A Class Act - Navigating the AI Landscape in 2026

If 99% of executives say their AI rollout isn’t mature, so what’s actually going wrong?In this episode of A Class Act, Michael chats with Natalia Konstantinova, Lead Enterprise Architect in AI at NatWest Group. Natalia holds a PhD in Computational Linguistics and has spent her career at the intersection of AI research and enterprise delivery, including leading AI strategy at BP before joining NatWest.In this conversation, they get into👇✔ Why only 1% of executives describe their AI rollout as mature✔ Natalia’s four pillars of AI adoption✔ Why governance is critical and what good governance actually looks like✔ Why less than one in five organisations are tracking KPIs for their AI solutions and what to measure instead✔ The biggest barriers to AI adoption and why they’re not technical✔ What good AI leadership actually looks like and hiring challenges leaders face✔ Why hiring one person and expecting them to solve everything doesn’t work✔ One concrete action a leader should take this weekGuest Information👇Natalia Konstantinova is a Lead Enterprise Architect in AI at NatWest Group. She holds a PhD in Computational Linguistics from the Research Institute in Information and Language Processing (RIILP) and brings deep expertise across NLP, machine translation, information extraction, dialogue systems, and data analytics. Connect with Natalia Konstantinova on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nkonst/About Your Host👇Michael Young is the Managing Director of MBN Solutions and host of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership. With nearly two decades of experience helping organisations build high-performing data, analytics, and AI teams, he brings frontline insight into what makes exceptional talent and leadership.Please note: The views expressed by the guest in this episode are their own and do not reflect those of their current or former employers.Subscribe & Follow👇Enjoying the series? Don’t miss an episode. Follow A Class Act wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review to help more listeners discover these conversations in data and leadership.Connect with MBN SolutionsIf you’re hiring for data or AI leadership roles, scaling AI capability, or rethinking how talent supports your AI strategy, the team at MBN partners with organisations to build data and AI teams that actually deliver.MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadershipFor questions, guest recommendations, or to connect:Email: [email protected] MBN Solutions website at www.mbnsolutions.com

Nina Habicht has been building AI since 2011 and is one of Switzerland's Top 100 Women in Data and AI.In this conversation with Michael of MBN Solutions, she's direct about what she actually thinks about why so much AI being built right now feels disposable, why the funding bubble is coming even if the technology bubble isn't and why generalist AI startups don't have an easy road ahead.In this episode, Nina shares:Why so much AI being built right now feels easy to copy and hard to defendWhy she believes the funding bubble may come before any technology bubbleWhat she would avoid building today, even if it looks popular or fundableWhy domain depth matters more than generic AI capabilityWhat founders should stop doing if they feel overwhelmed by the speed of AI changeWhy under-digitised, less fashionable sectors may hold the biggest opportunityThe new AI roles she believes are coming next from agent controllers to ethical AI leadershipGuest informationNina Habicht is the Founder and CEO of dreamleap, an Agentic AI tech company with AI consultancy and an own training academy based in Zurich, and one of Switzerland’s Top 100 Women in Data and AI.Across her career, she has built AI systems into production in multiple industries, including one of the first voice assistants for the Swiss federal train system and Swisscom.Dreamleap is her third venture, starting as a training business and evolving into both a training and technology company. Today, the company trains around four companies a week, employs 12 people, and is based in Zurich.Connect with Nina Habicht on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-habicht-%F0%9F%AA%84%F0%9F%91%80-b840a553/Connect with dreamleap: (1) dreamleap: Übersicht | LinkedInVisit dreamleap Agentic Factory: www.dreamleap.comVisit dreamleap’s Applied Academy: www.voicetechhub.com (powered by dreamleap)About Your HostMichael Young is the Managing Director of MBN Solutions and host of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership. With nearly two decades of experience helping organisations build high-performing data, analytics, and AI teams, he brings frontline insight into what makes exceptional talent and leadership.Please note: The views expressed by the guest in this episode are their own and do not reflect those of their current or former employers.Subscribe & Follow: Enjoying the series? Don’t miss an episode. Follow A Class Act wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review to help more listeners discover these conversations in data and leadership.Connect with MBN Solutions:If you’re hiring for data or AI leadership roles, scaling AI capability, or rethinking how talent supports your AI strategy, the team at NBN partners with organisations to build data and AI teams that actually deliver.MBN Solutions on LinkedIn: Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mbn-recruitment-solutionsFor questions, guest recommendations, or to connect:Email: [email protected] MBN Solutions website at www.mbnsolutions.com

