#192 How diversity is more than an agenda and can build a better business with Michelle-Joy Low, Ph.D, the Head of Data & AI at Reece Group

#192 How diversity is more than an agenda and can build a better business with Michelle-Joy Low, Ph.D, the Head of Data & AI at Reece Group

Author: Felipe Flores June 8, 2022 Duration: 53:10

On this episode of the podcast, we have the privilege to speak to Michelle-Joy Low, Ph.D, the Head of Data & AI at Reece Group. Low talks us through how data is the foundation of the ongoing transformation of one of Australia’s most venerable retail brands, having celebrated 100 years in 2020.

Low explains the importance of diversity in the workforce, and how it leads to better outcomes for the business and better outcomes for the customer. The tech space has been particularly good at recognising the importance of diversity, Low said, and Australia is a great place to work in that regard, but at the same time it’s now important to look beyond participating in the movements, and genuinely build diverse teams that are empowered to speak out about and drive further change.

Low also shares some of the challenges that come from AI, and how she and her team are grappling with them. For example, data is complex to implement and expensive… and the decision makers behind the data projects are distant from the team that builds the applications. The Chief Customer Officer, for example, doesn’t build apps themselves. So how do you tackle that challenge within the data team and deliver outcomes for the organisation?

Tune in for this deep-dive and fascinating conversation about how a business is leveraging data to drive toward better outcomes for all.

Enjoy the show!

Thanks to our sponsor, Talent Insights Group!

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Read the full podcast episode summary here.


In a field dominated by discussions of algorithms and infrastructure, Data Futurology carves out a different, crucial space. Host Felipe Flores guides conversations toward the human-centric challenges that ultimately determine whether an AI initiative succeeds or fails. This isn't a technical deep dive into model architectures; it's a series of dialogues about strategy, organizational change, and the practical leadership required to bridge the gap between potential and real-world impact. You'll hear from practitioners and executives who have navigated the complex last mile of deployment, where the real work of integrating technology into business processes and culture happens. The podcast explores how to select the right problems, build effective teams, and cultivate an ethical, forward-thinking approach to data science and machine learning. For leaders, managers, and anyone responsible for steering their organization through the adoption of these powerful tools, Data Futurology offers grounded insights and actionable perspectives. It’s about moving beyond the hype to create sustainable value, ensuring that the rapid pace of advancement in artificial intelligence is matched by thoughtful and effective human leadership. Tune in for a necessary complement to the more code-focused shows in your feed.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Data Futurology - Leadership And Strategy in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science
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