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Heather H. Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of CLARA Analytics, has more than a decade of executive experience in data, analytics, and artificial intelligence, including Global Head of Innovation and Advanced Technology at Kaiser Permanente and Chief Data Officer of AIG. While at AIG, she was named Insurance Woman of the Year by the Insurance Technology Association for her data innovation work. Wilson has been a steady supporter of diversity. She launched the Kaiser Permanente Women in Technology group, focused on mentorship and retention for women in math, technology, and science. At AIG, she launched Global Women in Technology and served as Executive Sponsor of Girls Who Code. In this episode of In the Know, Chris Hampshire and Heather explore the work she has done to empower women in coding and STEM, AI technology advancements, and strategies for addressing talent challenges in today's fast-evolving insurance industry. Key Takeaways Heather's career unfolded in three chapters. The current state and application of analytics in today's insurance industry. A look into the future of large language model (LLM) technology. The application of agentic AI in the claims sector. Integrating new and legacy technology platforms. Heather's experiences as a female leader in the insurance industry. Industry disruption, talent recruitment, and navigating the silver tsunami. Data analysts and the insurance industry. A five-year look to changing agent and adjuster responsibilities. Heather's strategic risk advice to her early career self. In the Know podcast theme music written and performed by James Jones, CPCU, and Kole Shuda of the band If-Then. To learn more about the CPCU Society, its membership, and educational offerings, tools, and programs, please visit CPCUSociety.org. Follow the CPCU Society on social media: X (Twitter): @CPCUSociety Facebook: @CPCUSociety LinkedIn: @The Institutes CPCU Society Instagram: @the_cpcu_society Quotes “At the end of the day, there is an outcome that we're trying to drive for the claimant and for the insurer.” “AI is helping us take the surprises and get in front of them to handle cases differently.” “Whether it's a risk or claims system, they really have the opportunity to lead the insurance industry on agentic AI.” “Data is still king, and so is the orchestration of that data.” “For super complex cases, people still need to have that human-in-the-loop touch.”
Welcoming LGBTQ+ employees into the workforce is one of the great business success stories of the last 20 years. By implementing LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and practices businesses led the way, before the laws caught up, and organizations like Out & Equal paved the way. Listen to this episode featuring Windō Co-Founder + Head of Social Impact, Ken Janssens, share how to protect the progress made for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion, and gain insights on how to protect the heart of this essential inclusion work. For those unfamiliar with Ken, he is a former tech executive and Chief Data Officer at JPMorgan Chase and Board Chair at Out & Equal. He brings a unique blend of skills through his work as the founder of JPMorgan Chase's LGBTQ+ Executive Council and his intercultural awareness, having lived and worked in Japan, Brazil, the U.K., and the U.S. Ken is passionate about using data for better decision-making and identifying best practices. Together, we explore: Evolving Landscape. How has the current U.S. political climate impacted the heart of LGBTQ+ inclusion work? Reaffirm Commitments. Why is it necessary for business leaders to reaffirm their commitments to LGBTQ+ inclusion at this time? Authentic Practices. How can leaders fortify existing LGBTQ+ inclusive policies & practices, and what more needs to be done? This interview was designed to support people like you - visionary leaders, and those on their way to joining us. Savor this insightful talk, and if you're looking for more ways to connect with inspiring leaders like Ken, be sure to join our Belonging Membership Community - a community of practice committed to putting our values of belonging, community, and collaboration into action. Members have the unique opportunity to connect with guests like Ken for 1:1 laser coaching sessions. Imagine belonging with our community when you join the Belonging Movement Newsletter: www.rhodesperry.com/subscribe. Out & Equal: https://outandequal.org/ Interested in learning more about Out & Equal and the benefits of an Out & Equal Partnership? Visit Become a Partner | Out & Equal. Windō: https://csrwindo.com
In this thoughtful conversation, we explore the transformative role of AI in healthcare. From over a thousand FDA-approved AI-enabled medical devices to breakthroughs in medical imaging, the discussion highlights the importance of trust, transparency, and bias mitigation. Join Tracy Ring, Chief Data Officer and Global Generative AI Lead for Life Sciences; Tom Kawalec, Managing Director for Life Sciences Practice at Accenture; and Shaye Mandle, Executive Director of Digital Health Tech at AdvaMed, as they delve into AI's future in personalized care and its potential to reduce healthcare costs.
In this episode of The Brand Called You, Dr. Cecilia Dones, data leader and AI ethics expert, on moving businesses from mystical AI hype to mastery — leveraging data responsibly, balancing automation with human touch, and empowering organizations to innovate ethically.00:33- About Cecilia DonesCecilia is the founder and Chief Data Officer of 3 Standard Deviations.
In this episode of The Tech Trek, Brian Clifford, Chief Data Officer at Amica Insurance, shares how his team translates core company values—like exceptional customer service—into actionable AI and data strategies. We explore how Amica approaches pilots, vendor selection, internal adoption, and governance to scale AI effectively and responsibly.
What does it take to lead data strategy at a Fortune 500 company for over a decade—through industry shifts, technological revolutions, and the dawn of generative AI? In this kickoff episode of Season 4, host Thomas Brence sits down with Justin Heller, Chief Data Officer at Synchrony, to explore how a foundation in political science, interactive telecommunications, and process thinking has shaped his enduring career in data leadership.Justin shares the strategic mindset that's guided his team's efforts across technology, people, and process, and how his background in game theory informs his value-focused approach to data. From navigating the ethical complexities of AI to measuring data's contribution to enterprise risk reduction, Justin offers an honest, insightful look at the evolution—and future—of the CDO role.Three reasons you should listen to this episode:1. Redefine data leadership through interdisciplinary thinking. Learn how Justin Heller's unique academic and professional background shapes his approach to data strategy—and how connecting people, process, and technology drives long-term impact.2. Bridge AI adoption and governance with practical ethics. Discover why a “human in the loop” model isn't enough on its own, and how organizations can better prepare their workforce for responsible AI use.3. Tie data quality to business value, not bureaucracy. Hear how Synchrony balances agility with risk management, turning governance into an enabler instead of a roadblock—and why relevance of information (ROI) may matter more than return on investment.ResourcesConnect with ThomasConnect with JustinEnjoyed this Episode?Be sure to follow us so you never miss an update. You can leave us a review on Apple or Spotify, and share it with your friends and colleagues to help others learn more about the importance of a data-first digital transformation approach.Have questions? You can connect with us on LinkedIn. For more updates, please visit our website.
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 Ac...
Cette semaine, Aurélie reçoit Maxime Havez, Chief Data Officer du groupe Crédit Mutuel Arkéa. Diplômé de l'INSA Rennes, Maxime a acquis une riche expérience en travaillant pour des entreprises telles que Decathlon, le Telegraph et Virgin, avant de rejoindre le Crédit Mutuel Arkéa en 2016. Sa carrière est marquée par une passion pour la data, développée lors de ses études et renforcée par ses diverses expériences professionnelles. En tant que Chief Data Officer, Maxime joue un rôle clé dans la transformation data et IA du groupe, mettant en avant l'importance de l'innovation responsable et de la valorisation de la donnée.Dans cet épisode, Maxime se livre à l'exercice de la boite à questions.Hébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.
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&nbs...
