In this episode of Data & AI Mastery, host Raoul sits down with Prof. Alastair Beresford, Head of the Computer Science Department at the University of Cambridge, to discuss how AI is transforming education. They explore the benefits and challenges of AI-generated feedback for students, the future of coding in an AI-assisted world, and the critical skills learners need to succeed in the next decade.

Prof. Alastair shares insights on the ICAP framework for measuring student engagement, the importance of asking the right questions, and the balance between teaching fundamentals vs. relying on automation. The conversation also touches on how universities can adapt assessments to ensure students truly understand the material, rather than just accepting AI-generated answers at face value.

If you're interested in how AI is shaping the future of learning and work, this episode is a must-listen!

Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe and follow to never miss an episode, and be sure to leave a rating and review to help others discover the show!

Chapter Markers

[00:00] Guest introduction: Prof. Alastair Beresford, University of Cambridge

[03:30] How AI helps students learn faster with personalised feedback

[14:45] The Downsides & Challenges of AI in Learning

[16:57] The Future of Coding in an AI World

[18:00] The Calculator Analogy: Learning vs. Automation

[22:00] Why “asking the right question” is a critical skill in an AI-driven world

[24:00] AI & The Future of Education

[28:00] Quick Fire Questions

[30:00] Raoul’s Reflections

Useful Links

Prof. Alastair’s LinkedIn

Raoul’s LinkedIn

GitHub Copilot: AI-assisted coding

Cambridge Spark - AI & Data Training

Data & AI are reshaping industries, but how do organisations like Zurich Insurance stay ahead in this fast-evolving landscape?

In this episode of Data & AI Mastery, Raoul welcomes Alex Sidgreaves, Chief Data Officer at Zurich, to share her insights on leading a data-first transformation in one of the world’s largest insurers.

Alex delves into the multifaceted role of a CDO, which has evolved from a technical focus to a strategic one centered on delivering measurable business impact. She explains how Zurich leverages generative AI and automation to address employee pain points, improve customer experiences, and drive operational efficiencies.

Alex also shares practical advice on engaging stakeholders, identifying impactful use cases, and the need to stay curious and connected in a rapidly evolving field.

Whether you’re a seasoned executive or an aspiring data leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you harness the power of data and AI in your organisation.

Chapter Markers:

[0:40] Introduction: About Alex Sidgreaves and her role at Zurich Insurance

[2:00] The evolution of the CDO role from technical to strategic

[6:15] Generative AI: Hype versus reality in the insurance sector

[8:30] Targeted use cases and practical applications for generative AI

[13:10] Driving adoption by solving real pain points

[16:35] Preparing for the future of work: Skills, culture, and adaptability

[19:10] Challenges with data privacy, regulation, and trust

[20:30] Why collaboration and communication between data and business teams are essential

[23:08] Rapid-fire questions

Useful Links:

Alex Sidgreaves on LinkedIn

Zurich Insurance Website

Cambridge Spark Website

Data is not a technology concern—it’s a business concern that can drive real impact.

This week on Data & AI Mastery, we’re joined by Cassandra Vukorep, Chief Data Officer at Lloyd's, who’s all about making data work for the bigger business picture.

In this episode, she explores why data should be at the heart of your business strategy, not just another tech project.

She and Raoul have a fantastic conversation about how Lloyd’s is using data to make a meaningful impact, aligning data initiatives with business goals to unlock real value.

One major takeaway from Cassandra’s impressive career and experience as a CDO is that you should start with the corporate strategy rather than the data strategy. As she reminds us, the data supports the bigger vision, not the other way around.

Cassandra also talks about the importance of building a culture of data literacy within your team so that everyone’s on the same page and ready to innovate.

Plus, she’s got a lot of great tips on running data projects in manageable sprints and getting buy-in from key stakeholders.

So, if you’re looking to turn your data into a truly powerful asset in your business, Cassandra’s insights in this episode will help you drive the change needed to make it happen.

Chapter Markers:

[1:27] Introduction to Cassandra’s career trajectory, industry transitions, and key milestones

[2:52] Exploring the evolving nature of the CDO role and driving value through data

[5:04] Running data projects as business initiatives and aligning them with goals

[9:21] Navigating ROI challenges and opportunities in data leadership

[11:33] The essential role of data literacy in empowering businesses to innovate and adapt

[15:26] The key steps for launching a successful data literacy initiative within an organisation

[19:10] Addressing the challenges of stakeholder management at Lloyd’s

[22:30] Quickfire round questions

[25:24] Key takeaways

Useful Links:

Cassandra Vukorep LinkedIn

Lloyd's Website