BONUS EPIOSDE: Driven by Data LIVE; Panel Discussion 1: The Biggest Challenges in Data, Analytics & AI and How They're Being Tackled!

In October 2025, Orbition Group hosted Driven by Data LIVE, where they welcomed 120 CDOs/Data Leaders to Tobacco Dock in London for a half-day event, which included 3 panel discussions and some roundtable conversations.

The first panel discussion saw Kyle Winterbottom joined by;

• Davin Crowley-Sweet, Chief Data Officer at National Highways
• Kelly Hume, Lead Partner at Baringa
• Kinnari Ladha, Chief Data Officer at Merlin Entertainments
• Daniel Hulme, Chief Data & AI Officer at WPP

Where they debated; The Biggest Challenges in Data, Analytics & AI and How They're Being Tackled, which includes;

• Why perceived data quality challenges are actually data confidence and communication issues.
• Why business leaders need a stronger data vocabulary to drive better outcomes.
• How shifting from projects to products improves data ownership and accountability.
• Why lack of trust in data stems from unclear standards and outdated systems.
• Why hype has led to organisations chasing use cases without defining problems.
• Why Low-hanging fruit often yields superficial success.
• Why true business value from AI comes from addressing complex, strategic problems.
• Why organisations must rethink processes not just adopt new tools.
• How brave leadership unlocks better digital decisions.
• Why data leaders must simplify the AI conversation for executives.
• How a dual AI strategy balances innovation and control.
• Why AI regulation is necessary but only when thoughtfully designed.
• Why ethical AI depends on explainability, not intentions.
• Why traditional company values don’t guide AI ethics.
• Why building trust in data starts with being trusted as a data leader.
• Why orchestration, not capability, is often the barrier to delivery.
• How reframing data roles helps escape the ‘service desk’ trap.
• Why tension in organisations can lead to better outcomes.
• Why upskilling execs in data requires empathy, not just education.

Thanks to our sponsor, Data Literacy Academy.

Data Literacy Academy is leading the way in transforming enterprise workforces with data literacy across the organisation, through a combination of change management and education. In today's data-centric world, being data literate is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity.

If you want successful data product adoption, and to keep driving innovation within your business, you need to start with data literacy first.

At Data Literacy Academy, we don't just teach data skills. We empower individuals and teams to think critically, analyse effectively, and make decisions confidently based on data. We're bridging the gap between business and data teams, so they can all work towards aligned outcomes.

From those taking their first steps in data literacy to seasoned experts looking to fine-tune their skills, our data experts provide tailored classes for every stage. But it's not just learning tracks that we offer. We embed a deep data culture shift through a transformative change management programme.

We take a people-first approach, working closely with your executive team to win the hearts and minds. We know this will drive the company-wide impact that data teams want to achieve.

Get in touch and find out how you can unlock the full potential of data in your organisation. Learn more at www.dl-academy.com.