AI is moving fast. Most organisations are trying to keep up.But the real question isn’t “should we use it?” anymore, it’s whether you can deploy it without creating risks you can’t explain later.In this episode, Michael Young is joined by Jeff Watkins (former CTO, fractional Chief AI Officer / advisor) to get specific about what “responsible AI” looks like in practice.Michael asks Jeff:What does responsible AI look like day-to-day as a way teams make decisions, not a set of statements?Where do you draw red lines (what you won’t do with AI) and who has the authority to stop a deployment?How do you triage Gen AI use cases using a simple risk-tier approach (green/amber/red) so governance supports delivery?What does evidence actually look like and how do you prove controls are working in real operations?When AI causes harm, who owns the decision and what does accountability mean in practice?Guest informationJeff Watkins is a CTO and AI strategist with 25+ years of experience leading digital and AI transformation. Former CTO at CreateFuture, he led AI Enablement and now advises boards and delivery teams on secure, responsible GenAI, where AI, security, governance, and culture collide.Connect with Jeff Watkins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-watkins-cto/About Your Host:  Michael Young is the Managing Director of MBN Solutions and host of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership. With nearly two decades of experience helping organisations build high-performing data, analytics, and AI teams, he brings frontline insight into what makes exceptional talent and leadership.Please note: The views expressed by the guest in this episode are their own and do not reflect those of their current or former employers.Subscribe & Follow: Enjoying the series? Don’t miss an episode. Follow A Class Act wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review to help more listeners discover these conversations in data and leadership.Connect with MBN Solutions:If you’re hiring for data or AI leadership roles, scaling AI capability, or rethinking how talent supports your AI strategy, the team at NBN partners with organisations to build data and AI teams that actually deliver.MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here.Visit MBN Solutions website at www.mbnsolutions.com

What’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's really happening with LLM development right now in 2026Why the enterprise production lens matters: the trade-off between brilliant but unstable outputs and reliable, predictable systems.Richard’s practical map of the stack: naked LLM calls → workflows → tool calling → MCP servers → agent skills (and what each step is designed to solve)“Stateful” AI explained clearlyThe organisational gap Richard flags as adoption scales that leaders must be aware of right nowGuest informationRichard Bownes is Head of AI Solutions at Vector8, where he helps organisations design and deploy practical AI systems that move beyond experimentation into real-world business impact. He’s worked across public and private sector environments, bridging strategy, delivery, and real-world implementation. His experience spans Voice AI systems, applied NLP, and the ethical considerations that come with deploying machine learning at scale.Connect with Richard Bownes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rjbownes/About Your Host:  Michael Young is the Managing Director of MBN Solutions and host of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership. With nearly two decades of experience helping organisations build high-performing data, analytics, and AI teams, he brings frontline insight into what makes exceptional talent and leadership.Please note: The views expressed by the guest in this episode are their own and do not reflect those of their current or former employers.Subscribe & Follow: Enjoying the series? Don’t miss an episode. Follow A Class Act wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review to help more listeners discover these conversations in data and leadership.Connect with MBN Solutions:If you’re hiring for data or AI leadership roles, scaling AI capability, or rethinking how talent supports your AI strategy, the team at NBN partners with organisations to build data and AI teams that actually deliver.MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here : https://www.linkedin.com/company/mbn-recruitment-solutionsFor questions, guest recommendations, or to connect:Email: [email protected] MBN Solutions website at www.mbnsolutions.com

