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

Developing and retaining data and analytics talent, with Paul Ravenscroft

In this episode, Jason talks to Paul Ravenscroft, about his learnings of building data and analytics teams over the last 10 years at Boots, Walgreens Boots Alliance and now at Pets at Home as Head of Loyalty and CRM Analytics. They discuss the challenges of recruitment, development and retention of top data analytics talent and ensuring the job profile and the reality of the job are well aligned. They consider the importance of interesting and challenging work and doing all you can to make t...

Interlude: a brief thanks to our listeners

In this short episode, Jason reflects on why he set up this podcast, the value he was hoping to deliver through it and an announcement about the upcoming additions to the schedule. This is the original business focussed data podcast and Jason is keen to continually add value to his audience. He thanks everyone for their contributions from listeners, to guests, to those that have given such positive feedback.

Using data to grow an eCommerce business, with Ed Child

In this episode, Jason talks to Ed Child, the Head of Enterprise Data and Insights at a fast-growing eCommerce business, Studio Retail. They talk through the success Studio have had through lockdown in 2020 and explore the strategic role data is playing and will play in driving further growth. They also look at the journey Ed has been on to define, get approval and deliver success of his data strategy. They look at Ed’s own personal journey into data leadership through brands like Asda and W...

The hustle of the CDO, with Cara Dailey

In this episode, Jason talks to the Chief Data Officer at Silicon Valley Bank, Cara Dailey, about the importance of the first 100 days in post and the level of hustle needed to carve your role and strategy. They discuss what to focus on, what to de-prioritise and how to generate momentum behind the data strategy and transformation journey. They talk about selling the why, getting investment, building relationships, winning hearts and minds, creating believers and the need to pay for the data...

How technology and analytics can impact on human potential, with Gustavo Canton

In this episode, Jason discusses the use of technology and analytics and its impact on human potential with Analytics Leader at Starbucks, Gustavo Canton. They discuss the philosophy of human connections at Starbucks and the role purpose, behaviours and values play in analytics. They explore how people analytics is more than just analytics in HR, it focuses on understanding humans and the psychology of how you enhance the experiences of your customers, employees and stakeholders. Given the i...

Lessons on becoming a Chief Data Officer, with Ashley Brinegar

In this episode Jason talks to Ashley Brinegar, the Chief Data Officer (CDO) at Timet, about her experiences on becoming a CDO and how her background in engineering, lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, agile methodologies and as a data consumer formed the context and foundation to become a modern data leader. They explore how she educates, and leads her organisation and team to bring data, technology and business outcomes closer together. They discuss her approach to defining and delivering the d...

Building global data products at HSBC, with Ranil Boteju

In this episode, Jason speaks to Ranil Boteju, the Global Head of Data and Analytics in Wealth and Personal Banking at HSBC about building global data products. They discuss Ranil’s journey to data leadership and the shift that has happened in financial services that has driven the need to innovate their data strategy, be more agile and commercialise data. Their discussion explores the need for data products, moving from a project to a product mindset when building solutions, new organisatio...

Governing your data - a key pillar in your data strategy, with George Firican

In this episode Jason talks to George Firican, a data governance practitioner and founder of lightsondata.com about the importance of data governance. They discuss it as a discipline that ensures data can be managed as an asset and transformed into meaningful information. A great discussion that helps unpick what is meant by data governance, why bother, how it is similar to the approach we take to managing money (Finance) and people (HR) in organisations and the approach, tools and artefacts...

Advancing the craft of data leadership, with Jennifer Agnes

In this episode, Jason talks to Jennifer Agnes about the role of the Chief Data Officer and data leadership in general. They explore what works, the challenges and what happens when things go wrong. They discuss how we overcome those challenges and the role the global community plays in learning and growing together to further develop the craft of data leadership.

Rising importance of location intelligence with James Miller

In this episode Jason talks to James Miller, Head of Data, Analytics and Insight at Intu. Everything happens somewhere both physically and digitally, so location intelligence is at the heart understanding how things work. They discuss what's special about location data and insight, why its so crucial now and in the future and how it provides the context for analysing organisations. They discuss how location intelligence was one of the first true forms of customer analytics and how it’s move...

Fixing dirty data with Susan Walsh, The Classification Guru

Description: In this episode, Jason talks to Susan Walsh, the self-named Classification Guru, about dirty data in the context of your data strategy. They discuss what dirty data is, why the quality of data becomes bad in the first place and the impact dirty data has on organisations in terms of regulation, commercials, budget and misinformation. They also discuss Susan’s method, COAT, on how to fix dirty data and stop it from becoming dirty in the first place.

