Send us a text In this episode of Data Topics, Ben speaks with Kim Smets, VP Data & AI at Telenet, about his journey from early machine learning work to leading enterprise-wide AI transformation at Telenet. Kim shares how he built a central data & AI team, shifted from fragmented reporting to product thinking, and embedded governance that actually works. They discuss the importance of simplicity, storytelling, and sustainable practices in making AI easy, relevant, and famous across the business. From GenAI exploration to real-world deployment, this episode is packed with practical insights on scaling AI with purpose.

Send us a text Welcome to the cozy corner of the tech world! Datatopics is your go-to spot for relaxed discussions around tech, news, data, and society. This week, co-host Ben is joined by Jackie Janssen, former Chief Data Officer at CM, author of AI: De Hype Voorbij, and an evangelist for pragmatic, human-centered AI. Together, they trace the winding path from early tech roles to enterprise transformation, exploring how AI can actually serve humans (and not just the hype machine). In this episode: Leadership in AI transformation: From KBC to CM, lessons on creating cultural buy-in.Building effective data teams: Why the first hire isn’t always a data engineer.AI governance: What makes a strong AI Council and why CEOs should care.Product and process thinking: How MLOps, data factories, and product mindsets intersect.Agents and autonomy: The future of work with AI teammates, not just tools.The human edge in a machine world: A preview of Jackie’s next book on rediscovering humanity in the age of AI.Curious about Jackie’s take on AI agents, cultural inertia, or what really makes a great data strategy tick? Tune in, you might just find a new way to think about your tech stack and your team.

Send us a text Welcome to the cozy corner of the tech world where ones and zeros mingle with casual chit-chat. Datatopics Unplugged is your go-to spot for relaxed discussions around tech, news, data, and society. This week, we’re bringing you a special episode straight from RootsConf, our annual internal knowledge-sharing extravaganza! Hosts Murilo and Bart sit down with Tim and Ben, data strategy experts, for a lively chat about the state of generative AI as it transitions from a buzzword to a business tool. Highlights from this episode: Generative AI adoption: Are companies finally moving beyond pilot purgatory?The environmental cost of AI: Can emerging techniques reduce its heavy energy footprint?Bridging the knowledge gap: What’s missing for widespread AI adoption in organizations?Future trends: How generative AI might reshape personalization and business processes in 2025.Plus, we dive into the Gartner Hype Cycle and its relevance in understanding AI’s journey from innovation to disillusionment and beyond. Get ready to dive deep into AI’s evolving role and its impact on industries, sustainability, and society. Hit play and join the discussion!

Send us a text 🎙️ Episode Special: Insights from RootsConf – The Data Dialogue Series Welcome to a special episode of our podcast, direct from the halls of the fifth annual RootsConf, brought to you by Dataroots. This year's conference is buzzing with innovative ideas and cutting-edge tech discussions. We're excited to share with you three thought-provoking interviews with some of the most insightful presenters at the event. 🗣️ Exploring the Future with Sophie & Senne: Voice Cloning: Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of voice cloning. Sophie and Senne offer an in-depth look at how this technology is developed and the ethical considerations it brings to the table. It's a blend of technology and responsibility.💻 Navigating Data Integration Challenges with Nick: We switch gears to data integration challenges with Nick, who also shares his triggering perspective on the role of JavaScript in data solutions. But on a more serious note, it's a practical take on the complexities of integrating cutting-edge tech into existing systems.📊 Increasing Dashboard Adoption: Insights from Sophie & Ben: Rounding out our interviews, Sophie and Ben discuss strategies to boost the adoption and effectiveness of data dashboards. They emphasize the importance of making these tools accessible and engaging for a broader audience.Join us for this special episode where we balance deep tech insights with accessible discussions. Perfect for enthusiasts and professionals alike who are keen to stay ahead in the world of data and technology. Intro music courtesy of fesliyanstudios.com 🎵