Data Dojo Podcast

About Data Dojo Podcast

⛩️ Welcome to the Data Dojo ⛩️ Data, AI and technology are changing fast. But what does that actually mean for the people building and leading it? Data Dojo is a podcast hosted by Adam Massey, featuring honest conversations with the leaders, builders, founders and experts shaping the future of data, AI and technology in Australia. 🚀 Expect practical insights, strong opinions, lessons from experience and the occasional challenge to the latest tech hype. Because the best conversations about data and AI aren't always about the technology!

Publisher

Data Dojo

Category

technology

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

29 Jul 2024

Latest episode

14 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

3 of 13 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   14 Sept 2026TRANSCRIPT

   S2 | Ep 12 | Kevin Cattaway | Why Fundamentals Still Matter in an AI World!

   Host Adam Massey interviews Kevin Cattaway, Head of Data & Analytics at Mitti Insurance, about prioritizing data fundamentals over AI hype for real business value.

2. 

   17 Dec 2025TRANSCRIPT

   S1 | Ep 11 | Jason Tan | From Data Scientist to Startup Founder: How to Make the Transition

   In this episode, Adam sits down with Jason Tan, Founder of Engage.ai, Fractional AI Advisor, and one of Australia’s thought leaders in data, AI, and analytics. Jason shares his journey from data scientist in corporate Australia to founder and AI innovator, revealing the challenges of transitioning from technical roles to entrepreneurship, marketing, and personal branding. We talk about: 💡 Overcoming the fear of being judged as a technical professional ⚙️ Using LinkedIn, podcasting, and content creation to build credibility 📊 Practical steps to bootstrap and scale AI products without VC funding 🧠 Leveraging AI to communicate ideas and promote your work 🔮 Advice for starting a side project or AI startup while still employed 🎓 Lessons learned from transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship 🌱 How to build MVPs and validate ideas before going “all in” Whether you’re in data, AI, or considering your own startup journey, Jason’s story is full of actionable insights on career growth, entrepreneurship, and using AI to amplify your impact. 🔗 Subscribe for more Data + AI leadership insights💬 Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments — Adam would love to hear them. 🔗 Connect with Jason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpctan/🔗 Connect with Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amasseyadam/🌐 Read Jason’s Substack for practical tips on bootstrapping AI products: https://jpctan.substack.com (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqblZELU9iWUhaMEtNUTZPZ3NRaS1HaTBYSkZqZ3xBQ3Jtc0tucnNsWjI0MXVtNXdJWHpiVURMcWx3UVB0bE1yYWJkOG1wZEl4N3B1Z281STMyRmFMT0tMdlFac1VoakVhT0Q2RGE3VkI4ZmFmOGlPdElkdXNMaDJHMXlNQ3NiV2QyVWlRTXFhR3psRER0c0xKZjZtZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fjpctan.substack.com%2F&v=bOd4Afv3RKQ) #DataDojo (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/datadojo) #Podcast (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/podcast) #TechPodcast (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/techpodcast) #AI (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/ai) #DataAnalytics (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/dataanalytics) #DataEngineering (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/dataengineering) #ArtificialIntelligence (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/artificialintelligence) #MachineLearning (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/machinelearning) #DigitalTransformation (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/digitaltransformation) #Entrepreneurship (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/entrepreneurship) #Startups (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/startups) #AIProducts (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/aiproducts) #CareerGrowth (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/careergrowth) #PersonalBranding (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/personalbranding) #TechnicalLeadership (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/technicalleadership) #AusTech (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/austech) #AustralianPodcast (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/australianpodcast) #AIDownUnder (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/aidownunder)

3. 

