AI can make decisions fast. But weak data foundations still slow everything down.

In this episode, Jess Carter sits down with Senior Director of Data Platform & Governance at Hungryroot Ben Ganzfried to discuss what it takes to build trust in data as companies grow. At Hungryroot, data does more than support reporting. It informs recommendations, recipes, and inventory decisions.

Ben shares lessons on building data foundations that help teams move faster with more confidence. He explains why governance should reinforce accountability, not create friction, and why unclear ownership becomes a bigger risk when more decisions depend on data.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why data governance is crucial for business growth

• Best practices for managing data security and accessibility

• How to foster a data-driven culture within your organization

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Introduction to the episode with Ben Ganzfried
(02:41) How Hungryroot uses data to personalize the customer experience
(08:39) Making faster decisions through better governance
(14:15) The rise of data and AI leadership roles
(19:23) Why ambiguity becomes a risk as systems scale
(23:38) Curiosity as part of data-driven leadership

Ben's LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/ben-ganzfried-1a5a8620a/?skipRedirect=true

Links from the episode -

https://www.cdomagazine.tech/opinion-analysis/lessons-in-ambiguity-data-ai-and-the-limits-of-informal-coordination

https://benganzfried.com/f/the-nature-of-data-the-foundation-we-forgot-and-why-it-matters

https://benganzfried.com/f/the-year-the-margin-for-error-disappeared

https://www.cdomagazine.tech/opinion-analysis/lessons-in-ambiguity-data-ai-and-the-limits-of-informal-coordination

Some moments define the kind of leader you are. When the stakes are high and the data is incomplete, your character becomes the strategy.

In this episode, former FBI agent Herbert Stapleton joins Jess Carter to explore the role of integrity, decision-making, and leadership in high-stakes environments. Drawing from his two decades of experience in federal law enforcement, Herb shares his insights on how character and effective leadership are essential when the stakes are life and death. He discusses the importance of honesty, accountability, and the challenges of making tough decisions with incomplete information.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to lead with integrity under intense pressure

• The importance of humility and confidence in leadership

• Ways to foster trust and loyalty within your team during crises
  
  

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Introduction to the episode with Herbert Stapleton
(02:20) Herb's journey from law school to the FBI
(06:34)  Leadership development in the FBI
(10:03) Decision-making with incomplete information
(14:32) How to deal with crises in corporate settings
(17:35) Prioritizing wellness in your team
(22:21) Developing character in the age of AI
(28:33) Can integrity be taught?

Herb's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herb-stapleton-b94a19126/

https://www.dinsmore.com/

Many organizations are adopting AI tools at record speed. Few are stepping back to ask whether they are meaningfully transforming how work gets done.

In this episode of Data-Driven Leadership, Jess Carter sits down with Sindhu Venkata, Vice President of Technical Delivery at Resultant, to discuss what intentional AI leadership looks like.

Sindhu introduces the idea of the "AI speed trap" — the cycle of moving faster, producing more, and slowly eroding quality, trust, and critical thinking along the way. She explains why AI failure is rarely a technology problem; it's a leadership problem.

This episode is especially relevant for executives, data leaders, and operators navigating AI adoption across their teams.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The difference between operational AI and transformational AI

• Why the AI speed trap creates fatigue and poor outputs

• How leaders can adopt AI without losing critical thinking

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Introduction to the episode with Sindhu Venkata

(08:02) The AI speed trap and work slop

(17:57) AI licenses vs. transformational strategy

(23:57) Trust erosion and AI hallucinations

(27:55) Leading AI adoption with intention

Sindhu's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sindhuvenkata/

Data can point to the right answer, but negotiation determines whether it happens.

In this episode of Data Driven Leadership, Jess Carter sits down with Charlotte Westerhaus-Renfrow, Clinical Associate Professor of Business Law and Management at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. They discuss why negotiation is a core leadership skill that transforms the way you approach tough conversations.

