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Cynozure

The original data podcast. The Hub and Spoken podcast is a series of fascinating discussions with today's top data and business leaders from across the business world. The conversations explore how to add most value to organisations through the use of data and analytics, and how best to organise yourself to achieve that value. It talks about how to define and deliver data strategy, and the best way to return business value.

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#269
Thursday · 35 min
Digitising construction: What it takes to get it right
How do you transform a business when every project is different, supply chains span thousands of organisations and margins leave little room for error? In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO & Founder of Cynozure, is joined by Tom Gould, Director of Digital Transformation at Skanska UK, to explore what it takes to digitise construction. Tom explains how Skanska is working towards consistent processes across projects, connecting its technology and capturing data that can help teams spot risks earlier. They discuss why these foundations matter for AI adoption, how uncontrolled usage costs could erode profits and the challenge of turning individual time savings into measurable business value. The conversation also explores digital twins, including Tom's experience of achieving energy savings of up to 30%, and the potential for robotics to improve safety and address workforce shortages. Throughout, Tom returns to the people behind the change: involving them early, understanding their concerns and giving them space to learn. A practical conversation for leaders navigating transformation in complex organisations.
#268
October 15 · 38 min
Making data matter: storytelling, trust and influence
Being right isn't enough. If people don't understand the insight, trust it or know what to do with it, its value can quickly disappear. In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO & Founder of Cynozure, is joined by Aubrey HB, senior executive data leader, to explore why communication and storytelling are such critical skills for data leaders. Drawing on Aubrey's journey from computational mathematics and data science into senior leadership, they discuss the shift from explaining how something works to making clear why it matters. They explore how data teams can move beyond being order takers by asking what decision an insight will enable and what value it is ultimately there to create. The conversation also looks at adapting your message for different audiences, building trust through the story behind the data and coaching teams to communicate with greater impact. Because whether you're speaking to a CEO, presenting to a board or working with a business stakeholder, how you communicate the insight can be just as important as the work itself.
#267
October 1 · 33 min
Getting the foundations right: Building responsible AI that delivers real value
AI might be moving quickly, but moving quickly without the right foundations can create more problems than it solves. In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO & Founder of Cynozure, is joined by Judy Howarth, Director of Data and AI at the Law Society, to explore how a 200-year-old institution is approaching data and AI while staying true to its purpose. Judy shares why trusted, well-governed data has to come before ambitious AI adoption. She explains how the Law Society is balancing enthusiasm for new technology with responsible implementation and the importance of keeping human oversight at the heart of its use. They also discuss how to give people the skills and confidence to use AI effectively, particularly when appetite across the organisation is high and there are plenty of opportunities to pursue. The conversation explores where value is already emerging, from removing time-consuming manual tasks to creating more tailored AI tools that could improve how the organisation serves its members. Judy also shares her perspective on leadership and why different experiences and backgrounds matter when building strong data and technology teams.
#266
September 17 · 45 min
Neurodiversity in data & AI: rethinking high performance
What does it really take to create an environment where different ways of thinking can thrive? In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO & Founder of Cynozure, is joined by Peter Laflin, senior data leader and former CDO at Morrisons, to explore neurodiversity in data and AI and what it means for building high performing teams. Peter explains why many strengths associated with neurodivergent thinking are particularly valuable in data and AI. From spotting patterns to thinking in systems, different ways of processing information can bring huge value to the work these teams do. The conversation also looks at strength based leadership and the importance of understanding how individuals work best. They explore where traditional recruitment processes can create barriers and the practical changes leaders can make to help people thrive. Ultimately, it is about moving away from a one size fits all approach to leadership and creating teams where different ways of thinking are recognized as a strength.
