In this episode, I dive into the world of AI leadership with Andreas Welsh, a renowned AI expert and author of 'The AI Leadership Handbook'. We explore Andreas's impressive career at SAP, his new venture as an AI advisor and expert, his impactful journey on LinkedIn, and his insights into successful AI implementation.

Topics we cover:

• Discover Andreas’s background and his remarkable 23-year career at SAP. He shares pivotal moments and lessons learned from working at one of the world’s largest tech companies.
• Learn what motivated Andreas to start sharing his expertise on LinkedIn in 2021, and the significant impact it has had on his professional life.
• Uncover the inspiration behind Andreas's book, The AI Leadership Handbook, and his mission to guide organisations in harnessing AI effectively.
• Andreas discusses the critical elements that must be in place for AI projects to thrive and avoid the common pitfalls that lead to failure.
• Understand the need for the emerging Chief AI Officer role, how it differs from a Chief Data & Analytics Officer, and the importance of giving it a strong mandate within organisations.
• Explore the concept of multiplier communities and their role in amplifying AI capabilities across organisations.
• Andreas shares his vision for AI over the next 5-10 years, including opportunities, potential risks, and disruptions.
• Andreas leaves listeners with a powerful lesson from 'The AI Leadership Handbook' that every leader should consider when integrating AI into their strategy.

This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone interested in AI leadership and innovation. Whether you're an executive, a tech enthusiast, or someone curious about the future of AI, Andreas Welsh offers guidance and inspiration to navigate this transformative field.

Connect with Andreas Welsh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreasmwelsch/

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My guest in this episode is Evan Shellshear, an expert in artificial intelligence and co-author of the eye-opening book "Why Data Science Projects Fail: The Harsh Realities of Implementing AI and Analytics, without the Hype."

With nearly two decades of experience in developing AI tools, Evan shares his insights into the real challenges and pitfalls of data science projects, and how organizations can overcome these hurdles.

About Evan Shellshear:

Evan is a renowned AI expert with a Ph.D. in Game Theory from the University of Bielefeld. He has worked globally with leading companies across various industries, using advanced analytics to drive innovation and efficiency.

As an author, his work seeks to demystify the complexities of AI and guide organizations toward successful implementation.

Episode summary:

In this episode, we explore the critical themes of Evan's book, which aims to shed light on why so many data science projects fall short of their potential. We unpack the exaggerated promises and oversimplifications that often lead to these failures, and discuss practical strategies to avoid them.

Discussion highlights:

Why Do Data Science Projects Fail?

• Evan discusses the common pitfalls, including unrealistic expectations and lack of understanding of project complexities.

Balancing costs and benefits:

• How organizations can weigh the costs of failure against the potential benefits of successful data science projects.

Avoiding failures:

• Practical advice on increasing success rates by setting realistic goals and aligning projects with business priorities.

Impact of organizational culture:

• How cultural factors within a company can make or break data science initiatives.

Measuring success:

• Effective metrics and indicators for evaluating project outcomes.

You can find out more about Evan's book here, and connect with him via LinkedIn.

Brian Ferris is a seasoned expert with over two decades of experience in technology and advanced analytics.

Brian has an impressive track record, having worked in IT consulting for 9 years and client-side roles for 13 years with major organisations like the European Central Bank, BAT, Heineken, Nike and Loyalty New Zealand.

In this episode, we dive into Brian's journey from supply chain operations to becoming Chief Data, Analytics and Technology Officer at Loyalty New Zealand. We explore the pivotal moments that shaped his approach to analytics and the leadership qualities essential for fostering a culture that embraces advanced analytics.

We also discuss his new book, "Transition to Advanced Analytics: Get a Return on Your Analytics Investment," co-authored with Jason Tan. Brian shares what inspired him to write the book, provides a synopsis, and highlights key takeaways for organisations looking to transition to advanced analytics.

Topics covered:

• Brian's analytics leadership journey: Discover the key factors that contributed to Brian's successful career progression and the pivotal moments that shaped his approach to analytics.
• Leadership in analytics: Learn about the essential leadership qualities needed to drive analytics initiatives and foster a culture that embraces advanced analytics.
• Evolution of analytics roles: Understand how the role of data scientists and analysts has evolved and which skills are now more critical than ever.
• Underrated tips and tricks: Brian shares practical tips and tricks that all data and analytics teams should use to increase their impact.
• About the book: Hear what inspired Brian to write "Transition to Advanced Analytics" and get a detailed synopsis of the book, including who it’s for and why it's essential reading.
• Common pitfalls and key takeaways: Find out the most common pitfalls organisations face when transitioning to advanced analytics and the key lesson Brian hopes readers will take away from the book.

