BossNData

In this episode of the Boss N Data Podcast, host Joshua Smith sits down with Chris Mitchell, Head of Data & Marketing Operations at Sky Business and former WPP agency leader, to unpack how world-class organisations are building marketing operations that actually drive growth.With over two decades bridging data, marketing, and operations, Chris has helped major brands embed data-driven culture, reduce churn, and align analytics, BI, and marketing into one cohesive growth engine.From offline segmentation and direct mail to AI and automation, his career charts the full evolution of how businesses use data to make smarter, faster decisions.By the end of this episode, you’ll understand:Why most companies don’t have a data problem - they have a usage problemHow Sky uses marketing operations as a growth engine by uniting BI, data science, and executionThe simple model that helped Sky reduce churn through data-led customer engagementWhat to look for (and avoid) when investing in MarTech and AI toolsWhy AI needs people and how to use it to enhance, not replace, decision-makingAbout the GuestChris Mitchell is an innovative and enthusiastic leader with over two decades of experience delivering data and digital transformation across multiple sectors.Chris advocates for using data as a strategic growth engine - driving incremental revenue, customer engagement, and organisational adoption of best-practice frameworks.His approach has underpinned award-winning marketing campaigns and helped major brands embed a culture where data is at the heart of every decision..👉 Connect with Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-mitchell-49636a4/About Your HostJoshua Smith has been a Data and AI talent specialist since 2011. He is Sales Director at MBN Solutions, responsible for leading and supporting the growth and diversification of MBN’s client portfolio, and building MBN’s position as a leading Data & AI talent consultancy across the UK, Europe, and US. Explore industry updates and the latest in data and AI talent on MBN Solutions’ LinkedIn page.DisclaimerThe views expressed by the guest in this episode are their own and do not reflect those of their current or former employers.

In this episode of the Boss N Data Podcast, host Joshua Smith sits down with Harry Davies, VP of Marketing Investment & Effectiveness at Sage, formerly at Google and Amazon, to unpack the truths about marketing effectiveness.Harry shares invaluable insights from a career spanning government behaviour change campaigns, launching Amazon Marketing Services in Europe, and leading measurement and data science at Google Cloud. Today at Sage, he’s helping drive £2.1Bn in recurring revenue by shifting from pure demand gen to a balanced brand + activation approach.By the end of this episode, you’ll understand:Why sales and marketing so often pull in different directions - and the practical fix.How to measure what really works in marketing (beyond vanity metrics).The power of combining experiments, econometrics, and attribution.How buyer behaviour is changing and what it means for sales and marketing leaders.Where AI is already making marketing effectiveness faster and smarter.Why you should start small, solve frontline challenges, and scale from there.About the GuestHarry Davies is an experienced Marketing Strategy and Operations leader, currently VP of Marketing Investment & Effectiveness at Sage. He previously led measurement and data science teams at Google and Amazon and sits on the Advisory Board of the International Journal of Market Research. Harry is a regular speaker on marketing strategy, science, and effectiveness.👉 Connect with Harry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrydavies/About Your HostJoshua Smith has been a Data and AI talent specialist since 2011. He is Sales Director at MBN Solutions, responsible for leading and supporting the growth and diversification of MBN’s client portfolio, and building MBN’s position as a leading Data & AI talent consultancy across the UK, Europe, and US. Explore industry updates and the latest in data and AI talent on MBN Solutions’ LinkedIn page.DisclaimerThe views expressed by the guest in this episode are their own and do not reflect those of their current or former employers.

Bias in AI isn’t just a technical glitch - it’s one of the hardest problems in machine learning today. While many organisations treat it as a regulatory checkbox, the reality is that unchecked bias can damage trust, weaken systems, and cost businesses far more than they realise.In this episode, host Joshua sits down with Raluca Crisan - data scientist, co-founder, and CTO of Etiq, to explore the real challenges of bias in AI, and what it takes to build systems that are ethical, robust, and genuinely useful.Recognised as Women in AI Europe 1st Prize (2020) and named among the 100 Women in AI Ethics (2021), Raluca brings a rare perspective on how bias, adoption, and ethics intersect in real-world AI. In this conversation, she shares practical lessons on tackling bias, the pitfalls of “big data” buzzwords, and what the rise of copilots and agents means for the future of hiring.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why bias in AI is more than a “checkbox” issue and how to address it meaningfully.The biggest adoption problem most AI testing tools overlook.How to balance commercial pressure with purposeful, ethical outcomes.What recruiters and data leaders need to know about new AI roles.The hardest part of doing something new in AI today from a founder’s perspective.If you found this episode useful, don’t keep it to yourself - share it with your network, subscribe on your favourite platform, and leave us a quick review so more data professionals can find the show.Subscribe & Follow: Enjoying the show? Don’t miss an episode. Follow the podcast wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review to help more listeners discover these conversations.Connect with MBN Solutions:MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here.Visit MBN Solutions website at www.mbnsolutions.com

In this episode I am joined by Dr Shorful Islam, co-founder and CEO of Be Data Solutions.With over 20 years of experience in the data and AI industry, Dr. Islam has been applying machine learning since his Psychology PhD—before “data science” became mainstream. Since then, he has helped global companies develop data strategies and build predictive models that drive business growth.He specialises in building data functions across organisations such as ITV and Wunderman and is the author of Data Culture, a book on integrating data as a fundamental organisational component.Beyond his leadership at Be Data Solutions, Dr. Islam founded Subatomic Analytics and advises multiple startups on data and AI. His career includes roles as Chief Data Scientist at Tribal Worldwide, Managing Director at Stream Intelligence, and Managing Partner at Wunderman, along with leadership positions at adam&eveDDB/DDB and ITV. He also brings experience from the NHS and local government.

Today I’m joined by Andre Balleyguier, Head of ML Field Engineering at Snorkel AI. Andre is an AI leader with deep expertise in machine learning, scaling teams, and driving business impact. Experienced in AI strategy implementation across areas such as insurance, banking, and manufacturing.

Today we are joined by Robert Whiffin, Senior Solutions Architect at Databricks. Josh and Rob explore topics such as challenges companies are facing during data and platform migrations and how Gen AI can help address them, How AI improves code translation and optimisation during migration processes, how companies balance the use of Gen AI platform migration whilst addressing security concerns and how does the growing demand for Gen AI skills impact the hiring market, particularly for legacy systems.

Today we are joined by Wasim Mushtaq, With nearly two decades of leadership in financial services, Wasim has driven operational excellence, strategic transformation across global banks and innovative startups. He is the Founder & CEO of 1CG, Strategic Partner to Birdie, Advisory Board Member to Bankability and the Operational Excellence Society.Josh and Wasim explore topics such as Leadership Strategy, leveraging AI and Operational Excellence, Transformational change, and a focus on Super Apps within the finance space.

Today we are joined by Inez Hogarth, Managing Director of Data Understood, Inez has extensive experience across diverse industries such as Insurtech, health, and publishing, Inez has a proven track record of turning data into actionable insights that drive growth. She has supported award-winning digital projects and played a pivotal role in shaping public sector initiatives during crises like COVID-19.Josh and Inez talk through the importance of , Digital and AI transformations, debunking common digital myths to shifting the focus from delivery speed to a culture of continuous learning.Get ready for an inspiring conversation with Inez as we explore the vital intersection of humans and AI, and discover how you can drive meaningful change in your organisation!"