Setting the standard for sharing data across the health industry, with Tariq Bhatti

In this episode, Jason talks to the Head of Data and Analytics at the Nursing and Midwifery Council, Tariq Bhatti about collaborating with the health industry to create a data ecosystem and setting the standards for data sharing. They discuss the approach for getting a data standards framework in place, leading by example and thinking about data exchange. Through this they touch on data strategy, DataOps and focussing on use cases to drive the standards.

Personal and team resilience

In this episode Jason Foster, Caroline Bellamy, Will Fraser and Christian Hughes discuss resilience and how to build it personally and in teams. They explore different perspectives of resilience, what can change that requires you to be resilient, how you can teach yourself to be resilient and dealing with impactful situations. They discuss the role of leadership in creating resilient teams and creating safe spaces for your team to feel well supported. Audio was taken from a live video webina...

Analytics as a competitive weapon and the impact of culture on success, with Alan Jacobson

The power and opportunity data provides in financial services, with Lynn Pope

In this episode Jason talks to seasoned data leader, Lynn Pope, about the vision for data in the financial services sector, the opportunities for where data can play a part and the challenges with getting that done. They also discuss strategy, skills and the importance of culture, common language and business engagement in delivering value.

Workforce planning to support a successful data strategy, with Jez Clark

In this episode, Jason talks to Jez Clark, CEO at data staffing consultancy, Eden Smith. They discuss the importance of organisational design and workforce planning to a successful data strategy - including the challenges of getting it right, and where it can go wrong. The conversation covers a multitude of topics around finding the right people: clear role definition, creating an attractive proposition, as well as executive-level placement and the value of training, career development and s...

The role of data in business and digital transformation, with Jamie Head

In this episode, Jason talks to the Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Ocean Spray, Jamie Head about his mandate to modernise their digital and technology estate. They discuss the role data and data strategy is playing in that transformation, the innovation mindset, digital and physical product management and the role of culture in determining the success. They also explore the need for industry-level collaboration in order to improve the outcomes for customers.

Using data and analytics to improve customer engagement, with Gail Miller

In this episode Jason talks to the Gail Miller, the Head of Data at ScottishPower, about how she has used her commercial background to potent effect to improve customer engagement and to deliver incremental value to the business. They discuss the approach used to building the strategy, developing the roadmap, getting investment and quickly proving value. A fascinating discussion for anyone looking to level up their data strategy.

Delivering value from data is a journey not a destination, with Graeme McDermott

In this episode Jason talks to Graeme McDermott, the Chief Data Officer at Addison Lee, about his journey delivering business value with data. They explore the journey, how you measure progress, the definition of done and how you keep stakeholders engaged with strong communication and collaboration.

How to monetise, manage and measure information as an asset, with Doug Laney

In this episode, Jason talks to Doug Laney, the author of Infonomics, ex Gartner distinguished analyst and currently a consultant at Caserta. A fascinating and fast-paced discussion on how organisations should look to monetise, manage and measure their information and treat data as an asset. They discuss how you classify information as an asset, how you value that asset and whether you can have those assets on your balance sheet.

Agile data strategy at AXA Healthcare

In this episode, Jason talks to Nirali Patel, the Chief Data Officer at AXA Healthcare, about the use and value of having an agile data strategy. They cover what being agile means on context of building data products and why being agile is more important than ever. This episode also unpicks how you avoid just being reactive to everything but still having an operating model that is responsive to change, flexible and can pivot around internal and external events. 

What the C-Suite needs from their Chief Data Officer, with Andy Day

In this episode, Jason talks to serial Chief Data Officer, Andy Day about what a Board cares about and how data plays a part in that. They discuss why data should be at the top table, why the Chief Data Officer may be in jeopardy and how to succeed in creating an organisation that is guided by data.

The relationship between data and change with business leader, Nicky Klein

In this episode Jason talks to seasoned business, data and change leader, Nicky Klein about the relationship that exists between data and business change. They explore the drive and requirement for change, how data helps, the resistance and barriers to change and the role the Chief Data Officer plays in the change process.

How UEFA uses insights to develop and govern European football with Sefton Perry

In this episode, Jason talks to Sefton Perry, the Head of the Intelligence Centre at UEFA, about how he and his team use data and insights to develop football, govern the game and run multi-million-pound football competitions. This includes how they make use of strategic intelligence to make sure decisions are taken with evidence in the room, how they’re set up and how they collaborate internally and with European football leagues.

