In this episode, I’m joined by Alex, Head of Analytics at SiteMinder, the leading global hotel distribution and revenue platform.
Alex shares his journey from a commercial and strategy background into data and analytics, learning on the job, and building cross-functional analytics teams at high-growth Aussie tech companies like Safety Culture and SiteMinder.
We dive into what it really takes to lead analytics in tech — from embedding analysts within business teams to creating a culture of experimentation, learning, and impact, and leveraging tools like DBT to transform the way teams work.
You’ll hear:
✅ How being a generalist can supercharge leadership and team building
✅ Why embedding analysts in the business drives the most value
✅ The importance of context, critical thinking, and communication in analytics
✅ How AI is changing the analyst role — and what humans still do best
✅ Advice for analysts, leaders, and anyone building data capability
This episode is full of practical, real-world insights from someone shaping analytics teams at scale in Australia’s tech scene.
🔗 Subscribe for more Data + AI leadership insights
💬 Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments — I’d love to hear them.—
🔗 Connect with Alex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexdambra/
🔗 Connect with Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amasseyadam/
🌐 Check out SiteMinder: https://www.siteminder.com/
#DataAnalytics #Leadership #DBT #AI #DataDojo #Podcast #DataTeams #TechLeadership #SaaS #AnalyticsEngineering
In this episode, I’m joined by Victor Bajanov, AI Transformation Lead at Quantium who are one of Australia’s most respected data science and AI consultancies.
Victor has been with Quantium since the early days (employee #19!) and now leads their enterprise-wide shift into AI.
From building internal tools and training programs to delivering external AI strategy for clients, he’s at the face of real, at-scale transformation.
We explore what it really means to go “all in” on AI — from rolling out tools across a 1300-person business (yes, even the receptionist) to creating agentic swarms, digital twins of the leadership team, and embedding AI into everyday workflows.
You’ll hear:
✅ Why Claude beat ChatGPT in a head-to-head internal trial
✅ How they’re building swarms of AI agents to simulate executive decision-making
✅ What it takes to scale trust and quality in AI systems
✅ Why 95% accuracy isn’t enough for production use
✅ Advice for engineers, leaders, and anyone wanting to get ahead with AI
This episode is packed with real-world insight, not theory — from someone actually doing the work at scale.
🔗 Subscribe for more Data + AI leadership insights
💬 Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments — I’d love to hear them.—
🔗 Connect with Victor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victorbajanov/
🔗 Connect with Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amasseyadam/
🌐 Check out Quantium: https://quantium.com/
#AI #ClaudeAI #ChatGPT #EnterpriseAI #LLMs #DigitalTransformation #Leadership #AgenticSwarms #DataDojo #Podcast #GenerativeAI #MachineLearning
Everyone says they want to “build a data function.”
Very few have actually done it.
Even fewer have done it well — and at scale.
This week Adam is joined by, Jonathan Mak, Director of Business Data at Nearmap.
For those who don’t know, Nearmap is a leading Australian geospatial tech company — think high-resolution aerial imagery, location intelligence, and cutting-edge AI powering decisions for governments, insurers, and engineers across ANZ and the US.
Jonathan joined as their first ever data hire.
No team. No platform. Just a Redshift instance and a blank canvas.
Fast-forward to today — he leads a lean, high-impact data team embedded across the business, delivering measurable outcomes every day.
Here’s what we get into:
💥 How he built Nearmap’s data stack from scratch (early adopter of DBT + Looker)
💥 Why data as a product is more than a mindset — it’s a strategy
💥 The importance of choosing your first stakeholder carefully
💥 How to scale data with a team of 6 (without cutting corners)
💥 The role of analytics engineering in breaking down silos
💥 LLMs and AI: less dashboards, more action
💥 The real reason most data projects fail (hint: it’s not the tech)
🔗 Connect with Jonathan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mak-51709992/
🔗 Connect with Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amasseyadam/
🌐 Check out Nearmap: https://www.nearmap.com
In this episode, Adam sits down with Chris Simusokwe, the visionary GM of the Data Center of Excellence at TPG Telecom, to dive into his incredible journey—from starting out in tech in Zambia to spearheading groundbreaking data transformation efforts in Australia.
