How Hungryroot Built Data Ownership and Its Impact on AI with Ben Ganzfried

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