Hub & Spoken: Data | Analytics | Chief Data Officer | CDO | Data Strategy

Creating positive outcomes and making a lasting impact

In this episode, Jason Foster announces the launch of IMPACT, a collective cross-community mission to create positive outcomes and make a lasting impact. The aim is to get helpful data advice, guidance, and hands-on assistance to the not-for-profit sector in support of business and data goals. Jason talks about how data impacts various activities, why firms should focus on making data inclusive, and how listeners and the data community can contribute to Impact and make a real difference.

The importance of data management with Jennifer Agnes

In this podcast, Jason Foster speaks to Jennifer Agnes, Managing Director of the Cynozure Group in the US, about creating a data management strategy that is best suited for your business. Jennifer shares her incredible journey into data management and talks about the terms data management and data governance, how to choose the right tools for data management and how to plan out an effective data management strategy for your business.

Communication as an agent for change

In this episode, Jason Foster shares his insights on how effective communication is a powerful tool and what's needed to get it right. Jason talks about problems caused by poor communication, the importance of consistency, and the rule of seven.

Data Governance isn't what you think it is

In this episode, Jason Foster shares a recent personal experience he had as a consumer, and how it relates to data governance and data management. Jason talks about the importance of data management, what can go wrong with poor data management, and why data governance has a direct impact on the success of an organisation.

Using Data to Manage the UK's COVID Response with Johanna Hutchinson

In this episode, Jason Foster speaks with Dr. Johanna Hutchinson, UK Health Security Agency’s Director of Analytics & Data Science and DataIQ’s third most influential person in Data (dataIQ 100 The Most Influential People in DATA 2021), about using data to manage the UK's COVID response. The collection of data and information has become crucial to fight the worldwide health crisis brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Johanna talks about the data management of National Health Security in the fir...

Developing a Framework for Maximising Data in the Humanitarian Sector with Christian Koblmiller

In this podcast, Jason Foster speaks to Christian Koblmiller, Chief Data Officer at the International Committee of the Red Cross. They cover the different intricacies of collecting and analysing data in the humanitarian sector and the impact it can have.  Christian shares his experience as CDO, his role at the International Committee of the Red Cross, challenges around data in the humanitarian sector and how humanitarian organisations rely heavily on data to make crucial decisions when resp...

ESG and its Impact on Your Data Strategy

In this episode, Jason Foster talks through the emerging concept of ESG which is the convergence of concepts and principles associated with the environment, society, and corporate governance. With more focus on these topics across business and government, it's important that your data strategy considers ESG and ensures the complex and disparate data and metrics have been well thought through. Jason provides a summary of the way to approach this topic.

Special Series: Create a better, more purpose led and resilient future

Creation of a better future for all through the positive and open use of data requires us to be the change we want to see. In this episode of the Hub & Spoken special series, we look back at the conversations we've had with brilliant leaders to uncover the use of data for the good of society, and a more sustainable future. We explore how leaders and their teams can become more resilient, diverse, and build a more human centered world.

Special Series: The evolving role of the Chief Data Officer and data leadership

The role of the CDO & senior data leadership in general, are a mainstay of discussions on this podcast. In this episode of the Hub & Spoken special series we look back at the conversations we've had with some of the industries best up and coming, and established, leaders. We explore what it takes to become a CDO, along with the demands and responsibilities of the role. We also touch on topics such as imposter syndrome as a blocker to high performance, and what the C-suite cares about wh...

Special Series: How technology is your enabler to building adaptable data platforms and products

Accelerate returns from data at pace and with agility, by using technology the right way. It’s one of the enablers to a successful data strategy, but can equally be an inhibitor if not implemented correctly. In this episode of the Hub & Spoken special series we look at back at the conversations we've had with business, data and technology leaders about deploying technology. We cover how data platforms and data products enable delivery of value at scale - and the best way to go about that.

Special Series: Deliver incremental business value through the application of data and analytics

In this episode of the of the Hub & Spoken special series, we look back at some of the brilliant conversations we've had with business and data leaders about the thing that matters most about data: delivering value. We hear examples of how to deploy data for business benefit, and business use cases that deliver value. Plus the role data plays in some of the worlds leading manufacturing, food, retail, media, financial services and big brand organisations.

Special Series: Unlock business value with excellent data management and data governance

AI, data science, cloud data warehousing and other trends get the limelight these days. But data management, and its friend data governance, are often dismissed by organisations as being old fashioned. In this episode of the Hub & Spoken special series, we've curated previous discussions with some great leaders in this space. They demonstrate that you can create a strategic asset out of your data; take focused, deliberate, and iterative steps to make data accurate, available, accessible ...