The integration of Artificial Intelligence into healthcare is rapidly evolving—but what does that mean for public health systems, providers, and the patients they serve? At NYC Health + Hospitals, a comprehensive AI strategy is being developed to enhance patient care, improve efficiency, and support the workforce.In this episode, host Dr. Michael Shen is joined by Divya Pathak, Chief Data Officer, and Dr. Andrew Wallach, Chief Medical Officer of Ambulatory Care. Together, they discuss how AI is being used to support clinical workflows, provide more accurate radiology readings and reduce health worker burnout. The conversation also explores how AI can help address health equity and deliver more personalized care across a diverse patient population. The guests highlight current pilot programs, including ambient AI and patient messaging support, as well as the ethical considerations and governance frameworks required to ensure responsible AI adoption.This episode offers a closer look at how the largest public health system in the country is navigating the future of healthcare with AI as a critical tool.Follow UsTwitter @NYCHealthSystemFacebook @NYCHealthSystemInstagram @NYCHealthSystemLinkedIn @NYC Health + Hospitals YouTube @NYCHealthSystem Related Links:Divya Wins AI Innovator AwardDivya Takes Helm as Chief Data OfficerPresented by NYC Health + Hospitalswww.NYCHealthAndHospitals.org
Cette semaine, Aurélie reçoit Maxime Havez, Chief Data Officer du groupe Crédit Mutuel Arkéa. Diplômé de l'INSA Rennes, Maxime a acquis une riche expérience en travaillant pour des entreprises telles que Decathlon, le Telegraph et Virgin, avant de rejoindre le Crédit Mutuel Arkéa en 2016. Sa carrière est marquée par une passion pour la data, développée lors de ses études et renforcée par ses diverses expériences professionnelles. En tant que Chief Data Officer, Maxime joue un rôle clé dans la transformation data et IA du groupe, mettant en avant l'importance de l'innovation responsable et de la valorisation de la donnée.L'épisode explore en profondeur la transformation data et IA au sein du Crédit Mutuel Arkéa, soulignant comment l'intelligence artificielle est intégrée dans les engagements du groupe en tant qu'entreprise à mission. Maxime détaille la feuille de route IA du groupe, qui se concentre sur des cas d'usage prioritaires et sur le déploiement d'une IA responsable et maîtrisée. Il aborde également les défis liés à la gouvernance, à la souveraineté technologique et à la sobriété énergétique, tout en partageant les succès et les leçons apprises au cours de son parcours. Hébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.
Cette semaine, Aurélie reçoit Maxime Havez, Chief Data Officer du groupe Crédit Mutuel Arkéa. Diplômé de l'INSA Rennes, Maxime a acquis une riche expérience en travaillant pour des entreprises telles que Decathlon, le Telegraph et Virgin, avant de rejoindre le Crédit Mutuel Arkéa en 2016. Sa carrière est marquée par une passion pour la data, développée lors de ses études et renforcée par ses diverses expériences professionnelles. En tant que Chief Data Officer, Maxime joue un rôle clé dans la transformation data et IA du groupe, mettant en avant l'importance de l'innovation responsable et de la valorisation de la donnée.L'épisode explore en profondeur la transformation data et IA au sein du Crédit Mutuel Arkéa, soulignant comment l'intelligence artificielle est intégrée dans les engagements du groupe en tant qu'entreprise à mission. Maxime détaille la feuille de route IA du groupe, qui se concentre sur des cas d'usage prioritaires et sur le déploiement d'une IA responsable et maîtrisée. Il aborde également les défis liés à la gouvernance, à la souveraineté technologique et à la sobriété énergétique, tout en partageant les succès et les leçons apprises au cours de son parcours. Hébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.
In this episode, host Stephen Goldsmith talks with Oliver Wise, Acting Under Secretary for Economic Affairs and Chief Data Officer at the US Department of Commerce. Drawing on his time in New Orleans City Hall and with the federal government, Wise shares practical insights on using data to drive results — and how cities can harness the power of generative AI without waiting for perfection. From "use case truffle pigs" to building AI-ready data systems, this episode explores how public leaders can unlock smarter governance through better data practices.Music credit: Summer-Man by KetsaAbout Data-Smart City SolutionsData-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and join us on Twitter, Bluesky, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
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.
We're all drowning in data! But data is the core feature of so much decision-making now, especially when combined with AI. But are you using your data - REALLY using it - to inform your decisions? Like it or not, leaders need to be data-literate now, and know how to use data to gain insights and drive decsions.https://swiy.co/go-drowning-in-dataAre you making data-based decisions?I was speaking last week at a conference of CIOs - Chief Information Officers - from a broad range of industries and sectors all around Australia. The conference was not about their technical role - managing an organisation's data and information - but about their leadership role.But when you think about it: Aren't these two things related?Leadership requires good decision-making, and good data drive good decisions - if you do it right.The problem isn't having access to data. We all have access to more data than ever before. You might even say we're drowning in data!But data alone won't help you be a better leader - unless you can leverage that data to inform your decisions. Not to MAKE your decisions, but to inform them.Think of data-driven decisions at four levels:1. Data: Collecting, cleaning, and storing data from the world.2. Information: Combining, choosing, and communicating meaning from the data.3. Insights: Understanding what that information means in context.4. Decisions: Using those insights to inform your decisions.It's one thing to collect data – and that's a good thing, especially with AI, which gorges itself on data. But it's another level altogether when you use that data to drive and inform better decisions.This is for you, whatever your role in the organisation. You don't have to be a CIO, a CTO, Chief AI Officer, or Chief Data Officer. We need to use data to help make better decisions.For more, download my worksheet here about data-driven decisions, and use it for yourself and your team.Download the worksheet:https://swiy.co/go-drowning-in-data Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Prepare to see banking in a new light! Cindi Howson and Macquarie Bank's data trailblazer, Ashwin Sinha (Chief Data Officer), go deep into the AI revolution transforming financial services. Discover how one of Australia's most dynamic financial institutions, Macquarie Bank, is wielding the disruptive force of generative AI, not just for efficiency, but to combat high-stakes threats like fraud. Plus, discover the remarkable evolution of the data analyst from report-generator to AI-powered strategic powerhouse!Key Moments: Drivers of Digital Transformation (04:36): Ashwin outlines the key factors driving a digital transformation and early cloud adoption, emphasizing customer obsession, improving turnaround times, and ensuring technology reliability. Leveraging Dual Cloud Providers (12:25): Ashwin discusses Macquarie Bank's use of AWS for infrastructure and core applications and Google Cloud (GCP) for its digital and data stack, including AI capabilities. The Power of Gen AI in Analytics (14:16): Ashwin explores the role of generative AI in enhancing productivity for data analysts, particularly through prompt engineering and tools like ThoughtSpot. Empowering Analysts Through Evolution (16:56): Ashwin details Macquarie Bank's successful strategy for evolving the data analyst role by proactively introducing self-service analytics, emphasizing upskilling, and enabling analysts to concentrate on higher-impact activitiesCombating Data Risk and Fraud Prevention (26:04): Ashwin discusses the increasing threat of scams and fraud and details Macquarie's two-pronged approach: educating customers and employing AI and machine learning to detect and prevent fraudulent activities. Importance of Prompt Engineering (32:57): Ashwin stresses the significance of prompt engineering as a general-purpose technology that can drive productivity across various business functions, not just within technical roles. Key Quotes:"There is always a big backlog in most organizations, which you cannot get done just because you do not have enough capacity. You cannot prioritize them. You cannot execute fast enough. And so, what prompt engineering and GenAI broadly does is take away the low-value tasks that you could just use AI and machine learning to do for you." - Ashwin Sinha"Prompt engineering—even though it has 'engineering' in it— I see that as a general-purpose technology. It's a bit like we've just got access to a super powerful search with a lot more analytical and reasoning capability. That's how I think of the usage of any of the foundational or large language models for, you know, the general population who are not in engineering or technical roles. Whether they're in business roles, sales and distribution, finance, marketing, or any of those functions, the use of prompt engineering just enables the next level of productivity for them. - Ashwin SinhaMentionsPrompt Engineering in the Age of AIAI Agent GovernanceThoughtSpot Spotter: Your AI AnalystScuba Diving and the History of the Liberty Shipwreck in BaliThe Importance of Child Education in IndiaGuest Bio Ashwin Sinha is the Chief Data Officer and Executive Director at Macquarie Bank, where he oversees the strategy and execution of Data and AI. Before joining Macquarie in 2019, Ashwin was a Partner at KPMG, leading the Data business. He has also held various global software engineering, start-up, and consulting roles over the past 22 years, focusing on data and digital transformations. Outside work, Ashwin is passionate about child education and macroeconomics Hear more from Cindi Howson here. Sponsored by ThoughtSpot.