What 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 career as a lecturer and researcher in AI at Durham University, before moving into industry where he led engineering teams, served as AI Practice Lead at Hedgehog Lab, and now guides AI strategy inside a live, highly regulated banking environment.In this conversation, Russell shares:How Atom Bank is using AI to automate back-office processes and remove manual, repetitive workWhy AI adoption must start in “safe spaces” before becoming customer-facingThe real risks of generative AI in regulated environmentsWhy enterprise AI success depends more on operating models, governance, and people than on toolsHow the role of an “AI Champion” accelerated adoption across the organisationWhat the future of AI in banking could look like from embedded systems to personalised financial educationIf you’re a CEO or responsible for shaping AI strategy where reputation, risk, and trust matter, this episode offers practical insight into what enterprise AI really looks like in practice.Guest informationDr. Russell Collingham is Head of AI & Data Science at Atom Bank and one of the most experienced AI leaders in UK financial services. He has worked in artificial intelligence since the 1990s, spanning academia and industry, and now leads AI strategy inside a highly regulated digital banking environment.Connect with Russell Collingham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russellcollingham/About Your HostShannon McKechnie is the Managing Director at MBN Solutions - the Data and AI talent experts, and a passionate advocate for building exceptional teams and authentic leadership. As co-host of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership, Shannon brings a grounded, people-first perspective to leadership ,exploring how trust, alignment, and shared success drive high-performing teams in today’s complex landscape.Please note: The views expressed by the guest in this episode are their own and do not reflect those of their current or former employers.Subscribe & Follow: Enjoying the series? Don’t miss an episode. Follow A Class Act wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review to help more listeners discover these conversations in data and leadership.Connect with MBN Solutions:If you’re hiring for data or AI leadership roles, scaling AI capability, or rethinking how talent supports your AI strategy, the team at NBN partners with organisations to build data and AI teams that actually deliver.MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here.For questions, guest recommendations, or to connect:Email: [email protected] MBN Solutions website at www.mbnsolutions.com

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 episode, Michael and Andre explore what it really takes to hire and build AI teams that work in practice and what leaders should pay attention to if they want AI systems that are trusted, adopted and production-grade.You’ll hear:How Andre moved from engineering, maths and finance into early applied AI and machine learning.What it was like joining DataRobot at Series A, becoming the first technical hire in EMEA and then growing the technical organisationThe biggest lesson he learned the hard way about building applied AI teamsHow the AI landscape has shifted from classic machine learning and “big data” to today’s GenAI and agent-based systemsWhy Andre is cautious about generic AI agents and what to focus on insteadHow a telco’s GenAI billing assistant went from roughly 54% to about 95% correct The ICCE hiring framework he uses and why he now refuses to compromise on coachability and character, even for very strong technical candidates.Practical guidance for data, digital and AI leaders on where to focus over the next few yearsGuest informationConnect with Andre Balleyguier on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aballeyguier/?locale=en_USLearn more about Snorkel AI: snorkel.aiAbout Your Host:  Michael Young is the Managing Director of MBN Solutions and host of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership. With nearly two decades of experience helping organisations build high-performing data, analytics, and AI teams, he brings frontline insight into what makes exceptional talent and leadership.Please note: The views expressed by the guest in this episode are their own and do not reflect those of their current or former employers.Subscribe & Follow: Enjoying the series? Don’t miss an episode. Follow A Class Act wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review to help more listeners discover these conversations in data and leadership.Connect with MBN Solutions:MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here.For questions, guest recommendations, or to connect:Email: [email protected] MBN Solutions website at www.mbnsolutions.com

Most 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 direct conversation about what actually moves the needle in enterprise AI adoption.WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:Why most enterprise AI strategies failWhy bolt-on approach never works (and what built-in AI means)How to architect an AI-enabled organisationWhy use-cases are outdated thinkingWhy AI success is 70% reinvention of work, 20% data & tech, 10% algorithmsHow to move from backward-looking to predictive-by-designThe new talent model: hybrid, fractional, capability-basedReal examples from telecoms,healthcare, retail, FMCG, and private equityCONNECT WITH EDDIE SHORTLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddie-short-0b683a/WORK WITH MBN SOLUTIONSIf you’re building AI, data or engineering capability or redesigning your operating model , MBN helps organisations hire better, move faster, and build world-class teams. 🔗 Follow MBN Solutions on LinkedIn: Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here. 📩 For questions, guest recommendations, or to connect:Email: [email protected] MBN Solutions website: www.mbnsolutions.comIf you enjoyed this conversation with Eddie Short, make sure you:👉  Follow the podcast 👉 Leave a comment with your biggest takeaway 👉 Share this with a colleague working in AI, data or transformationPlease note: The views expressed by the guest in this episode are their own and do not reflect those of their current or former employers.