September 3 · 40 min
How to build an organisation that can keep adapting
Most organisations were built for a world that no longer exists. Traditional structures were designed around hierarchy, control and clearly defined responsibilities. But today's knowledge based organisations operate differently. People are expected to spot problems, connect information across teams and make decisions at speed. And AI is accelerating that shift even further. In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO & Founder of Cynozure, is joined by Andros Payne, Founder and Managing Partner of Humatica and organisational transformation specialist, to explore what makes an organisation genuinely adaptable. They discuss: Why leadership needs to move from solving problems to enabling others to solve them Why trust is fundamental to an organisation's ability to respond to change How data and transparency help people recognise and act on the signals around them. The conversation also turns to AI and the fundamental impact it could have on knowledge work, organisational structures and the role of leaders themselves. A timely conversation about building organisations that can respond, adapt and keep moving as the world around them changes.
#264
August 20 · 40 min
Making AI Work: From Business Value to Human Trust
AI may be advancing at extraordinary speed, but making it work inside an organisation is about far more than the technology. In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO & Founder of Cynozure, is joined by Alex Sidgreaves, Chief Data Officer at Zurich Insurance, to explore how leaders can move from AI experimentation towards meaningful business value - while bringing their people with them. They discuss why organisations need to start with the problem, not the technology, and why the businesses that succeed won't necessarily be those using the most AI, but those putting it in the right places. The conversation also tackles one of the harder questions surrounding AI: trust. From employees being asked to work differently without knowing exactly what the future looks like, to customers wanting human empathy at critical moments, successful adoption depends on understanding where technology helps and where human judgement and connection still matter. Jason and Alex explore the role of leadership, governance, skills and culture in making that happen, and why middle managers could ultimately determine whether AI transformation succeeds or fails.
#263
August 6 · 37 min
What really shapes great leaders in the age of AI
Leadership is often shaped long before someone reaches the boardroom. In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO & Founder of Cynozure, is joined by Kate Boyle, AI, data and technology leader, to explore the experiences that define great leadership. From starting work at 16 and building a career across financial services and the public sector, to leading data and AI transformation, Kate shares the personal and professional lessons that have shaped her approach to leading people. The conversation explores resilience, empathy, workplace culture and why striving for perfection often holds leaders back. Kate also reflects on how organisations can better develop future leaders, the importance of creating environments where people can thrive, and why understanding people is just as important as understanding technology. They also discuss one of the biggest leadership challenges today: balancing the excitement around AI with the responsibility to implement it safely. From governance and data quality to realistic expectations, Kate explains why strong leadership will determine whether organisations realise AI's potential or simply chase the latest trend.
#262
July 23 · 43 min
As AI gets smarter, what makes humans more valuable?
As AI becomes more capable, the question for leaders is no longer what technology can do, but what people should do. In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO & Founder of Cynozure, is joined by Ollie Pickup, Human Work Evolution Storyteller, to explore how organisations can embrace AI without losing the qualities that make people indispensable. Together, they discuss why removing every ounce of friction from work may come at a cost, whether businesses are unintentionally cutting off the next generation of talent, and why trust, judgement and human connection will become increasingly valuable in an AI-driven world. The conversation explores the changing role of education, the impact of AI on graduate opportunities, and the responsibility organisations have to develop future leaders rather than simply automate entry-level work. Ollie also shares his framework of the "Seven Cs" - the human capabilities he believes will matter most as machines become more intelligent - from curiosity and creativity to communication, compassion and critical thinking. This is a thoughtful discussion about balancing technological progress with human potential, and how leaders can ensure AI strengthens organisations without diminishing the people who power them.
#261
July 9 · 17 min
The truth about building a data-driven culture
Creating a data-driven culture has become one of the most common ambitions in business. It's written into strategies, discussed in boardrooms and increasingly sits alongside AI transformation plans. But what if organisations have been approaching it the wrong way? In this episode, Jason Foster, CEO & Founder of Cynozure, challenges the idea that culture is something you can create through awareness campaigns, training or communications alone. Instead, he argues that culture is the outcome of how an organisation is designed - from its incentives and decision-making processes to the systems, behaviours and leadership it rewards every day. Drawing on leadership theory and practical experience, Jason explores why organisations should stop trying to change the "shadow" and instead focus on changing what's casting it. He explains why making data easier to access, embedding evidence into decisions, rewarding the right behaviours and solving real business problems will naturally create a stronger data culture. As organisations race to become AI-first, the episode also offers a timely warning: don't repeat the same mistakes. Design the environment first, and the culture will follow.
