In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, Ben Parker chats with Gerrit Grotewold, Head of Personalisation at BMW Research, to explore what it takes to build a long, impactful career in data and AI.

With his career at BMW, Gerrit shares how he transitioned from electrical engineering into AI leadership, the key challenges he faced stepping into management, and the learning habits that keep him ahead.

👉 Whether you’re a data professional just starting or an experienced expert, this episode is packed with great insights to help you grow and learn.

You’ll learn:

• How domain knowledge gives you a competitive edge in data
• Why curiosity and soft skills matter more than ever in tech
• How to stay relevant in the age of LLMs and AI disruption
• Practical tips for transitioning from technical expert to people leader
• The mindset shift required to grow your career and enjoy the journey

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:06 Gerrit's Early Career and Education

01:43 Joining BMW and Career Growth

02:53 Transition to AI and Data

03:40 Passion for the Automotive Industry

05:22 Key Career Moments

08:00 Challenges and Overcoming Them

09:21 Management Transition

13:01 Skills and Traits for Success

17:28 Continuous Learning and Staying Relevant

21:18 Career Advice and Reflections

27:28 Pride in Achievements

28:27 Conclusion and Farewell

Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker sits down with Sassoon Kosian, Corporate Vice President of Data Science at New York Life, to explore the journey from early challenges in physics to becoming a leader in the data and AI space.

Gain insights into managing high-performing teams, staying relevant in a fast-paced industry, and navigating corporate politics.

Key topics include:

• Navigating a career shift from consulting to in-house leadership.
• Overcoming “orphan initiatives” and creating impactful data solutions.
• Essential skills for data science success: strategic thinking, technical depth, communication, and adaptability.
• Staying ahead in the fast-moving world of GenAI.
• Building strong, trusted relationships with business stakeholders.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:40 Career Journey and Early Interests

02:26 Transition to Data Science and Consulting

04:10 Current Industry Challenges

06:56 Key Career Moments and Management Transition

13:04 Challenges in Large Organisations

16:32 Skills for Leadership in Data Science

20:53 Staying Relevant in a Fast-Paced Industry

23:14 Job Market and Advice for Aspiring Data Scientists

25:55 Proudest Achievements and Building Relationships

27:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thank you for listening!

Is ethical AI just a buzzword?

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker chats with Mark Brady, Deputy Chief Data Officer at KBR, who reveals the real risks behind today’s AI systems and why most organisations are unprepared.

Mark breaks down the Six Laws of Safe AI, a practical, no-fluff framework for securing the future as AI gains power, autonomy, and physical-world access.

We also discuss:

• Why “data science” today feels more like alchemy
• The broken culture of data hoarding in organisations
• What hiring managers are getting completely wrong
• How to spot real AI danger before it’s too late
• Why transparency and interoperability are non-negotiable

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:34 Mark Brady's Career Journey

02:01 Transition to Leadership

02:57 Key Moments in Data Science

07:35 Challenges in Data Management

11:56 Hiring the Right Data Scientist

18:15 AI and Security Concerns

23:58 Future of AI and Defensive Measures

34:56 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker speaks with Aaron Hand, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer at ArcelorMittal, about the reality of life in the C-suite.

Drawing on his experience in data roles at UBS and Holcim, and now leading AI strategy at a global giant, Aaron shares unfiltered insights into what makes or breaks a modern CDO.

You'll learn:

• What a typical day looks like at CDO/ CAIO level
• How to balance innovation, governance, and delivery
• The pressure of expectations vs. the pace of real change
• Why most CDOs don’t last more than 18 months — and how to beat the odds
• The importance of domain knowledge, adaptability, and listening
• How selling cement via WhatsApp became a game-changer
• Why “AI-first culture” must be more than just talk

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:41 Aaron Hand's Early Career Journey

02:26 Transition to AI and Big Data

03:38 Career Progression at UBS

05:21 Leading AI at Holstein

07:28 Role and Responsibilities of a CAIO

16:39 Challenges and Strategies in AI Implementation

25:27 The Importance of Good Management and Mentorship

26:11 Learning to Listen and Building Trust

26:44 Innovative Solutions and Team Collaboration

28:06 The Role of Workshops and Hackathons

29:34 Adapting Strategies and Embracing Flexibility

35:48 The Power of Podcasts and Continuous Learning

40:04 Facing Setbacks and Building Resilience

43:16 Reflecting on Career Achievements and the Journey

46:19 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Thank you for listening!

In this episode of the Data Analytics podcast, we welcome Pablo Vega Behar, Director of Machine Learning at Fitch Group.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Pablo Vega-Behar, Director of Machine Learning Engineering at Fitch Group, as he shares his journey in the AI industry. From navigating career pivots to leading innovative machine learning projects, Pablo reveals practical strategies for success and leadership in a rapidly evolving field.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:37 Pablo's Journey into Data Science

04:04 Transitioning Industries and Leadership

09:13 Current Industry Challenges in AI

13:00 Career Highlights and Advice

18:42 Staying Relevant and Overcoming Setbacks

26:59 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Thank you for listening!

In this episode of the Data Analytics podcast, we welcome Milan Dhore, Director of AI Strategy and Cloud Engineering at The Hartford.

Milan discusses his career journey, the pivotal moments that shaped his path in the industry and identifies current challenges in the data and AI space. He offers insights into the importance of ROI, data quality and the evolving landscape of cloud and AI technologies.

Milan also shares career advice for those entering the field, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and strategic thinking.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:42 Milan's Early Career and Transition to Data

01:41 Embracing Cloud and Big Data

04:48 The Evolution of Data Engineering

07:53 Challenges in Data Governance and Quality

09:14 AI and Business Value

16:50 Key Moments in Milan's Career

19:45 Overcoming Career Challenges

20:34 Navigating Stakeholder Alignment and Embracing Change

22:23 Overcoming Challenges in Machine Learning

23:57 Skills and Traits for Success in the Field

28:29 Staying Relevant in the Evolving Data and AI Landscape

31:53 Career Advice for Aspiring Data Professionals

36:37 Reflecting on Career Achievements and Future Aspirations

Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we welcome Swetha Devabhaktuni, Head of Data & Analytics at Synechron.

Swetha shares her career journey and the pivotal moments that shaped it. In this episode, we discuss the hot topic of getting data ready for generative AI, the importance of data quality and governance, and how companies can overcome common pitfalls when preparing their data for advanced AI applications.

Don't miss valuable insights on leveraging both structured and unstructured data, ensuring data privacy, and developing a data-first risk management strategy.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:41 Swetha's Career Journey

05:54 Key Career Moments and Lessons

08:22 Challenges and Setbacks

11:44 Generative AI and Data Preparation

19:51 Governance and Privacy in Data

22:12 Traditional vs. Modern Data Pipelines

24:19 Assessing Data Readiness for Generative AI

28:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we welcome Shaina Boone, Chief Analytics Officer at PHD Media.

Shaina shares her unique career journey from an arts background to becoming a leader in marketing science and analytics. We learn about the pivotal moments that shaped her path, her views on AI's role in marketing, and the essential skills and traits for career growth in the rapidly changing data analytics landscape.

Don't miss this insightful conversation packed with valuable career advice and industry insights!

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:45 Shaina Boone's Career Journey

02:25 Leadership in Analytics

05:03 Challenges in AI and Analytics

10:57 Key Career Moments and Training

16:23 Advice for Aspiring Analysts

22:41 Staying Relevant in a Rapidly Changing Industry

33:51 Proudest Achievements and Conclusion

Thank you for listening!