   23 Nov 2025

   S1 | Ep 10 | Sandeep Mathur | Leading Data & Engineering at Greenpeace

   In this episode, Adam sits down with Dr. Sandeep Mathur, Head of Data and Engineering at Greenpeace Australia Pacific and one of Corinium’s Global Top 100 Innovators in Data, Analytics & AI for 2025. Sandeep shares an inside look at how Greenpeace is delivering a full digital transformation across data, CRM and AI — all within the constraints of a mission-driven, values-led nonprofit environment. We talk about: 💡 Building a modern data ecosystem inside a nonprofit ⚙️ Shifting from pro-code to low-code to empower teams 📊 Creating a unified supporter 360 view 🧠 Using AI responsibly: ethical frameworks, governance & sustainability 🔮 Future use cases — predictive intelligence, donor personalisation, natural-language analytics 🎓 How teaching at UTS shapes Sandeep’s leadership approach 🌱 Why purpose is becoming the new currency in tech careers Whether you're in data, digital transformation, or interested in the intersection of tech and purpose, this is a seriously insightful conversation. — 🔗 Subscribe for more Data + AI leadership insights 💬 Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments, I’d love to hear them. — 🔗 Connect with Sandeep:   / sandeepmathur1   (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjVMaVAxY09DMkNIQlFOU2p6RGlTZW51TzRId3xBQ3Jtc0treXBvZ0hoT0V6dkhFaWo1NmJ0MWZTRTRya19YY1I1ZDZGRzdUNURMMFd3V19GNVN3NXFVQkNVQXVCeXNrQi1yT1J3XzVUZWxON2tzV2h2VWRBM0VISDVWbG14YU52UDBHY08tVERwLWVCRTNlUnNfcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fsandeepmathur1%2F&v=lnD-dn8gjAM) 🔗 Connect with Adam:   / amasseyadam   (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVY5SFY3b3J0eUhzOHBuUktockh4bmdlOUxwd3xBQ3Jtc0ttSnF2d2NiZVcxVzBMUmNQRGNRd2dwQkx2WUpqaDVmYVE3SEhhVWJ2eUs3MWRvbXVXWHY1LWJLemlyY20xNEZHYVlOUlA2Z1N5X3Rmc3dudFEwQm11a0I2WDVPT2tpWXpVSXlDZkk4dExsV0VLbnRQQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Famasseyadam%2F&v=lnD-dn8gjAM) 🌐 Check out SiteMinder: https://www.greenpeace.org.au/ (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFoyM3BoTHUzVEh3YmR0SmU1Q1p5V0QxUnB6Z3xBQ3Jtc0trbWFHd3ZoUWlaVGZjMzM1MlFxU2lldW5JeUlDaHhYQTVlX1drZE9PMDdjT0EtRnFjUVFINUNxTmNMUndmcGhfZG9HUW0xMXdKbUp5a3hqUkRPcWI3UldNYTdtS2duVWM4UDNqajcyVXE4V3gzSDRhVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.greenpeace.org.au%2F&v=lnD-dn8gjAM) — UTS Digital Transformation Course (March): https://coursehandbook.uts.edu.au/sub... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbE9XY3R2UXBXa05wOTlRQXQzdVpGOUlYNkZ4QXxBQ3Jtc0tuMnR0aVJSdWpiQTc4QXR4VEQ1MkF1R0VGa0NrOW5SM2xXR0R1ZmRMYWg1V2dhMDVZRWVMNVpYU0d6QlVmZ1R3TE5oQ1N0bHkyQ18ya01lOF8yWHV5TlBTNmRrQkFvQnVHMTF3S2FHQlhqcmpScExQRQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fcoursehandbook.uts.edu.au%2Fsubject%2F2026%2F15360&v=lnD-dn8gjAM) Decision 2030 Summit (AI Governance & Quantum): https://eruditets.com/decision3030/ (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXdtQkFkVUxiMlAyZ3FrOXFEQmtDLW9EUmFPd3xBQ3Jtc0ttdUZBY0Ixb1gxSkpLVmd4ZW03Z1BHVkl2VDVLckNxX0IyT0d0di1MS01vNG9tRDJmdWZwZ0ViMEl3LWlzWFQ3Y1UtUWUxMmkwd3BGdVd6aktKYnVGd1RpSnNvaVkwTVFqZDdjQ3ZOakVlYnIzZmhSdw&q=https%3A%2F%2Feruditets.com%2Fdecision3030%2F&v=lnD-dn8gjAM) — #DataDojo (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/datadojo) #Podcast (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/podcast) #TechPodcast (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/techpodcast) #AI (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/ai) #DataAnalytics (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/dataanalytics) #DataEngineering (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/dataengineering) #ArtificialIntelligence (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/artificialintelligence) #MachineLearning (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/machinelearning) #DigitalTransformation (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/digitaltransformation) #Greenpeace (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/greenpeace) #NonProfitTech (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/nonprofittech) #EthicalAI (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/ethicalai) #CRM (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/crm) #Innovation (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/innovation) #TechForGood (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/techforgood) #DigitalLeadership (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/digitalleadership) #Top100Innovators (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/top100innovators) #AusTech (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/austech) #AustralianPodcast (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/australianpodcast) #AIDownUnder (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/aidownunder)

