Together they discuss the practical realities of AI-driven interviews, the limitations of human interview processes, and how automation could improve the candidate experience while still keeping human judgment in the loop.

What you’ll learn

• Why some companies are experimenting with AI-led interviews using video or avatars
• What research suggests about candidate satisfaction and efficiency in automated interviews
• Why many hiring managers are not formally trained to conduct interviews
• How AI can help standardize and reduce bias in interview processes
• Why the recruitment process often feels broken for candidates, including ghosting and long response times
• How leaders can introduce AI into hiring step by step, starting with sourcing or screening

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction

01:26 The rise of AI interviews using video, voice, and avatars

02:16 Research on automated interviews and candidate satisfaction

03:40 Why many interviewers are not trained to hire effectively

05:11 Do AI interviews work for all personality types and roles?

07:00 Using AI to automate tasks while keeping human judgment

08:49 How technology could make the hiring process more human

09:29 Recruitment challenges and candidate experience in the Middle East

17:20 Will recruiters and headhunters disappear with AI?

20:37 Advice for leaders introducing AI into their hiring process

CONNECT AND SUBSCRIBE:

Learn more about them: https://www.shortlistd.io/

Subscribe to The AI Social Club Podcast for more conversations with AI & data leaders

Website: https://www.thesocialclub.ai/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7d3XmTgIhXqim1r63a1yWH

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ai-social-club/id1793045703

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/margot-bletterie/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ai-social-club// the-ai-social-club

If you found this episode valuable, like, share, and comment.

It helps us reach more people and spark thoughtful conversations on AI and society.

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We are on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ai-social-club/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaisocialclub/

Find out more about The AI Social Club on our website: https://www.thesocialclub.ai/

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The conversation explores how AI can support creativity, operations, and decision-making without replacing human taste, emotion, or savoir-faire.

This episode looks at the real trade-offs fashion leaders face when adopting AI in a creative industry.

What you’ll learn

•How Alix uses AI alongside hand drawing, illustration, and textile work in her creative process

•Why taste, emotion, and human judgment remain central to creative direction in fashion

•How AI is used for campaigns, content creation, and product launches when traditional shoots are not possible

•The role AI plays in supporting business decisions, forecasting, and workflow optimization

•Why using AI without a clear brand vision can dilute identity and create noise

•How transparency, consumer perception, and ethics shape decisions around AI use

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction

01:10 Why AI has no taste or emotion

03:00 AI as another creative tool in the toolbox

05:40 Using AI in early-stage design and print creation

07:10 The risk of AI creating noise without brand identity

09:00 Craft, materials, and why touch still matters

12:15 Education and awareness around AI risks

15:30 How AI changed internal workflows and roles

18:00 Using AI as a CEO and creative decision partner

21:40 Transparency, consumer reactions, and AI campaigns

25:20 Can AI understand beauty

29:00 Final thoughts on curiosity and experimentation

CONNECT AND SUBSCRIBE:

Learn more about GUEST: https://www.instagram.com/alix.petit.kece/

Subscribe to The AI Social Club Podcast for more conversations with AI & data leaders

Website: https://www.thesocialclub.ai/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7d3XmTgIhXqim1r63a1yWH

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ai-social-club/id1793045703

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/margot-bletterie/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ai-social-club// the-ai-social-club

If you found this episode valuable, like, share, and comment.

It helps us reach more people and spark thoughtful conversations on AI and society.

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You liked this episode? Share it around you, like it on the podcasting platform, give us feedback !

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We are on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ai-social-club/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaisocialclub/

Find out more about The AI Social Club on our website: https://www.thesocialclub.ai/

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Drawing on their experience in recruitment and people management, they explain how AI is currently being used in hiring and where it genuinely helps versus where it creates new problems.

The conversation focuses on real hiring pain points, candidate experience, and what a more fair and human recruitment process could look like.

What you’ll learn

• Why recruiters spend most of their time on admin work instead of speaking with candidates

• How AI-driven applications and CVs have increased noise rather than reduced it

• Why keyword-based screening often fails to identify the right candidates

• How conversational approaches can make candidate evaluation more reliable

• How AI can support recruiters without removing human judgment

• Practical advice for job seekers navigating AI-driven hiring systems

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction

01:10 Why hiring feels broken today

05:20 Recruiter pain points and application overload

09:40 How AI applications and CVs increase noise

13:05 Why keyword screening fails

17:30 Rethinking screening through conversations

21:10 Candidate experience and fairness in hiring

26:05 Ethical questions around data and bias

31:40 Advice for job seekers using AI tools

35:40 Final thoughts on the future of recruitment

CONNECT AND SUBSCRIBE:

Learn more about the guests:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yatin-vij/

linkedin.com/in/adilgwiazdowski/?skipRedirect=true

Subscribe to The AI Social Club Podcast for more conversations with AI & data leaders

- Website: https://www.thesocialclub.ai/

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7d3XmTgIhXqim1r63a1yWH

- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ai-social-club/id1793045703

- LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/margot-bletterie/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ai-social-club// the-ai-social-club

If you found this episode valuable, like, share, and comment.

