In this episode of Behind the Growth, host Imran Mian celebrates Zeeshan Syed, VP Operations Transformation, Data & Automation at RBC. Zeeshan shares his journey from a software engineer in oil and gas to a key player in banking. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adapting to new roles, which has driven his 15-year career at RBC.

The conversation steers towards Zeeshan’s discussion of the development of reusable digital capabilities at RBC. These capabilities, such as document automation and data extraction, streamline operations across different banking services, from mortgages to checking accounts. He explains how these tools enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve the client experience by ensuring a consistent and predictable process.

Zeeshan also touches on the future of automation in banking, highlighting the role of AI and machine learning in solving business problems and improving operational workflows. He sheds light on the importance of a collaborative team approach, and the role played by maintaining a client-centric focus in all digital transformation efforts.

Key Highlights:
- Embrace continuous learning in your career
- Encourage diversity of thought
- Focus on end-to-end client journeys
- Leverage data extraction and automation
- Use AI to solve business problems and improve workflows

Visit mobilelive.ca/podcast to learn more about each guest and read key insights for every episode.

In this episode of Behind the Growth, host Imran Mian interviews Edgar Núñez, Chief Data Officer at Coca-Cola FEMSA. Edgar details his transition from the supply chain finance department at P&G to a leading role in data analytics. He shares how his electronics engineering background helped him tackle data reliability issues and drive automation.

Edgar recounts the challenges of integrating business intelligence and consumer market knowledge at P&G. He discusses the resistance faced, the loss of team members, and the ultimate success in forming a multi-domain data science organization.

The conversation also steers towards the evolving role of a Chief Data Officer, emphasizing that it extends beyond data governance to include data operations and driving business value through analytics. He explains how AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Bard are integral to his work, highlighting the importance of ethical use and continuous learning. For aspiring leaders, he advises staying curious and closely aligned with business objectives.

Key Highlights:
- Trustworthy data is crucial for business decisions
- Automate to avoid repetitive manual tasks
- Combine data science with business strategies
- Ethical AI use is vital
- Data governance goes beyond compliance
- Leverage partners, not just vendors
- Effective leadership needs strategic thinking

Visit mobilelive.ca/podcast to learn more about each guest and read key insights for every episode.

In this episode of Behind the Growth, host Imran Mian sits down with Zain Abbas, AI and machine-learning expert and Director of Data Science at Sun Life. Zain shares his journey from academia to the financial sector, highlighting key turning points and challenges, such as transitioning from academia to industry and adapting to the Canadian job market. He emphasizes the importance of stepping out of comfort zones and continuous learning.

Zain discusses a notable project involving predictive modeling for financial analyst calls at a bank, where he used NLP and GPT to predict questions. He explains the challenges faced, including data acquisition and labeling, and the innovative methods used to overcome them. Zain also reflects on how advancements like generative AI, have changed the landscape and his own approach to his projects.

Looking ahead, Zain talks about future trends in AI, such as increased automation and edge computing, and advises blending advanced analytics with business acumen. Finally, he shares his leadership philosophy and the significance of mentorship and continuous improvement in his career.

Key Takeaways:
- AI and machine learning drive predictive modeling in finance
- Transitioning from academia to industry requires adaptability
- Leveraging academic knowledge helps thrive in industry settings
- Constantly updating skills is crucial for industry success
- Future trends in AI emphasize automation and interconnectivity

Visit mobilelive.ca/podcast to learn more about each guest and read key insights for every episode.