4. 

   3 Sept 2025TRANSCRIPT

   S1 | Ep 9 | Alex D'Ambra | Building Analytics Teams for High-Growth Tech Companies

   In this episode, I’m joined by Alex, Head of Analytics at SiteMinder, the leading global hotel distribution and revenue platform. Alex shares his journey from a commercial and strategy background into data and analytics, learning on the job, and building cross-functional analytics teams at high-growth Aussie tech companies like Safety Culture and SiteMinder. We dive into what it really takes to lead analytics in tech — from embedding analysts within business teams to creating a culture of experimentation, learning, and impact, and leveraging tools like DBT to transform the way teams work. You’ll hear: ✅ How being a generalist can supercharge leadership and team building ✅ Why embedding analysts in the business drives the most value ✅ The importance of context, critical thinking, and communication in analytics ✅ How AI is changing the analyst role — and what humans still do best ✅ Advice for analysts, leaders, and anyone building data capability This episode is full of practical, real-world insights from someone shaping analytics teams at scale in Australia’s tech scene. 🔗 Subscribe for more Data + AI leadership insights 💬 Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments — I’d love to hear them.— 🔗 Connect with Alex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexdambra/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexdambra/) 🔗 Connect with Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amasseyadam/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amasseyadam/) 🌐 Check out SiteMinder: https://www.siteminder.com/ (https://www.siteminder.com/) #DataAnalytics #Leadership #DBT #AI #DataDojo #Podcast #DataTeams #TechLeadership #SaaS #AnalyticsEngineering

5. 

   29 Jul 2025

   S1 | Ep 8 | Victor Bajanov | Going "All In" on AI: Quantium’s Journey to Full-Scale AI Integration

   In this episode, I’m joined by Victor Bajanov, AI Transformation Lead at Quantium who are one of Australia’s most respected data science and AI consultancies. Victor has been with Quantium since the early days (employee #19!) and now leads their enterprise-wide shift into AI. From building internal tools and training programs to delivering external AI strategy for clients, he’s at the face of real, at-scale transformation. We explore what it really means to go “all in” on AI — from rolling out tools across a 1300-person business (yes, even the receptionist) to creating agentic swarms, digital twins of the leadership team, and embedding AI into everyday workflows. You’ll hear: ✅ Why Claude beat ChatGPT in a head-to-head internal trial ✅ How they’re building swarms of AI agents to simulate executive decision-making ✅ What it takes to scale trust and quality in AI systems ✅ Why 95% accuracy isn’t enough for production use ✅ Advice for engineers, leaders, and anyone wanting to get ahead with AI This episode is packed with real-world insight, not theory — from someone actually doing the work at scale. 🔗 Subscribe for more Data + AI leadership insights 💬 Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments — I’d love to hear them.— 🔗 Connect with Victor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victorbajanov/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/victorbajanov/)⁠ 🔗 Connect with Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amasseyadam/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amasseyadam/) 🌐 Check out Quantium: https://quantium.com/ (https://quantium.com/) #AI #ClaudeAI #ChatGPT #EnterpriseAI #LLMs #DigitalTransformation #Leadership #AgenticSwarms #DataDojo #Podcast #GenerativeAI #MachineLearning

6. 

