Driven by Data: The Podcast

In Episode 29, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom was joined by Sam Hancock, Global Head of Data Science at Octopus Energy. Sam shares his unconventional career journey from Capital One to Google and Waymo and ultimately to Octopus Energy, where he focuses on leveraging data to drive the company's mission of accelerating the energy transition. The conversation explores the balance between data-driven decision-making and instinct, the unique culture at Octopus Energy, and the company's innovative approach to sustainability and customer service. Sam and Kyle explore the critical role of data and AI in driving sustainability within the energy sector and they discuss the challenges of integrating data into business practices, the importance of fostering relationships across teams, and the innovations in energy management that can help achieve sustainability targets. The conversation also delves into the complexities of carbon emissions, the electrification of industries, and the potential of smart tariffs to optimize energy usage. Overall, the discussion highlights the need for collaboration and innovative solutions to address the pressing challenges of climate change.Takeaways:Sam Hancock's journey includes roles at Capital One, Waymo, and Octopus Energy.He emphasizes the importance of diverse experiences in shaping his current role.Octopus Energy is focused on accelerating the energy transition.The company is customer-obsessed and aims to disrupt the energy sector.Sam's role allows for entrepreneurial freedom in data strategy.Balancing data-driven decisions with instinct is crucial for innovation.Octopus Energy's culture encourages entrepreneurship and high standards.The company has ambitious targets for customer growth and sustainability.Data is a strategic asset at Octopus, with significant data ingestion capabilities.The tech platform developed by Octopus is designed for the energy sector. Understanding the data challenge is crucial for effective pricing.Data integration should start at the beginning of business processes.Building relationships within teams enhances data-driven decision-making.Electrification is key to achieving net-zero emissions.Smart tariffs can optimize energy usage based on grid demands.AI systems are essential for managing the energy transition.Data centres can be a force for good in sustainability efforts.Zonal pricing could incentivize greener energy usage.Companies need to be transparent about their carbon emissions.Nature-based solutions and carbon capture are vital for sustainability.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Sam Hancock and His Journey01:00 Career Path: From Capital One to Waymo04:30 Transition to Climate Tech and Octopus Energy07:20 Overview of Octopus Energy's Mission and Operations09:48 Sam's Role and Data Strategy at Octopus Energy13:16 Balancing Data and Instinct in Decision Making18:28 The Unique Culture and Vision of Octopus Energy22:12 Leveraging Data as a Strategic Asset25:17 Understanding the Data Challenge28:10 The Role of Data in Sustainability31:31 Innovations in Energy Management37:39 Navigating Carbon Emissions and Sustainability Targets42:15 The Intersection of Data and Energy SolutionsThanks to our sponsor, Data Literacy Academy.Data Literacy Academy is leading the way in transforming enterprise workforces with data literacy across the organisation, through a combination of change management and education. In today's data-centric world, being data literate is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity.If you want successful data product adoption, and to keep driving innovation within your business, you need to start with data literacy first.At Data Literacy Academy, we don't just teach data skills. We empower individuals and teams to think critically, analyse effectively, and make decisions confidently based on data. We're bridging the gap between business and data teams, so they can all work towards aligned outcomes.From those taking their first steps in data literacy to seasoned experts looking to fine-tune their skills, our data experts provide tailored classes for every stage. But it's not just learning tracks that we offer. We embed a deep data culture shift through a transformative change management programme.We take a people-first approach, working closely with your executive team to win the hearts and minds. We know this will drive the company-wide impact that data teams want to achieve.Get in touch and find out how you can unlock the full potential of data in your organisation. Learn more at www.dl-academy.com.

