee empowerment and personalized guest experiences. Ray discusses the shift in viewing data as a pivotal asset, not a cost, and the role of AI in enhancing customer service. He highlights how self-service tools are democratizing data access, fostering a culture of collaboration, and driving operational excellence in the hospitality sector.

Ashwin Sinha, Chief Data Officer at Macquarie Bank, leads the charge in using AI to revolutionize banking. He discusses the transformative power of generative AI, not just for efficiency but also in combating fraud. Sinha highlights the shift from traditional data analytics to self-service tools that empower analysts to focus on strategic tasks. He also shares insights on leveraging dual cloud providers to enhance customer experience and emphasizes the importance of a culture ready for digital transformation. The future of banking looks bright!

Join Gavin Hupp, VP of Technology at United Parks and Resorts, as he shares insights on how data shapes unforgettable experiences at theme parks like SeaWorld. He discusses the challenges of managing diverse data sets across various operations and how AI drives innovation, enhancing personalization and optimizing processes. Gavin also touches on the importance of integrating legacy systems and the impact of weather on guest experiences. Plus, enjoy fun anecdotes about favorite theme park rides and snacks!

Elpida Ormanidou, VP of Analytics & Insights at SharkNinja, shares her expertise in fostering a data-driven culture. She delves into how SharkNinja harnesses customer feedback to enhance product development and decision-making. Elpida emphasizes the CEO's dedication to data, showcasing its role in customer-centric innovation. Ethical data usage and privacy are key themes, underlining the importance of customer trust. She also discusses the transformative impact of AI, advocating for workforce reskilling to navigate the future of work.