Driven by Data: The Podcast

In Episode 45, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Catherine King takes the hot-seat as she hosts a live panel discussion alongside, Pete Williams, Director of Data at Penguin Random House and Greg Freeman, CEO & Founder at Data Literacy Academy, where they discuss how to allow your organisation to climb the data & AI literacy ladder, which includes;Why Data & AI literacy isn't about technical skills or tools.How practical implementation and belief in the value of literacy are still recent developments.How there are no decisions in modern business that are free of data.Why people don’t use what they don’t trust and they don’t trust what they don’t understand.Why literacy must address taught fears and cultural resistance.Why companies are still falling into the trap of thinking tools and tech will drive transformation.Why Generative AI is proving to be a Trojan Horse and the opportunity it provides for enterprise impact. Why literacy efforts need to go beyond 'tick-box' training to personalised, job-relevant learning that connects directly to business outcomes.Why you should track productivity improvements, promotion rates, and qualitative feedback from learners.How to use behavioural metrics and ROI-linked business initiatives to measure literacy impact.How you can create effective feedback loops from the frontline that are essential for iteration and broader transformation.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 44, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom was joined by Nick Blewden, Director of Data at Co-Op where they explore how one of the UK’s most recognised brands is harnessing data not just to improve performance, but to deliver meaningful social impact. Nick shares how the Co-op’s member-owned model shapes its approach to loyalty, personalisation and ethics, why balancing commercial success with social good is central to its strategy, and how initiatives in data culture, literacy and governance are helping to build trust at every level of the business. The episode explores;Why consulting experience equips many data leaders for senior roles in industry.How the Co-op’s unique member-owned model drives its approach to data and decision-making.The importance of aligning commercial success with social good.How partnerships with universities have unlocked new insights into health, nutrition and deprivation.Why ethical guardrails and clear consent are critical to building trust in personalisation.How loyalty and membership schemes powered by data science deepen customer engagement.Growing membership from 4 million to nearly 7 million and he role that data played.How personalisation is used to encourage healthier lifestyle choices.Why balancing valuable personalisation with privacy concerns is one of retail’s biggest challenges.How the Co-op uses its member councils, youth councils and surveys to shape data-driven initiatives.The role of rapid delivery and quick commerce data in reshaping retail behaviour.How they equipped front-line staff with data products to transform decision-making.Why building data literacy depends on addressing both “will” and “skill” across teams.How embedding ethics and governance early safeguards impact and reputation.Why leadership engagement strengthens confidence and trust in data.How evolving operating models keep data teams aligned with fast-changing business needs.For more information on our upcoming Driven by Data LIVE event; https://orbitiongroup.com/driven-by-data-live/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 43, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom was joined by Sarah Hardison. Product Director, Analytics Enablement at GSK where they discuss the results from a research project on the investment and value in Data and AI that was conducted to support an MBA Thesis in partnership with University of Cambridge, which includes;Why aligning data and AI initiatives with overarching business strategy is the most critical factor for success, with 80% of respondents citing it as essential to delivering value.How failing to measure value directly correlates with an inability to demonstrate impact. All organisations that had not shown value also reported not tracking any metrics.Why only 50% of surveyed organisations reported actively measuring the value of their data and AI initiatives, despite it being foundational to demonstrating return.How 65% of participants believed they had successfully demonstrated value. The remaining 35% had not, and all of those lacked measurement frameworks.Why cost reduction and revenue generation were reported as the primary ways value is defined, yet only a few sectors could clearly demonstrate revenue impact.Why metrics such as customer satisfaction and innovation are harder to quantify but still considered essential soft indicators of value.How the perceived value of data as an asset varies depending on business context and use case, making standard valuation challenging.Why telling success stories and communicating achievements across the business was identified as a critical enabler for cultural adoption and stakeholder engagement.How incremental delivery through proofs of concept helps secure long-term value and supports agile execution.Why business cases are more compelling when they include both financial metrics and alignment with strategic objectives.How the cultural orientation