Brian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-ferris-a053532/

Brian's book, "Transition to Advanced Analytics: Get a Return on Your Analytics Investment".

In this episode, I’m joined by the remarkably versatile Akshay Swaminathan, a polyglot who speaks 11 languages and has carved a unique path from medicine to data science.

Currently an MD-PhD candidate at Stanford, Akshay's work has taken him from building clinics in Bolivia to pushing the boundaries of healthcare through data science.

Akshay's journey is not just about his professional achievements but also his personal commitment to continuous learning and making a global impact.

His transition from medicine to data science was driven by his desire to leverage technology for social good, particularly in healthcare.

We also explore Akshay's book "Winning with Data Science" aimed at business professionals seeking to integrate data science into their operations.

In short, Akshay might just be the most interesting person you’ll come across this year.

Previous episode: Ultralearning: How to Master Hard Skills and Accelerate Your Career with Scott Young

Akshay's website: https://www.akshayswaminathan.com/

Akshay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akshay-swaminathan-68286b51/

My guest in this episode is Coert du Plessis, an impressive data and analytics executive, entrepreneur and general lover of life.

Coert shares his wealth of knowledge and experience gained through a career and life full of interesting twists and turns.

In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk about:

• Coert’s journey from South African farmland to Australian board rooms
• How Coert became the CEO of MaxMine
• Why our ability to tackle climate change depends on the mining industry
• How to build and sell successful data products
• Coert’s approach to building a fulfilling and rewarding career in data and analytics
• The importance of taking risks and running life experiments, and much more.

Coert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coertdup/

My new book, 'Data-Centric Machine Learning with Python': https://www.packtpub.com/product/data-centric-machine-learning-with-python/9781804618127

My guest on this episode is Nikolaj van Omme, CEO and co-founder of Funartech.

Funartech is a Canadian company specializing in AI-driven solutions to complex industrial optimisation problems.

The company’s secret sauce is combining the two disciplines of Operations Research and Machine Learning.

Operations Research is about making the best decisions and solving problems in a structured way, using maths to optimize outcomes.

Machine learning on the other hand, is really good at spotting patterns and making predictions from lots and lots of data.

The cool part happens when we bring these two together.

ML is the detective finding clues in a sea of information, and OR is the strategist, using those clues to make the best moves.

By working together, they can tackle challenges neither could face on their own.

Find Nikolaj on LinkedIn or via Funartech's website.

Previous episode discussed in this interview: Using Data to Build a Better World with Dr Alex Antic

Sandy Iyer has been General Manager of Data Science at Sportsbet since the beginning of 2023, leading a dynamic team that leverages data in innovative ways.

But what does it take to lead in such a data-driven environment? How does one balance the promotion of betting products with social responsibility? And how does data shape the strategy of a betting giant like Sportsbet?

These are just a few of the questions we'll explore today.

I’ve watched Sandy's career trajectory skyrocket in the last few years, and It's been nothing short of inspiring. In this conversation we explore the key elements behind her impressive progression, including the leadership lessons has she gleaned from her time in the trenches of data science.

And more importantly, Sandy explains how can you apply these insights to your own career.

From discussing unique data science use cases that have propelled Sportsbet's success, to exploring emerging trends that will shape the future of the betting industry, Sandy offers a wealth of insights.

She also shares personal stories of challenges faced and overcome, revealing the qualities essential for any budding data scientist aspiring to become a senior analytics leader.

In this digital age, data is the lifeblood of business. Just as computer literacy became a non-negotiable skill in the 21st century, data literacy is now an essential competency in our increasingly data-driven world.

Yet, despite its critical importance, it's an area where many individuals and businesses stumble.

Understanding, interpreting, and effectively using data can be challenging, even daunting.

The lack of data literacy skills can lead to misinterpretation, misuse, and missed opportunities for businesses and individuals. Many struggle to find a structured approach to elevate their data literacy skills, often feeling lost in the vast sea of numbers and metrics.

My guest in this episode, Angelika Klidas, wants to change that.

Angelika is a data literacy expert and author of the book Data Literacy in Practice. In this conversation, she shares her invaluable insights and practical tips on mastering data literacy.

Whether you're a novice or a seasoned data professional, Angelika's expertise will empower you to upskill yourself, your team, and your organisation, one data project at a time.

Angelika on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelikaklidas/

More about Data Escape Rooms here.