Driving AI Innovation in Financial Services with Apoorv Kashyap, Head of Artificial Intelligence at Santander UK
In this episode of the Data & AI Mastery podcast, host Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma, sits down with Apoorv Kashyap, Head of Artificial Intelligence at Santander UK.
They explore the transformative power of AI in financial services, including how to leverage advanced machine learning models to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and drive business value.
Apoorv shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities of deploying AI at scale, the importance of ethical AI, and the future of AI-driven finance.
Don't forget to subscribe for more insights from AI leaders and industry experts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your network.
Chapter Markers:
02:15 - Apoorv Kashyap’s Career Journey in AI
06:45 - Building Scalable AI Solutions
12:30 - Overcoming Data Challenges in Financial Services
18:50 - The Importance of Ethical AI
24:15 - Future Trends in AI and Financial Services
28:30 - Closing Thoughts and Key Takeaways
Useful Links:
Connect with Apoorv Kashyap on LinkedIn
Visit the Santander UK Website
Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programs at cambridgespark.com
Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn
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35:37
Reimagining Education with AI: How Dave Treat, CTO at Pearson is Transforming Learning with Data & AI
In this episode of Data & AI Mastery, Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma sits down with Dave Treat, Chief Technology Officer at Pearson, to explore how one of the world’s largest education companies is leveraging AI and data to deliver more personalised, accessible, and effective learning experiences.
With deep insights into the evolution of digital learning, Dave shares how Pearson is integrating generative AI across its content creation, tutoring, and assessment capabilities—while ensuring responsible and ethical use of the technology.
From AI-powered learning companions to scalable data infrastructure, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the digital transformation of education at scale.
Whether you're in EdTech, data leadership, or AI strategy, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways for anyone building data-driven experiences at scale.
Chapter Markers:
03:28 – From capital markets to edtech: Dave’s tech journey
06:10 – What digital transformation means in a global education company
08:45 – Pearson’s strategy for integrating generative AI
11:52 – Personalised tutoring and assessment using AI
15:34 – Building a robust data infrastructure for AI at scale
18:27 – Balancing innovation with regulation and responsible AI
21:10 – Organisational design and AI governance
24:56 – AI literacy and upskilling the workforce
Useful Links:
Connect with Dave on LinkedIn
Learn more about Pearson via their website
Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programs at cambridgespark.com
Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn
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30:56
Building an AI-First Culture: Lessons from James Utting, Chief Business Officer for the Emerging Technology Group at UBS
In this episode of the Data & AI Mastery podcast, Raoul sits down with James Utting, Chief Business Officer for the Emerging Technology Group at UBS, to explore what it means to build an AI-first culture in a global financial institution.
James starts off by sharing his career journey—from graduate to senior leadership—highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped his expertise in AI strategy, digital transformation, and leadership. He then goes on to detail UBS’s AI-first culture initiative, explaining how the bank empowers employees to integrate AI into daily decision-making, fosters tailored AI education, and ensures governance for responsible AI use.
If you're a data leader, AI practitioner, or business executive, this conversation offers valuable takeaways on how to successfully navigate AI adoption at scale.
Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, rate, and leave us a review!
Chapter Markers:
[01:45] - James’ Career Journey & Key Inflection Points
[06:31] - Why UBS is Developing an AI-First Culture
[10:12] - Initiatives to Drive AI Adoption at Scale
[15:38] - The Role of Education & AI Champions in Transformation
[20:12] - How UBS Prioritises AI Initiatives & Investments
[24:45] - Quickfire Round: Leadership, Learning & AI for Good
[27:16] - Closing Thoughts & Key Takeaways
Useful Links:
Connect with James Utting on LinkedIn
Learn more about UBS’s AI initiatives on the UBS Website
Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programs at cambridgespark.com
Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn
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31:04
Reimagining Lloyds Banking Group: AI Transformation in Banking
In this special compilation episode of the Data & AI Mastery podcast, we take you inside an exclusive executive education event hosted by Lloyds Banking Group and Cambridge Spark at the Cambridge Judge Business School.