of a company, whether strategy-driven or metrics-driven, should guide how data leaders approach value articulation.How networking internally and understanding business pain points leads to more relevant and supported data solutions.Why data’s value is similar to that of brand equity, being intangible, influential, and entirely context specific.For more information on our upcoming Driven by Data LIVE event; https://orbitiongroup.com/driven-by-data-live/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 42, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom was joined by Carl Smith, Group Data Officer at JCB, where they discuss why everyone hates data governance, the motivation behind his 3-part book series, and why organisations face in implementing effective data strategies, which includes;Why everyone hates governance (until they need it).How most organisations are stuck in “governance theatre” Repositioning governance as a business enabler, not a compliance exercise.Using governance to support faster, safer decision-making. Concrete tools and templates that make it stick. Unmasking the theatre of strategy to avoid PowerPoint-fuelled nonsense that never lands.Framing strategy as a vehicle for change, not documentation. Fixing the disconnect between strategy and execution.Aligning with business outcomes, not buzzwords. Designing for agility, relevance, and real-world political constraints.Running Data like a business function. Moving from delivery to accountability.how to own outcomes, not just projects. Building the operating model for a modern data function.Budgeting, staffing, and positioning the function for credibility.Designing services, not just capabilities.Navigating exec influence and organisational politics. For more information on our upcoming Driven by Data LIVE event; https://orbitiongroup.com/driven-by-data-live/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 41, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom was joined by Joyce Myers, Chief Data Officer at MTSI where they discuss the critical facets of effective change leadership, which includes;Why we should aspire for 'Change Leadership' not 'Change Management'Joyce's journey from the military to Data Leadership.The use of data in the defence industry.The core facets of Change Leadership in Data.The cultural impact on data adoption.The role of building relationships for success with data.How culture and buy-in is different in an employee-owned organisation.The interplay between change and culture.Influencing people to act without relying on authority or mandates.Why we should maintain a positive mindset.Why Goodness In, Goodness Out is better than Garbage In, Garbage OutHow to celebrate celebrate success and build trust.Communication strategies that 'sell the vision' of data transformation. Experiencing momentum in the journey of change leadership. Strategies used to keep teams engaged and motivated when change is slow. For more information on our upcoming Driven by Data LIVE event; https://orbitiongroup.com/driven-by-data-live/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.

Carlos Soares, SVP of Data, Analytics & AI at Brenntag, discusses the transformative power of data in global operations. He emphasizes the critical importance of defining problem statements and tackling dual streams of transformation. Soares reveals how hiring 'purple' teams fosters innovation and why AI will augment human decision-making. He shares insights into building a data culture that impacts EBITDA and the necessity of quick wins for credibility. The phenomenal success of their 'Customer Growth Engine' showcases the tangible benefits of a data-driven approach.

In Episode 39, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom was joined by Alex Sidgreaves, Chief Data Officer at Zurich Insurance, Indhira Mani, Chief Data Officer at RSA and Greg Freeman, CEO at Data Literacy Academy where they discuss how to successfully adopt AI inside organisations, which includes;Why AI adoption is a business transformation journey, not just a technical implementation.How aligning AI with core business priorities drives meaningful outcomes and stakeholder engagement.The importance of clearly defined use cases to avoid over-engineering and misaligned efforts.Why cross-functional collaboration between business, data, and IT is crucial for scalable success.How solid data foundations and governance underpin responsible and effective AI deployment.The importance of developing AI literacy across all levels to support confident and informed decision-making.Why focusing on business value and outcomes, not algorithms, helps demystify AI and gain broader support.How adjusting the language used around AI can make it more accessible and reduce resistance.The importance of embedding ethics and transparency from the outset of AI initiatives.Why mindset, culture, and change management are the true enablers, or blockers, of successful AI adoption.How leadership curiosity and openness accelerates cultural readiness for AI.The importance of managing expectations to prevent fatigue and maintain organisational trust in AI efforts.How continuous storytelling and iteration help build momentum and credibility throughout the AI journey.