In Episode 28, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom was joined by McKinley Hyden, Director of Data Value & Strategy at Financial Times, where they discuss McKinley's journey from a background in literature to a career in data, the role of the Financial Times in providing quality journalism, and the importance of data in driving strategic decisions. McKinley shares insights on the challenges of valuing data, the need for cultural change in organisations to embrace data as an asset, and the significance of upskilling in AI. The conversation also touches on the importance of effective communication and knowledge management in data analytics, as well as the future of AI in business. In this conversation, McKinley Hyden and Kyle Winterbottom explore the profound impact of technology, particularly AI, on society, education, and the workforce. They discuss the moral implications of AI, the need for responsible use, and the importance of upskilling to navigate the changing landscape. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of creating effective AI policies to ensure ethical practices and the potential for job transformation in the face of technological advancements.00:00 Introduction to Data and Storytelling02:14 Understanding the Financial Times04:19 The Role of Data Value and Strategy09:33 Upskilling in Data and AI10:44 Valuing Data as an Asset14:12 Overcoming Resistance to Change19:25 Defining Value in Data22:20 Communications and Knowledge Management27:31 The Future of AI in Business28:44 The Impact of Technology on Society30:53 Navigating the Moral Hazards of AI32:44 The Future of Education in an AI World35:19 Job Transformation and the Role of AI41:47 Upskilling for the AI Era44:42 Creating an AI Policy for Responsible UseThanks to our sponsor, Data Literacy Academy.Data Literacy Academy is leading the way in transforming enterprise workforces with data literacy across the organisation, through a combination of change management and education. In today's data-centric world, being data literate is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity.If you want successful data product adoption, and to keep driving innovation within your business, you need to start with data literacy first.At Data Literacy Academy, we don't just teach data skills. We empower individuals and teams to think critically, analyse effectively, and make decisions confidently based on data. We're bridging the gap between business and data teams, so they can all work towards aligned outcomes.From those taking their first steps in data literacy to seasoned experts looking to fine-tune their skills, our data experts provide tailored classes for every stage. But it's not just learning tracks that we offer. We embed a deep data culture shift through a transformative change management programme.We take a people-first approach, working closely with your executive team to win the hearts and minds. We know this will drive the company-wide impact that data teams want to achieve.Get in touch and find out how you can unlock the full potential of data in your organisation. Learn more at www.dl-academy.com.

In Episode 27, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom was joined by Indhira Mani, Chief Data Officer at RSA, where they discuss the disconnect that often exists between strategy and execution, and what it takes to actually deliver, which includes;Transforming from legacy to modernisation and then innovation.Shaping data as a transformation to move data to the point of decision.Designing a strategy that works in reality to create impact.Failing fast is the best way to execute a strategy.Why building trust through execution will make or break your strategy.Understanding what you can deliver versus what your business wants.Why you should treat your data activity as a 2-way product framework.Why ‘why comes first’.Making practical decisions around organisational readiness.Measuring organisational readiness.The importance of flexibility, practicality and pragmatism.Why you need Executive Commitment and why sponsorship isn’t enough.Testing for that commitment.Why you need clarity of tangible outcomes against goals and objectives.Why we’re not in the business of building lakes and warehouses.Building reusable and scalable products.Identifying what capabilities and skills you need to deliver.Inheriting a team of 20 and growing it to 120.The relationship between operating model and successful transformation.The importance of incorporating change iteratively.Why you shouldn’t aim to change but to win hearts and minds.Why it’s never about ‘what’ but always about ‘why’ and ‘how’.The importance of building curiosity.The 4 transition states of transformation.Trebling the return on investment in the short term and aiming for 10x over the long-term.Thanks to our sponsor, Data Literacy Academy.Data Literacy Academy is leading the way in transforming enterprise workforces with data literacy across the organisation, through a combination of change management and education. In today's data-centric world, being data literate is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity.If you want successful data product adoption, and to keep driving innovation within your business, you need to start with data literacy first.At Data Literacy Academy, we don't just teach data skills. We empower individuals and teams to think critically, analyse effectively, and make decisions confidently based on data. We're bridging the gap between business and data teams, so they can all work towards aligned outcomes.From those taking their first steps in data literacy to seasoned experts looking to fine-tune their skills, our data experts provide tailored classes for every stage. But it's not just learning tracks that we offer. We embed a deep data culture shift through a transformative change management programme.We take a people-first approach, working closely with your executive team to win the hearts and minds. We know this will drive the company-wide impact that data teams want to achieve.Get in touch and find out how you can unlock the full potential of data in your organisation. Learn more at www.dl-academy.com.