How data can drive value and save money with Nina Monckton

In this episode Nina Monckton, Chief Insight (Data) Officer at the NHS Business Services Authority, joins Jason to discuss how use of data led to over £100m of potential savings in just 6 months. She describes how they defined and delivered their data strategy, and how she looks after data as an asset, building the team, resource, and infrastructure to drive value.

The hype and reality around data, analytics and AI with Simon Hayter, Knight Frank

In this episode we talk to Simon Hayter, Partner at Knight Frank about the hype surrounding data and analytics, how to use and be aware of hype and bringing things back to reality. We discuss inflated job titles, buzz words, mis-selling from vendors, hype in academia and avoiding unrealistic expectations.

How HMRC embeds data into strategy and operations, with Kevin Fletcher

Jason talks to Kevin Fletcher, CDO at HMRC, about the role of the CDO in public organisations, and how you embed data into strategy and operations. In this episode, they discuss Kevin’s role at the HMRC, how their data strategy is aligned with their specific use cases, and the challenges in delivering this.

Optimising customer journeys and ROI, with Gabriel Hughes

Jason talks to Gabriel Hughes, CEO at Metageni and the architect of attribution modelling tools for Google. In this episode, we talk about how you deliver return from marketing and customer engagement investments by optimising customer journeys.

The CDO is evolving: are you ready? With Tim Lum

The Chief Data Officer is a relatively new role, but how is it set to change in 2020 and beyond? Tim Lum, a senior data leader with a wealth of experience leading data transformation, shares his perspective on how CDOs can better integrate themselves into the C-Suite. With Jason Foster, they discuss what skills are required for the CDO, and look ahead to the future of data leadership.

Reality Check on AI, with Theo Priestley

Theo Priestley, antifuturist, author and CMO at WFS Technologies, joins the podcast to share his grounding perspective on the future of AI. With Jason Foster, they strip down the artificial intelligence buzzword and review where AI is headed, and how businesses can harness this potential.

Data From Scratch: a Blessing or a Curse? With Alan Cruickshank

Alan Cruickshank, Head of Data at Tails.com, shares his experience building data functions from scratch in a fast-paced business. With Jason Foster at the helm, they discuss the advantages of being small-scale, how to prioritise what you need for success with data, and the importance of data cultures over Alan's career.

How The Guardian uses data to drive the digital revolution, with Catherine Brien

Catherine Brien is leading a new data and analytics initiative at The Guardian - can data help drive new success in the transition from print to digital? Jason Foster helms this episode of the Hub & Spoken, with Catherine sharing her experience in the CDO role so far, and the benefits that data has created across the publishing industry.

Realising data sharing and collaboration in the supply chain, with Neil Sparrow

More transparent data sharing is the key to driving better supply chains according to Neil Sparrow, Head of BI at AJW. With more open data sharing across an industry, businesses could theoretically react, interact and operate much more efficiently. In reality, how viable is this level of data collaboration between businesses? Jason Foster asks this question and more in Episode 31 of the Hub & Spoken podcast.

It’s Master Data, not Governance, with Scott Taylor

Master data and governance are the focus of Scott Taylor, nicknamed the ‘Data Whisperer’ for his role in advising businesses on how to approach data management. With Jason Foster at the helm, they discuss what language to use in communicating across the organisation, and how to avoid making data a boring topic for the C-Suite.

Harnessing Psychology, Data and Visualisation, with Mark Ainsworth

Gender Bias and Diverse Skills in Data, with Payal Jain

In this episode, we talk to Payal Jain, Managing Director at JCURV, about the impact of gender bias on data and analytics. We discuss the importance of employing a diverse range of skills, and fostering this within data teams. As a Chair of Women in Data UK, Payal also shares her perspectives on gender diversity and how to support the cause.

How Dating Apps Evolved Through Data, with Nick Saretzky

In this episode, we talk to Nick Saretzky, Senior Director of Project Management at Tinder, about how dating apps started out with data. We discuss the benefits of driving change through data insights, and what user data Tinder has at its disposal. We also talk about the impact of dating apps on how people interact, and on the changing approach to modern relationships.

Digital CX and Tracking Behaviours in Gambling, with Kerry Dawes

In this episode, we talk to Kerry Dawes, the Director of Digital Customer Experience at The Rank Group. We discuss the impact of data on the digital customer experience, and how new technologies are contributing to this field. We also cover the value of tracking customer data to identify and counter unhealthy behaviours in the gambling industry.

Practical AI and the Role of Optimisation, with Daniel Hulme

In this episode, we talk to Daniel Hulme, CEO of Satalia, on the progress of AI and how it's being implemented today. We discuss how organisations can more effectively use AI with optimisation, and where this technology is being applied today. We also cover the debate around the questionable future of AI, and in particular the potential risks posed by humanlike artificial intelligence.

