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Data Analytics Chat

Data Analytics Chat

By: Ben Parker
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*** The podcast is on a short pause as I focus on scaling my recruitment firm, bigger things coming soon ***


🎧 Welcome to Data Analytics Chat – the podcast where data meets real careers.

Data isn’t just numbers; it’s a journey. Each episode, we explore a key topic shaping the world of data analytics and discuss the career paths of our guests.

This podcast brings together top experts to share:

- Insights on today’s biggest data trends
- The challenges they’ve faced (and how they overcame them)
- Their career journeys, lessons learned, and advice for the next generation of data professionals

This is for anyone passionate about data and the people behind it.

👉 Hit subscribe and join us on the learning journey.


Connect with host - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben---parker/

© 2026 Data Analytics Chat
Career Success Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • From Data Projects to Data Products: Essential Skills for AI Leaders
    Feb 4 2026

    In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we welcome Elena Alikhachkina, a four-time Chief AI and Data Officer with Fortune 500 companies, and a board advisor. Elena shares her journey in data analytics and AI spanning over 25 years, covering key transitions in her career and the importance of blending business acumen with technical expertise.

    The discussion focuses on the critical shift from data projects to data products, highlighting the need for product skills in the age of AI. Elena emphasises the importance of understanding the business, building customer-centric solutions, and investing in both technical and soft skills for AI leaders. Her insights provide a roadmap for anyone looking to excel in data and AI roles in today's dynamic business environment.

    00:00 Introduction to the Factory Process and Data Science Challenges
    01:00 Welcome to Data Analytics Chat with Elena Alikhachkina
    01:33 Ena's Career Journey and Insights
    04:14 The Importance of Understanding Business Processes
    09:17 Shifting from Data Projects to Data Products
    11:08 The Need for a Product Mindset in AI
    15:06 Challenges in Adopting a Product Mindset
    16:39 Encouraging Proactivity and Collaboration
    18:08 The Role of Education in Driving Change
    22:34 The Need for Reeducation in Technology and Data
    22:50 Embedding Data and AI in Business Curriculum
    23:14 The Changing Role of Data in Leadership
    24:01 The Importance of Soft Skills in Tech
    25:31 Trust in Data and Technology
    26:30 Essential Skills for the Future
    28:20 The Shift to Product-Centric Roles
    29:50 Bridging the Gap Between Business and Tech
    30:16 Investing in Personal Development
    31:19 Understanding the Customer's Needs
    34:00 The Value of Product Thinking in AI
    35:47 Career Growth Through Business Understanding
    41:03 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

    Thank you for listening!

    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • The Future of Data Scientists and Data Engineers: How Data Teams Must Change
    Jan 29 2026

    In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we’re joined by Phoenix Pei, SVP, Analytics Manager at Truist, to explore how the roles of Data Scientists and Data Engineers are changing in the age of AI and automation.

    Phoenix explains why trust, leadership alignment, and business understanding are becoming more critical than technical skills alone, and how generative AI is reshaping how data teams work. We discuss which skills will matter most in the future, why so many data initiatives struggle to deliver impact, and how organisations should rethink team structure and collaboration to stay relevant.

    A practical conversation for leaders and practitioners who want to build data teams that actually deliver value in an AI-driven world.


    00:00 Introduction to Scaling Analytics and AI
    00:50 The Role of Leadership in Data Science
    01:24 Exploring the Future of Data Roles
    01:46 Guest Introduction: Phoenix Pei
    02:18 Phoenix's Career Journey and Insights
    09:34 The Evolution of Data Roles with AI
    11:08 The Importance of Business Understanding in Data Science
    24:54 Challenges in Data Science Implementation
    25:07 Leadership Alignment and Data-Driven Decisions
    33:53 Preparing Data Teams for the Future
    37:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Thank you for listening!

    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • How To Make Successful Decisions In AI
    Jan 21 2026

    In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, Ben speaks with Durai Rajamanickam, a senior AI leader, about what it really takes to turn AI ambition into something organisations can trust and scale.

    They discuss why many AI initiatives fail long before the technology becomes the issue, the risks of hype-driven decision-making, and the importance of clear goals, strong business ownership, and measurable outcomes.

    The conversation explores the tension between speed and governance, when to build vs buy, and why trust and governance are not obstacles to progress, but foundations for sustainable AI adoption.

    This is a practical, experience-led discussion for leaders who want to build AI capabilities that last.



    00:00 Introduction: The AI Hype and Strategy Revisions
    01:09 Guest Introduction: Meet Durai Rajamanickam
    02:09 AI Initiatives: Technical Capabilities and Investments
    03:46 Build vs Buy: Evaluating AI Tools
    05:36 Common AI Missteps: Hype and Misdiagnosis
    07:41 Successful AI Implementation: Business and Technical Alignment
    09:11 Governance and Trust: The Key to Sustainable AI
    09:47 Real-World Examples: When AI Falls Short
    12:22 Balancing Speed and Governance in AI
    15:22 Decision-Making in AI: Trust and Autonomy
    21:03 Final Thoughts: Advice for AI Leadership
    23:04 Conclusion: Wrapping Up the Discussion

    Thank you for listening!

    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
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