Shows
A Class Act - Navigating the AI Landscape in 2026LLMs in 2026: What’s Happening and What It Means for Business With Richard Bownes, Head of AI Solutions at Vector8What’s actually happening with LLMs in 2026 and what does it mean for business leaders?In this episode of A Class Act, Michael is joined by Richard Bownes, Head of AI Solutions at Vector8, for a discussion on how large language models are evolving and why the biggest shift isn’t capability, but consistency, reliability, and system design.Rather than chasing the next capability jump, Richard explains why we’re seeing a slowdown in headline performance gains alongside an improvement in consistency and reliability.In this conversation, Richard shares:What...
2026-01-2841 min
BossNDataLeading Data Teams Through Change with Rich Hunt, Director of Data & Insight at OpenreachIn this episode of the Boss N’ Data Podcast, Joshua Smith is joined by Rich Hunt, Director of Data & Insight at Openreach, to unpack what it really takes to lead data teams through constant change. Openreach’s team has won DataIQ Best Data & AI Team of 2025 and in this episode, Rich shares how Openreach approaches transformation, from moving to a hub-and-spoke analytics model, to navigating a major migration and keeping teams focused on outcomes.They dig into the realities data leaders face: long timelines, rising costs, stakeholder skepticism, and the risk of data teams...
2026-01-2033 min
A Class Act - Navigating the AI Landscape in 2026What Enterprise AI Really Looks Like in Practice Inside One of The UK’s Most Regulated Digital Banks With Russell Collingham, Head of AI at AtomWhat if you could sit down with the Head of AI inside one of the UK’s most regulated digital banks and hear the truth about what actually works and what leaders need to get right?That’s exactly what we explore in this episode of A Class Act.Shannon is joined by Dr. Russell Collingham, Head of AI & Data Science at Atom Bank, and one of the most experienced AI leaders in UK financial services.Russell has worked in AI since the 1990s. He began his caree...
2026-01-0729 min
A Class Act - Navigating the AI Landscape in 2026Hiring and Building Exceptional Applied AI Teams that Work with Andre Balleyguier of Snorkel AI [MUST LISTEN]In this episode of A Class Act, Michael Young, CEO of MBN Solutions speaks with Andre Balleyguier, AI Solutions Leader at Snorkel AI, formerly at DataRobot, and recognised by DataIQ as one of the UK’s most influential figures in data and AI.Andre has spent around fifteen years working with data and more than a decade in applied AI. Today, he leads global AI solutions engineering at Snorkel AI, helping major organisations deliver end-to-end applied AI systems using technologies such as agents and retrieval-augmented generation. Across the e...
2025-12-1052 min
BossNDataChris Mitchell on Turning Data into Decisions: Sky’s Marketing Ops ModelIn 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...
2025-11-2846 min
A Class Act - Navigating the AI Landscape in 2026Why Most Enterprise AI Strategies Fail And What to Do Instead with Eddie Short - Global Chief Digital, Data & AI OfficerMost enterprise AI strategies fail not because the technology isn’t ready, but because organisations are still operating with 20th-century models. In this episode, Global Chief Digital, Data & AI Officer Eddie Short breaks down what’s really going wrong, and what leaders must do instead to build AI into the DNA of their organisations.With over 30 years of experience as a Fortune 1000 CTO/CDO, Big Four partner, and transformation leader across telecoms, retail, FMCG, healthcare and private equity, Eddie has helped global organisations embed AI at scale, redesign operating models, and drive step-change performance.This is a...
2025-11-2652 min
A Class Act - Navigating the AI Landscape in 2026Hiring for AI in 2026? What the Next Generation of Talent Actually Values with Google DeepMind Scholar Emma RattrayEvery organisation is racing to adopt AI but capability isn’t just about technology. It’s about people.In this episode, host Shannon speaks with Emma Rattray, an AI Engineer whose journey from chemical engineering to software development and AI research offers an honest look at what the next generation of AI talent truly values and how forward-thinking leaders can attract and retain it.After earning a fully funded scholarship for her master’s in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Edinburgh, Emma has become one of the most insight...
2025-11-1223 min
A Class Act - Navigating the AI Landscape in 2026Turning AI from Buzzword into Real Business Results with Tom McLaughlin of TomoroWhat if you could sit down with an engineer who’s building AI partnerships alongside the top companies shaping the future like OpenAI, NVIDIA, and Microsoft?That’s exactly what we’re doing today.In this Season 2 opener, host Michael Young sits down with Tom McLaughlin, Forward Deployed Engineer at Tomoro. Their partnerships with the pioneers behind the world’s most powerful models mean clients get early access and deep integrations that keep them months ahead of the curve.Tom’s journey has taken him from Computer Science at Strathclyde, through J.P. Morgan, to...