It helps us reach more people and spark thoughtful conversations on AI and society.

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You liked this episode? Share it around you, like it on the podcasting platform, give us feedback !

You would like to be a sponsor of the AI Social Club? Contact us on LinkedIn

We are on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ai-social-club/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaisocialclub/

Find out more about The AI Social Club on our website: https://www.thesocialclub.ai/

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He focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence, people, and organizational change.

In this conversation, Tony and Margot discuss why AI reveals more about a company’s culture than its tech stack, what’s actually holding back adoption in large organizations, and how leaders can navigate the cultural and generational tensions AI is surfacing. From executive fear to junior overconfidence, this episode dives into the human realities shaping the AI era at work.

You will learn:

• Why AI acts as a mirror, exposing organizational weaknesses in data, culture, and process
• How misalignment on basic definitions—like “customer”—can stall AI adoption
• Why AI is less about tools and more about mindset, learning, and trust
• What leaders need to understand about using AI personally and professionally
• How generational differences in AI use can create tension—and how to turn it into collaboration
• Why investing in team learning and collective intelligence matters more than ever

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction

01:15 Why Tony wrote Generation AI

03:00 How AI mirrors organizational strengths and flaws

06:00 What leaders get wrong about AI adoption

09:00 Should executives be trained in AI?

12:30 Why mindset shifts matter more than technical skills

16:00 Personal use of AI vs. organizational adoption

20:00 The hidden risks of banning AI tools

24:00 Gamification, prompting, and learning at all levels

28:00 The AI generation gap: juniors vs. executives

33:00 How to foster trust and reverse mentorship

38:00 What great leadership looks like in the AI era

44:00 Final takeaway

CONNECT AND SUBSCRIBE:

Learn more about Tony Evans: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thetonyevans/

Subscribe to The AI Social Club Podcast for more conversations with AI & data leaders

Website: https://www.thesocialclub.ai/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7d3XmTgIhXqim1r63a1yWH

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ai-social-club/id1793045703

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margot-bletterie/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ai-social-club/

If you found this episode valuable, like, share, and comment.

It helps us reach more people and spark thoughtful conversations on AI and society.

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You liked this episode? Share it around you, like it on the podcasting platform, give us feedback !

You would like to be a sponsor of the AI Social Club? Contact us on LinkedIn

We are on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ai-social-club/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaisocialclub/

Find out more about The AI Social Club on our website: https://www.thesocialclub.ai/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Margot Bletterie speaks with Mohit Lodha, founder of Takumi, an AI consulting company helping brands implement real, ROI-driven AI solutions.

With 20 years of experience in marketing across agencies and global brands, Mohit shares a grounded and practical view of how AI is transforming the industry.

If you’re a marketer, CMO, founder, or creative professional trying to make sense of AI’s impact on your work, this conversation will give you clarity, direction, and concrete next steps.

What you will learn

•Why AI is supercharging marketing instead of replacing marketers, and how it reshapes creativity and strategy 

•The future role of the CMO and how marketing teams will evolve into fluid structures blending intuition and machine precision

•Which AI use cases already deliver value today: creative automation, personalization, and AI agents

•Why most companies stay stuck in experimentation and how to move from pilot to scale

•How to protect creativity while embracing AI, and why prompting becomes a key creative skill

•Practical advice for junior and senior marketers to stay relevant in an AI-driven industry

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction  

01:12 When AI started changing marketing  

02:06 What marketing will look like in 5 to 10 years  

03:43 Are CMOs ready for AI?  

06:18 Why AI adoption is still slow  

08:40 The most valuable AI use cases today  

15:13 How AI impacts creatives  

22:32 How to scale AI inside organizations  

32:24 Trends to watch and Mohit’s advice

Learn more about Mohit Lodha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohitlodha/

Subscribe to The AI Social Club Podcast for more conversations with AI and data leaders:

• Website: https://www.thesocialclub.ai/
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7d3XmTgIhXqim1r63a1yWH
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ai-social-club/id1793045703
• LinkedIn:
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/margot-bletterie/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ai-social-club/

If you found this episode valuable, like, share, and comment - it helps us reach more people and spark honest conversations about AI and society.