Special Series: A data strategy is a vital asset to create a data-guided organisation

A data strategy is a framework that allows you to deliver business value through the application of data and analytics. It’s a vital asset to support buy-in, get approval & create a data-guided organisation. In this episode of the Hub&Spoken special series, we explore the role of the data strategy, the important ingredients, the need to focus on outcomes - and how the strategy needs to evolve and adjust with your organisation.

The Evolution of the Data Industry, with Jason Foster and Pete Williams

In this episode, host Jason Foster hands over the hosting duties to Pete Williams and takes the hot seat himself. They reflect on how the industry, the chief data officer role, and appetite in business have changed and what's stayed the same since they first got together in episode 1. They also look ahead and explore where we are heading.

Enabling Data-Driven Decisions at The City of Reykjavik with Óli Páll Geirsson

In this episode, Jason Foster talks to Óli Páll Geirsson, Chief Data Officer at The City of Reykjavik, Iceland, about the value of being data-driven in making decisions in order to result in a positively impactful experience for the people. Oli shares his experience as CDO, the agenda they have in Reykjavik, and insights on how the council and the decision-makers assess their decisions for the residents of Reykjavik.

The Use of Data in Delivering Healthcare in the US with Scott Harrison

In this episode, Jason talks with Scott Harrison, the VP chief data officer at Parkland Health and Hospital System based in Dallas, Texas. They talk about how data is used to deliver the best healthcare service in the United States and explore how to build a mission-driven team, the future of virtual care and how data science helps provide for the community's needs.

The Convergence of Analytics and Data in Healthcare with Anthony Roscoe

In this episode, Jason Foster talks with Anthony Roscoe, the Director of Enterprise Data Governance at Highmark Health, about how data governance is seen through the lens of healthcare in a proactive and enabling way. Anthony talks about his background and experience in the healthcare field, the focus of Highmark Health, how data play a part in the healthcare system, and what's more important in terms of managing and governing data in a positive way to drive benefit

How Formula 1 shifted the dial in its use of Insights with Max Métral

In this episode host, Jason Foster talks to Max Métral, Senior Analytics Manager at Formula 1. They talk about how Formula 1 operates their data, dial up the use of insights to deliver value, the difference between being data-informed and data-driven - and which one is better to use in decision making. Max also shares insights on his role, where the sports industry is in terms of its use of data, and how Formula 1 sets up a team that delivers.

Building a Data Science Team with Natalia Lyarskaya

In this episode, Jason talks to Natalia Lyarskaya, Chief Data Officer at ZestMoney, and one of the DataIQ top 100 most influential people in data. Their conversation focuses on building data science teams, how data is measured, and how to apply a business and product outcome-focused approach to it. Natalia also shares her role and experience as a Chief Data Officer, her set of principles in building out a data science team and the cultural challenges in different markets.

The Metaverse: A Dystopian Nightmare?

In this episode host, Jason Foster talks about the metaverse: what it means, its characteristics, where it has come from, and where it can go in the future. Metaverse has been a hot topic in the digital world for how it transforms the way we connect - that can either be beneficial or disruptive to businesses. Jason shares his view on how to support a bright future for the metaverse where digital and physical interact, rather than fully immersive digital that takes away any real social intera...

Applying skunkworks thinking to AI in the NHSX with Giuseppe Sollazzo

In this episode, Jason talks to Giuseppe Sollazzo, Deputy Director and Head of AI Skunkworks and Deployment at NHSX. They discuss how data and predictive analytics have changed the world of healthcare for the better, and why it is so important to always keep innovating in the field of data. Giuseppe shares his background, how he began working in data, how data in the medical field has evolved and how the work of NHSx fits into NHS’ overall data strategy.

How an AI team empowers an FMCG company with David Lepicier

In this episode, Jason talks to David Lapier, Head of Global Data Analytics at Pernod Ricard, a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company that specialises in wine and spirits. They discuss how data is used at Pernod Ricard for daily operations, the traps to avoid when rapidly implementing a data strategy in a consumer goods company, how to build cultural trust in data, plus how to find and fix issues that may come up.

9 Lessons on Delivering a Data Strategy with Jason Foster

In this episode, Jason Foster shares some of the key things he's learnt about delivering value from data. This is based on his years of experience helping 100s of organisations and thousands of individuals to do just that. A clear summary to craft a roadmap to get value from your data articulated in 9 key lessons.

The Role of Data in Business Transformation with Elyette Roux

In this episode, Elyette Roux (Chief Sales & Marketing, Communications officer at Nexans) talks about how data can affect business transformation, how it is effectively implemented, and the present challenges and risks in adopting too many changes. Elyette shares insights into the life cycle of data transformation, the cultural challenges organizations face in the process, and why Agile Methodology works well versus the more waterfall type of projects.