In Episode 26, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom was joined by Steven Pimblett, Chief Data Officer at Rightmove, where they discuss how to create the pull factor and aligning capabilities, operating model and value levers, which includes;Being the 1st CDO at Rightmove. Both a B2B and B2C business model and an expanding service offering.Using data to deliver growth, value and innovation.The relationship between ambassadorship and data & AI being viewed as a value creator. Reporting to the CEO for the 3rd different time.Why reporting line matters but other things matter more. The proximity advantage of having a seat in the boardroom. The relationship between strategic storytelling and attributable value creation. The importance of creating a D&A brand identity.Building capabilities that you can align to value levers.  How data, insight, action is the flow of value creation. The importance of creating partnerships and earning trust. How value is defined, varies from company to company. The reason why misalignment between capability, operating model and value levers occur.The importance of creating a fluid operating model and team structure. Creating unit economics to build a value creation framework. Why complexity and engagement are also considerations beyond value. The importance of creating the ‘pull factor’ in partnership. Failure comes from failure to address the people component of the role. Broadcasting wins to the organisation and why you have to push yourself outside of your comfort zone.The similarities and differences between digital and non-digital organisations.Why CDOs will get more opportunity to enter the boardroom due to Agentic AI. Thanks to our sponsor, Data Literacy Academy.Data Literacy Academy is leading the way in transforming enterprise workforces with data literacy across the organisation, through a combination of change management and education. In today's data-centric world, being data literate is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity.If you want successful data product adoption, and to keep driving innovation within your business, you need to start with data literacy first.At Data Literacy Academy, we don't just teach data skills. We empower individuals and teams to think critically, analyse effectively, and make decisions confidently based on data. We're bridging the gap between business and data teams, so they can all work towards aligned outcomes.From those taking their first steps in data literacy to seasoned experts looking to fine-tune their skills, our data experts provide tailored classes for every stage. But it's not just learning tracks that we offer. We embed a deep data culture shift through a transformative change management programme.We take a people-first approach, working closely with your executive team to win the hearts and minds. We know this will drive the company-wide impact that data teams want to achieve.Get in touch and find out how you can unlock the full potential of data in your organisation. Learn more at www.dl-academy.com.

In Episode 25, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Matt Lovell, Group Director of Data & AI at JD Sports Group, where they discuss the benefits of centralising data & AI leadership, which includes;The importance of building centralised data leadership in complex, multi-brand organisations.Why federated models require a hybrid approach to data strategy and technology governance.Aligning use-case driven transformation to quick wins and long-term data goals.The need for internal audits to uncover hidden technology and data assets.Why data maturity varies across business units and how to turn that into a strength.The evolution of customer behaviour post-COVID and how omnichannel strategies are adapting.How predictive insights help ensure the right product is in the right place at the right time.The value of analysing local trends and geolocation data to inform valuable business decisions.Why strategic data sharing can strengthen partnerships without directly monetising data.How AI is being used to augment human capability and improve operational efficiency.The emergence of agentic AI to proactively detect and resolve issues before escalation.Why teaching prompt literacy is key to unlocking AI’s full potential.How BI and AI are converging to deliver next best action intelligence.The evolving role of data professionals as AI handles more technical execution.Why clean, well-governed data remains essential for enabling effective AI solutions.Thanks to our sponsor, Data Literacy Academy.Data Literacy Academy is leading the way in transforming enterprise workforces with data literacy across the organisation, through a combination of change management and education. In today's data-centric world, being data literate is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity.If you want successful data product adoption, and to keep driving innovation within your business, you need to start with data literacy first.At Data Literacy Academy, we don't just teach data skills. We empower individuals and teams to think critically, analyse effectively, and make decisions confidently based on data. We're bridging the gap between business and data teams, so they can all work towards aligned outcomes.From those taking their first steps in data literacy to seasoned experts looking to fine-tune their skills, our data experts provide tailored classes for every stage. But it's not just learning tracks that we offer. We embed a deep data culture shift through a transformative change management programme.We take a people-first approach, working closely with your executive team to win the hearts and minds. We know this will drive the company-wide impact that data teams want to achieve.Get in touch and find out how you can unlock the full potential of data in your organisation. Learn more at www.dl-academy.com.

