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 ...
Jun 26, 2025•21 min•Ep. 235
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 an...
Jun 12, 2025•38 min•Ep. 234
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 identi...
May 29, 2025•39 min•Ep. 233
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 r...
May 15, 2025•40 min•Ep. 232
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 info...
May 01, 2025•24 min•Ep. 231
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 transp...
Apr 17, 2025•41 min•Ep. 230
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 ro...
Apr 03, 2025•48 min•Ep. 229
Jason's co-author, Barry Green, joins this next episode as they discuss the release of the second edition of "Data Means Business" on 25th March. Returning for his third conversation on the podcast, Barry shares updates on the evolving landscape of data and AI, the impact of generative AI, and the importance of business capabilities. They delve into the changes since the first edition, including the role of the Chief Data Officer and the significance of adaptability in today's fast-paced world. ...
Mar 20, 2025•33 min•Ep. 228
This episode is a special edition in honour of International Women's Day on 8th March. Host Jason Foster is joined by Lou Hutchins, Director of Data Culture & Literacy at Cynozure, and Rose Attridge, Strategy Advisor at Cynozure. Together, they explore gender diversity in data and AI, the importance of sponsorship and allies, and challenges in male-dominated industries. They also discuss the role of data and AI in driving change, the need for role models, early engagement, and company action...
Mar 06, 2025•40 min•Ep. 227
In this episode, host Jason Foster is joined by Adam Elman, Director of Sustainability - EMEA, at Google. Together they explore defining sustainability from environmental, social and governance perspectives, and the role of AI in sustainability, including AI's potential to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by up to 10% by 2030. They also discuss the future of sustainability and possibilities around technology's role in combating climate change, including advancements in clean energy and exp...
Feb 20, 2025•36 min•Ep. 226
In this episode, host Jason Foster is joined by Amanda Bickerstaff, CEO & Founder, AI for Education. Together they explore the impact of AI on young people, particularly in the context of education. They discuss AI literacy, the need for AI literacy among students, teachers, and policymakers and the need for understanding AI's capabilities, limitations, and ethical considerations. They also discuss social media & AI integration and challenges in the education system. The conversation tou...
Feb 06, 2025•46 min•Ep. 225
In this episode, host Jason Foster is joined by Lara Menke, Leadership Psychologist & Executive Coach. Together they explore leadership development and the application of business psychology to improve workplace dynamics and team performance. They also discuss the transformative potential of emotionally intelligent, self-aware, and empathetic leadership in fostering resilient and effective teams. *********** Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that helps organisations to rea...
Jan 23, 2025•40 min•Ep. 224
In this episode, host Jason Foster sits down with Barry Panayi, Chief Data and Insight Officer at John Lewis Partnership to discuss the evolving role of the Chief Data Officer (CDO). Barry shares his journey from coding and analytics to leading data and insights at iconic brands like John Lewis and Waitrose. He offers a unique perspective on how CDOs can transition from technical experts to strategic business leaders. Barry's candid reflections and actionable advice make this episode essential l...
Jan 09, 2025•43 min•Ep. 223
In this episode, host Jason Foster is joined by Susie Moan, Chief Data Officer at Currys and member of Cynozure's Advisory Board. They explore some of the highlights of Susie’s accomplished career in data and AI, highlighting the significance of data value in a commercial business context. The conversation also covers how Currys successfully balances growth with cost-saving initiatives, and emphasises the importances of aligning AI initiatives with an organisation’s overarching business strategy...
Dec 19, 2024•37 min•Ep. 222
In this episode, host Jason Foster sits down with Osama Khan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Professor in Finance at Aston University, Birmingham. Together, they explore how data is transforming the landscape of higher education, from revolutionising decision-making to navigating the challenges and opportunities brought about by AI. Osama also shares insights into Aston University's pioneering initiatives, including programs designed to equip students with essential skills in AI, sustainab...
Dec 05, 2024•42 min•Ep. 221
AI has made its way into the boardroom, bringing with it a wave of excitement—and for some, a dose of confusion. For those in the know, AI has become an accelerator for operational and strategic improvements. But for others, the rapid pace and mixed messages have led to uncertainty. In our latest episode, Cynozure’s CEO and Founder, Jason Foster explores the current state of AI in leadership spaces and the opportunities it presents for data leaders and professionals. *********** Cynozure is a le...
Nov 21, 2024•41 min•Ep. 220
In this episode, host Jason Foster sits down with Paula Bobbett, Chief Digital Officer at Boots. They discuss her extensive digital experience, which includes roles at Dixon’s Carphone, British Airways, Debenhams and Avon. They also explore the importance of an omnichannel strategy that bridges online and in-store customer experiences, using customer insights and AI tools. *********** Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that helps organisations to reach their data potential. It ...
Nov 14, 2024•37 min•Ep. 219
In this special Halloween episode, Jason Foster talks to James Lupton, CTO at Cynozure, and Keith Goldthorpe, Director of Solution Architecture at Cynozure. Reflecting on their conversation from last year, the group revisit some of their predictions and discuss the most significant developments in the realms of data and AI. They also engage in a game of ‘AI Spell or Human Skill,’ where they debate whether humans or AI tools would outperform one another in a series of spellbinding scenarios. ****...
Oct 31, 2024•49 min•Ep. 218
In this episode, host Jason Foster sits down with Cassandra Vukorep, Chief Data Officer at Lloyds of London. The discussion delves into the critical role of data literacy and how fostering a culture of data engagement can benefit a diverse range of organisations across various industries. They also explore Cassandra’s current role at Lloyds and the exciting data opportunities that can be applied to the insurance industry. *********** Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that help...
Oct 17, 2024•41 min•Ep. 217
In this episode, host Jason Foster sits down with Manuel Heichlinger, inclusivity leader and Managing Director at Audeliss. The pair discuss the myths that often plague conversations around diversity and inclusion within the professional workforce and debunk these assumptions. They also explore some of the unexpected benefits of a diverse workforce, including increased productivity, competitive advantage and fostering a deeper connection with the consumer base. *********** Cynozure is a leading ...
Oct 03, 2024•41 min•Ep. 216
In this episode, host Jason Foster sits down with Steven Pimblett, CDO at Rightmove, to discuss how data and AI can be leveraged as an asset to create value in a company. They explore the different approaches that CDOs take in implementing new data practices into an organisation, as well as the process of creating and demonstrating data value. Additionally, they examine the shifts in marketing efficiency and data monetisation that have resulted from increased digitisation. ********** Cynozure is...
Sep 19, 2024•46 min•Ep. 215
In this episode, host Jason Foster sits down with Anthony Deighton, CEO at Tamr, to delve into the complexities of data quality and analytics. They explore the challenges organisations face in managing and improving data quality, the pivotal role of AI in addressing these challenges, and strategies for aligning data quality initiatives with business objectives. They also explore the evolving role of central data teams, led by Chief Data Officers, in spearheading enterprise-wide data quality init...
Sep 05, 2024•38 min•Ep. 214
In this brilliant episode, Jason Foster delves into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on businesses and everyday life with Tom Goodwin, a world-renowned trends and transformation expert, keynote speaker, consultant, and author. Tom shares his expert insights on how technology reshapes the rules of business, creates new possibilities, and influences consumer behaviour. From discussing the hype surrounding AI to exploring its practical applications and the importance of adapting...
Aug 22, 2024•44 min•Ep. 213
Join Jason Foster as he chats with Lara Burns, Chief Digital Officer at Scouts, about their ambitious digital transformation journey. Lara shares the challenges and successes in modernising one of the world’s largest youth organisations, highlighting the critical role of digital tools in boosting volunteer engagement and operational efficiency. The episode also explores the emerging role of AI in enhancing data insights and the Scouts' commitment to educating young people on digital citizenship ...
Aug 08, 2024•39 min•Ep. 212
How can you transform your organisation with AI? Join the conversation with Jason Foster and Charlie Stack, Global Data, Analytics & AI Practice Leader at Spencer Stuart, as they discuss the culture, processes and mindset shifts that leaders need to adopt to leverage AI in their businesses. Discover practical tips on generating and testing business hypotheses, empowering cross-functional teams, and breaking habitual behaviours that create obstacles to innovation and experimentation. Tune in ...
Jul 25, 2024•44 min•Ep. 211
Dive 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 inte...
Jul 11, 2024•40 min•Ep. 210
How can data drive change and innovation in a traditional and global sport? Join host Jason Foster for a fascinating conversation with Thomas Musson, the head of data at The R&A, the governing body for golf. They discuss Thomas's career journey from sales to data, the challenges and opportunities he faced along the way, and the skills and qualities of a strategic data leader. They also explore the role of data in the governance and growth of golf, the projects and initiatives that The R&...
Jun 20, 2024•38 min•Ep. 209
Join Jason Foster in this thought-provoking discussion with Tamara Kneese, the lead of the Algorithmic Methods Lab at Data & Society Research Institute, to delve into the intricate world of algorithmic systems and their far-reaching impacts. In this episode, they tackle the pressing questions surrounding the assessment of algorithms—environmental impact, societal fairness, and the need for responsible AI. Join the conversation as they discuss the challenges and opportunities these systems pr...
Jun 06, 2024•35 min•Ep. 208
Join Jason Foster for an insightful discussion with Richard H Harris MBE, a technology M&A expert and Senior Vice President M&A at Corum Group. In this podcast, Richard shares his experiences and insights on the impact of AI on mergers and acquisitions (M&A). With a background in theoretical physics, experience with data, and a passion for advancing technology, Richard brings a unique perspective to the table. Tune in now and discover how Richard navigated the challenges of integrati...
May 23, 2024•44 min•Ep. 207
Curious about how Expedia leverages data to fuel its vast network of partnerships in the travel industry? Join us as we dive into the world of global travel partnerships with Raegan Armstrong, Senior Director of Global Airline Partnerships at Expedia Group. In this discussion, Raegan sheds light on the critical role of data in driving strategic decisions and operational agility. Tune in now and discover how Expedia utilises data-driven insights to identify growth opportunities, tackle global cha...
May 09, 2024•35 min•Ep. 206