Create Scalable Systems in the World of E-commerce with Jérémie Jakubowicz

In this episode, Jason Foster talks to Jérémie Jakubowicz, Vice-President of ManoMano, about the use of data in making predictions, and its integral role in artificial intelligence. ManoMano is currently the largest gardening and DIY online marketplace in Europe. Jeremie shares his background from academia into corporate data, the role data has played in ManoMano, and how it became a data-native business. Last but not least, he reveals the two fundamentals of building a solid data foundation...

Turning Banorte Financial Group into a data enhanced bank with Jose Murillo

In this episode, Jason talks to Jose Murillo, the Chief Analytics Officer at Mexico’s 2nd largest bank, Banorte. They discuss the importance of experimenting with new ideas, rapidly evolving a data strategy, and collaborating with academia. Jose shares his journey from a Ph.D. in Economics into the world of data, how he and his team developed their data strategy to accommodate rapid growth and innovation, the importance of strategic partnerships to attract talents, and the role of Chief Anal...

How Tinder Approaches Treating Data As A Product, with Murali Bhogavalli

In this episode, host Jason Foster talks to Murali Bhogavalli, Data Product Manager at Tinder. They talk about the concept and the idea of treating data as a product, the roles of Data Product Manager, and how the industry is shaping around it. Murali shares his journey as Data Product Manager, the challenges of the role, what treating data as a product means, and the evolution of agile methodologies in the context of data.

How Imposter Syndrome Impacts High Performance, with Tara Halliday

In this episode, Jason talks to Tara Halliday, an expert on imposter Syndrome, who helps executives and coaches break through their limiting beliefs. She has coached many leaders across a range of different fields and has written the book “Unmasking: The Coaches Guide To Imposter Syndrome.”Imposter Syndrome is an incredibly common phenomenon in high-pressure workplaces and high-achievers. Tara shares her knowledge and experience on the topic: what the imposter syndrome is, how it starts, sym...

Value charged analytics transformation, with Carlos Soares

In this episode, Jason Foster talks to Carlos Soares, Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Analytics Worx (he has also worked in other analytics transformation roles at Diageo, Nike, Vodafone and Liberty). They discuss the importance of delivering value-based data and why you need to create a safe space for your data team to innovate and improve constantly. Carlos shares the challenges of his various data leadership roles, what value-charged analytics means and how to align the day-to-day...

Getting buy in for investment in data, with Jason Foster

In this episode Jason Foster shares insight into what ‘buy-in’ is, and how to go about getting managerial and investor support when it comes to funding for your data strategy. How best can you communicate your strategy’s value to stakeholders? With the right planning and preparation you’ll be able to effectively remove any doubts the stakeholders may have, so they can invest with confidence.

Data Analytics in the World of Television, with Sarah Moore

In this episode, Jason talks to Sarah Moore, Chief Data Intelligence Officer at NOW (formerly NowTV), about audience acquisition and retention in the fast-paced world of television. When it comes to accessing large amounts of data in a fast-paced environment such as television, preparation and scalability is key. Without the right level of sophistication in your data frameworks, there is the potential to miss capturing important data which a business can potentially use to improve.

Building adaptable data platforms, with Jason Foster

In this episode of the podcast host Jason Foster outlines the importance of having an adaptable data platform. A data platform should be built in a way that we can learn, develop, grow and enhance what we do.

The Importance of Education and Mentorship in Data

In this episode, Jason talks to Lillian Pierson, CEO of Data Mania, an educational enterprise that helps emerging data scientists and leaders. In the world of data science, skills are constantly changing and evolving. Lillian shares insight into how mentorship can help you to develop and hone your skills while you expand your knowledge. The conversation also covers the need for a data leader to have a strong understanding of the company's goals and objectives, as well as an idea about where ...

Getting value from machine learning at scale, with Sivan Metzger

In this episode host, Jason Foster talks to Sivan Metzger, the Managing Director of MPOps and Governance at DataRobot, about the approach needed to create robust machine learning solutions. They discuss the need for streamlining and governing machine learning to ensure success and the four components that deliver a strong MLOps operating model including deployment, monitoring, lifecycle management, and model governance.

The Modern Chief Data Officer, with Jason Foster

 In this episode host, Jason Foster explores the role of the modern Chief Data  Officer (CDO) and the kind of environment that is required to breed success. He talks through the role and what it’s about, the characteristics of those entering the role, the route people take to become a CDO, and where they go next.

Applying The Spotify Model to your data strategy, with Jason Foster

Using Data in the Public Sector, with Pye Nyunt

In this episode, Jason talks to Pye Nyunt, Head of Innovation at London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. It is a local authority that services about 213,000 people in the East London region. For local governments that work closely with so many different people on a daily basis, data is often part of the solution. They discuss how data is used in council areas to improve the outcomes governed by current legislation and policies.