Every 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 insightful emerging voices in the UK AI space. Through roles at Procter & Gamble, IBM, and JP Morgan, and her current work in robotics and computer vision, she has seen how technical excellence and human leadership intertwine.In this conversation, Emma and Shannon explore how young professionals are navigating a world where AI progress moves faster than workforce readiness.You’ll hear:How Emma pivoted from chemical engineering into AI without a computer-science degree.The “magic combo” of skills that makes today’s AI professionals stand out: strong software fundamentals plus applied ML and data-science experience.Why learning in public and sharing work, experiments and reflections online builds visibility, confidence and opportunity.3 Key Insights Emma learned inside major organisations Procter & Gamble, JP Morgan and IBM.How her research into robotics perception in cluttered environments shows why messy, real-world data drives real progress.Why confidence and adaptability have become essential skills for anyone working with fast-moving technology.What early-career AI talent now looks for in employers: supportive cultures, genuine learning environments, and leaders who communicate with clarity and care.Guest Information:Connect with Emma Rattray on LinkedinAbout Your Host:  Shannon McKechnie is the Managing Director at MBN Solutions - the Data and AI talent experts, and a passionate advocate for building exceptional teams and authentic leadership. As co-host of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership, Shannon brings a grounded, people-first perspective to leadership ,exploring how trust, alignment, and shared success drive high-performing teams in today’s complex landscape.Please note: The views expressed by the guest in this episode are their own and do not reflect those of their current or former employers.Subscribe & Follow: Enjoying the series? Don’t miss an episode. Follow A Class Act wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review to help more listeners discover these conversations in data and leadership.Connect with MBN Solutions:MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here.For questions, guest recommendations, or to connect:Email: [email protected] MBN Solutions website at www.mbnsolutions.com

I’ve been in this market for nearly 20 years and in that time, I’ve helped place over 4,000 senior leaders in data, analytics, and AI roles around the world from the dot com boom to big data.What I’ve learned is this: technology isn’t the hard part. Leadership and implementation is.That’s why we’re back with Season 2 of A Class Act, and this time, we’re calling it Navigating the AI Landscape - because right now, it really does feel like uncharted territory.In this season, you’ll hear real stories from founders, engineers and executives who are actually in it, the ones leading AI change inside their organisations today.We’ll talk about:What’s really working (and what’s not).How leaders are embedding AI into their businesses right now.And the skills and mindset you’ll need to lead and hire effectively in this new landscape.If you’re sitting in the boardroom wondering what you should be doing about AI, this season is for you.🎧 Subscribe now and join us as we explore how to turn AI from buzzword to business results.

What 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 founding his own AI consultancy and now to helping some of the world’s biggest organisations turn AI from buzzword into business results.In this conversation, we ask the question: How do you actually make AI work in practice?You’ll hear:How Tomoro’s Strategy → Solution → Scale framework takes AI from idea to impact.What it’s like to build alongside OpenAI on enterprise projects.Lessons from Supercell on shipping production-ready AI safely.Why embedding engineers with client teams accelerates success.The leadership, mindset and cultural changes needed to actually make AI work.If you lead Data, Digital, or AI strategy and want to understand how to move from experimentation to execution, this conversation offers practical insight from someone who’s in the trenches.Guest Information:Connect with Tom McLaughlin on LinkedinDiscover TomoroAbout Your Host:  Michael Young is the Managing Director of MBN Solutions and host of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership. With nearly two decades of experience helping organisations build high-performing data, analytics, and AI teams, he brings frontline insight into what makes exceptional talent and leadership.Please note: The views expressed by the guest in this episode are their own and do not reflect those of their current or former employers.Subscribe & Follow: Enjoying the series? Don’t miss an episode. Follow A Class Act wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review to help more listeners discover these conversations in data and leadership.Connect with MBN Solutions:MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here.For questions, guest recommendations, or to connect:Email: [email protected] MBN Solutions website at www.mbnsolutions.com