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You liked this episode? Share it around you, like it on the podcasting platform, give us feedback !

You would like to be a sponsor of the AI Social Club? Contact us on LinkedIn

We are on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ai-social-club/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaisocialclub/

Find out more about The AI Social Club on our website: https://www.thesocialclub.ai/

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With over 20 years in advertising, Onur breaks down how his agency uses generative AI not as a replacement, but as a creative amplifier.

From fast-moving cultural campaigns to ethical dilemmas, this episode is a masterclass in AI-powered marketing for those who care about original, disruptive work.

You’ll learn:

• How The Refreshment Club uses AI across strategy, ideation, and execution

• Why “topical advertising” helped generate a ROI for their in-house brand Heimstone

• How to make generative AI work without losing creative originality

• Why creative teams must shift from content factories to insight-driven storytelling

• What skills marketers need to stay relevant in the AI era

• Why the best ideas still come from humans—and how AI helps bring them to life

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:15 Why creatives fear AI—and how to overcome it

06:30 AI-powered 360 marketing

10:40 The real power of AI in insights and ideation

14:10 AI ethics, originality, and consumer perception

19:00 Building reactive, culturally relevant campaigns

24:00 Team structure and evolving creative roles

29:00 Advice for creatives: how to start with GenAI

33:30 Why AI puts creativity back in the spotlight

Learn more about Onur Kece: https://www.linkedin.com/in/onur-kece/

School of Future Fundamentals: https://sff.therefreshment.club/

The Refreshment Club: https://therefreshment.club/

Subscribe to The AI Social Club Podcast for more conversations with AI leaders:

• Website: https://www.thesocialclub.ai/

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7d3XmTgIhXqim1r63a1yWH

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ai-social-club/id1793045703

• LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/margot-bletterie/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ai-social-club/

💡 If you found this episode insightful, please like, share, and comment, it helps spread these conversations further!

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You liked this episode? Share it around you, like it on the podcasting platform, give us feedback !

You would like to be a sponsor of the AI Social Club? Contact us on LinkedIn

We are on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ai-social-club/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaisocialclub/

Find out more about The AI Social Club on our website: https://www.thesocialclub.ai/

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How is AI revolutionizing performance marketing in one of the fastest-growing digital regions in the world?

In this episode of The AI Social Club, host Margot Bletterie sits down with Edouard Daou and Timothée Desormeaux, co-founders of Acquisit, to explore how brands across the Middle East are integrating AI and data-driven strategies to boost marketing efficiency, overcome data challenges, and reshape the future of creative and analytical teams.

They share the real-world transformations happening in agencies and brands — from automation and smart dashboards to AI-assisted analytics — and what leaders must do today to stay ahead.

⸻

You’ll learn:

🔹 What makes performance marketing in the Middle East unique — and how data and education still limit AI adoption

🔹 How Acquisit uses AI to accelerate insights, automate analysis, and improve ROI for clients

🔹 Real use cases where AI delivers measurable marketing value

🔹 Why trust and change management are key to successful AI integration

🔹 How AI will transform marketing teams, roles, and client relationships

🔹 What “agent-to-agent” marketing means and why CMOs should prepare now

⸻

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction

01:15 What is performance marketing and how AI enhances it

04:00 Data challenges and opportunities in the Middle East

07:30 Education, talent, and skills gaps in AI marketing

10:15 How clients in MENA are adopting AI tools

13:00 Practical AI use cases delivering real value

17:30 Automating analysis and empowering marketing teams

21:00 How AI changes agency-client collaboration

25:00 Beyond marketing: building an AI-ready organization

30:00 The impact of AI on marketing roles and future skills

36:00 Opportunities and challenges in AI adoption

43:00 The future of performance marketing with AI

50:00 Final advice for CMOs and marketing leaders

⸻

CONNECT AND SUBSCRIBE

Learn more about Acquisit:

👉 https://www.acquisit.io/

Connect with the guests on LinkedIn:

🔹 Edouard Daou – https://www.linkedin.com/in/edouard-daou/

🔹 Timothée Desormeaux – https://www.linkedin.com/in/timoth%C3%A9e-desormeaux-4390862/

Subscribe to The AI Social Club for more conversations with AI & data leaders:

🌐 Website: https://www.thesocialclub.ai/

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7d3XmTgIhXqim1r63a1yWH

🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ai-social-club/id1793045703

💼 LinkedIn:

Margot Bletterie – https://www.linkedin.com/in/margot-bletterie/

The AI Social Club – https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ai-social-club/

⸻

If you found this episode valuable, like, share, and comment — it helps us reach more people and spark the right conversations about AI, marketing, and innovation in business.