In Episode 24, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Angela Pearce, Chief Data Officer at Pension Insurance Corporation Plc, where they discuss how a varied career background and business focused approach allowed her to deliver multi-million pound benefits, which includes;Why working in hospitality early in her life shaped her approach. Coming from an unconventional background.Moving out of Data & Analytics to broaden her skillset.Being the first CDO in an entrepreneurial organisation.The differences of working in large versus smaller organisations. The importance of selling what your team can do for stakeholders. Differences in managing expectations and stakeholders in different environments. Why you need more buy-in, in smaller organisations. Being the top data person in an organisation three times and whether having the title matters.Knowing when you’re ready for a CDO role. Why sales skills are absolutely essential for success as a CDO. Why commercial understanding of business processes is imperative.Building strategy and foundations in a greenfield environment. Why tackling people and culture should be your first port of call. Why imagination and creativity is a super power for data teams. Balancing short-term value added wins with long term strategy.  Why you have to promote the small stuff. The signals that you’re reaching a point of data maturity.Navigating resistance challenges to a data strategy. Why a good data strategy will be controversial. Planting seeds that you grow into addressing difficult conversations. Why the ‘lack of value’ narrative is still so prevalent. Having a business focused approach to realise benefits. Why the CDO shouldn’t be measuring and articulating value. Why business readiness is key to substantiating value.   Building a data culture that aligns to an organisational culture. Why data literacy should be about removing obstacles for people to do what you need them to do. Why you need 99% carrot and 1% stick. Being a female CDO from outside of London. Thanks to our sponsor, Data Literacy Academy.Data Literacy Academy is leading the way in transforming enterprise workforces with data literacy across the organisation, through a combination of change management and education. In today's data-centric world, being data literate is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity.If you want successful data product adoption, and to keep driving innovation within your business, you need to start with data literacy first.At Data Literacy Academy, we don't just teach data skills. We empower individuals and teams to think critically, analyse effectively, and make decisions confidently based on data. We're bridging the gap between business and data teams, so they can all work towards aligned outcomes.From those taking their first steps in data literacy to seasoned experts looking to fine-tune their skills, our data experts provide tailored classes for every stage. But it's not just learning tracks that we offer. We embed a deep data culture shift through a transformative change management programme.We take a people-first approach, working closely with your executive team to win the hearts and minds. We know this will drive the company-wide impact that data teams want to achieve.Get in touch and find out how you can unlock the full potential of data in your organisation. Learn more at www.dl-academy.com.