2025-10-2950 min
BossNDataFrom Google & Amazon to Sage: Harry Davies on What Really Makes Sales and Marketing WorkIn 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 un...
2025-09-2356 min
A Class Act - Navigating the AI Landscape in 2026How to Build Trust & Lead Teams in FinTech’s AI Era with Kent MackenzieIn this episode, host Michael is joined by Kent Mackenzie, Group Chief Operating Officer at Corlytics and former Deloitte Partner.Kent’s career has taken him from pulling apart ATMs as a curious young technologist, to leading Deloitte’s global FinTech and RegTech practice, and now to scaling one of the leading names in regulatory technology.You’ll hear:Why “you don’t need to have all the answers” is one of the most powerful leadership lessonsKent’s framework for building high-performing teams: trust, competence, and psychological safetyThe biggest mistakes leaders make when scaling F...
2025-09-0925 min
BossNDataTackling Bias to Build Robust AI with Raluca CrisanBias 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 A...
2025-08-2931 min
A Class Act - Navigating the AI Landscape in 2026AI and Leadership Lessons from Being 10 Years Ahead with BloxWeaver Founder David MeikleWhat can AI teach us about leadership when you’re a decade ahead of the curve?In this episode of A Class Act: Conversations in Data and Leadership, host Shannon speaks with David Meikle, founder of BloxWeaver and former CTO at Lingo24. David reflects on the leadership lessons he learned introducing AI and automation into the translation industry nearly ten years before most businesses began facing the same challenges.From the fear of job loss to the need for psychological safety, David shares how leaders can guide teams through uncertainty, transformation, and growth....
2025-08-2635 min
A Class Act - Navigating the AI Landscape in 2026Transforming Cyber Resilience in Scotland: Jude McCorry’s Journey as CEO at the Cyber and Fraud CentreWhat would you do if your first day as CEO started with no funding and ended with national lockdown?That was the reality for Jude McCorry, now CEO of Scotland’s Cyber and Fraud Centre.In this episode of A Class Act, Jude joins Shannon for a conversation about her journey from Ireland to Scotland.She left a successful career in Ireland, landed in Scotland with no job, and rebuilt not just her career but a network, a reputation, and an organisation that now leads national cyber resilience efforts.As...
2025-08-1234 min
A Class Act - Navigating the AI Landscape in 2026From Green Screens to AI Strategy: Gillian Docherty’s Data Leadership JourneyShe almost didn’t apply.Gillian Docherty is one of the most influential figures in Scotland’s data and AI landscape - but she almost didn’t take the job that changed everything.Recently named CEO of the Year at the DigiTech Awards, Gillian served as CEO of The Data Lab, Scotland’s national Innovation Centre for data and AI. She’s also a TEDx speaker and a vocal advocate for purpose-led leadership and inclusive tech.In this conversation with Michael on A Class Act, Gillian shares her journey, what it really takes to build h...
2025-07-2934 min
A Class Act - Navigating the AI Landscape in 2026Leadership Lessons in High-Pressure Environments: From the Military to the Boardroom with David Goodacre OBEWhat does it take to lead when the pressure is on? How do you inspire teams to stay aligned in the face of complexity, change, and uncertainty?In this episode of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership, host Shannon McKechnie is joined by David Goodacre OBE, a Senior Executive, Board Member, and experienced leader with significant experience in strategy, transformation, and operational delivery across the military and corporate sectors.David shares his real-world leadership lessons from high-pressure environments, from commanding teams in combat to leading complex transformation initiatives in global organisations.
2025-07-1529 min
A Class Act - Navigating the AI Landscape in 2026Stephen Ingledew on Building One of the UK’s Most Respected Fintech Ecosystems (And What It Really Takes to Lead With Purpose)What does it really take to lead change not just in your company, but across an entire industry?In this episode of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership, Michael Young speaks with Stephen Ingledew, Chair of FinTech Scotland and a driving force behind one of the UK’s most respected fintech ecosystems.Stephen shares his 40+ year journey through financial services from traditional corporate roles to building a 250+ firm innovation cluster. Along the way, he unpacks what leadership means in complex environments, why purpose must be your anchor, and how lasting imp...