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You liked this episode? Share it around you, like it on the podcasting platform, give us feedback !

You would like to be a sponsor of the AI Social Club? Contact us on LinkedIn

We are on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ai-social-club/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaisocialclub/

Find out more about The AI Social Club on our website: https://www.thesocialclub.ai/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The AI Social Club, host Margot Bletterie welcomes Bart Pietruszka, founder and CEO of Refocus AI, to discuss how companies can make AI adoption practical, human, and scalable.

After years leading data and AI initiatives at HSBC, Bart decided to launch his own venture to help companies move beyond buzzwords and implement real AI use cases. He shares how Refocus.AI helps businesses through consulting, staff augmentation, and hands-on AI training that actually changes culture and mindset.

You’ll learn:

🔹 Why most companies get AI adoption wrong—and how to fix it

🔹 How AI training for executives sparks company-wide transformation

🔹 The power of “learning by doing” when it comes to GenAI tools

🔹 How to manage fear, regulation, and the “job loss” narrative around AI

🔹 What a strong AI culture looks like (and why it starts at the top)

🔹 How to turn AI training into measurable ROI for your organization

Whether you’re a business leader, HR executive, or AI enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights to help you upskill your teams and create lasting impact with AI.

⸻

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction

01:15 Why Bart left HSBC to found Refocus AI

02:45 The three pillars of Refocus.AI: consulting, staff augmentation, and training

05:10 Is the market ready for AI adoption?

06:40 The role of culture in successful AI transformation

08:20 Upskilling vs. job replacement: how to shift the mindset

10:00 Overcoming stigma and fear around AI

12:15 Building an AI-driven culture that lasts

14:00 Data security and responsible AI usage

15:40 Why every employee is trainable (but not at the same level)

18:00 The ROI of AI training and executive sponsorship

21:00 Key advice for skeptical leaders

23:30 Final takeaways

⸻

CONNECT AND SUBSCRIBE

Learn more about Bart and Refocus AI: https://refocus-ai.com/

Connect with Bart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-p22/

Subscribe to The AI Social Club for more conversations with AI & data leaders:

🌐 Website: https://www.thesocialclub.ai/

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7d3XmTgIhXqim1r63a1yWH

🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ai-social-club/id1793045703

💼 LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/margot-bletterie/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ai-social-club/

If you found this episode valuable, like, share, and comment!

It helps us reach more people and spark meaningful conversations about AI and transformation.

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You liked this episode? Share it around you, like it on the podcasting platform, give us feedback !

You would like to be a sponsor of the AI Social Club? Contact us on LinkedIn

We are on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ai-social-club/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaisocialclub/

Find out more about The AI Social Club on our website: https://www.thesocialclub.ai/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The AI Social Club, host Margot Bletterie sits down with Jean-Paul Sacy, regional leader at Wand, to demystify AI agents, cut through the buzzwords, and uncover what really matters when adopting AI in the enterprise world.

You will learn:

•What AI agents really are (beyond the hype)

•The 3 key components of any AI agent: cognitive engine, context, and tools

•Common misconceptions about generative AI and realistic productivity gains

•How to identify the right business use cases (and avoid the “shiny AI” trap)

•Why experimentation and failure are critical success factors in AI adoption

•The concept of hybrid workforces and how companies are redefining leadership roles

Whether you are a business leader, innovator, or AI enthusiast, this conversation is packed with insights on moving from experimentation to real enterprise value.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction

01:15 Jean-Paul’s journey into AI and WandAI

03:20 What AI agents really are (explained simply)

06:30 Misconceptions and productivity impact

09:10 How to identify the right business use cases

12:45 Red flags and vendor lock-in risks

18:30 Hybrid workforces: humans + AI agents

23:40 Final advice: experiment, fail, and learn

CONNECT AND SUBSCRIBE:

Learn more about Jean-Paul Sacy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpsacy/

Subscribe to The AI Social Club Podcast for more conversations with AI & data leaders

- Website: https://www.thesocialclub.ai/

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7d3XmTgIhXqim1r63a1yWH

- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ai-social-club/id1793045703

- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theAIsocialclub

- LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/margot-bletterie/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ai-social-club/

/ the-ai-social-club

If you found this episode valuable, like, share, and comment!

