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 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, human-first leadership conversations in the data and tech space every week.
Episodes
15 episodes
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 ...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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52:51
Why Most Enterprise AI Strategies Fail And What to Do Instead with Eddie Short - Global Chief Digital, Data & AI Officer
Most enterprise AI strategies fail not because the technology isn’t ready, but because organisations are still operating with 20th-century models. In this episode, Global Chief Digital, Data & AI Officer Eddie Short breaks down what’s reall...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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52:15
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Hiring for AI in 2026? What the Next Generation of Talent Actually Values with Google DeepMind Scholar Emma Rattray
Every organisation is racing to adopt AI but capability isn’t just about technology. It’s about people.In this episode, host Shannon speaks with Emma Rattray, an AI Engineer whose journey from chemical enginee...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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23:46
Season 2: Navigating the AI Landscape
I’ve been in this market for nearly 20 years and in that time, I’ve helped place over 4,000 senior leaders in data, analytics, and AI roles around the world from the dot com boom to big data.What I’ve learned is this: technology ...
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Season 2
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1:34
Turning AI from Buzzword into Real Business Results with Tom McLaughlin of Tomoro
What if you could sit down with an engineer who’s building AI partnerships alongside the top companies shaping the future like OpenAI, NVIDIA, and Microsoft?That’s exactly what we’re doing today.In this Season 2 opener, host Micha...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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50:16
How to Build Trust & Lead Teams in FinTech’s AI Era with Kent Mackenzie
In this episode, host Michael is joined by Kent Mackenzie, Group Chief Operating Officer at Corlytics and former Deloitte Partner.Kent’s career has taken him from pulling apart ATMs as a curious young technologist, to leading Deloitte’s ...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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25:58
AI and Leadership Lessons from Being 10 Years Ahead with BloxWeaver Founder David Meikle
What can AI teach us about leadership when you’re a decade ahead of the curve?In this episode of A Class Act: Conversations in Data and Leadership, host Shannon speaks with David Meikle, founder of
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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35:27
Transforming Cyber Resilience in Scotland: Jude McCorry’s Journey as CEO at the Cyber and Fraud Centre
What would you do if your first day as CEO started with no funding and ended with national lockdown?That was the reality for Jude McCorry, now CEO of Scotland’s Cyber and Fraud Centre.In this episode of A Class Act...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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34:36
From Green Screens to AI Strategy: Gillian Docherty’s Data Leadership Journey
She almost didn’t apply.Gillian Docherty is one of the most influential figures in Scotland’s data and AI landscape - but she almost didn’t take the job that changed everything.Recently named CEO of the Year at the DigiTe...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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34:09
Leadership Lessons in High-Pressure Environments: From the Military to the Boardroom with David Goodacre OBE
What does it take to lead when the pressure is on? How do you inspire teams to stay aligned in the face of complexity, change, and uncertainty?In this episode of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadershi...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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29:23
Stephen Ingledew on Building One of the UK’s Most Respected Fintech Ecosystems (And What It Really Takes to Lead With Purpose)
What does it really take to lead change not just in your company, but across an entire industry?In this episode of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership, Michael Young speaks with Stephen Ingledew, ...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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31:07
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Elizabeth Hollinger on Leading with Trust and Building Award-Winning Teams at the Cutting Edge of Data
What does it take to lead with trust, earn credibility, and build exceptional teams in today’s data-driven world?In this episode, Michael Young sits down with Elizabeth Hollinger, a data and technology leader whose career spans actuarial...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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31:17
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From Apprentice to VP: Adriana Ignat on Leadership, Growth, and a Decade at Google
What does it take to build high-performing teams in today’s product and tech landscape - and how do you keep your own leadership evolving in the process?In this episode of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership, Shannon McKe...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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49:28
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35 Years in Data: Lessons on Leadership & Lasting Impact with Graeme McDermott
What does it take to thrive across 35 years in data leadership? And how do you build high-performing teams – not just for now, but for the future?In this inaugural episode of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & L...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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29:57
A Class Act: Conversations in Data and Leadership [Season 1 Trailer]
Welcome to A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership.I’m Michael, and after nearly two decades leading data talent acquisition with MBN Solutions, I’ve seen firsthand that exceptional teams don’t just happen - they’re bu...
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1:05