How Rugby is Becoming Data-Driven, with Will Fraser

We talk to Will Fraser, Director of The Saracens Way, about the potential of data in competitive sports. We discuss the cultural change embedded in becoming data-driven, and the impact of this change on an organisation or team. We also cover the future potential of data in rugby and beyond, giving an insight into the practical aspects of data use in sports.

Recognising Mental Wellbeing in Data Leadership, with Jacquelyn Guderley

Diversity, Inclusion, and Discrimination in Data | International Women's Day 2019

In this episode, Jason hosts a wider discussion on Diversity & Inclusion in data, joined by three leading advocates for the cause. Roisin McCarthy is the Founder of Women in Data, Michelle Wong is the Head of Marketing Analytics at Farfetch, and Allison Nau is a CDO and one of our associate strategy advisors at Cynozure. We discuss everything from encouraging diverse teams in data and the benefits of this principle to discrimination in analytics, in recognition of International Women's Day 2...

Cross-Market Data Teams and International Operations, with Anthea DeSyllas

The Challenges of Data Leadership in Modern Business, with Allison Nau (Episode 20)

In this episode, we talk to Allison Nau, Director of Test Learn Iterate, about the challenges of leading data within modern businesses. We discuss the best approaches to encouraging trust in data throughout an organisation, and the priority of communication to ensure data use becomes ingrained. We also talk about the importance of building a diverse team to effectively utilise data, with Allison’s own experience in driving strategic growth through data and insight.

Data Visualization, Dashboards and Soft Skills in Data with Andy Cotgreave, Technical Evangelist at Tableau (Episode 19)

In this episode, we talk to Andy Cotgreave, Technical Evangelist at Tableau, about the role of Data Visualization and presenting data effectively. We discuss the significance of dashboards in understanding data, and how organisations can work to become more data literate. We also cover the debate around 'soft skills', including what they contribute to the industry, and why these skills should be considered equally fundamental to data use as technical skills.

The Future of Chat Bots and Natural Language Technology with Julian Harris, Head of AI Technology Research at CognitionX (Episode 18)

In this episode, we talk to Julian Harris, the Head of AI Technology Research at CognitionX, about the challenges involved in developing sophisticated Natural Language Technology. We discuss how the approach to creating natural language technology has changed in recent years, and the significance of using specialised AI in niche areas. We also cover the debate surrounding how AI will affect customer experience staff in the next decade, and the issue of whether chat bots might replace the 'hu...

Intelligent agents and conversational user interface through AI with Dennis Mortensen, CEO and Founder at x.ai (Episode 17)

In this episode, we talk to the CEO and Founder of x.ai, Dennis Mortensen, about creating his AI driven personal assistant that takes on the task of booking meetings for you. We unpick what an intelligent agent is, why conversational UI is an important and distinct UI in its own right and how you go about building an AI that can seamlessly embed itself into a conversation with humans and other AI’s.

How the C-suite is preparing for and responding to AI with Karim Jalbout, Partner at the executive search and leadership advisory firm, Egon Zehnder (Episode 16)

In this episode we talk to Karim Jalbout, Partner at executive search and leadership advisory firm, Egon Zehnder about the role AI has in shaping modern business and how the C-suite is dealing with the challenges and opportunities AI presents. We consider the leadership and change management capabilities needed and whether there is worry or excitement about AI's impact. We also look at how AI is impacting the HR market and ecosystem from candidate funnel management through to performance man...

The importance of collaboration, shared learning and brave and bold leadership in modern business, with Gemma Greaves, Chief Executive at The Marketing Society (Episode 15)

In this episode, we talk to Gemma Greaves who is Chief Executive at The Marketing Society and Founder of her own private members' club Cabal. We talk about the value of creating and being part of a community that allows people to learn, grow and develop through sharing experiences and collaboration. We touch on big subjects like mental health and the role that we as leaders need to play in creating a safe space for people to be themselves at work. We also explore the role of the Chief Market...

Using data science to create digital products and seamless customer experiences at Skyscanner with Principal Data Scientist, Ewan Nicolson (Episode 14)

In this episode, we talk to Ewan Nicolson who is the Principal Data Scientist at Skyscanner, the travel fare aggregator website and metasearch engine about how they are using data and data science techniques to help get people where they want to go. We get under the skin of a data science operation at scale, the kinds of business strategies it supports and the modus operandi within the team and collaboration across the business. We discuss where personalisation is deployed and the methods us...