It helps us reach more people and spark the right conversations on AI and society.

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You liked this episode? Share it around you, like it on the podcasting platform, give us feedback !

You would like to be a sponsor of the AI Social Club? Contact us on LinkedIn

We are on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ai-social-club/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaisocialclub/

Find out more about The AI Social Club on our website: https://www.thesocialclub.ai/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The AI Social Club, host Margot Bletterie sits down with Maryam Ehsani, CEO and founder of Child Safe ME, ambassador of the AI Universal Council, and board member of ISPCAN (International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect).

With over 15 years of expertise in child protection and safeguarding, Maryam shares her vision on how AI can be both a powerful tool for education and safety, while also posing real risks if left unchecked.

This is a must-listen for parents, educators, policymakers, and tech leaders who want to understand how to balance innovation with responsibility when it comes to children and AI.

You will learn:

• How AI tools are transforming children’s learning experiences

• The role of AI in preventing online abuse and safeguarding children

• The biggest risks for kids growing up with AI, from deepfakes to cyberbullying

• Why parents must rethink digital literacy and “unlearn” old habits

• What schools, governments, and tech companies must do to protect the next generation

• Concrete advice for families on nurturing open conversations around AI

-

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction

01:15 Why Maryam brought AI into child protection

02:32 Positive opportunities of AI for children’s learning

05:50 AI tools for safeguarding and online safety

07:30 Key risks parents need to know about

12:45 Deepfakes, cyberbullying, and digital footprints

16:30 The role of schools in guiding children with AI

21:45 Governments and AI education from early age

23:58 Tech companies’ responsibility in child protection

26:50 From what age should children be introduced to AI?

32:00 What makes Maryam optimistic about the future

33:50 Final takeaways for parents, educators, and policymakers

-

CONNECT AND SUBSCRIBE:

Learn more about Maryam Ehsani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryam-ehsani-0a149a6/

Subscribe to The AI Social Club Podcast for more conversations with AI & data leaders

Website: https://www.thesocialclub.ai/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7d3XmTgIhXqim1r63a1yWH

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ai-social-club/id1793045703

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margot-bletterie/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ai-social-club/

If you found this episode valuable, like, share, and comment!

It helps us reach more people and spark the right conversations on AI and society.

-

You liked this episode? Share it around you, like it on the podcasting platform, give us feedback !

You would like to be a sponsor of the AI Social Club? Contact us on LinkedIn

We are on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ai-social-club/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaisocialclub/

Find out more about The AI Social Club on our website: https://www.thesocialclub.ai/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe Aoun, data strategy leader and governance advocate, joins Margot to explore the often misunderstood but mission-critical role of data governance in the era of generative AI. Why do so many companies still get it wrong? And how can you move from rigid control to agile enablement—without losing trust, quality, or speed?

If you’re building AI responsibly, this is a must-listen.

🔹 You will learn:

• The real difference between data governance and data enablement—and why both matter
• Why traditional governance models fail in AI-driven environments
• How to create governance that’s usable, flexible, and doesn’t kill innovation
• What “AI governance” really means (hint: it’s not just a rebrand)
• The biggest operational mistakes companies make with data governance
• How to gamify governance and drive adoption through literacy and transparency

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction  

01:15 What is data governance vs data enablement?  

03:04 Governance as creating safe spaces for innovation  

05:30 Why overregulation kills productivity  

07:20 AI governance: evolution or distraction?  

09:45 Why most governance policies fail  

11:36 Operationalizing governance: roles, KPIs & tools  

13:22 Three scenarios of GenAI adoption in companies  

16:07 Agile, iterative governance in action  

17:45 How to get employees to follow the rules  

18:50 Closing thoughts: why governance is leadership

🎧 Subscribe to The AI Social Club Podcast for more conversations with AI & data leaders

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ai-social-club/

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You liked this episode? Share it around you, like it on the podcasting platform, give us feedback !

You would like to be a sponsor of the AI Social Club? Contact us on LinkedIn

We are on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ai-social-club/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaisocialclub/

Find out more about The AI Social Club on our website: https://www.thesocialclub.ai/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They break down a practical framework to assess if your company is genuinely prepared to integrate artificial intelligence, not just technologically, but culturally and operationally.

If you’re considering launching AI initiatives or scaling existing ones, this episode is packed with clarity and great advice.