Chris takes us behind the scenes of TPG's dynamic data journey, revealing how they’re reshaping the telecommunications landscape by simplifying service plans, revolutionizing customer experiences, and modernizing their tech ecosystem.
He also opens up about the challenges of aligning data governance with business objectives and the critical role of hybrid data architecture in driving innovation.
Plus, the conversation explores the exciting future of AI in telecom and why responsible AI practices are a non-negotiable part of TPG’s strategy.
Key Takeaways:
🌍 Chris's journey began in Zambia, transitioning from tech roles to data analytics.
🔄 TPG's data transformation focuses on simplifying service plans and improving customer experience.
📊 The importance of a business-led approach to data initiatives is emphasised.
🏗️ Chris advocates for a hybrid data architecture to balance centralised and federated approaches.
🔒 Data governance is crucial for ensuring trust in data quality and usage.
💡 The success of AI initiatives relies on understanding the business problem first.
🛠️ TPG aims to modernise its tech stack while streamlining inherited systems from acquisitions.
🌱 Responsible AI practices are essential for ethical implementation in telecommunications.
👨🏫 Chris believes in learning from industry leaders rather than being the first to innovate.
🌐 The conversation concludes with Chris sharing his website for further connection.
How to Connect?
You can find out everything Chris is working on right now at his website:www.chrissimusokwe.com
LinkedIn:
Overview: In Episode 5 of the Data Dojo Podcast, host Adam Massey sits down with Stephen Du, Partner Technical Specialist for Data and AI at IBM.
The discussion dives into Stephen's career trajectory, his role at IBM, and how enterprises can harness data and AI effectively.
Key Highlights:
Career Evolution:
Stephen's journey started in bioinformatics, merging biology and computing. His path evolved from software development to management consulting and later to pre-sales roles in supply chain technologies before joining IBM. He emphasizes the importance of combining technical expertise with commercial acumen in client-facing roles.
IBM's Legacy and Differentiation:
IBM's 100+ year legacy in technology innovation spans mainframes, AI, and quantum computing. While not always top-of-mind in today's tech scene, IBM’s enterprise-focused innovations underpin critical infrastructure like banking transactions and AI governance.
Enterprise AI Adoption Challenges:
Only 9% of generative AI projects are in production. Stephen highlights hurdles such as cost optimization, scalable governance frameworks, and ensuring trust and transparency. He emphasizes the importance of managing "hallucinations" (erroneous AI outputs) and meeting global regulatory standards like Australia’s AI guardrails.
Ethical AI Practices:
IBM prioritizes responsible AI use through initiatives like the AI Ethics Board and promotes collaboration between risk management and technical teams to ensure ethical deployments. Transparency in training data and using clear, trustworthy models are foundational.
Empowering Productivity:
Stephen illustrates how AI enhances workflows, from generating emails in minutes to automating repetitive tasks. He envisions AI shifting from a rigid chatbot approach to autonomous "agentic workflows," optimizing planning, reasoning, and execution for businesses.
Actionable Insights for Enterprises:
Fine-tuning AI models with corporate data remains key, yet it requires significant effort. IBM's InstructLab democratizes this process, allowing non-technical business users to shape AI outputs, unlocking value without massive resource investments.
Takeaways:
AI isn’t replacing jobs—it’s transforming how we work. By adopting a mindset of continual learning, creativity, and collaboration, organizations and individuals can leverage AI to enhance productivity and innovation.
Stephen’s message: think big, start small, and embrace the potential of AI responsibly.
