The Data Chief

Join Geoff Woods, an AI leadership expert and author, as he emphasizes the importance of viewing AI as a strategic partner. Wendy Batchelder, former CDO, transforms data governance from a bureaucratic burden into a business accelerator by focusing on measurable outcomes. Meanwhile, Malcolm Hawker, a passionate CDO, champions customer-driven data practices and urges leaders to adopt a hero's mindset amid challenges. Together, they explore how to effectively lead data and AI initiatives in today's dynamic landscape.

Karen Stroup, Chief Digital Officer at WEX, shares her innovative approach to leadership amidst the complexities of AI. She emphasizes prioritizing customer problems over technology hype, believing that clarity fosters confidence. Stroup discusses the importance of the human side of data and explains her use of "two-way door decisions" to manage tech changes effectively. She envisions a future where dashboards become mere backdrops, as interactive experiences take center stage, revolutionizing user engagement.

Ketan Karkhanis, CEO of ThoughtSpot and former EVP at Salesforce, dives into the future of analytics. He champions the idea that AI is revolutionizing business intelligence, predicting an 'upgrade super cycle' that will leave traditional tools behind. Karkhanis envisions AI as the future interface, blending data for enhanced user insights. He stresses the importance of a culture of trust and experimentation, urging leaders not to let perfection hinder progress. Training teams effectively is crucial as organizations embrace these technological shifts.

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and encourages leaders to embrace new technologies that offer significant enhancements, urging a shift away from outdated systems.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.