In this conversation, Andrew Turner and Ali Khan discuss the evolving role of Chief Data Officers (CDOs) in the context of AI and data management. They explore the recognition of CDOs, the challenges they face, and the importance of data in decision-making.

Ali shares insights on the transformation of data roles, the balance between transformation and line management, and the growing trust in AI for decision-making. The discussion highlights the significance of data as a core asset in organizations and the need for continuous evolution in data practices.

Ali covers the evolution of AI, particularly in relation to the Turing Test and its implications for businesses. He emphasises the importance of understanding the risks associated with AI integration, the growing customer expectations, and the fear of missing out (FOMO) in adopting AI technologies. The discussion also covers the critical role of data quality, the challenges of explainability and bias in AI, and the skills gap in AI development.

Overall, the conversation highlights the complexities and considerations businesses must navigate in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

We also discuss the rapid evolution of AI in software development, the implications for the future of work, and the critical importance of AI ethics and governance.

Highlighting the shift towards hybrid organszations where AI and human workers collaborate, the need for responsible AI practices, and the challenges of establishing ethical frameworks for AI behaviour. Emphasizing the transformative potential of AI while acknowledging the ethical dilemmas it presents.

Takeaways

• The CDO role is gaining recognition but still faces challenges.
• Data management is crucial for making informed decisions.
• Transformation in data roles is necessary for organizational success.
• AI is reshaping the landscape of data management.
• Trust in AI is built through demonstrated value and results.
• Gut decisions are valid but should be supported by data.
• The CDO role involves both transformation and ongoing management.
• Data is a fundamental asset for organizations.
• Continuous evolution in data practices is essential.
• Collaboration and education are key in adopting AI solutions. The Turing Test has evolved, and AI can now mimic human interaction convincingly.
• Understanding the business value of AI is crucial for successful implementation.
• AI introduces risks and uncertainties that must be managed carefully.
• Customer expectations for AI capabilities are rising, making it essential for businesses to adapt.
• FOMO is driving many organizations to adopt AI without fully understanding its implications.
• Data quality is the most significant factor in the success of machine learning models.
• Explainability in AI remains a challenge, complicating trust and accountability.
• Bias in AI models can have serious ethical implications that need to be addressed.
• Integrating traditional models with AI can enhance robustness but requires careful planning.
• The skills gap in AI development is a significant barrier that organizations must overcome. AI can autonomously add code to existing software.
• The future is hybrid with augmented organizations.
• AI ethics is crucial for our future.
• Responsible AI is ethics in practice.
• AI governance encompasses ethics, safety, and accountability.
• Data governance should extend to AI governance.
• AI will become ubiquitous like big data.
• Philosophy is going to eat AI.
• We need a common ethical framework for AI agents.
• AI ethics is moving faster than our understanding.

• "It's about data. It's about this thing called AI."
• "There's a good understanding of the CISO role."
• "It's not a one and done, right?"
• "Gut decisions are real, and I rely on that."
• "We need to take our colleagues on that journey."
• "We're approaching that point, aren't we?"
• "If you don't have it now, it's just table stakes."
• "The FOMO is of a couple of flavors."
• "The biggest consideration is the data."
• "AI is not some sort of fairy dust."
• "You have to fight the urge to over-engineer."
• "AI ethics is crucial for our future."
• "Responsible AI is ethics in practice."
• "Data governance should extend to AI governance."
• "AI will become ubiquitous like big data."
• "Philosophy is going to eat AI.”

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:08 Recognition and the Role of CDOs

05:54 The Evolution of the CDO Role

09:13 Transformation vs. Line Management in Data Roles

11:57 The Importance of Data in Decision Making

14:57 AI and Its Impact on Data Management

18:11 The Journey of Trusting AI in Decision Making

28:14 The Evolution of AI and the Turing Test

30:08 Business Implications of AI

33:37 Understanding AI Risks and Uncertainties

35:13 Customer Expectations and AI Integration

37:26 FOMO in AI Adoption

39:19 Data Quality and Machine Learning

40:58 The Challenge of Explainability in AI

42:00 Bias and Ethical Considerations in AI

48:26 Integrating Traditional Models with AI

49:44 The Skills Gap in AI Development

56:28 The Evolution of AI in Software Development

01:00:08 The Future of Work: Hybrid Organisations

01:02:59 AI Ethics and Governance: Navigating the New Landscape

Ali is a veteran multi-industry Data & AI thought leader with over 25 years of experience, including senior leadership positions at Scholastic, Verizon and Experian Consumer Services. He has started, scaled and operated multiple organisations and is an expert in all aspects of running a successful Data & AI practice - cultural, organisational and technical - ensuring that the group aligns precisely with business outcomes for maximal impact. Ali has led world-class, mission-driven teams of 100+ to deliver transformational data platforms and innovative products - realizing $100m+ in revenue uplift through optimisation, personalisation and monetisation. He is highly competent at data strategy, AI ethics, platform architecture, personalization and privacy compliance. As a recognised industry leader, Ali is also engaged in executive advisory for industry organisations, startups and venture capital firms.

You cannot connect with Ali here https://www.linkedin.com/in/khana/