Chief Data Officers are expanding data sharing to drive productivity, innovation, and better decisions. Data marketplaces simplify access by connecting users to ready-to-use, high-value data through a centralized, self-service platform. Published at: https://www.eckerson.com/articles/how-data-product-marketplaces-enable-seamless-data-consumption-and-generate-value
A world class expert in data management, Dr. Mark Brady has served as Chief Data Officer for the Space Force, Chief Data Officer for the Air Force Space Command, Data Architect for The Department of Justice, and Information Architect for the National Marine Fisheries Service.He also helped established electronic trade standards as U.S. delegate to the United Nations, served on the White House Data Cabinet, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Big Data Council.Mark is the author of, "Next Generation Data Management: Using Your Data Assets to Drive Mission Success" Listen NOW to discover, "How To Turn Data Into Mission Success "
How do you balance guest experience with data security in an industry built on personal connections? In this episode of The Turndown, Claudia Infante, Chief Data Officer at Margaritaville, shares her perspective on the evolving role of technology in hospitality—what's working, what's missing, and what needs to change. From guest data management to AI and facial recognition, Claudia breaks down how hotels can leverage technology without losing the heart of hospitality. She also shares her thoughts on the next generation of industry leaders and why seamless tech integrations are still one of the biggest pain points in hospitality. Plus, we hear about her career journey from banquet server to hospitality tech leader and what earning a Lifetime Achievement Award means to her.
After winning the prestigious New York Digital Award in 2024, Redefining AI returns with an electrifying Season Four!Join your host Lauren Hawker Zafer, on behalf of Squirro, the Enterprise Gen AI Platform, as we embark on another season of groundbreaking conversations.In this episode of Redefining AI, host Lauren Hawker Zafer sits down with Dr. Serena Huang—renowned Chief Data Officer, Fortune 100 AI consultant, and author of The Inclusion Equation. Together, they explore how data and AI are transforming Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) and employee wellbeing across industries.Dr. Huang shares groundbreaking insights on how to use AI to quantify inclusion, foster psychological safety, and drive measurable ROI in DEI initiatives. From ethical data use to mental health innovation, this conversation tackles the powerful intersection of human values and machine intelligence.
In this episode, Claudia Infante, Chief Data Officer at Margaritaville, shares how her team harnesses data to unlock new opportunities, enhance guest experiences, and drive innovation across their diverse businesses. A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands
In this episode, Claudia Infante, Chief Data Officer at Margaritaville, shares how listening to and understanding your guests and partners can lead to better products, happier customers, and a stronger business. A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands
In this episode, Claudia Infante, Chief Data Officer at Margaritaville, shares how an innovative loyalty program has attracted about 400,000 members and driven $160 million in revenue by focusing on delighting guests. A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands
In this episode, Claudia Infante, Chief Data Officer at Margaritaville, shares insights on the distinction between hospitality and lodging, as well as why investing in service is a smart business move. A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands
In this episode, Claudia Infante, Chief Data Officer at Margaritaville, shares her career journey so far, the lessons learned from her mentors, and the importance of building relationships and sharing ideas. A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands
In this episode, Claudia Infante, Chief Data Officer at Margaritaville, shares a story about experiencing the power of hospitality at a young age. A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands
In this episode, Ima Okonny, Chief Data Officer, Assistant Deputy Minister, Employment and Social Development Canada shares how one of Canada's largest federal departments is using data, AI, and innovation to deliver more inclusive and responsive public services. The conversation explores the importance of building a strong data foundation, developing ethical and transparent AI practices, and ensuring no citizen is left behind. Listeners will hear how ESDC is tackling demographic change, accessibility needs, and complex service delivery through in-house AI development, integrated data strategies, and a culture of trust and transparency. Whether you're in government, tech, or policy, this episode offers valuable insights into what it takes to lead digital transformation with purpose. Ima Okonny, Chief Data Officer, Assistant Deputy Minister, Employment and Social Development Canada For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co
After winning the prestigious New York Digital Award in 2024, Redefining AI returns with an electrifying Season Four!Join your host Lauren Hawker Zafer, on behalf of Squirro, the Enterprise Gen AI Platform, as we embark on another season of groundbreaking conversations.In the upcoming episode of Redefining AI, host Lauren Hawker Zafer sits down with Dr. Serena Huang—renowned Chief Data Officer, Fortune 100 AI consultant, and author of The Inclusion Equation. Together, they explore how data and AI are transforming Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) and employee wellbeing across industries.Dr. Huang shares groundbreaking insights on how to use AI to quantify inclusion, foster psychological safety, and drive measurable ROI in DEI initiatives. From ethical data use to mental health innovation, this conversation tackles the powerful intersection of human values and machine intelligence.
What if the secret to sustainable leadership isn't just innovation, but inclusion? Dr. Serena Huang, PhD economist, Chief Data Officer, AI keynote speaker, and author of The Inclusion Equation, joins Denis to reveal why the future of leadership depends on high inclusion and high well-being.From leading people analytics at giants like GE and PayPal to launching her global speaking brand, Serena shares her pivot from data scientist to purpose-driven entrepreneur. This conversation explores how AI and data, when fused with empathy and equity, can revolutionize the workplace, not just for performance, but for people.You'll hear about the power of belonging, what wellbeing means in data terms, and why curiosity, not control, is today's leadership superpower.Get To Know Dr. Serena Huang: Data Scientist Turned Leadership VisionaryFrom consulting to building people analytics teams at GE, Kraft Heinz, and PayPalWhy she left corporate for joy-driven public speaking and writingHow The Inclusion Equation became a bestselling blueprint for inclusive, data-led changeThe Critical Link Between Inclusion and Well-beingSerena's research: Teams that feel included report higher health and wellnessInclusion and well-being must be a combined, not siloed, effortOverwhelming employees with disconnected initiatives leads to burnoutAI, Data, and the Curious LeaderYou can't have AI without data, and leaders must be fluent in bothWhy curiosity, not expertise, is key to adopting AI successfullyPractical examples of wearable tech and meeting data shaping well-being strategiesHuman Skills Are Non-NegotiableThe best leaders double down on EQ, empathy, and presenceCOVID redefined leadership: from productivity to careInclusion includes rethinking how global teams handle time zones and meetingsThe Future of Work is Data-Informed and People-CenteredWhy leaders must communicate, even if their plans aren't perfect“I don't have time” is about priorities, not availabilityThe leadership of the future balances automation with authenticityKey Quotes:“If you feel more included, you feel healthier.” — Dr. Serena Huang“You will never have a fully baked plan because it will take three years. By then, we will be on ChatGPT 17.8.”— Dr. Serena HuangBook a Strategy Call with Denis https://app.leadingchangepartners.com/widget/bookings/callwithdenisgianoutsosThe 10 Proven Ways to Lead and Thrive in Today's World Executive Guide Featuring 10 Key Themes and 42 Strategic Insights from Worldwide Leaders https://crm.leadingchangepartners.com/10-ways-to-lead
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
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.
In Episode 19, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Simon Jury, Chief Data Officer at Kingfisher, where they discuss the power of instinct and why you shouldn't always ignore it, which includes;Insights from decoupling ASDA from Walmart as VP of Data.Why building the right operating model for a group structure is critical.Balancing centralised vs. decentralised delivery across group and brand levels.The nuanced realities of a “single source of truth” across brands.Aligning all data decisions with value creation from the outset.When to trust your instinct over data—and why that's okay.Why the biggest challenges in D&A are ultimately people issues.The disparity in investment between technology and people.Why the skills that make a great data practitioner don't always make a great data leader.Why most of a Data Leader's time should be spent focused on their team.Building a high-performing D&A culture in a federated model.Creating frameworks for role exploration and skill development within D&A teams.The evolving role of analysts in a more data-literate future.The investment needed to truly unlock value from D&A at scale.Why it's no longer acceptable for senior leaders to lack data fluency.Helping business leaders articulate what they really want from AI.Why living overseas sharpened the guest's ability to translate data insights.Combining the science of data with the art of experience for better outcomes.Why being financially savvy is a key skill for any Data Leader.Why the most successful data products are popular first, and smart second.The potential of conversational interfaces to reshape how we interact with 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.
