Data Driven Leadership

Many organizations are adopting AI tools at record speed. Few are stepping back to ask whether they are meaningfully transforming how work gets done.
In this episode of Data-Driven Leadership, Jess Carter sits down with Sindhu Venkata, Vice President of Technical Delivery at Resultant, to discuss what intentional AI leadership looks like.
Sindhu introduces the idea of the "AI speed trap" — the cycle of moving faster, producing more, and slowly eroding quality, trust, and critical thinking along the way. She explains why AI failure is rarely a technology problem; it's a leadership problem.
This episode is especially relevant for executives, data leaders, and operators navigating AI adoption across their teams.


In this episode, you'll learn:
The difference between operational AI and transformational AI

Why the AI speed trap creates fatigue and poor outputs

How leaders can adopt AI without losing critical thinking

 
Things to listen for:
(00:00) Introduction to the episode with Sindhu Venkata
(08:02) The AI speed trap and work slop
(17:57) AI licenses vs. transformational strategy
(23:57) Trust erosion and AI hallucinations
(27:55) Leading AI adoption with intention

Sindhu's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sindhuvenkata/

Data can point to the right answer, but negotiation determines whether it happens.
In this episode of Data Driven Leadership, Jess Carter sits down with Charlotte Westerhaus-Renfrow, Clinical Associate Professor of Business Law and Management at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.  They discuss why negotiation is a core leadership skill that transforms the way you approach tough conversations.
Charlotte explains why effective leaders do not rely on one negotiation style. They prepare, assess the moment, and pivot when the strategy no longer serves the goal. This episode is especially relevant for leaders navigating complex tradeoffs, limited options, or tense conversations where outcomes and relationships both matter.


In this episode, you'll learn:
How to recognize the negotiation style that works best for you

Strategies for building and maintaining strong professional relationships

The importance of mentorship  in leadership development

 
Things to listen for:
(00:00) Introduction to the episode with Charlotte Westerhaus-Renfrow
(09:08) How to select a mentor 
(11:52) Negotiation styles and strategies
(23:19) When you're overwhelmed, do this
(26:28) Know your alternatives in a negotiation
(28:24) Leveraging AI for better communication
(31:56) Building and maintaining professional relationships

Charlotte's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlottewesterhaus/
Self-assessment: https://hubs.ly/Q042Ty6d0

How can leaders make better data-driven decisions?
Jess Carter shares some of her recent reflections on leadership, from improving workflows within the organization to navigating AI. She talks about how leaders can stay hands-on, spot problems before they turn into bigger issues that impact the business, and earn their team's trust.


In this episode, you'll learn:
The questions leaders need to ask to identify problems in the organization

Tips for democratizing decision-making

How a personal philosophy around AI leads to more confident decisions

 
Things to listen for:
(00:00) Introduction to the episode
(01:05) A methodology for spotting problems you might otherwise miss
(04:40) Showing up and building trust with your team
(06:26) Democratizing problem-solving
(08:23) How to start figuring out your AI philosophy

Jess's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaccarter/

"Slow is smooth, smooth is fast." This saying rings true when it comes to AI adoption in today's fast-paced world. While everyone seems to be rushing toward the next big AI breakthrough, the reality is that hasty decisions often lead to costly mistakes.
In this episode of Data-Driven Leadership, Jess Carter sits down with Patrick McQuillan, global head of AI and data governance at a Fortune 500 company to discuss how leaders can adopt AI thoughtfully and sustainably. Patrick shares his expertise on balancing rapid innovation with long-term success, the critical role of AI governance, and how organizations can avoid common pitfalls in their AI journey. 
Tune in to learn how a strategic, measured approach to AI can drive lasting impact for both businesses and their customers.


In this episode, you'll learn:
How AI governance reduces failure rates and protects trust

Why data foundations matter more than new models

What leaders should ask before they fund or scale AI



Things to listen for:
(00:00) Introduction to the episode with Patrick McQuillan
(05:50) Guidance for early AI adopters on pace and expectations
(12:41) When AI governance becomes a leadership priority
(15:28) The likelihood of public AI failures
(20:10) Long-term AI adoption
(26:36) AI in higher education and job readiness
(31:10) Responsible use of GenAI tools in the workplace

Patrick's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pjmcquillan/

2025 was a breakthrough year for AI adoption, with new tools enabling seamless integration between business and technical teams. Organizations leveraged AI to improve operations, enhance decision-making, and unlock growth opportunities, though not without challenges.
In this episode, Jess Carter sits down with Michael Schwarz, Senior Vice President of Professional Services at Resultant, to reflect on the key lessons from 2025. They discuss the successes and hurdles organizations encountered in their AI journeys and share actionable insights for leaders heading into 2026. Michael also offers his predictions for 2026 and how businesses can leverage AI to lead in the next phase of digital transformation.

In this episode, you'll learn:
How 2025 accelerated AI adoption across industries

The balance between power and responsibility in using AI

Key priorities for leaders to focus on in 2026, especially within industries like healthcare


Things to listen for:
(00:00) Introduction to the episode with Michael Schwarz
(06:08) Reflections on 2025 with fast-moving technology
(11:31) What leaders need to know about the future of AI
(18:07) Predictions for 2026
(25:10) Where to focus AI investment for growth
(31:15) Improving patient experience for 2026

Michael's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schwarzmike/