Data Masters Podcast · 2026-03-09 · 35 min
AI is not a side project; it is a business model shift. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Elena Alikhachkina , Chief Data and AI Officer of TE Connectivity , director, board advisor and author, to explore why AI demands a product mindset, how “learning data” powers continuous AI loops and what boards must do now to govern AI responsibly. Elena shares why technical skills alone are no longer enough, how trust is being redefined in the age of digital employees, and why 2026 will mark a turning point for data, governance and enterprise transformation. Elena challenges the idea that data is “the new oil” and instead reframes it as a living, learning asset embedded in business processes. We unpack what it really means to build AI loops, why product leaders must be deeply embedded in operations and how governance, data readiness and performance accountability must evolve as agents join the workforce. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 02:38 AI is reshaping data careers and elevating product and business skills. 06:00 Product leaders go beyond dashboards to uncover the real business problem. 09:43 Data teams must embed in operations and “walk the floor” to drive adoption.
Why Context Is the New Currency in Data Strategy with Chris Tabb of LEIT DATA68 / 100
Applying the Scientific Mindset to Machine Learning, Data Science and AI with Jonathan Burley of Bloomberg Industry Group
Startup Reality Check: Why Cool Products Don’t Always Sell with Martin Miller of FastCTO, M-Vision and Unriveted Media Podcast
Breaking Into Data Careers: Practical Paths for Newcomers and Career Switchers with Avery Smith of Data Career Jumpstart
How Open Source, Python and AI Are Shaping the Data Future with Wes McKinney of Posit PBC, Voltron Data and Composed Ventures