Financial crisis, crypto's fate, the danger of synthetic data, and governmental regulations - What is the future of AI and economy? - Listen to an AI expert, Chief Data Officer for a fintech, State & Federal governments, writer of cyber security law, former NASA senior engineer, who has been on the cutting edge and the front seat of all the above, and more... This ENTIRE interview has three parts: - 1st part consists of Tammy Roust's career journey from NASA to Fin Tech and her hands-on experience with AI almost 20 years ago, then the important roles she played at the state and federal Government level, and at a startup; - 2nd part is about fintech, crypto, AI, data, governmental regulations thereof, and the future economy, - 3rd part is about her personal story and goals. Read it as a 20-min blog (coming soon) Watch it as a 1-hour video Some of the insights will be quoted as a part of the upcoming book by Joanne Z. Tan:“Brand Building for Leaders and Organizations”. Subscribers to the 10 Plus Brand Newsletter will get below market pricing, priority ordering, and sneak previews when the book is published. © Joanne Z. Tan All rights reserved. - Contact us for an initial consultation meeting - To stay in the loop, subscribe to our Newsletter - Download free Ebook (About 10 Plus Brand: In addition to the “whole 10 yards” of brand building, digital marketing, and content creation for business and personal brands. To contact us: 1-888-288-4533.) - Visit our Websites: https://10plusbrand.com/ https://10plusprofile.com/ Phone: 888-288-4533 - Find us online by clicking or follow these hashtags: #10PlusBrand #10PlusPodcast #JoanneZTan #10PlusInterviews #BrandDNA #BeYourOwnBrand #StandForSomething #SuperBowlTVCommercials #PoemsbyJoanneTan #GenuineVideo #AIXD #AI Experience Design #theSecondRenaissance #2ndRenaissance
Join us on the latest episode, hosted by Jared S. Taylor!Our Guest: Edmund Jackson, CEO at UnityAI.What you'll get out of this episode:Edmund Jackson's Journey: From Wall Street quant to Chief Data Officer at HCA Healthcare, to co-founding UnityAI.Core Issue in Healthcare: It's too hard to practice medicine today due to system complexity—AI offers a path to simplify and optimize operations.Low-Hanging AI Applications: AI scribes, radiology image analysis, and revenue cycle support are already providing value.UnityAI's Focus: Going beyond features to create a comprehensive platform for “quantitative operations” in healthcare.Future Outlook: AI will dissolve traditional tech frameworks and shift healthcare from sick-care to wellness through continuous, AI-powered health monitoring.To learn more about UnityAI:Website: https://www.unityai.co/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unityai/ Our sponsors for this episode are:Sage Growth Partners https://www.sage-growth.com/Quantum Health https://www.quantum-health.com/Show and Host's Socials:Slice of HealthcareLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sliceofhealthcare/Jared S TaylorLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredstaylor/WHAT IS SLICE OF HEALTHCARE?The go-to site for digital health executive/provider interviews, technology updates, and industry news. Listed to in 65+ countries.
In this episode, host Stephen Goldsmith is joined by Harvard Business School professor and former mayoral Chief of Staff Mitch Weiss, who talks with him and Boston CIO Santi Garces about the transformative power of artificial intelligence and GenAI. Using Weiss's framing of possibility government, they discuss current and future uses of AI in city government and why cities should focus on transformative problems. Music credit: Summer-Man by KetsaAbout Data-Smart City SolutionsData-Smart City Solutions, housed at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, is working to catalyze the adoption of data projects on the local government level by serving as a central resource for cities interested in this emerging field. We highlight best practices, top innovators, and promising case studies while also connecting leading industry, academic, and government officials. Our research focus is the intersection of government and data, ranging from open data and predictive analytics to civic engagement technology. We seek to promote the combination of integrated, cross-agency data with community data to better discover and preemptively address civic problems. To learn more visit us online and join us on Twitter, Bluesky, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
In this new episode of MediaTalks we spoke with Stefan Havik, the Chief Data Officer at DPG Media to cover a range of topics from measurement, data to simplification of the buy and how DPG Media is innovating to enable greater and simpler access to their premium inventory to buyers.
What if AI could guide every patient through their healthcare journey—nudging them toward better choices, anticipating their needs, and adapting in real time? We talk a lot about engagement in healthcare, but too often, the digital tools we use fail to improve outcomes. AI and data-driven personalization hold incredible promise, yet many health plans and providers still struggle with low participation rates. Dr. Erich Huang, Associate Chief Clinical Officer for Informatics and Technology at Verily, an Alphabet company leading the charge in precision health, joins Eric to discuss what's next for AI in healthcare. The conversation touches on how AI is redefining patient engagement, the delicate balance between automation and human touch, and how platforms like Verily's Lightpath are pioneering a new model for chronic care management. If you're a health plan or hospital leader looking to unlock the next generation of patient engagement, you won't want to miss this conversation. About Erich Erich leads a team focused on structuring clinical-grade data that integrates with the clinical research and healthcare data ecosystems and is optimized for precision medicine, analysis, and artificial intelligence. Erich was previously at Duke University where he served as the Chief Data Officer for Quality at Duke Health, Director of Duke Forge, Director of Duke Crucible, and Assistant Dean for Biomedical Informatics for Duke University School of Medicine. There, he led and deployed machine learning capabilities for complex care management in Duke Health's Accountable Care Organization, led health data science initiatives, and helped develop Duke Health's new institutional governance process for algorithmic decision support. He earned his MD and PhD from Duke University, trained and was a Chief Resident in the Duke General Surgery Residency Program. Erich is previously a Burroughs Wellcome Fund Innovations in Regulatory Science Award recipient, received a Sidney Kimmel Cancer Research Foundation Translational Scholar Award, and is twice a recipient of an IBM Faculty Award. About Verily Verily is an Alphabet health technology company focused on research, care, and health financing to deliver on the promise of precision health and help people live healthier lives. We are uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology, data science, and healthcare to create tools to accelerate evidence generation, products to enable more personalized care, and approaches to make costs more predictable.
Hub & Spoken: Data | Analytics | Chief Data Officer | CDO | Strategy
Jason's co-author, Barry Green, joins this next episode as they discuss the release of the second edition of "Data Means Business" on 25th March. Returning for his third conversation on the podcast, Barry shares updates on the evolving landscape of data and AI, the impact of generative AI, and the importance of business capabilities. They delve into the changes since the first edition, including the role of the Chief Data Officer and the significance of adaptability in today's fast-paced world. Tune in to hear their thoughts on driving transformational change and delivering value with data & AI. The second edition of Data Means Business will be out on 25th March and will be available on Amazon. *********** Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that helps organisations to reach their data potential. It works with clients on data and AI strategy, data management, data architecture and engineering, analytics and AI, data culture and literacy, and data leadership. The company was named one of The Sunday Times' fastest-growing private companies in both 2022 and 2023 and recognised as The Best Place to Work in Data by DataIQ in 2023 and 2024. Cynozure is a certified B Corporation.