In Episode 23, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Angela Le Mathon, Vice President; People Data & Analytics at GSK, where they discuss the role of HR in an Agentic AI enabled world and it's implications on the workforce, which includes;Differences between applying analytics in HR versus other domains. Why people analytics is usually an afterthought.Why other business areas get more funding for analytics work. How large companies are using data and analytics to manage their workforce.Why people and skills can’t be measured equally.The key metrics that organisations expect from people analytics.Why the sophistication of GenAI has helped HR and people analytics.The impact that AI is likely to have on the workforce. The rise of the digital workforce. How humans and agents will co-exist.Why execs will have to change the way they manage their organisation. Why HR has the opportunity to reinvent itself.Why workforce planning and org design will be critical to success in an Agentic AI world. How the roles undertaken by humans will change. Why skills will become less important.Why L&D budgets will reduce as a by-product of agents. Why humans will be forced to step up their game. The two waves of Agentic Ai implications on the workforce. Figuring out what humans do with the extra time that they’ll have. What organisations need to do to be Agentic AI ready.Why the relationship between HR and Technology will need to transform. Why People Analytics will become part of the core Data Leadership team. Figuring out how ‘at risk’ you’ll be. Navigating DEI though the lens of people/HR data and analytics. The future of HR in an AI world.Thanks to our sponsor, Data Literacy Academy.Data Literacy Academy is leading the way in transforming enterprise workforces with data literacy across the organisation, through a combination of change management and education. In today's data-centric world, being data literate is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity.If you want successful data product adoption, and to keep driving innovation within your business, you need to start with data literacy first.At Data Literacy Academy, we don't just teach data skills. We empower individuals and teams to think critically, analyse effectively, and make decisions confidently based on data. We're bridging the gap between business and data teams, so they can all work towards aligned outcomes.From those taking their first steps in data literacy to seasoned experts looking to fine-tune their skills, our data experts provide tailored classes for every stage. But it's not just learning tracks that we offer. We embed a deep data culture shift through a transformative change management programme.We take a people-first approach, working closely with your executive team to win the hearts and minds. We know this will drive the company-wide impact that data teams want to achieve.Get in touch and find out how you can unlock the full potential of data in your organisation. Learn more at www.dl-academy.com.

In Episode 22, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom shifts from host to guest as we're joined by a 'special guest host' where Kyle is quizzed on all things related to the data and analytics talent landscape, which includes;Spending almost 15 years in D&A Talent.Starting Orbition in lockdown in 2020.Having bold, controversial opinions. The relationship between Data Leadership hiring and the lack of value narrative.Why the purpose and expectations of the CDO role are misunderstood. How misalignment in expectations leads to hiring failures.The morale dilemma of putting people into roles they can’t succeed in. The role of use cases and KPIs in Data Leadership hiring.Why you’re likely to be fired for delivering what your business asks for. The Discover, Identify, Engage and Assess Framework for Hiring. Why the lack of standardisation impedes hiring for most businesses. How organisations can position themselves effectively to engage top talent.Considerations to become a Data & Analytics Employer of Choice.Why most JDs are terrible.The importance of storytelling in D&A recruitment.Conducting skills assessments and its relationship with retention. How data and analytics recruitment is often void of data.Thanks to our sponsor, Data Literacy Academy.Data Literacy Academy is leading the way in transforming enterprise workforces with data literacy across the organisation, through a combination of change management and education. In today's data-centric world, being data literate is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity.If you want successful data product adoption, and to keep driving innovation within your business, you need to start with data literacy first.At Data Literacy Academy, we don't just teach data skills. We empower individuals and teams to think critically, analyse effectively, and make decisions confidently based on data. We're bridging the gap between business and data teams, so they can all work towards aligned outcomes.From those taking their first steps in data literacy to seasoned experts looking to fine-tune their skills, our data experts provide tailored classes for every stage. But it's not just learning tracks that we offer. We embed a deep data culture shift through a transformative change management programme.We take a people-first approach, working closely with your executive team to win the hearts and minds. We know this will drive the company-wide impact that data teams want to achieve.Get in touch and find out how you can unlock the full potential of data in your organisation. Learn more at www.dl-academy.com.

