A Class Act - Navigating the AI Landscape in 2026

What does it really take to build world-class tech teams and lead with impact in today’s data-driven AI landscape?

I’m Michael Young from MBN Solutions and after two decades placing top talent across data, AI, and tech, I’ve seen the real stories behind high-performing teams.

On A Class Act, we go beyond buzzwords. You’ll hear real life, experience-led conversations with the AI and data leaders shaping digital transformation - those hiring top tech talent, building data science capability, and leading with purpose.

Whether you're a data leader, people manager, or recruiter, join us for honest, human-first insights into hiring, leadership, strategy, and building great teams in AI and data.

Follow A Class Act for honest, beyond the hype leadership conversations in the AI, data and tech space.

Podcasting since 2025 • 19 episodes

A Class Act - Navigating the AI Landscape in 2026

Latest Episodes

S2E8: Nina Habicht [ Top 100 Women in Data & AI ] on the AI Funding Bubble & Founder Advice on Building AI that Lasts

Nina Habicht has been building AI since 2011 and is one of Switzerland's Top 100 Women in Data and AI.In this conversation with Michael of MBN Solutions, she's direct about what she actually thinks about why so much AI being built...

March 26, 2026 • Season 2 • Episode 8 • 37:24

S2E7: Navigating AI Ethics in the Real World: Red Lines & Risk Tiers in Practice

AI is moving fast. Most organisations are trying to keep up.But the real question isn’t “should we use it?” anymore, it’s whether you can deploy it without creating risks you can’t explain later.In this episode, Michael Young is j...

February 18, 2026 • Season 2 • Episode 7 • 45:11

LLMs in 2026: What’s Happening and What It Means for Business With Richard Bownes, Head of AI Solutions at Vector8

What’s actually happening with LLMs in 2026 and what does it mean for business leaders?In this episode of A Class Act, Michael is joined by Richard Bownes, Head of AI Solutions at Vector8, for a discussion on how large language mo...

January 28, 2026 • Season 2 • Episode 6 • 41:39

What Enterprise AI Really Looks Like in Practice Inside One of The UK’s Most Regulated Digital Banks With Russell Collingham, Head of AI at Atom

What if you could sit down with the Head of AI inside one of the UK’s most regulated digital banks and hear the truth about what actually works and what leaders need to get right?That’s exactly what we explore in this episode of...

January 07, 2026 • Season 2 • Episode 5 • 29:59

Hiring and Building Exceptional Applied AI Teams that Work with Andre Balleyguier of Snorkel AI [MUST LISTEN]

In this episode of A Class Act, Michael Young, CEO of MBN Solutions speaks with Andre Balleyguier, AI Solutions Leader at Snorkel AI, formerly at DataRobot, and recognised by DataIQ as one of the UK’s most influential figures in data ...

December 10, 2025 • Season 2 • Episode 4 • 52:51

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