Here is a recruitment business that doesn't rely on outbound salesKyle Winterbottom has done things a little differently to the restKyle and I sat down for this week's episode of The RAG Podcast to discuss how his business has evolved since he was last on the show in 2022.He's built a global community of 1,500+ Chief Data Officers, driving all of his revenue through inbound relationships. His brand, Driven By Data, isn't just attracting clients – it's making his business an acquisition target.In this episode, we break down:How community building generates sustainable, high-value recruitment revenue.Why brand trust and credibility are the ultimate sales drivers.The strategies behind monetising an engaged audience.How inbound business creates new challenges for scaling and delivery.If you're serious about building a recruitment business that thrives on brand, credibility, and inbound opportunities, this episode is for you.Chapters00:00 Introduction to growth in recruitment02:56 Kyle's journey and business evolution06:08 Market challenges and business adjustments09:01 Streamlining operations and team structure12:00 The importance of community in recruitment15:07 Revenue insights and business sustainability18:10 Future vision: recruitment landscape shifts21:06 Driven by data: building a community23:58 Monetising community engagement28:53 Removing bottlenecks and building community30:00 The power of quality networks in recruitment31:50 Monetising community engagement33:43 Sponsorship and revenue growth strategies35:06 Consistency as a key to success37:09 Building trust and credibility in recruitment38:11 The importance of inbound relationships40:11 The role of brand in sales42:23 Long-term strategies for community building44:55 Facilitating knowledge and connections45:33 Valuing community in business acquisitions47:28 The power of audience in monetisation50:35 Expanding community beyond borders52:44 Purpose beyond placements54:30 Balancing short-term and long-term strategies57:20 Future opportunities and business value_________________________________________Episode Sponsor: UntappedUntapped is THE market leader and go-to agency for finding and hiring tried-and-tested offshore talent into UK, US and Australian-based recruitment companies.They're providing top-class TEAMMATES, NOT OUTSOURCES! We use Untapped for Hoxo's own offshore hires, and it's been a total game-changer for our team. No one else can compete with the quality of their network, their in-depth candidate assessment process or their time to hire. If hiring elite-level overseas talent into your business to boost sales and increase productivity whilst saving yourself a huge amount in employment costs isn't on your radar for 2024, it should be!Untapped are hiring recruitment, sales, marketing and support staff into recruitment agencies of all shapes, sizes and specialisms globally and they are growing rapidly!Join the waiting list today so you don't miss out on the next cohort of business-launching hiring projects. https://bit.ly/47GGdvZ _______________________________________Episode sponsor: HoxoRecruiters: are you sitting on a goldmine of LinkedIn connections without knowing how to turn them into real opportunities?Most recruiters spend hours every day on cold outreach and endless scrolling, hoping for replies that never come. But what if LinkedIn could work for you instead?The Hoxo 7-Day LinkedIn Challenge is a simple, step-by-step framework designed to help you:Identify warm leads already in
Welcome to RIMScast. Your host is Justin Smulison, Business Content Manager at RIMS, the Risk and Insurance Management Society. Our guest, Kristen Peed, is the Chief Risk Officer of Sequoia, and RIMS 2025 President. Kristen was recently promoted to Chief Risk Officer. She tells about that role and how it differs from her other risk roles. Kristen speaks of a few of the risks to organizations today. She shares two stories of mentorship from her past and her efforts to provide mentorship today. Kristen shares thoughts about the evolving role of the risk manager and her pathway to the C-Suite for a seat at the table. She discusses the legislative summit, the topic of third-party-funded litigation, and the need for transparency and regulation. Justin and Kristen discuss how every day is a brand new day for RIMS, what will be celebrated at RISKWORLD 2025, and a couple of new RIMS initiatives you can expect to learn about there. Kristen shares her gratitude to all the RIMS volunteers who make her job as 2025 president possible. Listen for Kristen's career advancement advice and her final suggestion for growth. Key Takeaways: [:01] About RIMS and RIMScast. [:14] Public registration is open for RISKWORLD 2025! Engage Today and Embrace Tomorrow with RIMS at RISKWORLD from May 4th through May 7th in Chicago, Illinois. Register at RIMS.org/RISKWORLD and the link in this episode's show notes. [:31] About this episode of RIMScast. We will be joined by RIMS President Kristen Peed. [:48] RIMS-CRMP Workshops! The next workshop will be March 19th and 20th. Register by March 12th. As part of our continuing strategic partnership with Purima, we have a two-day course coming up on April 22nd and 23rd. [1:03] Links to these courses can be found through the Certification page of RIMS.org and this episode's show notes. [1:10] Virtual Workshops! On March 26th, Pat Saporito will host “Generative AI for Risk Management”. [1:18] On April 16th and 17th, Chris Hansen will lead “Managing Worker Compensation, Employer's Liability, and Employment Practices in the U.S.”. [1:31] A link to the full schedule of virtual workshops can be found on the RIMS.org/education and RIMS.org/education/online-learning pages. A link is also in this episode's show notes. [1:40] RISKWORLD registration is open. Engage Today and Embrace Tomorrow, May 4th through 7th in Chicago. Register at RIMS.org/RISKWORLD. Also, remember there will be lots of pre-conference workshops being held in Chicago just ahead of RISKWORLD. [1:57] These courses include “Applying and Integrating ERM,” “Captives as an Alternate Risk Financing Technique,” “Contractual Risk Transfer,” “Fundamentals of Insurance,” “Fundamentals of Risk Management,” RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep, and more! Links are in the show notes. [2:17] Our guest today is the Chief Risk Officer at Sequoia and the RIMS 2025 President, Kristen Peed. We're going to talk about her risk management career journey, what it took for her to ascend to the level of Chief Risk Officer, and what that means for her organization. [2:38] We will also talk about the power of mentorship, networking, and what's in store for us at RISKWORLD 2025 and throughout the year as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of RIMS. [2:50] Interview! RIMS 2025 President, Kristen Peed, welcome to RIMScast! [3:07] This is Kristen's eighth year on the RIMS Board. It's been an amazing journey! Most of her best friends are RIMS staff members or RIMS members, all over the globe. RIMS is a huge part of her life! Justin joined RIMS almost eight years ago. They have known each other for years. [3:33] Justin shares a memory with Kristen in Halifax. Kristen took part in an impromptu presentation, in the role of a petulant child. [4:06] Kristen wears sneakers; she has branded herself as the sneaker queen. She has stopped counting how many pairs of sneakers she has. [4:34] This year is the 75th anniversary of RIMS. There is a big RISKWORLD in May; its theme is Engage Today and Embrace Tomorrow with RIMS. [4:54] Kristen Peed was recently promoted to Chief Risk Officer of Sequoia. Sequoia has ambitious growth goals, which is one of the reasons Kristen joined it. In her new role, Kristen has oversight of all corporate risks. [5:27] These include enterprise risks, IT risks, security risks, property & casualty risks, and E&O risks. It's overarching. [5:46] Kristen sees there has been a slow transition for risk managers in general, from a transactional, procurement role to a strategic role, where they see opportunities with risk. Where they see places where they can offer value and insight. [6:07] Sequoia is a client-based company. Clients are reaching out to Kristen for help dealing with deep-fake interviews. Kristen looked to the RIMS Board of Directors and Cherise Papadopolo, RIMS VP of DEI, People, & Culture, and got some helpful HR information. [6:48] Kristen was able to provide strategic advice to a Sequoia client's Chief People Officer. It's a perfect example of how RIMS helps risk managers to be viewed as strategic. The RIMS community is part of the reason Kristen was able to take on the role of Chief Risk Officer. [7:13] The role is something Kristen has been preparing for ever since she started as a risk analyst. Every step has been more of a strategic and leadership role rather than being in the weeds doing stuff. The Chief Risk Officer helps navigate and chart the map for the “captain.” [7:55] Kristen's career advancement came both from having a plan and from being seen for her hard work. She has learned to ask for things more. She was fortunate to have some success early in her career and capitalized on it. A new boss provided amazing mentorship for Kristen. [8:41] She asked, “What's the next role for Kristen?” Kristen realized she would like to be considered for a Chief Risk Officer role. Kristen's boss understood her value and wanted to make sure she felt appreciated. Six months later, Kristen was offered the role if she wanted to take it. [9:45] Part of it is making your leadership aware that these titles exist, showing your value, and asking for it. [10:05] One of Kristen's early successes at Sequoia involved using her RIMS network to put together a presentation on using surplus funds from the captive PEO insurer to fuel additional risk management activities. Leadership was excited and Kristen implemented it right away. [11:03] Another success was the consolidation of insurance programs. Sequoia had grown quickly and had renewal dates in different places. Kristen showed her market savvy and leveraged her relationships with carriers to bring down some initial premium costs. [12:00] Kristen says that putting the C-level title on a risk officer differentiates it. When she partners with the