   16 Jun 2025

   S1 | Ep 7 | Jonathan Mak | First Data Hire to Director: Building Nearmap’s Data Function from Scratch

   Jonathan Mak, Director of Business Data at Nearmap, discusses building a data function from scratch, including data stack, strategy, and scaling with host Adam Massey in this interview.

7. 

   7 Apr 2025

   S1 | Ep 6 | Chris Simusokwe | Driving Data Innovation in Telecommunications

   In this episode, Adam sits down with Chris Simusokwe, the visionary GM of the Data Center of Excellence at TPG Telecom, to dive into his incredible journey—from starting out in tech in Zambia to spearheading groundbreaking data transformation efforts in Australia. Chris takes us behind the scenes of TPG's dynamic data journey, revealing how they’re reshaping the telecommunications landscape by simplifying service plans, revolutionizing customer experiences, and modernizing their tech ecosystem. He also opens up about the challenges of aligning data governance with business objectives and the critical role of hybrid data architecture in driving innovation. Plus, the conversation explores the exciting future of AI in telecom and why responsible AI practices are a non-negotiable part of TPG’s strategy. Key Takeaways: 🌍 Chris's journey began in Zambia, transitioning from tech roles to data analytics. 🔄 TPG's data transformation focuses on simplifying service plans and improving customer experience. 📊 The importance of a business-led approach to data initiatives is emphasised. 🏗️ Chris advocates for a hybrid data architecture to balance centralised and federated approaches. 🔒 Data governance is crucial for ensuring trust in data quality and usage. 💡 The success of AI initiatives relies on understanding the business problem first. 🛠️ TPG aims to modernise its tech stack while streamlining inherited systems from acquisitions. 🌱 Responsible AI practices are essential for ethical implementation in telecommunications. 👨🏫 Chris believes in learning from industry leaders rather than being the first to innovate. 🌐 The conversation concludes with Chris sharing his website for further connection. How to Connect? You can find out everything Chris is working on right now at his website:www.chrissimusokwe.com (www.chrissimusokwe.com) LinkedIn: Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophersimusokwe/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophersimusokwe/ ) Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amasseyadam/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amasseyadam/)

8. 

   16 Dec 2024

   S1 | Ep 5 | Stephen Du | IBM’s Role in Scaling AI for the Enterprise

   IBM's Stephen Du shares insights on harnessing data and AI effectively for enterprise success, emphasizing responsible AI adoption and empowering productivity through AI-enhanced workflows.

9. 

   26 Nov 2024

   S1 | Ep 4 | Daniela Elia | Balancing Innovation and Ethics in AI

   Adam Massey talks to AI leader Daniela Elia about harnessing the transformative power of generative AI while ensuring strong ethics and governance.

10. 

    18 Sept 2024

    S1 | Ep 3 | James Hartwright | The Art of Multi-Role Leadership: Navigating 4 Fractional C-Suite Positions

    This week, Adam sit's down with James Hartwright, a seasoned data professional with over 30 years of experience. James is the Co-Founder of Pragmaticians, a company dedicated to helping organisations refine their data and analytics strategies. But that's not all! He’s currently juggling FOUR roles as a fractional C-suite leader, working with various companies to drive their data strategy, analytics, and technology. In this episode, we cover: 🔹 James's career journey from data analyst to senior leadership where he has created data and analytics solutions for the likes of IBM, NewCorp, AGL, Energy Queensland, Coates Hire, Macquarie Bank, and Pepper Money. 🔹 His current roles as a fractional C-suite leader for four different companies, where he specialises in data strategy, analytics, and technology. 🔹 The challenge of data overload—how organisations struggle to make sense of the vast amounts of data they collect. 🔹 His work with Traffyk AI, using AI to improve internal communications by analysing employee engagement, productivity, and collaboration. 🔹 James also dives into Cybersecurity challenges, highlighting the importance of ISO certification for securing data and protecting organisations from ever-evolving cyber threats. If you're interested in data strategy, leadership, or how AI can transform internal communications, this episode is packed with valuable insights! Connect with James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/misterdata/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/misterdata/ ) Connect with Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amasseyadam/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amasseyadam/) Visit Trffyk.ai: https://www.traffyk.ai/ (https://www.traffyk.ai/)

11. 