Connect here:
Stephen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-du-ibm/
Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amasseyadam/
Featured IBM Links:
In Episode 4 of The Data Dojo Podcast, host Adam Massey is joined by Daniela Elia, a leader in AI and ethics with over 15 years of experience across Australia and the UK. Currently leading the AI practice at Barrenjoey, Daniela shares her insights on the transformative power of generative AI, the challenges of implementing scalable AI systems, and the critical role of ethics and trust in AI adoption. Key Highlights: ♦︎ Daniela’s journey from financial services to AI leadership. ♦︎ The potential of generative AI across industries, from customer service to environmental conservation. ♦︎ Challenges in AI implementation and the need for education and change management. ♦︎ How AI is reshaping programming roles and the skills needed for the future. ♦︎ The importance of balancing innovation with strong governance and regulation. ♦︎ Promoting responsible AI literacy and continuous learning for the evolving workforce. 👉 Follow Daniela on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielaelia/ 👉 Follow Adam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amasseyadam/
This week, Adam sit's down with James Hartwright, a seasoned data professional with over 30 years of experience. James is the Co-Founder of Pragmaticians, a company dedicated to helping organisations refine their data and analytics strategies.
But that's not all! He’s currently juggling FOUR roles as a fractional C-suite leader, working with various companies to drive their data strategy, analytics, and technology.
In this episode, we cover:
🔹 James's career journey from data analyst to senior leadership where he has created data and analytics solutions for the likes of IBM, NewCorp, AGL, Energy Queensland, Coates Hire, Macquarie Bank, and Pepper Money.
🔹 His current roles as a fractional C-suite leader for four different companies, where he specialises in data strategy, analytics, and technology.
🔹 The challenge of data overload—how organisations struggle to make sense of the vast amounts of data they collect.
🔹 His work with Traffyk AI, using AI to improve internal communications by analysing employee engagement, productivity, and collaboration.
🔹 James also dives into Cybersecurity challenges, highlighting the importance of ISO certification for securing data and protecting organisations from ever-evolving cyber threats.
If you're interested in data strategy, leadership, or how AI can transform internal communications, this episode is packed with valuable insights!
Connect with James:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/misterdata/
Connect with Adam:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amasseyadam/
Visit Trffyk.ai:
In this episode of Data Dojo, Adam sits down with Yanir Seroussi, founder of a consultancy firm and a leader in the data and AI space, particularly within the climate and nature tech sector.
Yanir shares his journey and the unique challenges startups face when implementing data, AI, and ML projects. From bridging the gap between data science and engineering to ensuring data quality and managing expectations, Yanir offers valuable insights for data professionals.
He emphasizes the importance of communication skills, business acumen, and the ability to adapt to new tools and technologies. Looking ahead, Yanir predicts rapid advancements in AI and ML, with transformative changes on the horizon.
Don't miss this insightful conversation on the evolving landscape of data and AI!
Follow Yanir Here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanirseroussi/
Follow Adam Here:
Maria Patrakova, a data professional with over 20 years of experience, discusses her journey in the data and engineering field, her work with startups, and the challenges and opportunities in the industry.
She talks through her experience adopting fractional leadership and splitting her time between different start ups to lead data engineering functions.
She emphasises the importance of data quality and the role of AI in improving it. Maria also shares her experiences as a woman in the technology space and the need for diverse role models.
She provides insights into building effective data teams and the key strategies for leadership.
Takeaways:
You can connect with Maria on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/maria-patrakova-81a36122
Follow Adam on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amasseyadam
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:25 Working with Multiple Startups
06:44 Challenges in Enterprise and Startup Environments
10:31 The Importance of Diversity in Tech
14:05 Balancing Work and Personal Life
19:05 The Future of Data Analytics and AI
22:04 The Role of AI in Improving Data Quality
25:21 Inviting Startup Owners to Connect
Join your host Adam Massey on a journey into the fascinating world of data science, AI, and machine learning.
In each episode, we bring you conversations with industry leaders, innovators, and experts who are shaping the future of data.
Don't miss our first episode, launching August.
Subscribe now!