CISO or the Chief Data Officer, they are on equal footing. The C-level carries more weight. It also helps carriers in the marketplace see her as being in company leadership. [12:42] When Kristen meets with underwriters and carriers, they have a greater sense of comfort knowing she has a seat at the table and understands the direction of the company and how to mitigate against risk before it hits insurance. [13:01] Plug Time! RIMS Webinars! On March 13th, our friends from Global Risk Consultants will return to discuss “How to Make Your Property Insurance Submission AI-Ready”. [13:15] On Wednesday, March 26th at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, members of the RIMS Strategic and Enterprise Risk Management Council will extend the dialog that began in the recent RIMS Executive Report “Understanding Interconnected Risks”. [13:30] On Thursday, March 27th, Descartes Underwriting will make its RIMS Webinar debut with a session about parametric insurance. On April 3rd, join Zurich for “Understanding Third-Party Litigation Funding”. [13:43] On April 10th, Audit Board will present, “What CISOs Want Risk Executives to Know About Cyber Risk in 2025”. [13:51] Following the success of their recent webinar, HUB International returns for the next installment of their Ready for Tomorrow Series, “From Defense to Prevention: Strengthening Your Liability Risk Management Approach”. That session will be on April 17th. [14:07] On April 24th, RiskConnect returns to deliver “Better Together: The Marriage of Insurable Risk and Business Continuity”. [14:40] More webinars will be announced soon and added to the RIMS.org/webinars page. Go there to register. Registration is complimentary for RIMS members. [14:26] Let's Return to Our Interview with RIMS 2025 President Kristen Peed! [14:37] As a follow-up to the RIMScast episode with Mark Prysock on RIMS's legislative priorities, Kristen talks about third-party-funded litigation. It affects risk managers, carriers, and brokers because of premium pricing. [15:06] It's necessary to have transparency around third-party-funded litigation and eliminate the ability of foreign entities to fund and profit from it. The concern is around nuclear verdicts that are detrimental to the industry as a whole. [15:39] Nuclear verdicts will impact pricing, not only for that one company but for all risk managers. These verdicts are not sustainable. We need transparency. We want Congress to act upon this. We can all get behind this. Kristen doesn't think this is a partisan issue. [15:58] Being able to partner with our carriers and brokers to have a strong message on the Hill is critical to the success and continuation of our industry. [16:08] Time and money are finite resources. There is no bottomless pit of money. [16:30] Kristen will soon be going to Capitol Hill with fellow risk practitioners for the RIMS Legislative Summit. [16:43] Kristen got involved in legislative advocacy after getting a mailer for the Legislative Summit. She attended and met the staff, including Robert Cartwright. She saw It was an amazing platform for risk managers to have their voices heard by the people they elect. [17:17] The RIMS Legislative Summit is one of Kristen's favorite annual events. It can be so impactful to the community as a whole. It will be March 19th and 20th. This is your last chance to register for it. Prepare for the trip to D.C. [17:54] March is Women's History Month. Kristen says she was lucky to have some key female leaders placed in her life at critical moments, that helped her down this path. [18:15] At CBIZ, Nancy Mallard was the GC for CBIZ's Benefits and Insurance Division. She was the first female chair of the CIAB (The Council). Kristen saw Nancy's leadership throughout the years in the industry. Kristen used her great example to figure out how to get involved at RIMS. [19:15] Kristen's new boss, Kathy Ross, is amazing. She's been a great advocate for Kristen and it has been awesome to learn from her how to elevate her leadership skills. Kristen feels blessed to have had these two impactful women in her life. [19:47] Sequoia's culture is paramount to its people. One of its service commandments is “Be of extraordinary value to others.” Sequoia's mission is “Coming through for others that put their trust in us.” Kristen takes these values to heart, whether in mentoring or calling on the phone. [20:39] Kristen looks at how she can help create career paths for people and develop them, at Sequoia and in the risk community, as well. Kristen brings together interns and “externs” from other companies and stays in touch with them. She always asks them to pay the help forward. [21:35] Plug Time! Kristen Peed was a board member of the Spencer Educational Foundation. [21:41] The Spencer Educational Foundation's goal to help build a talent pipeline of risk management and insurance professionals is achieved in part by its collaboration with risk management and insurance educators across the U.S. and Canada. [21:59] Since 2010, Spencer has awarded over $3.3 million in general grants to support over 130 student-centered experiential learning initiatives at universities and RMI non-profits. [22:13] Spencer's 2026 application process will open on May 1st, 2025, and close on July 30th, 2025. General Grant awardees are typically notified at the end of October. Learn more about Spencer's General Grants through the Programs tab of SpencerEd.org. [22:31] Spencer has several events lined up before and during RISKWORLD 2025. On May 3rd, there's the Spencer-CNA Pickle Ball Social, on May 4th, the Spencer-Gallagher Golf Tournament, on May 5th, the Spencer Soiree, and on May 6th, the Spencer-Sedgwick 5K Fun Run. [22:51] You can register for or sponsor any of these through the links on this page or by visiting SpencerEd.org/riskworld2025. [23:00] The Conclusion of My Interview with RIMS 2025 President, Kristen Peed! [23:27] Kristen's theme for her presidency is Brand New Day. Every day is a brand new day of risks. Every day, new risks are popping up. Whether AI, advancements in cyber threats, wildfires, or climate change, everything is changing. [24:12] It's a brand new day for risk managers. We have to be more nimble and strategic. That means it's a brand new day for RIMS. It's about how RIMS is going to support us in this moment and also as we move into the future, making sure we stay relevant for the next 75 years and on. [24:41] A new track, Alternative Risk Transfer, highly focused on captives, is being presented at RISKWORLD 2025. This is something risk managers have been asking to learn more about. It's part of the strategic conversation; how do you start to offer value back to your company? [25:09] How do you more strategically look at risk from a long-term perspective? That dovetails with Enterprise Risk Management. RIMS ERM content is relevant and has evolved over time. Captives will continue to be a value-generating part of the profession. [26:06] The 75th anniversary of RIMS is special for Kristen because it shows that RIMS has come so far. This year, RIMS is launching the RIMS Foundation to create opportunities for early-career students. That's the critical time to help them stay in the profession. [26:47] The RIMS Foundation will provide them with opportunities for growth, learning, and networking. This is a graying industry. We need to attract the next generation of talent to the industry and fill the pipeline with lots of people to backfill when current risk professionals retire. [27:21] Also in 2025, RIMS has a brand new Texas regional conference from August 4th through the 6th, on the San Antonio River Walk. People are reaching out to Kristen to submit sessions. It's exciting to see all the buzz around that conference. [28:35] Kristen's concludes: “Never quit learning. In my role, I've been doing this for two-plus decades, but I learn something new every day. When I took the RIMS-CRMP, I learned even more. It's the only risk management credential accredited by ANSI. Go and get your RIMS-CRMP.” [28:56] “It is one of the best educational opportunities you will have to demonstrate your proficiency and excellence and show your senior leadership team that you have the skills to elevate and provide strategic direction to your company.” [29:18] Justin notes that later this year, you can look for a RIMS-CRMP story, featuring RIMS 2025 President Kristen Peed. [29:23] Kristen, it is such a pleasure to see you! I'm so happy that you're our president this year and I'm happy for your continued success. I look forward to being able to celebrate with you in May at RISKWORLD 2025! [29:35] Kristen says she is honored to lead RIMS this year but it wouldn't be possible without all the other volunteer risk professionals around the world, all our chapter leaders, all committee members, and all our council volunteers. [29:53] Kristen wants to thank everybody who donates their time and energy to making RIMS so relevant and future-thinking. I could not do what I do without your support. [30:10] Special thanks again to RIMS 2025 President, Kristen Peed. Be sure to catch her at RISKWORLD 2025. She will have a presence on the main stage and during many of the ceremonies. Be sure to register for RISKWORLD 2025 at RIMS.org/riskworld. [30:23] More RIMS Plugs! You can sponsor a RIMScast episode for this, our weekly show, or a dedicated episode. Links to sponsored episodes are in the show notes. [30:48] RIMScast has a global audience of risk and insurance professionals, legal professionals, students, business leaders, C-Suite executives, and more. Let's collaborate and help you reach them! Contact pd@rims.org for more information. [31:05] Become a RIMS member and get access to the tools, thought leadership, and network you need to succeed. Visit RIMS.org/membership or email membershipdept@RIMS.org for more information. [31:21] Risk Knowledge is the RIMS searchable content library that provides relevant information for today's risk professionals. Materials include RIMS executive reports, survey findings, contributed articles, industry research, benchmarking data, and more. [31:35] For the best reporting on the profession of risk management, read Risk Management Magazine at RMMagazine.com. It is written and published by the best minds in risk management. [31:48] Justin Smulison is the Business Content Manager at RIMS. You can email Justin at Content@RIMS.org. [31:54] Thank you all for your continued support and engagement on social media channels! We appreciate all your kind words. Listen every week! Stay safe! Mentioned in this Episode: RISKWORLD 2025 — May 4‒7 | Register today! RIMS Legislative Summit — March 19‒20, 2025 Nominations for the Donald M. Stuart Award [Canada] Spencer Educational Foundation — General Grants 2026 — Application Dates Spencer's RISKWORLD Events — Register or Sponsor! RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMS Risk Management magazine RIMS Leadership Corner — Featuring Kristen Peed RIMS Webinars: RIMS.org/Webinars “How to Make Your Property Insurance Submission AI-Ready” | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company | March 13, 2025 “Understanding Interconnected Risks” | Presented by RIMS and the Strategic and Enterprise Risk Management Council | March 26, 2025 “Parametric Insurance and Climate Risk: An Innovative Tool for CAT Risk Management” | Sponsored by Descartes Underwriting | March 27, 2025 “Understanding Third-Party Litigation Funding” | Sponsored by Zurich | April 3, 2025 “What CISOs Want Risk Executives to Know About Cyber Risk in 2025” | Sponsored by Auditboard | April 10, 2025 “Ready for Tomorrow? From Defense to Prevention: Strengthening Your Liability Risk Management Approach” | Sponsored by Hub International | April 17, 2025 “Better Together: The Marriage of Insurable Risk and Business Continuity” | Sponsored by Riskonnect | April 24, 2025 Upcoming RIMS-CRMP Prep Virtual Workshops: RIMS-CRMP | March 19‒20 | Register by March 12 RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep with PARIMA | April 22‒23 Full RIMS-CRMP Prep Course Schedule Upcoming Virtual Workshops: “Generative AI for Risk Management” | March 26 | Instructor: Pat Saporito “Managing Worker Compensation, Employer's Liability and Employment Practices in the U.S.” | April 16‒17 | Instructor: Chris Hansen See the full calendar of RIMS Virtual Workshops RIMS-CRMP Prep Workshops Related RIMScast Episodes: “Kicking off 2025 with RIMS CEO Gary LaBranche” “RIMS Legislative Priorities in 2025 with Mark Prysock” “(Re)Humanizing Leadership in Risk Management with Holly Ransom” (RISKWORLD Keynote) “Risk and Relatability with Rachel DeAlto, RISKWORLD Keynote” “Risk and Leadership Patterns with Super Bowl Champion Ryan Harris” (RISKWORLD Keynote) Sponsored RIMScast Episodes: “Simplifying the Challenges of OSHA Recordkeeping” | Sponsored by Medcor “Risk Management in a Changing World: A Deep Dive into AXA's 2024 Future Risks Report” | Sponsored by AXA XL “How Insurance Builds Resilience Against An Active Assailant Attack” | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog “Third-Party and Cyber Risk Management Tips” | Sponsored by Alliant “RMIS Innovation with Archer” | Sponsored by Archer “Navigating Commercial Property Risks with Captives” | Sponsored by Zurich “Breaking Down Silos: AXA XL's New Approach to Casualty Insurance” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Weathering Today's Property Claims Management Challenges” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Storm Prep 2024: The Growing Impact of Convective Storms and Hail” | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company “Partnering Against Cyberrisk” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Harnessing the Power of Data and Analytics for Effective Risk Management” | Sponsored by Marsh “Accident Prevention — The Winning Formula For Construction and Insurance” | Sponsored by Otoos “Platinum Protection: Underwriting and Risk Engineering's Role in Protecting Commercial Properties” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Elevating RMIS — The Archer Way” | Sponsored by Archer RIMS Publications, Content, and Links: RIMS Membership — Whether you are a new member or need to transition, be a part of the global risk management community! RIMS Virtual Workshops On-Demand Webinars RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMS Strategic & Enterprise Risk Center RIMS-CRMP Stories — Featuring RIMS Vice President Manny Padilla! RIMS Events, Education, and Services: RIMS Risk Maturity Model® Sponsor RIMScast: Contact sales@rims.org or pd@rims.org for more information. Want to Learn More? Keep up with the podcast on RIMS.org, and listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Have a question or suggestion? Email: Content@rims.org. Join the Conversation! Follow @RIMSorg on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. About our guest: Kristen Peed, Chief Risk Officer at Sequoia and the RIMS 2025 President Production and engineering provided by Podfly.
When the Federal Chief Data Officer position was instituted, understanding data location and security was considered an accomplishment. Today, they are charged with transitioning to become one of the strategic leaders of a federal agency. Our guests give guidelines on how to make that change. Arjuna Rivera begins the discussion by discussing how to handle data that can help one make actionable insights. He gives listeners a list of seven considerations for obtaining data that can assist in decision-making: You must start with clean, unbiased data. Part of this will include capacity management and data mining. From there, visualization is essential. Predictive modeling can be combined with graphs and patterns. Jaishen You gives listeners ways to use those tools to work with others in the federal government. To foster a data-driven culture, Jaishen You recommends that Chief Data Officers work closely with Chief AI Officers in other agencies. He details the Business of Data Working Group. It is out-growth of the Federal CDO that provides interaction with other agency data specialists to share challenges and solutions.
This week on Revenue Rehab, our host Brandi Starr is joined by Emmanuel Billy Gillis-Harry, Founder and Chief Data Officer of Terra Bullion. Meet Emmanuel, a dynamic leader with over six years of expertise in analytics, data science, and AI. With a proven track record in transforming businesses into data-driven powerhouses, Emmanuel leads Terra Bullion, a consultancy delivering innovative analytics solutions to online retail businesses and beyond. Beyond consulting, he shines as a thought leader in AI and analytics, recognized for his marketing and strategic insights. In this episode, Brandi and Emmanuel dive into modernizing data infrastructure. They explore best practices and highlight the pressing need for clean, scalable, and efficient data structures, particularly in today's big data era. Discover Emmanuel's expert strategies for overcoming common pitfalls, achieving business alignment, and leveraging AI to unlock the full potential of data for decision-making. Bullet Points of Key Topics + Chapter Markers: Topic #1 Misuse of AI and Data Driven Buzzwords [00:01:37] "Well, I mean, I guess I won't really say get rid of, but I would bring it into, into the light of getting misused. And that's pretty much AI slash data driven in terms of organization use." Emmanuel highlights a growing concern about how terms like AI and data-driven are often misused within organizations, emphasizing the need for accurate application to align expectations and results properly. Topic #2 Modernizing Data Infrastructure [00:03:50] Emmanuel stresses the foundation of AI's success is rooted in data quality: "Crappy data in, crappy results out. So the better data in, the better results are." He discusses what modern data infrastructure should embody—scalability, efficiency, and business alignment—urging organizations to assess and modernize their data handling practices effectively to achieve meaningful business outcomes. Topic #3 Strategy and Business Alignment [00:21:22] "It definitely comes first because at the end of the day it's going to cost you money," Emmanuel asserts regarding the importance of starting with a clear business use case. He discusses the necessity of aligning data projects with business objectives to avoid over-engineering and unproductive spending, highlighting the critical role of strategic planning before diving into technical implementations. What's One Thing You Can Do Today Emmanuel's 'One Thing' for listeners is to conduct a self-audit of your data infrastructure and engage with an expert to understand your current data landscape. "Audit your current data stack, understand what it looks like, where you lack, and speak to an expert to help you even understand that beyond just what you could see. Identify a lot of inefficiencies, and align where your gap is. This self-awareness should be the homework; it sets up a strategy for data modernization and helps you explore how your data can truly drive decision-making and generate impact." Buzzword Banishment Buzzword Banishment: Emmanuel's Buzzword to Banish is actually a combination of "AI" and "data driven." He explains that it's not about getting rid of these terms entirely, but addressing their misuse. Emmanuel points out that organizations often misuse these terms, which can lead to misunderstandings or improper expectations. He emphasizes the importance of using these terms correctly to make a real difference in transforming businesses into data-driven organizations. Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuel-b-67282aa6/ Podcast: https://terabullionnexus.com/ Subscribe, listen, and rate/review Revenue Rehab Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts , Amazon Music, or iHeart Radio and find more episodes on our website RevenueRehab.live
In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher is joined by Duncan Ross, former Chief Data Officer of Times Higher Education Rankings. Duncan shares his journey from the tech sector to leading university rankings at THE in 2015. He discusses the initial challenges of unifying ranking data, expanding the geographic diversity of rankings, and dealing with methodological and ethical issues in university evaluations. Duncan also introduced the Times Impact Rankings, which assess universities based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and highlights how these rankings offer a new perspective on university excellence.