2025-07-0131 min
A Class Act - Navigating the AI Landscape in 2026Elizabeth Hollinger on Leading with Trust and Building Award-Winning Teams at the Cutting Edge of DataWhat does it take to lead with trust, earn credibility, and build exceptional teams in today’s data-driven world?In this episode, Michael Young sits down with Elizabeth Hollinger, a data and technology leader whose career spans actuarial roots, enterprise transformation, and building award-winning teams. From feeling out of her depth in her first technology project at Deloitte, to leading cutting-edge data strategy at Aggreko, Elizabeth opens up about the real lessons that shaped her leadership journey.This is a conversation about what it actually takes to earn trust, build capability, and lead peo...
2025-06-1731 min
A Class Act - Navigating the AI Landscape in 2026From Apprentice to VP: Adriana Ignat on Leadership, Growth, and a Decade at GoogleWhat does it take to build high-performing teams in today’s product and tech landscape - and how do you keep your own leadership evolving in the process?In this episode of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership, Shannon McKechnie, Managing Director at MBN Solutions, is joined by Adriana Ignat - a Pproduct Management and Design leader and an AI specialist, whose career includes more than a decade at Google and roles leading product innovation in high-growth, data rich M&A-driven environments. From her early days as an apprentice in Poland to shaping Google’s pre...
2025-06-0349 min
A Class Act - Navigating the AI Landscape in 202635 Years in Data: Lessons on Leadership & Lasting Impact with Graeme McDermottWhat does it take to thrive across 35 years in data leadership? And how do you build high-performing teams – not just for now, but for the future?In this inaugural episode of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership, Michael Young sits down with a true veteran of the data world: Graeme McDermott, Chief Data Officer at Tempcover. From his early actuarial days to leading enterprise data transformations through five company acquisitions, Graeme brings insights into what makes a modern data leader tick – and stick.But this conversation isn’t just about strateg...
2025-05-2029 min
A Class Act - Navigating the AI Landscape in 2026A Class Act: Conversations in Data and Leadership [Season 1 Trailer]Welcome to A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership.I’m Michael, and after nearly two decades leading data talent acquisition with MBN Solutions, I’ve seen firsthand that exceptional teams don’t just happen - they’re built. They’re crafted by placing the right people in the right roles, at exactly the right time.This podcast pulls back the curtain on what it takes to build and lead high-performing teams in today’s data-driven world. Each episode, we sit down with the leaders shaping the future of technology and analytics - t...
2025-05-1301 min
The Gedmin Files: MBN's Weekly NewsletterMBN Grant Termination: A Plea for Continued FundingIn this episode, Jeff Gedmin, the president/CEO of the Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN), expresses disappointment and concern regarding the termination of their grant agreement by Kari Lake, a senior advisor at the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). Despite congressional approval of their funding and MBN's work in countering anti-American narratives in the Middle East, Lake deemed the organization no longer worthy of support. Jeff highlighted MBN's cost-saving measures and its crucial role as the only U.S.-funded Arabic language news network, emphasizing that ceasing operations would be a disservice to American taxpayers and a victory fo...
2025-03-1608 min
The Gedmin Files: MBN's Weekly NewsletterMBN Operations, Strategy, and Geopolitical ContextThis episode discussed how Iran, China, and Russia have commenced joint naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman, expressing their intent to challenge U.S. influence. This development is occurring in a region crucial for China's energy security, as a majority of its crude oil imports originate from the Middle East, including significant purchases from Iran despite U.S. sanctions. Meanwhile, the Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN), funded by the American taxpayer, continues its mission of providing independent news and analysis on American politics and regional developments to millions in the Middle East and North Africa. MBN is adapting its...
2025-03-1313 minThe Gedmin Files: MBN's Weekly NewsletterMBN Strategy, Funding, and Historical PerspectiveThis episode highlights an internal communication from MBN leadership and addresses several key areas. It outlines a senior leadership workshop focused on strategy and editorial direction. The memo details ongoing efforts to secure congressional funding amidst a challenging political climate and potential budget cuts affecting its parent agency, USAGM. Collaboration with other U.S.-funded media organizations on legal and strategic matters is highlighted. The message also underscores MBN's commitment to its journalistic mission, citing recent impactful reporting and the growing information threat from adversaries. Finally, the communication offers a historical and artistic reflection through the lens of opera sin...
