A Class Act: AI, Data & Leadership
What does it really take to build and lead a world-class AI or data team?
I'm Michael Young, founder and CEO of MBN Solutions in Scotland. After two decades placing top talent across data, AI, and tech, I've seen what actually separates high-performing teams from the rest, and it's rarely what the headlines tell you.
A Class Act is where I bring you those stories.
Honest, experience-led conversations with the data and AI leaders making the hard calls right now: who they hire, how they build data science capability, and what real leadership looks like when the technology never stops moving.
No hype. No jargon. Just practical insight from people who've actually done it.Whether you're a data leader, a people manager, or hiring in tech, you'll walk away from every episode with something you can use.
New episodes twice a month. Follow A Class Act so you never miss one.
A Class Act: AI, Data & Leadership
From Green Screens to AI Strategy: Gillian Docherty’s Data Leadership Journey
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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 DigiTech Awards, Gillian served as CEO of The Data Lab, Scotland’s national Innovation Centre for data and AI. She’s also a TEDx speaker and a vocal advocate for purpose-led leadership and inclusive tech.
In this conversation with Michael on A Class Act, Gillian shares her journey, what it really takes to build high-performing, mission-driven teams, and how Scotland can seize its next big opportunity in AI.
You’ll hear:
- What sparked Gillian’s early interest in tech and innovation growing up in Scotland
- The biggest leadership lessons from two decades at IBM
- How a last-minute recruiter call changed the trajectory of her career
- What great leadership looks like across public, academic, and commercial sectors
- Why creating purpose-driven, mission-led teams starts with how you recruit
- Where Scotland’s biggest AI and data opportunities are
- Gillian’s view on legacy, leadership, and raising strong, independent daughters
Connect with Gillian Docherty on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-docherty/
About Your Host: Michael Young is the Managing Director of MBN Solutions and host of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership. With nearly two decades of experience helping organisations build high-performing data, analytics, and AI teams, he brings frontline insight into what makes exceptional talent and leadership.
Please note: The views expressed by Gillian Docherty in this episode are his own and do not reflect those of his current or former employers.
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Connect with MBN Solutions:
Michael Young on LinkedIn – Follow Michael for advice on talent acquisition, leadership in data science, and stories from the front lines of tech recruitment. Connect with Michael here.
MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here.
For questions, guest recommendations, or to connect:
Email: michael@mbnsolutions.com
Visit MBN Solutions website at www.mbnsolutions.com