Episodios

  • Designing a data & AI strategy to strengthen a sector
    Jun 12 2025

    In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO & Founder of Cynozure, speaks with Lisa Allen, Director of Data at The Pensions Regulator (TPR), about the role of data in protecting savers and shaping a more resilient pensions industry.

    Lisa shares the story behind TPR's new data strategy and how it's helping to modernise an ecosystem that oversees more than £2 trillion in savings across 38 million members. Drawing on her experience at organisations including the Ordnance Survey and the Open Data Institute, she explains why strong data foundations, industry collaboration, and adaptive thinking are essential to success.

    The conversation explores how the regulator is building a data marketplace, adopting open standards, and applying AI to enable risk-based regulation, while reducing unnecessary burdens on the industry. Lisa also discusses the value of working transparently, co-designing with stakeholders, and staying agile in the face of rapid change.

    This episode is a must-listen for business leaders, regulators, and data professionals thinking about strategy, innovation, and sector-wide impact.

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    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.
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    38 m
  • Real life, revealed: How behavioural data is shaping the future of business intelligence
    May 29 2025

    Behavioural data is fast becoming a cornerstone of modern business strategy.

    Not just for media measurement or advertising optimisation, but across product, pricing, logistics, and platform development. It tells us what people actually do, not just what they say they do.

    As traditional market research struggles with low engagement and recall bias, brands are turning to digital behavioural data to make sharper, faster decisions. Whether it's tracking consumer journeys in the app economy or identifying early adoption trends (like the impact of AI tools on category disruption), the value lies in real, observable behaviour at scale.

    But, that shift raises new questions around data ownership, consent, and fairness. And, the rise of AI is only accelerating both the opportunity and the complexity.

    In the latest episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO & Founder of Cynozure, speaks to Chris Havemann, CEO of RealityMine, and discusses everything from:

    • The transition from survey-based research to behavioural data analysis
    • The impact of AI on interpreting digital interactions
    • Ethical considerations surrounding data consent and transparency
    • Building trust through clear data collection and usage practices

    Learn from Chris's 25+ years in data and insight, and explore how behavioural signals are reshaping everything from media to market intelligence.

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    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.
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    39 m
  • Business Intelligence in an AI world
    May 15 2025

    In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster speaks with Colin Zima, CEO and Co-founder of Omni, a modern business intelligence platform that combines the best of governance and usability. With a background spanning roles at Looker and Google, and two decades as both a data user and builder, Colin brings a unique perspective on the evolution of BI and the real role of AI in shaping its future.

    They explore why business intelligence remains critical for aligning organisations, how AI is raising the bar for access and self-service, and why semantics and business logic are more important than ever. The conversation challenges the notion that AI will replace dashboards, and instead focuses on how it can enhance accessibility, support different user needs, and empower data teams to work more efficiently.

    This episode is essential listening for business and data leaders thinking about the future of BI, the practical use of AI, and the role data teams play in delivering real value at speed.

    Tune in to hear how modern BI is evolving, and what leaders need to know to stay ahead.

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    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.
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    40 m
  • Why decision making is hard and how leaders can do it better
    May 1 2025

    In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO of Cynozure, goes solo and explores one of the most critical yet under-discussed business skills...decision making.

    Drawing on real-world examples, research, and personal experience, Jason unpacks why so many organisations struggle to make effective decisions, despite it being core to leadership, innovation, and progress. From decision paralysis to overconfidence, and data overload to gut instinct, he looks at the formal frameworks and informal dynamics that shape how choices are made across all levels of a business.

    The episode delves into the role of vision, bias, data literacy, and emotional intelligence, and outlines the essential skills leaders need to build confidence, clarity and adaptability into their decision-making culture.

    Whether you're leading a team, shaping strategy, or navigating change, this episode is packed with practical ideas to help you make better, faster, and more informed decisions.

    🎧 Tune in now to rethink how decisions really get made, and how to make yours count.

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    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.
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    24 m
  • How PensionBee uses data & AI for better customer experience and business growth
    Apr 17 2025

    In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO of Cynozure, chats with Luis Mejia, VP Data, Platforms & AI at PensionBee, about how the company is transforming the pension industry through smart use of data and AI.

    Luis shares how a digital-first mindset is helping PensionBee enhance customer experience, manage data effectively, and fuel business growth. He dives into how AI is being used in customer service, blending tech with human touch to build trust, and why ethics and transparency matter more than ever.

    From marketing to customer support, this episode explores the real-world challenges and opportunities of using data and AI. Luis also looks ahead to a future where AI helps democratise data and puts power in the hands of individuals.

    A must-listen for data and business leaders driving change in a digital world.

    Research Luis mentioned in the episode:

    https://www.pensionbee.com/uk/press/ai-and-pensions https://www.pensionbee.com/uk/press/age-vs-ai

    Follow Luis on LinkedIn

    Follow Jason on LinkedIn

    ***********  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.
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    41 m
  • Building a digital-first, female-centric insurance business
    Apr 3 2025

    In this episode of Hub & Spoken, host Jason Foster welcomes Sam White, the multi-award-winning Founder of Freedom Services Group and Global Founder of Stella Insurance Australia.

    Sam shares her journey of building Stella Insurance, the challenges and opportunities of creating a digital-first insurance company, the importance of customer experience, and how Stella Insurance is reimagining financial services from a female perspective. Sam also discusses the impact of regulatory changes, the role of AI in the insurance industry, and the significance of diversity in business.

    This is a real gem of an episode, especially for entrepreneurs and business leaders interested in digital transformation, insurance innovations, and diversity in leadership.

    Follow Sam: linkedin.com/in/samwhiteentrepreneur/

    Follow Jason: linkedin.com/in/jasonbfoster/

    ***********  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.
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    48 m
  • Insights from Data Means Business, Second Edition
    Mar 20 2025

    Jason's co-author, Barry Green, joins this next episode as they discuss the release of the second edition of "Data Means Business" on 25th March.

    Returning for his third conversation on the podcast, Barry shares updates on the evolving landscape of data and AI, the impact of generative AI, and the importance of business capabilities. They delve into the changes since the first edition, including the role of the Chief Data Officer and the significance of adaptability in today's fast-paced world. Tune in to hear their thoughts on driving transformational change and delivering value with data & AI.

    The second edition of Data Means Business will be out on 25th March and will be available on Amazon.

    ***********  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.
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    33 m
  • Gender Diversity in Data & AI with Lou Hutchins, Director of Data Culture and Literacy at Cynozure and Rose Attridge, Strategy Advisor at Cynozure
    Mar 6 2025
    This episode is a special edition in honour of International Women's Day on 8th March. Host Jason Foster is joined by Lou Hutchins, Director of Data Culture & Literacy at Cynozure, and Rose Attridge, Strategy Advisor at Cynozure. Together, they explore gender diversity in data and AI, the importance of sponsorship and allies, and challenges in male-dominated industries. They also discuss the role of data and AI in driving change, the need for role models, early engagement, and company action. ***********  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.
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    40 m
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