#260
June 25 · 44 min
Building agentic AI that scales: Architecture, governance and trust in the age of autonomous systems
Agentic AI is moving beyond experimentation. Organisations are beginning to explore how autonomous agents can automate decisions, orchestrate complex processes and unlock new levels of productivity. But how do you build these systems in a way that is scalable, secure and trustworthy? In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO & Founder of Cynozure, is joined by Matt Clarke, Director of Architecture at Cynozure, to explore what it really takes to design and govern agentic AI architectures in enterprise environments. They discuss how agentic systems differ from traditional software, the growing importance of governance-by-design, and why trust, observability and control are becoming critical architectural principles. Matt shares practical examples of how agents are already being used to automate decision-making, personalise experiences and streamline operations, while highlighting the challenges organisations face as they move from proof of concept to production. The conversation also explores how governance can accelerate rather than hinder innovation, why every organisation needs an effective "off switch" for AI systems, and why flexibility may be the most important design principle as agentic AI continues to evolve.
#259
June 11 · 35 min
Can AI improve social mobility or deepen inequality?
Artificial Intelligence is often positioned as the great democratiser of knowledge. But could it also widen existing inequalities? In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster is joined by Dipi McKernan, Chief Controls Officer at Lloyds Banking Group, to explore the intersection of AI and social mobility. Drawing on her own journey and extensive work championing socioeconomic diversity, Dipi shares why social mobility remains a significant challenge across financial and professional services, despite growing awareness and progress. Together, Jason and Dipi discuss how AI could create new opportunities by opening access to knowledge, learning, mentoring and career development that were previously out of reach for many. But they also examine the risks. As AI reshapes the workforce, what happens to entry-level roles that traditionally provide experience and pathways into leadership? Could bias, unequal access to technology, and a lack of diversity among those building AI systems reinforce existing barriers? This is a thoughtful conversation about the future of work, opportunity, and the responsibility leaders, educators and organisations have to ensure AI helps create a fairer future rather than a more divided one.
#258
May 28 · 37 min
The human side of AI: building customer-centricity at scale
In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO & Founder of Cynozure, speaks with Tom Spencer, Director of Customer Data Sciences at Aviva, about what it takes to build a genuinely customer-centric organisation using data and AI. Tom shares how Aviva is using customer analytics, machine learning and emerging AI technologies to improve customer relevance, strengthen retention and create more joined-up experiences across millions of customers and multiple product lines. The conversation explores how large organisations can connect data strategy directly to business outcomes through experimentation, targeting intelligence and faster feedback loops. The episode also looks at the operational realities behind the ambition: legacy systems, fragmented journeys, data foundations and the importance of strong partnerships between data teams and the wider business. Tom reflects on how generative AI is changing customer expectations and why organisations that succeed will be those with the strongest understanding of their customers. 🎧 Tune in to hear the full conversation. Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that helps organisations to reach their data potential. It works with clients on data and AI strategy, data management, data architecture and engineering, analytics and AI, data culture and literacy, and data leadership. The company was named one of The Sunday Times' fastest-growing private companies in both 2022 and 2023 and recognised as The Best Place to Work in Data by DataIQ in 2023 and 2024. Cynozure is a certified B Corporation.
#257
May 14 · 38 min
AI, algorithms and the future of the internet business model
In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO & Founder of Cynozure, speaks with Alessandra Di Lorenzo, advisor to CMOs, author of Adjust and TEDx speaker, about how AI is reshaping the internet business model. They explore the rise of zero-click search, recommendation engines and feed-based commerce, and discuss why brand trust, direct traffic and consumer awareness are becoming more important as AI increasingly acts as a gatekeeper between brands and audiences. For senior business and technology leaders, this episode offers a timely perspective on what happens when the economics of the internet start to change. Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that helps organisations to reach their data potential. It works with clients on data and AI strategy, data management, data architecture and engineering, analytics and AI, data culture and literacy, and data leadership. The company was named one of The Sunday Times' fastest-growing private companies in both 2022 and 2023 and recognised as The Best Place to Work in Data by DataIQ in 2023 and 2024. Cynozure is a certified B Corporation.
#256
April 30 · 53 min
A data and AI time capsule: what's changed, what hasn't and what comes next
In this special 10th anniversary episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO & Founder of Cynozure, creates a time capsule for the data and AI industry: looking back at the last decade, reflecting on where we are today and exploring what the next ten years could bring. *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-69f1c83d-7674-832c-9e33-72c071e1792e-1" data-testid= "conversation-turn-38" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> Drawing on voices from people who have seen the shifts, lived the challenges and done the work, Jason explores what the industry got right, where expectations have run ahead of reality and what still matters when it comes to creating value from data and AI. The episode explores AI's rise in the boardroom, the speed of experimentation, the challenge of moving from proof of concept to production and the growing importance of humans in the loop. But it also comes back to the fundamentals that continue to shape success: business outcomes, data quality, governance, adoption, trust, culture and leadership. It is a chance to pause, take stock and ask what we know to be true now, and where we think things are headed. And, for anyone listening in 2036, to see what we got right and what we got wrong.
#255
April 16 · 46 min
Building data and AI capability inside the UK's data regulator
What does it take to build a modern data and AI capability inside the organisation responsible for protecting information rights across the UK? In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO and Founder of Cynozure, speaks with Rob Holtom, Executive Director for Digital, Data, Technology and Customer Experience at the ICO, the UK's independent regulator for information rights. Together, they explore what it means to lead data and AI adoption from inside a regulator: balancing innovation with public trust, building capability without losing sight of value, and creating space for experimentation while staying grounded in responsibility. Rob shares how the ICO has approached capability building by starting with people, developing strategic as well as operational skills, and using data and AI to improve scale, efficiency and decision-making. The conversation also looks at why generative AI matters for regulators, where it can unlock value, and why data teams need to stay closely involved rather than treating it as someone else's problem. This is a practical conversation about leadership, policy, experimentation and the reality of using data well in complex organisations.
#254
April 2 · 49 min
Data, cyber and the business of defence: lessons in leadership and capability
In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO and Founder of Cynozure, speaks with Lieutenant General Sir Tom Copinger-Symes KCB CBE, Former Deputy Commander Cyber & Specialist Operations Command at the Ministry of Defence. Lieutenant General Sir Tom shares his journey from a traditional infantry career through deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan to leading one of the UK's most important cyber and data capabilities. Drawing on decades of operational experience, he explains how the realities of modern conflict have reshaped the role of data, technology and cyber across defence. The conversation explores how defence is adapting to a world where information moves faster than ever, where data can shape decisions both on and off the battlefield, and where cyber capability is now central to national resilience. Lieutenant General Sir Tom also discusses the leadership challenge of building capability in this environment: attracting and retaining scarce technical talent, evolving culture and incentives, and recognising that the success of technology and data ultimately depends on people. A fascinating look at the intersection of defence, cyber and data and the leadership lessons that apply far beyond the military.