In Episode 20, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Dan Robertson, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at Bupa, where they discuss the relationship between organisational culture, operating models, change and transformation and delivering value, which includes;How doing a business degree fuelled an interest in using data to support decision-making.Why starting his career as a programmer made him realise that he wanted a different path.Being the inaugural CDO for multiple, large, complex organisations. Why your operating model holds more weight than any solution in changing an organisation.Why tuning in to organisational culture is the key to success for a transformational CDO.Getting an understand of company culture in the interview process.Why the amount of change required to embed that operating model defines the rockiness of the data strategy journey. Anchoring the implementation of change to the vision and purpose of the organisation.The importance of understanding ‘how things get done’.Why alignment on company purpose and vision impacts the ability to affect change. Tying incentives and objectives to that vision and purpose.Why your boss needs to ‘get it’ or be prepared to get it, so you don’t come unstuck when things get tough. Why the middle of the organisation will likely be the biggest cultural roadblock.Why federation is usually better for large organisations.The impact that maturity has on deciding on a centralised or federated model. Offering a service model to balance the pros and cons of operating models. Why the vision, purpose and north-star of the organisation is so important.The role of architecture of breaking down silos to unlock value. The common symptoms of what blockers to value creation are. The importance of Data Literacy both internally in D&A teams and in business teams. Why your team need to be able to explain the investment case to the exec that aligns to your purpose.  The link between expectations and the average tenure of the CDO.The 3 key inflection points as a transformational CDO.Why you need to be careful about choosing which value-based use case you start with. Presenting different data strategy options to the exec. Deciding whether you’re aiming to be more data-driven or want competitive advantage. Understanding the size of the possible prizes. Thanks to our sponsor, Data Literacy Academy.Data Literacy Academy is leading the way in transforming enterprise workforces with data literacy across the organisation, through a combination of change management and education. In today's data-centric world, being data literate is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity.If you want successful data product adoption, and to keep driving innovation within your business, you need to start with data literacy first.At Data Literacy Academy, we don't just teach data skills. We empower individuals and teams to think critically, analyse effectively, and make decisions confidently based on data. We're bridging the gap between business and data teams, so they can all work towards aligned outcomes.From those taking their first steps in data literacy to seasoned experts looking to fine-tune their skills, our data experts provide tailored classes for every stage. But it's not just learning tracks that we offer. We embed a deep data culture shift through a transformative change management programme.We take a people-first approach, working closely with your executive team to win the hearts and minds. We know this will drive the company-wide impact that data teams want to achieve.Get in touch and find out how you can unlock the full potential of data in your organisation. Learn more at www.dl-academy.com.

In Episode 20, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Gabriel Straub, Chief Data Officer at Ocado Group, where they discuss how data, AI and automation transformed Ocado and redefined the grocery sector, which includes;Utilising 3rd party technology and the realisation that it wasn’t good enough.Evolving from a grocery retailer into a global technology solutions provider.Building proprietary tech to solve challenges traditional systems couldn’t handle.Becoming market leaders for great customer experience.The journey to building and selling technology solutions to retailers all over the world.Why ML solutions became a necessity to provide a distinct customer proposition.The differences between operating an in-store versus online grocery retail business.Combining internal, external and P&L factors in prioritising use cases.Competing with an established model and changing the way people shop.The impressive fulfilment operations and the multiple iterations.Calculating the ROI of product optimisations.The relationship between innovation and company culture.The three main GenAI use cases.Having 150 ML use cases to enhance forecasting, reduce waste, and improve availability.The role of simulation in testing 500 years of operations in just one year.Why embedding data teams in product and engineering drives better outcomes.The importance of culture and long-term thinking in driving innovation.Leveraging GenAI to enhance workforce productivity and knowledge access.The potential for agent-based systems to transform internal operations and customer interactions.The benefits for retailers to partner with Ocado and leverage their technology.Thanks to our sponsor, Data Literacy Academy.Data Literacy Academy is leading the way in transforming enterprise workforces with data literacy across the organisation, through a combination of change management and education. In today's data-centric world, being data literate is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity.If you want successful data product adoption, and to keep driving innovation within your business, you need to start with data literacy first.At Data Literacy Academy, we don't just teach data skills. We empower individuals and teams to think critically, analyse effectively, and make decisions confidently based on data. We're bridging the gap between business and data teams, so they can all work towards aligned outcomes.From those taking their first steps in data literacy to seasoned experts looking to fine-tune their skills, our data experts provide tailored classes for every stage. But it's not just learning tracks that we offer. We embed a deep data culture shift through a transformative change management programme.We take a people-first approach, working closely with your executive team to win the hearts and minds. We know this will drive the company-wide impact that data teams want to achieve.Get in touch and find out how you can unlock the full potential of data in your organisation. Learn more at www.dl-academy.com.