They Tried 3 Times. Then AI Changed the Enterprise Data Build

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In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, we welcome Mary Alfheim, VP of Data and Analytics, and Joseph Kroon, Data Architect, both from Headspace. Mary previously led analytics teams at Amazon Prime Video and HBO, while Joseph spent time in Cigna's data organisation and, earlier, as a Black Hawk helicopter crew chief in the National Guard.

Mary and Joseph share how Headspace rebuilt its enterprise data model after three earlier attempts failed to keep pace with the business. The discussion examines the trust problem behind the project and why organisational alignment and technology have to move together.

The data topic explores how AI changed the build: generating the data model from data contracts, mapping end-to-end lineage, and letting business users self-serve trusted numbers through AI agents. They also cover keeping humans in the loop, evaluating accuracy, and why leaders should agree on the use case before choosing the tools.

00:00 They Tried 3 Times: A Paradigm Shift in Building Data
01:22 Introduction to Data Analytics Chat
02:04 Meet Mary Alfheim and Joseph Kroon from Headspace
04:16 The Original Problem: A Crisis of Trust in Data
14:02 Three Attempts and the Lessons Learned
19:44 When AI Became Part of the Solution
28:43 Combining AI with Human Expertise
32:44 What Building Enterprise Data with AI Means in Practice
35:06 Making Sure AI Output Is Accurate Enough to Trust
39:37 Driving Adoption Across the Organisation
40:24 What Changed for the Business
41:46 What They Would Do Differently Next Time
43:17 Lessons for Other Large Organisations
44:09 The First Step for Data and Analytics Leaders
45:37 Where to Connect with Mary and Joseph

Connect with our guests:
Mary Alfheim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-alfheim/
Joseph Kroon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-kroon-902243109/

Thank you for listening!