#253
March 19 · 41 min
Why now is a great time to be a woman in data and AI
In this International Women's Day special of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, Founder and CEO of Cynozure, is joined by Kavita Sandhu, Client Services Manager, and Jane Usoskina, Senior Solution Architect, for an honest conversation about careers, confidence and change in the data industry. Together, they explore how data has shifted from a back-office reporting function to a strategic business capability and why that change is creating new opportunities for more diverse talent to thrive. They discuss the outdated idea of what it means to be 'technical', the growing importance of roles spanning strategy, governance, culture and architecture, and why better representation leads to better decisions. The episode also tackles the realities women still face at work, from pay gaps and being the only woman in the room to the importance of mentorship, psychological safety and leadership that creates space for every voice to be heard. As AI reshapes how organisations operate, this conversation is a timely reminder that the teams building the future must reflect the people they serve.
#252
March 5 · 37 min
How to prioritise data when everything is important
As organisations grow, data teams face a familiar challenge - staying focused on what matters while supporting an increasingly complex operation. In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO & Founder of Cynozure, is joined by Rob Kent, Head of Data and AI at Greggs, to explore what pragmatic data leadership looks like in practice. Rob shares how he prioritises work, aligns data initiatives to business strategy and builds trust with stakeholders across the organisation. The discussion spans how data supports both running and growing a business, from forecasting and workforce planning to customer engagement and operational decision-making. Rob also offers a candid perspective on measuring impact, explaining why not every initiative can be tied to direct ROI and why some data capability is simply the cost of doing business well. This episode focuses on clarity over complexity, execution over theory and using data to help people make better decisions every day. Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that helps organisations to reach their data potential. It works with clients on data and AI strategy, data management, data architecture and engineering, analytics and AI, data culture and literacy, and data leadership. The company was named one of The Sunday Times' fastest-growing private companies in both 2022 and 2023 and recognised as The Best Place to Work in Data by DataIQ in 2023 and 2024. Cynozure is a certified B Corporation.
#251
February 19 · 47 min
The Next Horizon: What Cynozure's 2026 Data & AI Report Reveals
In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO & Founder of Cynozure, is joined by returning guest Pete Williams, former Director of Data at Penguin Random House, to discuss the findings of Cynozure's 2026 report, The Next Horizon: Data, AI and Impact. Drawing on insights from senior data and analytics leaders, they explore a persistent challenge: while expectations of data teams have shifted towards impact, investment often remains focused on platforms and foundations. Jason and Pete reflect on why demonstrating value is still difficult, what the report reveals about priorities, decision-making and data leadership, and the gap between having data and using it effectively. Read the full report to explore what Cynozure's 2026 Data & AI research reveals about turning capability into value. Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that helps organisations to reach their data potential. It works with clients on data and AI strategy, data management, data architecture and engineering, analytics and AI, data culture and literacy, and data leadership. The company was named one of The Sunday Times' fastest-growing private companies in both 2022 and 2023 and recognised as The Best Place to Work in Data by DataIQ in 2023 and 2024. Cynozure is a certified B Corporation.
#250
February 5 · 40 min
Why entrepreneurial thinking is essential for data leaders
In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO & Founder of Cynozure, is joined by Roisin McCarthy, Founder of Women in Data®, to discuss why entrepreneurial thinking is fast becoming a core skill for data leaders. Drawing on experience in data, technology and talent, Roisin reflects on how expectations of data teams have changed and why technical excellence alone no longer guarantees impact. The conversation explores the growing need for commercial awareness, accountability and influence, particularly as data leaders are asked to justify investment and deliver measurable outcomes. Jason and Roisin discuss what entrepreneurial skills look like inside large organisations, from treating data initiatives as products to navigating trade-offs, making difficult decisions and staying aligned to purpose when conditions change. A practical, experience-led conversation for senior data professionals who want their work to drive real business value, not just activity. Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that helps organisations to reach their data potential. It works with clients on data and AI strategy, data management, data architecture and engineering, analytics and AI, data culture and literacy, and data leadership. The company was named one of The Sunday Times' fastest-growing private companies in both 2022 and 2023 and recognised as The Best Place to Work in Data by DataIQ in 2023 and 2024. Cynozure is a certified B Corporation.

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