    26 Aug 2024

    S1 | Ep 2 | Yanir Seroussi: Helping Climate and Nature Tech Start-Up's Harness ML and AI

    In this episode of Data Dojo, Adam sits down with Yanir Seroussi, founder of a consultancy firm and a leader in the data and AI space, particularly within the climate and nature tech sector. Yanir shares his journey and the unique challenges startups face when implementing data, AI, and ML projects. From bridging the gap between data science and engineering to ensuring data quality and managing expectations, Yanir offers valuable insights for data professionals. He emphasizes the importance of communication skills, business acumen, and the ability to adapt to new tools and technologies. Looking ahead, Yanir predicts rapid advancements in AI and ML, with transformative changes on the horizon. Don't miss this insightful conversation on the evolving landscape of data and AI! Follow Yanir Here: https://yanirseroussi.com/ (https://yanirseroussi.com/) https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanirseroussi/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanirseroussi/) Follow Adam Here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amasseyadam/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amasseyadam/)

12. 

    5 Aug 2024

    S1 | Ep 1 | Maria Patrakova: Fractional Data Leadership Across Multiple Start-Ups

    Maria Patrakova, a data professional with over 20 years of experience, discusses her journey in the data and engineering field, her work with startups, and the challenges and opportunities in the industry. She talks through her experience adopting fractional leadership and splitting her time between different start ups to lead data engineering functions. She emphasises the importance of data quality and the role of AI in improving it. Maria also shares her experiences as a woman in the technology space and the need for diverse role models. She provides insights into building effective data teams and the key strategies for leadership. Takeaways: Data quality is still a challenge in the industry, and high-quality diverse data sets are essential for training AI models. Flexibility and fractional leadership can provide opportunities for work-life balance and access to expertise for startups. Effective leadership strategies include aligning teams with business goals, empowering team members, and maintaining open communication. The technology landscape is evolving, with advancements in AI, natural language processing, and data sharing. Diversity in the technology space is crucial, and diverse role models can inspire and encourage others to pursue careers in the field. You can connect with Maria on LinkedIn: ⁠linkedin.com/in/maria-patrakova-81a36122 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-patrakova-81a36122) Follow Adam on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amasseyadam (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amasseyadam) Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:25 Working with Multiple Startups 06:44 Challenges in Enterprise and Startup Environments 10:31 The Importance of Diversity in Tech 14:05 Balancing Work and Personal Life 19:05 The Future of Data Analytics and AI 22:04 The Role of AI in Improving Data Quality 25:21 Inviting Startup Owners to Connect

13. 

    29 Jul 2024

    Introducing the Data Dojo Podcast! Coming Soon!

    Join your host Adam Massey on a journey into the fascinating world of data science, AI, and machine learning. In each episode, we bring you conversations with industry leaders, innovators, and experts who are shaping the future of data. Don't miss our first episode, launching August. Subscribe now!

Inside a recent episode

S2 | Ep 12 | Kevin Cattaway | Why Fundamentals Still Matter in an AI World!

Published 14 Sept 2026 · Transcript excerpt

[…] Just saying, well, in an insurance context, our loss ratio is 90%. That's bad. If it can explain why, so it's been able to do proper analysis, not just guess, that makes a huge difference. Yeah, definitely. And in terms of the, I guess, new data scientists, engineers, data analysts, how does that role evolve with the technology changes you're seeing? There is an evolution. I'm kind of probably a little bit old fashioned. Yeah. Has a computer really changed? No, the abstraction layers on top of it have. If you want to be the best at whatever you are, whether it's in data science or in the engineering space or as an analyst, I think the reality is you have to understand the underlying fundamentals. whilst AI gives people the capability to do a lot of these things a lot easier, it has a multiplier effect. […]

Who has been a guest on Data Dojo Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Kevin Cattaway
• Jonathan Mak
• Stephen Du

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

657

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 18 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

9

Social presence

0

YouTube

66

Engagement

0

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Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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