We discuss:

🔹 How to assess AI readiness across 4 pillars: strategy, data, technology, and governance

🔹 Why “AI for the sake of AI” fails and how to avoid it

🔹 Common pitfalls when moving from AI pilots to scalable solutions

🔹 Real examples of bad vs. effective AI implementation

🔹 Why strong use cases and executive alignment matter more than flashy tools

🔹 The right sequence from proof of concept to proof of value to scale

Whether you’re an AI lead, data strategist, or business decision-maker, this is your playbook to make AI actually work in your company.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction

01:15 What does it mean to be "ready" for AI?

03:00 The 4 pillar framework for AI readiness

07:45 When AI is the wrong tool for the job

10:51 Starting small with POC, POV and scale strategy

13:37 Should you rush into AI or slow down

15:41 How to sequence use cases for compounding value

18:12 From pilot phase to real AI impact

🎧 Subscribe to The AI Social Club Podcast for more conversations with AI & data leaders

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ai-social-club

🔗 Podcast: https://www.thesocialclub.ai/

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Banking is one of the most advanced sectors in AI, but what’s really happening behind the scenes? In this episode of The AI Social Club, Margot Bletterie speaks with Bart Pietruszka, former Chief Data & Analytics Officer at HSBC, to unpack the real state of AI in financial services.

From hyperpersonalized customer experiences to ROI-driven AI tools, Bart shares what’s working, what’s failing, and why traditional banks must rethink how they organize around AI, fast.

Whether you’re in banking, data, or tech leadership, this episode is a must.

You’ll learn:

• Why 70% of AI initiatives still fail in banking (and how to fix that)
• How to ensure every AI project has measurable ROI and business value
• Why the Chief AI Officer may soon replace the traditional CDAO
• What hyperpersonalization in banking could really look like (think Netflix-style experiences)
• The strategic risks of legacy systems and poor data for GenAI adoption

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction  

02:00 Real-world AI use cases in banking  

06:45 Why AI projects fail and how to build for ROI  

09:10 Balancing compliance with innovation  

15:13 The rise of Chief AI Officers  

21:00 What hyperpersonalized banking could look like

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🔗 Know more about Bart : https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-p22/

🔗 Know more about The AI Social Club: https://www.thesocialclub.ai

Listen to us on Youtube and on your favorite podcast platform:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7d3XmTgIhXqim1r63a1yWH

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ai-social-club/id1793045703

If you found this episode valuable, like, share, and comment. It helps us reach more people!

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Find out more about The AI Social Club on our website: https://www.thesocialclub.ai/

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Do you really need clean data to get started with AI?

From data audits and governance to generative AI’s tolerance for messy inputs, we unpack the reality behind the “garbage in, garbage out” rule and why waiting for perfect data might hold you back.

If you’re a business leader, data strategist, or AI curious mind wondering how to start smart with imperfect data, this conversation is for you.

🔍 Key topics:

– Data quality vs. speed of execution

– How generative AI changes the game

– Practical advice for launching AI projects today

– Why metadata and context matter more than ever

👥 No interview - just an honest, high-level discussion between two data leaders.

💡 Start where you are. But make sure you know where your data stands.

🔗 Know more about The AI Social Club: https://www.thesocialclub.ai/

🎧 Listen to the podcast on your favorite platforms:

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7d3XmTgIhXqim1r63a1yWH

- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ai-social-club/id1793045703

-Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theAIsocialclub

*Subscribe to this channel for weekly episodes on AI, education, and innovation*

If you like this content, comment, like and share it around you, it helps us reach more people !

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Find out more about The AI Social Club on our website: https://www.thesocialclub.ai/

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In this episode of The AI Social Club, I sit down with Dr Hind Salih, professor and AI expert, to explore the urgent shifts happening in university education due to the rise of generative AI (GenAI).

We discuss:

🔹 How Gen Z students are using GenAI tools like ChatGPT

🔹 The risks of relying too much on AI in academic settings

🔹 Why critical thinking must be redefined in the AI era

🔹 The evolving role of professors in a tech-driven classroom

🔹 Real strategies to prepare university students for an AI-powered world

Whether you’re a university professor, academic leader, student, or just curious about the future of education with AI, this episode is packed with insights you can act on today.