Data is not the new oil, with Jason Foster

In this episode host, Jason Foster, argues that the metaphor ‘data is the new oil’ shouldn’t be used as it comes with such negative connotations and is ineffective at explaining the value of data in organisations. He uses a balanced argument to explain the reasons the metaphor does work and the longer list of reasons it doesn’t work as an analogy. He also puts right how The Economist is misrepresented in an article it wrote in 2017 where it's said that this phrase was created and spawned.

Embedding data to drive the growth of Gousto, with Rob Barham

In this episode, host Jason Foster, talks to Rob Barham, Director of Data at Gousto, about how they embed data into everything they do. They discuss what a data native business looks like, how data plays a part in Gousto’s growth ambitions and culturally how this manifests itself across the organisation. They explore how they are set up and work cross-functionally to ensure effort is focussed on business outcomes and that data acts as a value-creating capability.

Data - Art vs Science, with Jason Foster

In this episode, host Jason Foster, considers whether art or science plays the most important part in creating a data-guided organisation. He talks about the influence art has on the success and failure of data science strategies and the right blend to achieve positive outcomes. What's more important art or science in your data strategy?

Using data to strengthen relationships with external stakeholders, with Viktor Kazinec

In this episode Jason talks to Viktor Kazinec, Head of Analytics at Close Brothers, to discuss the value of working closely with external stakeholders on data science solutions. They discuss how to choose data projects that can prove and add value, the success drivers of a team, managing and gaining buy-in from internal and external stakeholders, and creating high-performing data science teams.

The art of reflection: do look in the rearview mirror, with Jason Foster

The data industry has regular rhetoric that you shouldn’t look backward or run reports that look at what happened (descriptive analytics). This has led people to believe that this panacea exists where you are able to have your business strategy prescribed to you by data (prescriptive analytics). In this episode, host Jason Foster, argues why looking backward is a vital ingredient for your data strategy and how this practice helps you to improve personal and business performance.

Understanding DataOps and its role in data strategy, with Rob Kellaway

In this episode Jason talks to Rob Kellaway, the Head of DataOps at Legal and General Investment Management about the role of DataOps for data strategy. They discuss how the role of DataOps should be to operationalise and increase the value and efficiency of data as it moves through the pipeline. They also explore how the governance surrounding your data strategy should be lightweight and productive, rather than governance for governance sake. Trimming down your plan of execution and finding...

Data Means Business: the story behind the bestselling book for business leaders, with Jason Foster and Barry Green

Our host, Jason Foster along with Barry Green were looking to give leaders the tools they needed to start changing the narrative on data and have it focused on what really matters – economic, business, organisational and societal outcomes. They got together, authored and published ‘Data Means Business’, a highly rated and best selling book. In this episode, they discuss the book, the process they went through to go from the gem of an idea to a published best selling book, why they felt there...

How to utilise DataOps to improve the performance of Data Teams

In this episode, Jason sits down with the founder of Data Kitchen, Christopher Bergh (otherwise known as the ‘Head Chef’) to discuss the importance of DataOps, and how this can be translated to improving the performance of technical data teams. They discuss how imperfect action can be better than delaying your delivery…only to find out it has flaws. Shorter delivery time and the importance of continuous feedback are also covered.

Vanity, Sanity, Reality: Whats really important for your data strategy, with Jason Foster

It’s easy to have the wrong priorities, focus on the latest technology trend, the next big thing and what bubbles up into the mainstream press when implementing a data strategy. In this episode host, Jason Foster talks about what’s actually important to focus on to ensure your data strategy delivers real value.

The importance of data and technology in finance transformation, with Grant Deans

In this episode Jason talks to Grant Deans, a finance transformation specialist, on the role of data and analytics during finance transformation. They discuss how transformation shouldn’t have an end goal, instead a series of short sprints to enable people to remain agile and adapt when needed. They cover why data is so essential during transformation, where the FP&A team should sit in relation to the finance department and the type of skills needed in a modern finance department.

Building a data guided business: the change imperative, with Jason Foster

In this episode, Jason Foster explores the increasing imperative of being able to build an organisational culture that is guided by data and the lessons that can be learned from organisations that have re-written the rule book to flip the script and drive transformational change in their industry.

Modelling financial unknowns during a crisis with Margarita Pineda-Ucero

During uncertain times, you need to be able to do the best with the information you have and be ready to pivot as necessary. You won’t get your risk modelling 100% accurate the first time, but if you have a plan to intervene and adapt as necessary you will be a lot further along than if you wait for technology to catch up and produce ’perfect data. In this episode host, Jason Foster talks to business transformation and risk management expert, Margarita Pineda-Ucero, about how you model finan...

What’s the correct planning horizon for your data strategy?

In this episode, host Jason Foster discusses planning horizons for your data strategy. With so much uncertainty, change, movement in people behaviour, adjustments in business strategy and long-tail world events it’s normal to wonder over what period you should plan your strategy. How can you be sure of a short, mid and long term plan when everything might change tomorrow?