Some people can see things that nobody else can. They seem to be able to peer around corners and into the future. These seemingly super powers come from being able to synthesize the data all around us. They approach problems with a curious and rational mind. They think differently and encourage others to embrace data culture.
We call them “data radicals” because they transform themselves and the world around them
In this podcast, we talk to these Data Radicals to understand what makes their approach so unique and how it can be replicated.
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Some people can see things that nobody else can. They seem to be able to peer around corners and into the future. These seemingly super powers come from being able to synthesize the data all around us. They approach problems with a curious and rational mind. They think differently and encourage others to embrace data culture.
We call them “data radicals” because they transform themselves and the world around them
In this podcast, we talk to these Data Radicals to understand what makes their approach so unique and how it can be replicated.
Delegate to Innovate: How Letting Go Makes You a Better Leader with Todd James, Founder & CEO of Aurora Insights
Data Radicals
49 minutes 34 seconds
6 months ago
Delegate to Innovate: How Letting Go Makes You a Better Leader with Todd James, Founder & CEO of Aurora Insights
What does it take to turn AI hype into operational value at enterprise scale?
In this episode of Data Radicals, host Satyen Sangani sits down with Todd James, former Chief Data and Technology Officer at 84.51° and Kroger executive, to unpack the realities of leading AI transformation inside one of America’s largest grocery retailers.
Drawing on a career that spans the Coast Guard, consulting, and Fortune 100 leadership, Todd shares how scaling AI isn’t just about building advanced algorithms—it’s about solving real problems, embedding with the business, and building reusable infrastructure that lasts.
“If the people at the consumption end of your sciences aren’t bought in, they don’t get implemented.”
Listen to this episode to learn:
How effective leaders “delegate to innovate” and create space for team growth
How AI reduced Kroger’s pick-order travel time by 10% and truck route distance by 8.6%
Why the CDO role is likely transitional—and what’s next for data leadership
What it takes to embed data science into the operational core of a business
This conversation is a must-listen for anyone building AI programs, leading data teams, or navigating digital transformation.
Listen now: https://www.alation.com/podcast/episodes/delegate-innovate-todd-james
*Satyen’s narration was created using AI
Data Radicals
Some people can see things that nobody else can. They seem to be able to peer around corners and into the future. These seemingly super powers come from being able to synthesize the data all around us. They approach problems with a curious and rational mind. They think differently and encourage others to embrace data culture.
We call them “data radicals” because they transform themselves and the world around them
In this podcast, we talk to these Data Radicals to understand what makes their approach so unique and how it can be replicated.
