A Class Act - Navigating the AI Landscape
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 right now - 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, practical 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.
A Class Act - Navigating the AI Landscape
Latest Episodes
Building the Future of Voice AI From Soundtracks to Synthetic Speech With Stu Kennedy, Edge, Realtime & AI Systems Consultant
In this episode of A Class Act, Michael chats with Stu Kennedy, an Edge, Realtime & AI Systems Consultant, core HTMX contributor, and former film composer who worked alongside David Arnold on the Chronicles of Narnia and BBC’s Sherlock.&nbs...
The 4 Pillars of AI Adoption Strategy EVERY Enterprise Leader Needs with Lead Enterprise Architect at NatWest Group
If 99% of executives say their AI rollout isn’t mature, so what’s actually going wrong?In this episode of A Class Act, Michael chats with Natalia Konstantinova, Lead Enterprise Architect in AI at NatWest Group. Natalia holds a PhD...
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...
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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...
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...
