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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.
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A Class Act - Navigating the AI Landscape
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 and AI.
Andre has spent around fifteen years working with data and more than a decade in applied AI. Today, he leads global AI solutions engineering at Snorkel AI, helping major organisations deliver end-to-end applied AI systems using technologies such as agents and retrieval-augmented generation.
Across the episode, Michael and Andre explore what it really takes to hire and build AI teams that work in practice and what leaders should pay attention to if they want AI systems that are trusted, adopted and production-grade.
You’ll hear:
- How Andre moved from engineering, maths and finance into early applied AI and machine learning.
- What it was like joining DataRobot at Series A, becoming the first technical hire in EMEA and then growing the technical organisation
- The biggest lesson he learned the hard way about building applied AI teams
- How the AI landscape has shifted from classic machine learning and “big data” to today’s GenAI and agent-based systems
- Why Andre is cautious about generic AI agents and what to focus on instead
- How a telco’s GenAI billing assistant went from roughly 54% to about 95% correct
- The ICCE hiring framework he uses and why he now refuses to compromise on coachability and character, even for very strong technical candidates.
- Practical guidance for data, digital and AI leaders on where to focus over the next few years
Guest information
Connect with Andre Balleyguier on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aballeyguier/?locale=en_US
Learn more about Snorkel AI: snorkel.ai
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 the guest in this episode are their own and do not reflect those of their current or former employers.
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Connect with MBN Solutions:
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