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 38, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom was joined by Executive Career Coach, Julia Westland. Julia spent many years as a Data & Analytics professional working in management consulting before transitioning into headhunting where she led Spencer Stuarts Digital, Data & AI practice, before becoming a career coach. Together they unpick the current Data & Analytics job market, the trends they're seeing, forecast what is to come and give a whole host of advice around job searching in the current market, which includes;Why the demand for data leaders remains strong despite ongoing economic uncertainty and market shifts.Why organisations are prioritising specificity in defining and sourcing data leadership roles.The importance of understanding company context when navigating data leadership opportunities.Why the CDO role varies widely in scope and the consequences that has on career progression.The skills required for data leaders aiming to influence at the top table.How some CDAOs have transitioned into broader business roles and why.Aligning your background with a company’s data maturity level to increase your fit and success. How GenAI is reviving focus on foundational capabilities like data governance, quality, and data management.Why leadership, change management, and stakeholder influence now outweigh technical depth alone in senior data roles.How the evolving data landscape is opening up new career paths across operations, product analytics, and AI strategy.How to position your CV and LinkedIn profile as strategic assets in your job search.Why tailoring your CV with exact job description keywords boosts visibility in AI-powered hiring tools.The importance of clean, simple formatting to ensure your CV is readable by applicant tracking systems.How to craft a strong headline and summary that align with the role you’re targeting.Creating a compelling, results-driven CV by quantifying your achievements. How LinkedIn and CV alignment improves discoverability and impact when being headhunted.Why developing a concise personal pitch helps you stand out and stay memorable to recruiters.The importance of testing your CV’s narrative using tools like NotebookLM to ensure it communicates your value.How intentional communication and storytelling can elevate your positioning and lead to more interviews.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 37, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom was joined by Ash Dhupar, Chief Data & AI Officer at Analog Devices (Fortune 500) where we explore how data leaders can link their work directly to measurable EBIT and revenue gains, and how the Chief Data Officer role has shifted from “data quality” to “profitability driver.” Ash shares a real life example of unlocking $50M in yield improvements by connecting siloed manufacturing data, and why predictive AI is key to stopping costly waste before it happens. We unpack the importance of the three-legged stool; balancing technology, business alignment, and process change, and why CDOs must own delivery end-to-end to shift the outdated perception that data is “just reporting.” You’ll hear why scaling AI demands new skills, how too many “chiefs” has slowed progress can slow progress. We also discuss why agentic AI at scale is still 18–24 months away, and how AI-first strategies can multiply EBIT impact by 2–10x to create lasting competitive advantage.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 36, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom i re-joined by Daniel Hulme, a leading authority in the world of AI and Chief AI Officer at WPP (as well as being CEO at Satalia and Conscium) Kyle and Daniel discuss the rapid evolution of AI and its implications for various sectors. They explore the concept of agentic AI, its real-world applications, and the importance of verification in AI deployment. The conversation also delves into the impact of AI on jobs, the future of work, and the role of education in preparing graduates for an AI-driven world. Ethical considerations and the need for aligned AI are emphasised, along with the challenges organisations face in building and adopting these technologies, and placing the right bets with their investments.Takeaways:The evolution of Ai in the last 12 months.How AI has graduated from an 'intoxicated graduate' to masters level intelligence and beyond.Why Leaders don't have time to place the wrong bets but many are. Why companies are wasting time and money on building the wrong agents. How to prioritise the correct AI bets to invest in.How AI can free society from economic constraints meaning people won't have to work. The future of the education system and the impact on graduate jobs. Why verification of AI will be imperative to success and also accounts for 80% of deployment cost.The five levels of AI verification you need to know about. The importance of testing for skills and expertise instead of knowledge.When AI may become conscious and we could be at AGI by 2030.The disruption we're going to see in the job market.The relationship between software and AI and why most firms can't attract the talent they need to build AI.Why we should be building AI with values as opposed to implementing guardrails after the fact. The three questions to ask when deploying AI.The real safety and security issues that companies are going to face. Why there will be an explosion of innovation in AI safety.The risks of building zombie superintelligence. 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.