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CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction & why GenAI in education matters

02:30 The shift from teaching to co-learning

09:10 What needs to change in university classrooms

15:00 The danger of shortcut learning with AI

24:00 Practical advice for professors using AI in class

30:00 Advices for students, professors and university leadership

🎓 Learn more about Dr Hind Salih: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-hind-salih-02a57932/

🔗 Know more about The AI Social Club: https://www.thesocialclub.ai/

🎧 Listen to the podcast on your favorite platforms:

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7d3XmTgIhXqim1r63a1yWH

- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ai-social-club/id1793045703

-Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theAIsocialclub

*Subscribe to this channel for weekly episodes on AI, education, and innovation*

If you like this content, comment, like and share it around you, it helps us reach more people !

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• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaisocialclub/

Find out more about The AI Social Club on our website: https://www.thesocialclub.ai/

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In that first episode, we talk about AI in sustainability and energy innovation. But this time, we go deeper.

and we talk about two topics that matter to both of us:

🔹 What it really takes to build a tech startup in the UAE and the region

🔹 And the challenges - and power - of being a woman in tech and entrepreneurship here

From the role of networks to the reality of fundraising, Chada shares unfiltered advice, sharp insights, and grounded experience.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur in AI - or in any other field - or a woman wondering if now’s the time to make your move, this episode will give you a boost.

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Together we discussed questions around:

• Is AI going to replace my creativity?
• How can AI generated content feels human and authentic?
• How to cope with copyright issues?
• Is it challenging for his client to accept AI generated content?

He is passionated and he taught himself how to prompt, spent nights testing tools, and learned to speak the “language” of each AI model, always testing and learning new features.

It is still a challenge, technology evolves really fast, but he will explain to us how he managed to stay up to date.

Each and everything insight in this discussion is great to take !

You can take a look at the work he has done and that we have discussed during the podcast:

• Fully AI generated video campaign for Mubadala (without touching a camera): https://vimeo.com/1050723565/59ee79d02c. Amazing, right ?
• GG Showreel: https://vimeo.com/1079784926/0b874aa471
• His portfolio: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w2BiZBCpvNFDzKxxb0HjK4oPWGnnP2Y-/view

If you’re still on the fence about AI in creativity, this episode will shift your perspective.

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Find out more about The AI Social Club on our website: https://www.thesocialclub.ai/

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She’s a tech entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for innovation, leading the charge in AI-driven energy solutions.

As the founder of a Venture Studio, she’s not just funding startups—she’s building them from scratch, turning advanced research into real businesses.

In this discussion, we talk about:

- How to collaborate with universities and researchers to create impactful startups

- Why big corporations struggle to innovate—and how startups fill the gap

- How AI is revolutionizing energy efficiency

- What it will take for the Middle East to lead in AI-powered sustainability

She’s been named one of the most influential women in Dubai, and trust me—she will grab your attention.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction & Chada's journey

03:17 What is a venture studio?

07:00 From university research to MVPs

15:33 Partnering with corporates for innovation

23:17 Why AI is key to energy efficiency

26:54 3 startups bridging AI & sustainability

37:18 Middle East innovation in green tech?

43:03 Conclusion & Chada's vision for the future

You liked this episode? Share it around you and give us 5 stars on your favorite platform !

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You liked this episode? Share it around you, like it on the podcasting platform, give us feedback !

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• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ai-social-club/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaisocialclub/

Find out more about The AI Social Club on our website: https://www.thesocialclub.ai/

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In this episode, I sit down with Christophe who is the former Chief Product Officer of PropertyFinder.

He shared his fascinating journey from the early days of the internet to leading AI-driven product strategies in HR tech and real estate.

We discussed:

🔹 The role of the Chief Product Officer, a position that not widely known in the GCC—when do we need it, and why?

🔹 How AI is transforming marketplaces

🔹 The challenges of trust, lead qualification, and data-driven decision-making in this field

🔹 The promising future of PropTech, smart cities, and predictive AI

If you work in marketplaces, real estate, or HR tech, don't miss this episode !

This is exactly the kind of conversation I had in mind when launching this podcast: real-life use cases, with experts who make complex topics accessible.

And Christophe does it brilliantly.

You liked this episode? You would like to support us?

Share it around you and give us 5 stars, it helps a lot !

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CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction & Christophe's journey

03:57 Understanding the role of a CPO

07:16 Data-Driven product strategy

08:01 Marketplace mechanics & Success metrics

16:04 Using Data to improve agent performance

28:49 Product innovation: Super Agent & Pricing models

34:26 Proptech trends & Smart City challenges

52:58 Conclusion & key takeaways

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Find out more about The AI Social Club on our website: https://www.thesocialclub.ai/

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No customers

No legacy systems

No historical data to rely on.