In this enlightening episode of the Lights on Data Show, co-hosts George and Diana delve into the vital topic of how organizational culture impacts data governance success. Joined by Joyce Myers, Chief Data Officer at Modern Technology Solutions, they explore the importance of culture, its effects on data governance, and how data governance initiatives can also influence culture. Joyce shares her extensive experience and offers invaluable advice on aligning culture with governance goals, building trust, and creating a data-informed culture. This episode is packed with insights for data governance specialists, IT professionals, and anyone curious about organizational culture and its impact on data initiatives. Don't miss out on this rich discussion on fostering the right cultural mindset for success in data governance.
Zac Townsend is the co-founder and CEO of Meanwhile, the world's first Bitcoin life insurance company. Meanwhile's mission is to democratize access to financial protection and security. Formerly, Townsend was a leader in the financial services practice of McKinsey & Company and served as the inaugural Chief Data Officer of California. Townsend was also the founder of a banking API business called Standard Treasury which was sold to Silicon Valley Bank.
In this episode, Amir sits down with Spencer Lourens, Chief Data Officer at CLA, to discuss the intersection of business strategy and data strategy. Spencer shares his insights on aligning organizational goals with data initiatives, understanding stakeholder priorities, and balancing short-term wins with long-term strategies. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complex relationship between business needs and data-driven solutions. Key Takeaways: Start with the Business Problem: Effective data strategies begin with understanding the core business problems and goals. Spend Time with Stakeholders: Building relationships and truly understanding stakeholder pain points are essential for creating impactful data solutions. Balance Effort and Impact: Prioritize initiatives based on their potential business value versus the effort required to execute them. Short-Term Wins vs. Long-Term Goals: Ensure that short-term solutions align with broader business strategies to avoid creating unnecessary technical or data debt. Transparency is Key: Sharing the "why" behind decisions fosters collaboration and alignment across teams. Highlights: [00:01:00] Introduction to CLA and Spencer's RoleSpencer describes CLA's multifaceted professional services and his responsibilities as Chief Data Officer. [00:02:21] Listening for Pain Points and Visionary TriggersHow Spencer identifies key business challenges and stakeholder priorities during meetings. [00:05:11] Taking the Time to Understand ProblemsWhy building meaningful relationships and thoroughly understanding business issues leads to better solutions. [00:07:00] The Importance of a Proof-of-Concept PhaseSpencer highlights the value of small, exploratory projects in refining strategies and solutions. [00:10:00] Balancing Stakeholder ExpectationsStrategies for managing competing priorities and making tough decisions as a data leader. [00:15:26] Short-Term Wins vs. Long-Term SolutionsThe challenges of delivering quick results while staying aligned with long-term objectives. [00:20:00] Addressing Data Debt in the Age of AISpencer shares his perspective on tackling data debt and integrating AI into data strategies. Closing Thoughts: Spencer Lourens offers a grounded approach to aligning data and business strategies, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, transparency, and thoughtful decision-making. Whether you're a data professional, technology leader, or business strategist, this episode provides actionable insights to help you navigate the challenges of data-driven transformation. Connect with Spencer: Reach out to Spencer on LinkedIn to continue the conversation or learn more about his work at CLA. https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-lourens-694568b0/ Like, share, and subscribe to "The Tech Trek" for more discussions with industry leaders.
Welcome to episode 260 of the Grow Your Law Firm podcast, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken sits down with Christian J. Ward, Executive Vice President and Chief Data Officer at Yext. Christian J. Ward is focused on expanding data and AI applications in marketing and entrepreneurship. He helps Yext clients identify, value, and structure their knowledge to maximize data value in AI and search. Ward co-authored the Amazon bestseller Data Leverage: Unlocking the Surprising Growth Potential of Data Partnerships and has executed hundreds of data partnerships worldwide. Ward has served as Chief Data Officer of Arizent, Chief Data Officer of Data Axle, and Global Head of Content Innovation at Thomson Reuters. He founded and sold two structured data companies in financial and media analytics. He has been quoted in publications like The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, Adweek, Fortune, and Forbes and speaks frequently on data strategy, partnerships, and AI. What you'll learn about in this episode: 1. Why Data Accuracy and Structure Are Critical for Law Firm Growth Ensuring consistent, accurate data across platforms builds trust with search engines and AI systems, making your firm more discoverable. Structuring your data with schema.org enhances machine understanding and ranks your firm higher in AI-driven results. 2. How AI Is Transforming Client Search and Decision-Making AI now focuses on understanding and refining client queries, shifting from keyword-based search to conversational interactions. By answering AI-driven prompts with detailed firm information, lawyers can ensure their practice stands out in client decision funnels. 3. Why Embracing AI Tools Improves Law Firm Efficiency AI can streamline internal processes, from summarizing briefs to automating client communication and task management. Investing in AI-powered tools allows firms to respond promptly to client inquiries, enhancing client relationships and satisfaction. 4. How Shifting Focus from Ads to Knowledge Sharing Boosts Visibility Providing detailed, structured knowledge about your practice such as specialties, community involvement, and case history drives AI to recommend your firm. Relying on authentic data rather than ad spend ensures better positioning in AI-driven recommendations. 5. Why Law Firms Must Adapt to AI-Driven Client Journeys Clients are increasingly relying on AI for personalized recommendations; ensuring your data matches their needs is essential. AI transforms the traditional search process into a dialogue, emphasizing the importance of firm transparency and availability in real-time. Resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wardchristianj/ https://www.facebook.com/YextInc?utm_source=yexthomepage&utm_medium=social_icon&utm_campaign=yext_official_facebook https://x.com/yexthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/yext/ Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind
In this VoiceAmerica episode, we explore AI's trust issues with Christian J. Ward, Chief Data Officer of Yext. We discuss how companies like OpenAI, Claude, and Google focus on building trust through a two-panel design that provides citations for AI-generated content. This trend harkens back to SEO practices, highlighting the renewed importance of citations. Ward notes that some businesses are even reporting new leads from AI interactions. OpenAI's SearchGPT and Google's Gemini are leading this field, but we anticipate an explosion of open-source models accessing real-time data. The episode emphasizes the distinction between subjective and objective questions, with AI showing promise in handling objective queries that help with daily tasks and decision-making. Ward explains how humans alternate between subjectivity and objectivity throughout their day, stating that subjective is what you want, objective is what you need. This exploration aims to give listeners insight into AI's capabilities and potential impact on our everyday lives.
In this VoiceAmerica episode, we explore AI's trust issues with Christian J. Ward, Chief Data Officer of Yext. We discuss how companies like OpenAI, Claude, and Google focus on building trust through a two-panel design that provides citations for AI-generated content. This trend harkens back to SEO practices, highlighting the renewed importance of citations. Ward notes that some businesses are even reporting new leads from AI interactions. OpenAI's SearchGPT and Google's Gemini are leading this field, but we anticipate an explosion of open-source models accessing real-time data. The episode emphasizes the distinction between subjective and objective questions, with AI showing promise in handling objective queries that help with daily tasks and decision-making. Ward explains how humans alternate between subjectivity and objectivity throughout their day, stating that "subjective is what you want, objective is what you need." This exploration aims to give listeners insight into AI's capabilities and potential impact on our everyday lives. Christian J. Ward, the Executive Vice President, and Chief Data Officer at Yext, focused on the expanding applications of data and AI in marketing and entrepreneurship. Yext helps organizations build digital experiences across channels on their open and composable platform. The Yext Digital Experience Platform collects and organizes content to deliver AI-led experiences for any organization's customers, employees, or partners. His focus is to help Yext clients identify, value, and structure their knowledge to maximize their data value in AI and search applications. Ward co-authored the Amazon bestseller Data Leverage: Unlocking the Surprising Growth Potential of Data Partnerships and has developed and executed hundreds of data partnerships worldwide. Ward has served as Chief Data Officer of Arizent, Chief Data Officer of Data Axle, and Global Head of Content Innovation at Thomson Reuters, among other roles. He founded and sold two structured data companies, one in financial analytics and the other in media analytics. He has been quoted in publications like the Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, Adweek, Fortune, and Forbes. He speaks frequently on data strategy, partnerships, and the impact of Artificial Intelligence.
Joe is joined by Twelve Football's Chief Data Officer, Dominic Jordan, previously of Manchester United where he was Director of Data. Tune in for a fascinating discussion about the use of data in football (see: Brighton and Brentford), a brief insight into Dominic's time at Old Trafford, advanced analytics and how Twelve are utilising AI to bring 'good data' to clubs.