2025-03-0713 min
The Gedmin Files: MBN's Weekly NewsletterMBN Updates: Geopolitics, Media, and Cultural PerspectivesThe memo discusses MBN's efforts to engage with Washington legislators and think tanks, highlighting briefings, publications, and interviews. It outlines MBN's contributions to discussions on geopolitical issues such as Syria, Iran, Russia, and Lebanon. The memo also touches on current events, including tensions in the West Bank, the war in Ukraine, and North Korea's support for Russia. It references an upcoming "War and Peace Concert" featuring Ukrainian pianist Stanislav Khristenko and Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, which is seen as a statement about oppression and liberation. Finally, the memo encourages feedback and ongoing communication with MBN.
2025-02-2813 minThe Gedmin Files: MBN's Weekly NewsletterMBN: Russia, Iran, Middle East Tensions & US Foreign PolicyThis week's episode focuses on MBN's reporting on the Middle East, Russia, and Iran, with an emphasis on countering malign influences. Recent efforts include interviews with prominent figures and coverage of regional conflicts and economic issues. The organization aims to provide original reporting and analysis, focusing on the American story while exposing the activities of U.S. adversaries like Russia, Iran, and China. They are also building collaborative relationships with institutions like RUSI and the Hudson Institute. MBN is facing potential budget cuts but remains committed to its mission and is actively coordinating with other USAGM networks. Their work inclu...
2025-02-2413 min
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The Gedmin Files: MBN's Weekly NewsletterReporting on Global Unrest, Resilience, and CooperationThis message to colleagues discusses recent global events and the work of a media organization (MBN) in covering them. It highlights the organization's reporting on significant issues like the uprising in Iran following Mahsa Amini's death, the Russia-Ukraine war, and regional tensions involving Hezbollah and Iranian-funded groups. The memo also emphasizes MBN's efforts to provide context and analysis amidst disruption, mentioning upcoming talks, podcasts, and collaborations with experts. Additionally, it acknowledges the hard work of the staff, including training initiatives, finance management, engineering, and recent hires. The author concludes by reflecting on the importance of historical perspective during times of u...
2025-02-1813 min2025-02-181h 322025-02-171h 322025-02-141h 322025-02-131h 322025-02-121h 322025-02-111h 32
The Gedmin Files: MBN's Weekly NewsletterGlobal Interviews, Black History Month, and Classical MusicMBN awaits a congressional budget decision next month. The organization highlights its impactful journalism, citing interviews with Lebanese and Yemeni leaders that were widely covered in international media. Upcoming events include a discussion with Russian opposition figure Mikhail Khodorkovsky focusing on the Wagner Group and independent media. MBN plans to include cultural content, specifically during Black History Month. The text recalls the story of Dean Dixon, a Black conductor who faced racism in the U.S. but achieved success in Europe, as well as recent efforts to recognize Black composers.
2025-02-1015 min2025-02-1040 min2025-02-071h 322025-02-061h 322025-02-051h 322025-02-041h 32The Gedmin Files: MBN's Weekly NewsletterGlobal Affairs and Strategic PartnershipsThis memo from Jeff, the head of MBN, details upcoming events and collaborations with various influential figures and organizations, including the International Institute for Strategic Studies and the Munich Security Conference. It highlights MBN's expanding international network and its focus on reporting on critical geopolitical issues such as the Middle East, particularly Iran and Hezbollah, as well as the evolving political landscapes in Europe and the United States. The memo also emphasizes the importance of MBN's work on human rights and its increasing use of AI technology in its reporting and internal communications. Jeff expresses gratitude to his team...
2025-02-0320 min2025-02-031h 322025-01-311h 322025-01-301h 322025-01-291h 13
The Gedmin Files: MBN's Weekly NewsletterMiddle East Update, MBN Town Hall and Moving ForwardThis episode covers recent geopolitical events—including a prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel, instability in Syria and Iraq, and the integration of Iranian-backed militias into the Iraqi armed forces—while also announcing internal restructuring and upcoming plans for the organization. The memo highlights the importance of MBN's role in providing reliable news in a volatile region and emphasizes a need for adaptation and innovation, drawing a parallel to the creative and turbulent era surrounding the premiere of Richard Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier. The memo concludes by encouraging staff to embrace change and remain committed to MBN's mission.