In 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 FinTech and RegTech solutionsThe hard calls he’s made, from retraining staff to steering business exitsWhy “it is AI” that will reshape SaaS and demand new human-centric leadership skillsKent also shares his personal philosophy - from Stoic ideas like amor fati (“love your fate”) to simple rituals like Sunday pancakes - that keep him grounded while leading through complexity.If you’re leading teams in FinTech, data, or AI, this episode offers practical strategies and honest reflections on what it really takes to lead through change.Connect with Kent MacKenzie on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kent-mackenzie-b807685/About Your Host:  Michael Young is the Managing Director of MBN Solutions and host of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership. With nearly two decades of experience helping organisations build high-performing data, analytics, and AI teams, he brings frontline insight into what makes exceptional talent and leadership.Please note: The views expressed by the guest in this episode are their own and do not reflect those of their current or former employers.Subscribe & Follow: Enjoying the series? Don’t miss an episode. Follow A Class Act wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review to help more listeners discover these conversations in data and leadership.Connect with MBN Solutions:Michael Young on LinkedIn – Follow Michael for advice on talent acquisition, leadership in data science, and stories from the front lines of tech recruitment. Connect with Michael here.MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here.For questions, guest recommendations, or to connect:Email: [email protected] MBN Solutions website at www.mbnsolutions.com

What 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.You’ll discover:How to lead teams through fear of AI and show its value.Why psychological safety is essential for innovation and high performance.How David rebuilt trust after leading a restructure early in his career.The leadership principles behind scaling from 12% to 98% online orders in a year.Why patience, adaptability, and strengths-based leadership matter most in change.If you’re leading in data, technology, or any fast-moving industry, this conversation offers practical insights to help you build trust and unlock performance in the AI and tech industry.Connect with David Meikle on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davemeikle/Discover BloxWeaver: https://bloxweaver.com/About Your Host: Shannon McKechnie is the Managing Director at MBN Solutions - the Data and AI talent experts, and a passionate advocate for building exceptional teams and authentic leadership. As co-host of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership, Shannon brings a grounded, people-first perspective to leadership ,exploring how trust, alignment, and shared success drive high-performing teams in today’s complex landscape.Please note: The views expressed by the guest in this episode are their own and do not reflect those of their current or former employers.Subscribe & Follow: Enjoying the series? Don’t miss an episode. Follow A Class Act wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review to help more listeners discover these conversations in data and leadership.Connect with MBN Solutions:Shannon McKechnie on LinkedIn – Follow Shannon for advice on talent acquisition, leadership in data science, and stories from the front lines of tech recruitment. Connect with Shannon here.MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here.For questions, guest recommendations, or to connect:Email: [email protected] MBN Solutions website at www.mbnsolutions.com

What 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 the CEO of one of Scotland’s most influential cyber organisations, Jude works across sectors from public services to enterprise and third sector - shaping how we respond to the evolving threats of fraud and cybercrime.You’ll hear:Why Jude left a solid career in Ireland to start from scratch in ScotlandThe leadership lessons she learned building a network, a team, and an organisation during lockdownThe importance of relationships and connections in the development of her leadership styleThe human cost of cyberattacks and what we can do to build resilience across every sectorHow partnerships with UNICEF and others have shown the power of public-private collaborationThe one piece of advice she would give to leaders in the data and cyber space early in their careerConnect with Jude McCorry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jude-mccorry-5970911/About Your Host: Shannon McKechnie is the Managing Director at MBN Solutions - the Data and AI talent experts, and a passionate advocate for building exceptional teams and authentic leadership. As co-host of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership, Shannon brings a grounded, people-first perspective to leadership ,exploring how trust, alignment, and shared success drive high-performing teams in today’s complex landscape.Please note: The views expressed by Jude McCorry in this episode are her own and do not reflect those of her current or former employers.Subscribe & Follow: Enjoying the series? Don’t miss an episode. Follow A Class Act wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review to help more listeners discover these conversations in data and leadership.Connect with MBN Solutions:Shannon McKechnie on LinkedIn – Follow Shannon for advice on talent acquisition, leadership in data science, and stories from the front lines of tech recruitment. Connect with Shannon here.MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here.For questions, guest recommendations, or to connect:Email: [email protected] MBN Solutions website at www.mbnsolutions.com