Charlotte explains why effective leaders do not rely on one negotiation style. They prepare, assess the moment, and pivot when the strategy no longer serves the goal. This episode is especially relevant for leaders navigating complex tradeoffs, limited options, or tense conversations where outcomes and relationships both matter.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to recognize the negotiation style that works best for you

• Strategies for building and maintaining strong professional relationships

• The importance of mentorship in leadership development

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Introduction to the episode with Charlotte Westerhaus-Renfrow

(09:08) How to select a mentor

(11:52) Negotiation styles and strategies

(23:19) When you're overwhelmed, do this

(26:28) Know your alternatives in a negotiation

(28:24) Leveraging AI for better communication

(31:56) Building and maintaining professional relationships

Charlotte's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlottewesterhaus/

Self-assessment: https://hubs.ly/Q042Ty6d0

How can leaders make better data-driven decisions?

Jess Carter shares some of her recent reflections on leadership, from improving workflows within the organization to navigating AI. She talks about how leaders can stay hands-on, spot problems before they turn into bigger issues that impact the business, and earn their team's trust.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The questions leaders need to ask to identify problems in the organization

• Tips for democratizing decision-making

• How a personal philosophy around AI leads to more confident decisions

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Introduction to the episode

(01:05) A methodology for spotting problems you might otherwise miss

(04:40) Showing up and building trust with your team

(06:26) Democratizing problem-solving

(08:23) How to start figuring out your AI philosophy

Jess's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaccarter/

"Slow is smooth, smooth is fast." This saying rings true when it comes to AI adoption in today's fast-paced world. While everyone seems to be rushing toward the next big AI breakthrough, the reality is that hasty decisions often lead to costly mistakes.

In this episode of Data-Driven Leadership, Jess Carter sits down with Patrick McQuillan, global head of AI and data governance at a Fortune 500 company to discuss how leaders can adopt AI thoughtfully and sustainably. Patrick shares his expertise on balancing rapid innovation with long-term success, the critical role of AI governance, and how organizations can avoid common pitfalls in their AI journey.

Tune in to learn how a strategic, measured approach to AI can drive lasting impact for both businesses and their customers.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How AI governance reduces failure rates and protects trust

• Why data foundations matter more than new models

• What leaders should ask before they fund or scale AI
  
  

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Introduction to the episode with Patrick McQuillan

(05:50) Guidance for early AI adopters on pace and expectations

(12:41) When AI governance becomes a leadership priority

(15:28) The likelihood of public AI failures

(20:10) Long-term AI adoption

(26:36) AI in higher education and job readiness

(31:10) Responsible use of GenAI tools in the workplace

Patrick's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pjmcquillan/

2025 was a breakthrough year for AI adoption, with new tools enabling seamless integration between business and technical teams. Organizations leveraged AI to improve operations, enhance decision-making, and unlock growth opportunities, though not without challenges.

In this episode, Jess Carter sits down with Michael Schwarz, Senior Vice President of Professional Services at Resultant, to reflect on the key lessons from 2025. They discuss the successes and hurdles organizations encountered in their AI journeys and share actionable insights for leaders heading into 2026. Michael also offers his predictions for 2026 and how businesses can leverage AI to lead in the next phase of digital transformation.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How 2025 accelerated AI adoption across industries

• The balance between power and responsibility in using AI

• Key priorities for leaders to focus on in 2026, especially within industries like healthcare

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Introduction to the episode with Michael Schwarz

(06:08) Reflections on 2025 with fast-moving technology

(11:31) What leaders need to know about the future of AI

(18:07) Predictions for 2026

(25:10) Where to focus AI investment for growth
(31:15) Improving patient experience for 2026

Michael's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schwarzmike/

With the right data foundation, hospitals can better support medical staff and improve patient outcomes.

Tony Pastorino, commercial health strategy lead at Resultant, joins Jess Carter to discuss how data-driven insights are transforming hospital efficiency. Tony shares his experiences from overseeing information systems at IU Health. He also highlights the critical role of predictive analytics in improving patient flow and streamlining daily operations.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How predictive models can improve staffing and resource allocation

• The challenges of managing complex healthcare data

• How hospitals can use their existing data to make clearer, more confident operational decisions

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Introduction to the episode with Tony Pastorino

(02:06) Breaking down the complexity of healthcare data

(05:12) How hospitals are building data lakes

(10:02) Predictive analytics in health care

(16:45) Improving the patient experience in hospital systems
(21:00) Predictive analytics for nurse staffing and burnout

(24:56) Using AI to create more distraction-free patient interactions

(26:40) How hospitals can start using data today

(29:28) The future of data-driven health care

Tony's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonypastorino/