Building a data-driven organisation with purpose with Simon Leesley
Hub & Spoken: Data | Analytics | Chief Data Officer | CDO | Data Strategy
Release Date: 07/11/2024
Why change is so hard in insurance
Hub & Spoken: Data | Analytics | Chief Data Officer | CDO | Data Strategy
Why is meaningful innovation so hard in insurance, and what can be done about it? In this episode of Hub & Spoken, host Jason Foster is joined by John Turner, a global underwriting leader and expert in life and health insurance, to explore the innovation imperative in one of the world's most traditional (and risk-averse) industries. They unpack the complex cultural, structural, and regulatory challenges that make change difficult in insurance, from siloed teams and outdated processes to over-engineered tech solutions that miss the mark. But they also spotlight the...
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Big change, small steps: Rethinking transformation
Hub & Spoken: Data | Analytics | Chief Data Officer | CDO | Data Strategy
In this episode, we look at the real story behind transformation in data and AI, and why the classic big bang approach often fails to deliver lasting impact. Jason explores when large-scale transformation programmes do make sense, like when you're starting from a fundamentally broken place, or when disruption is the goal. But he also digs into the messy reality of what usually happens: slow delivery, rigid plans, lost trust, and a disconnect between activity and real outcomes. He then makes the case for iterative change. A more human, responsive, and sustainable way to build meaningful...
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Building a business-led, AI-driven transformation at AXA
Hub & Spoken: Data | Analytics | Chief Data Officer | CDO | Data Strategy
In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster talks to Cali Wood, Head of Data and AI Strategy & Culture at AXA UK and Ireland. Cali shares how AXA is shaping its data and AI transformation through a clear strategic framework built on creation of value, connection of data and tooling, and culture to accelerate value. From embedding human-centred design into automation use cases to launching a data and AI academy with more than 50% workforce engagement, AXA is making data and AI a true business-wide initiative. This conversation explores: The three pillars of AXA's data and...
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Embedding value into data and AI initiatives from day one
Hub & Spoken: Data | Analytics | Chief Data Officer | CDO | Data Strategy
In this solo episode, Cynozure CEO Jason Foster explores what it really means to create value with data and AI and why it can't be treated as a nice-to-have outcome at the end of a project. Jason breaks down a practical, repeatable approach to designing value in from the start, with clear intent, strong foundations, and input-focused delivery. He shares real-world examples and analogies to show how organisations can shift from vague goals to measurable, meaningful impact. This episode is packed with actionable insights for data and business leaders who want to move from theory to practice and...
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Designing a data & AI strategy to strengthen a sector
Hub & Spoken: Data | Analytics | Chief Data Officer | CDO | Data Strategy
In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO & Founder of Cynozure, speaks with Lisa Allen, Director of Data at The Pensions Regulator (TPR), about the role of data in protecting savers and shaping a more resilient pensions industry. Lisa shares the story behind TPR's new data strategy and how it's helping to modernise an ecosystem that oversees more than £2 trillion in savings across 38 million members. Drawing on her experience at organisations including the Ordnance Survey and the Open Data Institute, she explains why strong data foundations, industry...
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Real life, revealed: How behavioural data is shaping the future of business intelligence
Hub & Spoken: Data | Analytics | Chief Data Officer | CDO | Data Strategy
Behavioural data is fast becoming a cornerstone of modern business strategy. Not just for media measurement or advertising optimisation, but across product, pricing, logistics, and platform development. It tells us what people actually do, not just what they say they do. As traditional market research struggles with low engagement and recall bias, brands are turning to digital behavioural data to make sharper, faster decisions. Whether it's tracking consumer journeys in the app economy or identifying early adoption trends (like the impact of AI tools on category disruption), the value lies in...
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Business Intelligence in an AI world
Hub & Spoken: Data | Analytics | Chief Data Officer | CDO | Data Strategy
In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster speaks with Colin Zima, CEO and Co-founder of Omni, a modern business intelligence platform that combines the best of governance and usability. With a background spanning roles at Looker and Google, and two decades as both a data user and builder, Colin brings a unique perspective on the evolution of BI and the real role of AI in shaping its future. They explore why business intelligence remains critical for aligning organisations, how AI is raising the bar for access and self-service, and why semantics and business logic are...
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Why decision making is hard and how leaders can do it better
Hub & Spoken: Data | Analytics | Chief Data Officer | CDO | Data Strategy
In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO of Cynozure, goes solo and explores one of the most critical yet under-discussed business skills...decision making. Drawing on real-world examples, research, and personal experience, Jason unpacks why so many organisations struggle to make effective decisions, despite it being core to leadership, innovation, and progress. From decision paralysis to overconfidence, and data overload to gut instinct, he looks at the formal frameworks and informal dynamics that shape how choices are made across all levels of a business. The episode...
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How PensionBee uses data & AI for better customer experience and business growth
Hub & Spoken: Data | Analytics | Chief Data Officer | CDO | Data Strategy
In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO of Cynozure, chats with Luis Mejia, VP Data, Platforms & AI at PensionBee, about how the company is transforming the pension industry through smart use of data and AI. Luis shares how a digital-first mindset is helping PensionBee enhance customer experience, manage data effectively, and fuel business growth. He dives into how AI is being used in customer service, blending tech with human touch to build trust, and why ethics and transparency matter more than ever. From marketing to customer support, this episode explores...
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Building a digital-first, female-centric insurance business
Hub & Spoken: Data | Analytics | Chief Data Officer | CDO | Data Strategy
In this episode of Hub & Spoken, host Jason Foster welcomes Sam White, the multi-award-winning Founder of Freedom Services Group and Global Founder of Stella Insurance Australia. Sam shares her journey of building Stella Insurance, the challenges and opportunities of creating a digital-first insurance company, the importance of customer experience, and how Stella Insurance is reimagining financial services from a female perspective. Sam also discusses the impact of regulatory changes, the role of AI in the insurance industry, and the significance of diversity in business. This is a...
info_outlineDive into a world where data meets sustainability. In this episode, Jason Foster sits down with Simon Leesley, the COO of Too Good to Go, the revolutionary marketplace on a mission to end food waste. Discover Simon's inspiring journey, the mission and vision of Too Good to Go and how the company works with 165,000 partner stores across 17 markets. Join the conversation and discover data's pivotal role in optimising the user experience, balancing supply and demand, and fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity. Will their data-driven approach be the recipe for saving our planet? Tune in to find out!
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Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that helps organisations to reach their data potential. They work with clients on data and AI strategy, data management, data architecture and engineering, analytics and AI, data culture and literacy, and change management and leadership. The company was named one of The Sunday Times’ fastest-growing private companies in 2022 and 2023 and named the Best Place to Work in Data by DataIQ in 2023.For more information, visit www.cynozure.com.