She 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 high-performing, mission-driven teams, and how Scotland can seize its next big opportunity in AI.You’ll hear:What sparked Gillian’s early interest in tech and innovation growing up in ScotlandThe biggest leadership lessons from two decades at IBMHow a last-minute recruiter call changed the trajectory of her careerWhat great leadership looks like across public, academic, and commercial sectorsWhy creating purpose-driven, mission-led teams starts with how you recruitWhere Scotland’s biggest AI and data opportunities areGillian’s view on legacy, leadership, and raising strong, independent daughtersConnect with Gillian Docherty on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-docherty/About Your Host: Michael Young is the Managing Director of MBN Solutions and host of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership. With nearly two decades of experience helping organisations build high-performing data, analytics, and AI teams, he brings frontline insight into what makes exceptional talent and leadership.Please note: The views expressed by Gillian Docherty in this episode are his own and do not reflect those of his current or former employers.Subscribe & Follow: Enjoying the series? Don’t miss an episode. Follow A Class Act wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review to help more listeners discover these conversations in data and leadership.Connect with MBN Solutions:Michael Young on LinkedIn – Follow Michael for advice on talent acquisition, leadership in data science, and stories from the front lines of tech recruitment. Connect with Michael here.MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here.For questions, guest recommendations, or to connect:Email: [email protected] MBN Solutions website at www.mbnsolutions.com

What 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.What’s covered in this episode:The hard early lessons that taught David leadership isn’t about being in charge - it’s about looking after your peopleWhat leading in combat reveals about keeping teams aligned under pressureThe real difference between change that sticks and change that stallsWhy vision is the anchor that keeps teams going when things get toughHow to build trust quickly across global, cross-functional teamsThe importance of servant leadership, vulnerability, and living your valuesWhy leaders must resist the urge to ‘revert to type’ in a crisis and stay on the bridgeWhether you’re leading in data, or transformation teams, shaping strategy, or navigating complexity, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for high-performing leaders.Connect with David Goodacre on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dgoodacre/About Your Host: Shannon McKechnie is the Managing Director at MBN Solutions - the Data and AI talent experts, and a passionate advocate for building exceptional teams and authentic leadership. As co-host of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership, Shannon brings a grounded, people-first perspective to leadership ,exploring how trust, alignment, and shared success drive high-performing teams in today’s complex landscape.Please note: The views expressed by David Goodacre in this episode are his own and do not reflect those of his current or former employers.Subscribe & Follow: Enjoying the series? Don’t miss an episode. Follow A Class Act wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review to help more listeners discover these conversations in data and leadership.Connect with MBN Solutions:Michael Young on LinkedIn – Follow Michael for advice on talent acquisition, leadership in data science, and stories from the front lines of tech recruitment. Connect with Michael here.MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here.For questions, guest recommendations, or to connect:Email: [email protected] MBN Solutions website at www.mbnsolutions.com

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 impact often comes from stepping back, not stepping up.In this episode, you’ll hear:How Stephen helped scale FinTech Scotland from 26 to over 250 firms and what made it workWhy “you don’t need another player kicking the ball… you need a coach on the sidelines” might be the most important leadership lesson in 2025How to lead with clarity, adaptability, and inclusionThe leadership “golf club” mindset and why you can’t use one style for every challengeHow Stephen hopes to leave a legacy of inclusion, innovation and purposeWhether you're leading data and AI teams, scaling fintech, or building capability in a fast-changing landscape, this conversation is packed with real, experience-led insight.Connect with Stephen Ingledew: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-ingledew-obe-a444a92/About Your Host: Michael Young is the Managing Director of MBN Solutions and host of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership. With nearly two decades of experience helping organisations build high-performing data, analytics, and AI teams, he brings frontline insight into what makes exceptional talent and leadership.Please note: The views expressed by Stephen Ingledew in this episode are his own and do not reflect those of his current or former employers.Subscribe & Follow: Enjoying the series? Don’t miss an episode. Follow A Class Act wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review to help more listeners discover these conversations in data and leadership.Connect with Michael and MBN Solutions:Michael Young on LinkedIn – Follow Michael for advice on talent acquisition, leadership in data science, and stories from the front lines of tech recruitment. Connect with Michael here.MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here.For questions, guest recommendations, or to connect:Email: [email protected] MBN Solutions website at www.mbnsolutions.com