That’s exactly the challenge Garry Ure faced when he joined Zand, before the online bank had even launched.

Garry has 20 years of experience in data management in the banking sector and for the last five years, he led the data enablement strategy at Zand. He shaped everything from data governance to AI-driven personalization in a highly regulated environment.

In this episode we dive into:

• How do you design a hyper-personalized banking experience from scratch?
• What does ‘good’ data governance look like in a digital-first bank?
• How is AI reshaping the future of finance?

If you’re building (or rebuilding) a data function, you don’t want to miss this unique testimony!

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction

00:28 Garry's career and experience

08:38 How to start from a greenfield

17:30 Data enablement and data culture creation

30:50 Data management essentials

34:15 Banking use cases

40:50 Showing the value of data management

46:40 Vision, takeaways and conclusion

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Find out more about The AI Social Club on our website: https://www.thesocialclub.ai/

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Edoardo Ferrari wears multiple hats: he’s the Director of Digital Analytics & AI at a leading beauty company and a fashion entrepreneur. His work is all about balancing creativity, instinct, and technology to drive innovation.

In this episode, we explore:

• How AI is transforming creative industries like beauty & luxury
• The evolution of social media & influencer marketing with AI
• Where to draw the line between human creativity and AI-powered insights

Don’t miss Edoardo’s signature Italian accent!

His unique experience—spanning startups and global brands—makes this a must-listen for anyone navigating AI in creative industries.

EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

00:00 Introduction

00:40 Edoardo's career & experience

09:41 Data & AI in the beauty space, trend detection

19:45 AI adoption for creative talents, enpowering creators

28:40 Challenges in startups vs large companies

37:00 Impacting fast paced industries

43:50 Ethics & regulation for social media

47:00 Is Ai going to replace creative talents?

50:00 AI for influencers

51:30 Conclusion

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You liked this episode? Share it around you, like it on the podcasting platform, give us feedback !

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Find out more about The AI Social Club on our website: https://www.thesocialclub.ai/

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Joseph Aoun is the Data & AI Solutions Director at Apgar, a global data management & AI group.

He describes himself as a "Data-Powered Digital Business Transformation Leader"—and that says it all.

With 15+ years of experience in data and digital, he spent the last 7 years at Chalhoub Group, where he played a key role in building and scaling one of the most advanced data and AI teams in the region.

He is also one of the most passionate and insightful leaders I know in Dubai.

In our conversation, we explored:

• The role of the Chief Data Officer: How is it evolving? Is hiring one a no-brainer? If yes, where should they sit in the organization?
• The importance of strategic patience in AI adoption
• What makes an AI product fail
• The central role of humans and talent in AI

Thank you Joseph for your time and for sharing your perspective on these burning topics!

Episode Breakdown:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:00:26 Career journey

00:04:11 The role of a CDO and organizational structure

00:14:09 The Impact of AI on data leadership

00:17:12 Building a data organization from Scratch

00:22:49 Scaling Data Initiatives in large Enterprises

00:26:17 Measuring AI & Data maturity

00:32:08 Ensuring business adoption of AI

00:41:28 Preparing organizations for the AI era

00:49:39 Attracting & retaining data talents

00:55:09 Final takeaways

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This is what this first episode is all about, with Audrey as an inspiring guest !

After starting her career in consulting, Audrey decided to dive into the fast-paced world of startups, eventually becoming VP of Transformation at Checkout.com. There, she played a pivotal role in its growth, helping it scale into one of Europe’s most impressive success stories.

Less than 2 years ago, she took on the challenge of creating an AI Lab at IAG (the group behind British Airways, Iberia, Vueling and Aer Lingus) from scratch—and that's the story I wanted to unpack during this interview.

This episode is a true masterclass and here are 3 of the many learnings she shared with us:

• The team is the heart of the Lab's success: Focus your energy on finding the right talent, finding the right balance between externalizing and internalizing the product development (definitely a 1B dollars question in the GCC region) and keeping people engaged for the long term
• Keep a startup mindset: efficiency, methodology and excitement are key
• Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize: At the end of the day, you want AI to make a real impact on the business. Take the time to assess the objectives and potential of each product. "AI" may be the buzzword on everyone’s lips, but it’s not the solution to all challenges. The build and maintenance of AI products are costly and can often be replaced by a process rework

Thank you, Audrey, for this masterclass on AI Labs, your refreshing perspective, and your boundless energy. I’m confident it will inspire many people to explore this exciting path !

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