Hub & Spoken: Data | Analytics | Chief Data Officer | CDO | Data Strategy

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.

In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO and Founder of Cynozure, speaks with Roberto Maranca, data & digital transformation expert and author of Data Excellence. They explore what it really means to build a 'data fit' organisation, one that treats data capability like physical fitness by understanding where you are, training for where you want to be and making improvement a daily routine. Drawing from ancient philosophy and modern business, Roberto explains how concepts from Socrates and Aristotle can help leaders rethink culture, value and human responsibility in an AI-driven world. Together, they discuss how organisations can: Shift from seeing data as a tech issue to a leadership mindset Build collective intelligence and cultural readiness Stay human in the age of intelligent machines 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.

AI is no longer a distant concept; it's here, reshaping the way we live and work. From coding and customer service to creative content, AI is already taking on tasks once thought to be uniquely human. But what does that mean for the future of work, and more importantly, for the role of leaders? In this solo episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO and Founder of Cynozure, explores the real implications of AI on jobs, leadership, and human value. Drawing lessons from history, automation, shipping containers, even the rise of personal computing, Jason argues that every wave of technology has shifted humans "up a level of abstraction," moving us from doing to designing, to directing and innovating. He sets out four essential human traits to thrive in the age of AI: Think bigger – focus on outcomes, strategy, and imagination Lead differently – provide clarity, orchestrate teams, and build culture Connect deeper – lean into empathy, context, and trust Grow and adapt – stay curious, resilient, and open to change 🎧 Tune in to hear Jason's take on how we can design the future we want to be part of. ----------- 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.

In this episode of Hub & Spoken, host Jason Foster, CEO & Founder of Cynozure, is joined by James Lupton, Chief Technology Officer at Cynozure, to explore the findings from What Matters Most for Insurers Now — a new report shaped by insights from 35 senior leaders across the insurance industry. While the report focuses on insurers, its lessons resonate far more widely. Jason and James discuss how organisations across sectors are wrestling with the same issues: outdated and overly customised legacy systems that hold back innovation, a persistent gap between the ambition to build a data-driven culture and the actions taken to achieve it, and the importance of leadership support that goes beyond lip service to meaningful investment and behaviour change. They also consider the next frontier: AI agents. With many firms experimenting but few ready to deploy, Jason and James unpack what true readiness looks like and why success requires more than just technology. This episode offers practical reflections for leaders in complex, regulated industries who are striving to "fix forward" and unlock the real value of data and AI. Download What Matters Most for Insurers Now here *********** 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.

Why is meaningful innovation so hard in insurance, and what can be done about it? In this episode of Hub & Spoken, host Jason Foster is joined by John Turner, a global underwriting leader and expert in life and health insurance, to explore the innovation imperative in one of the world's most traditional (and risk-averse) industries. They unpack the complex cultural, structural, and regulatory challenges that make change difficult in insurance, from siloed teams and outdated processes to over-engineered tech solutions that miss the mark. But they also spotlight the opportunities: from automation that enhances the customer journey to cross-functional collaboration that drives real transformation. 💡 Key talking points include: Why conservative cultures make innovation harder — but not impossible The hidden flaws in traditional underwriting and risk selection How data, automation and behaviour change can unlock new growth The clash between insurers and insurtechs — and how to bridge it What truly customer-led innovation looks like Whether you're in insurance, financial services, or just trying to drive change in a legacy-heavy environment, this episode is packed with ideas, reflections, and real-world experience you can learn from. ********** 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.

In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster talks to Cali Wood, Head of Data and AI Strategy & Culture at AXA UK and Ireland. Cali shares how AXA is shaping its data and AI transformation through a clear strategic framework built on creation of value, connection of data and tooling, and culture to accelerate value. From embedding human-centred design into automation use cases to launching a data and AI academy with more than 50% workforce engagement, AXA is making data and AI a true business-wide initiative. This conversation explores: The three pillars of AXA's data and AI strategy How culture and leadership unlock real business value Scaling responsible AI across a highly regulated industry Evolving from traditional to agentic AI in a people-first way Whether you're leading data transformation or navigating GenAI, this episode offers practical ideas and inspiration to help bring your people and strategy together. Listen now to learn how to build AI-driven change - the right way. -------------------------------------------------- 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.