Over the course of the event, Lloyds’ senior AI leaders shared invaluable insights on scaling AI adoption, building AI literacy across leadership, and embedding AI into the very fabric of the organisation.
Join host Raoul as he sits down with Trystan Davies, Group Head of Data Science, Ranil Boteju, Chief Data and Analytics Officer, Rohit Dhawan, Group Head of AI and Josh Cunningham, Group Head of Data & AI Culture.
Together, they discuss why AI is not just a technology shift but a fundamental business transformation.
Throughout the episode we learn why leadership buy-in is critical for AI success, how Lloyds is reimagining banking through AI-powered experiences, the role of AI in upskilling employees and accelerating innovation and strategies for embedding AI across all levels of an organisation.
If you’re looking to stay ahead in the AI revolution, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!
Chapter Markers:
[02:16] AI as a Transformational Capability in Banking
[04:19] The Role of Leadership in AI Adoption
[07:41] AI’s Impact on Customer Experience & Operations
[10:38] Lloyds’ AI Training Program for Business Leaders
[13:39] Cultivating AI Skills & Measuring Success
[17:51] What’s Next for AI at Lloyds Banking Group
[20:52] Closing Reflections & Key Takeaways
Useful Links:
Visit the Cambridge Spark Website
Follow Lloyds Banking Group on LinkedIn
Connect with Raoul on LinkedIn
Find Ranil Boteju on LinkedIn
Join Trystan Davies on LinkedIn
Discover more from Rohit Dhawan on LinkedIn
Engage with Josh Cunningham on LinkedIn
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21:40
AI, Cybersecurity & Digital Transformation with NATO CIO Manfred Boudreaux-Dehmer
In this episode of the Data & AI Mastery podcast, Raoul sits down with Manfred Boudreaux-Dehmer, the first-ever CIO of NATO, to explore how AI is shaping cybersecurity, digital transformation, and operational efficiency in one of the world's most complex organisations.
Manfred shares insights on how NATO is adopting AI to enhance translation services, improve cybersecurity, and streamline enterprise operations. He also discusses the role of hackathons in fostering innovation, the importance of upskilling employees in AI, and the challenges of ensuring responsible AI adoption within a multinational defense alliance.
This conversation is packed with valuable lessons for business leaders, technologists, and AI enthusiasts alike.
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, follow, and leave a review to help others discover the show!
Chapter Markers:
[00:00] Introduction to Manfred Boudreaux-Dehmer
[02:00] The role of a CIO at NATO
[05:30] AI adoption at NATO: Opportunities & risks
[08:50] Identifying AI use cases in a complex organisation
[14:00] Measuring AI’s impact: Productivity vs. ROI
[17:00] How hackathons are accelerating AI adoption at NATO
[20:30] Exciting trends and concerns in AI
[24:00] Quick-fire questions: Leadership, technology, and music preferences
[28:30] Raoul’s reflections and takeaways
Useful Links:
Connect with Manfred Boudreaux-Dehmer on LinkedIn
Follow Raoul-Gabriel Urma on LinkedIn
Learn more about Cambridge Spark: cambridgespark.com
In the age of rapid technological change, how can you harness the power of data and AI to transform your business?
Welcome to Data & AI Mastery, the podcast where cutting-edge insights meet practical strategies for success.
Hosted by Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma, Founder of Cambridge Spark, this show dives deep into how leading organisations across the globe are using Data & AI to revolutionise operations, streamline efficiency, and drive innovation.
Each episode features conversations with senior leaders, revealing their career stories and real-world case studies, and actionable takeaways that you can apply—whether you're climbing the career ladder or already in the C-suite.
From AI-driven solutions to practical tips for navigating your data transformation journey, Data & AI Mastery will equip you with the tools to thrive in the AI era.
Stay ahead, stay inspired, and unlock your potential with Data & AI Mastery—your ultimate guide to mastering data and AI for business.