What 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 people through complexity - without burning out or bluffing your way through. Elizabeth shares how she used vulnerability as a strength, made space for cognitive diversity, and focused relentlessly on creating real business value through data.You’ll Learn:Why trust beats control when leading high-performing teamsHow to lead without knowing all the answersThe link between cognitive diversity and better decision-makingHow to balance delivery with culture in fast-moving environmentsWhat great leadership actually looks like in the data spaceConnect with Elizabeth Hollinger: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-hollinger-31055234/overlay/about-this-profile/About Your Host: Michael Young is the Managing Director of MBN Solutions and host of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership. With nearly two decades of experience helping organisations build high-performing data, analytics, and AI teams, he brings frontline insight into what makes exceptional talent and leadership.Please note: The views expressed by Elizabeth Hollinger in this episode are her own and do not reflect those of her current or former employers.Subscribe & Follow: Enjoying the series? Don’t miss an episode. Follow A Class Act wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review to help more listeners discover these conversations in data and leadership.Connect with Michael and MBN Solutions:Michael Young on LinkedIn – Follow Michael for advice on talent acquisition, leadership in data science, and stories from the front lines of tech recruitment. Connect with Michael here.MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here.For questions, guest recommendations, or to connect:Email: [email protected] MBN Solutions website at www.mbnsolutions.com

What 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 presence in Romania, Adriana brings depth, humility, and sharp insight into what it really means to lead in the modern workplace.This is not a conversation about titles or frameworks. It’s about the inner work of leadership, and what it takes to build capability that lasts.In this episode, Adriana shares:What more than a decade at Google taught her about product, leadership and herselfWhy your team’s strength should never rely on your presence in the roomThe “Jenga Tower” model of talent development and how it transforms how you leadWhy being a great individual contributor is still essential, even when you leadHow to spot genuine capability in the age of AI-generated CVsImposter syndrome in leadership and how to work through itDisclaimer: The views expressed by Adriana Ignat in this episode are her own and do not reflect those of her current or former employers.Connect with Michael and MBN Solutions:Michael Young on LinkedIn – Follow Michael for advice on talent acquisition, leadership in data science, and stories from the front lines of tech recruitment. Connect with Michael here.MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here.Connect with Adriana Ignat on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianaignat/For questions, guest recommendations, or to connect:Email: [email protected] MBN Solutions website at www.mbnsolutions.com

What 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 strategy or statistics. It’s also a real, and revealing look at the human side of leadership: the power of trust, the cost of tough decisions, and the long game of building both teams and friendships that last decades.Expect stories and every aspiring leader needs to hear.In this episode, they explore:What 35 years in data leadership teaches you (and why Graeme is still not done learning)How to build high-performing teams in high-pressure environmentsThe shift from transactional to trusted relationships – in business and beyondWhy some data leaders succeed short-term, but fail to scaleThe power of mentorship, memory, and making the complex feel simpleIf you lead (or aspire to lead) in the world of data, analytics, or digital transformation – this is a must-listen.Connect with Michael and MBN Solutions:Michael Young on LinkedIn – Follow Michael for advice on talent acquisition, leadership in data science, and stories from the front lines of tech recruitment. Connect with Michael here.MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here.Connect with Graeme McDermott on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chiefdataanalyticsofficerlondon/For questions, guest recommendations, or to connect:Email: [email protected] MBN Solutions website at www.mbnsolutions.com

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 - those who’ve made critical hires, driven digital transformation, and led with purpose and vision.You’ll hear real-world stories, lessons learned, and behind-the-scenes insights from the front lines of data science, recruitment, and leadership.Whether you’re leading data, AI, or analytics teams, shaping strategy, or scaling capability, our conversations are candid, experience-led, and grounded in the realities of building and leading in this space. Real insights from those who’ve done the hard yards at the forefront of data and leadership.The podcast officially launches on May 20, 2025.Hit follow on your favorite podcast streaming platform to join the conversation and be notified when a new episode is live.Connect with Michael and MBN Solutions:Michael Young on LinkedIn – Follow Michael for advice on talent acquisition, leadership in data science, and stories from the front lines of tech recruitment. Connect with Michael here.MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here.For questions, guest recommendations, or to connect:Email: [email protected] MBN Solutions website at www.mbnsolutions.com