2025-01-2711 min2025-01-271h 122025-01-241h 322025-01-231h 322025-01-221h 32
The Gedmin Files: MBN's Weekly NewsletterMLK Day and the InaugurationThis message from MBN's Jeff celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day, highlighting the ongoing fight for human rights globally. It showcases MBN's journalistic commitment to covering stories of oppression, including imprisoned journalists and marginalized groups, while emphasizing their own values of open societies and tolerance. The message also connects King's legacy with music and faith, noting the profound influence of gospel music on the civil rights movement, and concludes by mentioning the upcoming presidential inauguration. The overall tone expresses a blend of commemoration, dedication to journalistic purpose, and hope for positive change.
2025-01-2110 min2025-01-211h 222025-01-2040 min2025-01-171h 322025-01-161h 322025-01-151h 522025-01-141h 32
The Gedmin Files: MBN's Weekly NewsletterStories, Inspiration, ImaginationThe first excerpt is an email announcing a talk by Elliot Ackerman, co-author of the novel 2034, a fictional depiction of a future war involving the US, China, and Iran, a book initially dismissed as unrealistic but now seeming more plausible given recent world events. The second section details the work of Middle East Broadcasting Network (MBN), highlighting its news coverage, significant interviews, and commitment to fighting disinformation in a rapidly changing media landscape. The email concludes with acknowledgements of staff, introductions of new employees, and
2025-01-1311 min2025-01-131h 322025-01-101h 322025-01-091h 322025-01-081h 32
The Gedmin Files: MBN's Weekly NewsletterMBN: 2024 Year in Review and Strategic OutlookMBN's president/CEO, Jeff Gedmin, reports on the organization's accomplishments, including significant cost savings and new hires bolstering security and expertise in Iran, Russia, and China. The report details ongoing investigations into these countries' actions, including cyber espionage and human rights abuses. MBN's collaborations with other organizations and upcoming events, such as a National Press Club discussion on disinformation, are also highlighted. Finally, the report touches on other relevant political events, including the January 6th Capitol riot and Jimmy Carter's passing.
2025-01-0711 min2025-01-071h 322025-01-061h 322025-01-031h 07
The Gedmin Files: MBN's Weekly NewsletterBarenboim, Israel, Palestine — and MBN 2025This episode is a year-end message from Jeff Gedmin, president and CEO of MBN, summarizing the year's events. The message highlights MBN's achievements, including cost savings and impactful journalism, and features reflections on the tumultuous global political landscape. It also pays tribute to Daniel Barenboim's West-Eastern Divan Orchestra and his late wife, cellist Jacqueline du Pré, emphasizing their commitment to bridging cultural divides. Finally, the message looks ahead to 2025 with plans for growth and continued impactful work.
2025-01-0223 min2025-01-021h 322025-01-011h 112024-12-311h 222024-12-301h 422024-12-271h 522024-12-261h 322024-12-251h 122024-12-241h 322024-12-231h 32
The Gedmin Files: MBN's Weekly NewsletterMBN's Future: Journalism in a Changing WorldIn this episode, Matt Kaminski, a seasoned journalist, advises the Middle East Broadcasting Network (MBN) on its future direction, emphasizing the need for original, in-depth reporting and analysis to distinguish MBN from competitors. He highlights the importance of adapting to digital platforms and leveraging MBN's unique position as a U.S.-funded outlet committed to journalistic integrity. The episode also describes recent positive developments at MBN, including new hires and the release of prisoners in Syria, a key region for MBN's coverage. Kaminski's insights focus on strategic shifts toward investigative journalism and audience engagement, suggesting a move away from...
2024-12-2011 min
The Gedmin Files: MBN's Weekly NewsletterMort Abramowitz, Philip Glass, and a World in TransitionThis episode recounts the life and career of Morton Abramowitz, a prominent American diplomat and human rights advocate, highlighting his connections to the composer Philip Glass and his family. It also discusses current events in Syria, including the fall of the Assad regime and the resulting uncertainty, and the broader global struggle between liberal democracy and authoritarianism. The piece further details the author's work at MBN, focusing on international affairs reporting and collaborations with various experts and organizations. Finally, it emphasizes Philip Glass's lifelong commitment to social responsibility and connects his work with Abramowitz's dedication to human rights.
2024-12-2017 min2024-12-201h 322024-12-191h 322024-12-181h 322024-12-171h 322024-12-161h 322024-12-131h 272024-12-121h 272024-12-111h 272024-12-101h 272024-12-091h 222024-12-031h 322024-12-021h 322024-11-291h 322024-11-281h 322024-11-271h 322024-11-261h 322024-11-251h 262024-11-221h 322024-11-211h 32