What does it really take to build world-class tech teams and lead with impact in today’s data-driven world?
I’m Michael Young from MBN Solutions and after two decades placing top talent across data, AI, and tech, I’ve seen the real stories behind high-performing teams.
On A Class Act, we go beyond buzzwords. You’ll hear real life, experience-led conversations with the leaders shaping digital transformation - those hiring top tech talent, building data science capability, and leading with purpose.
Whether you're a data leader, people manager, or recruiter, join us for honest, human-first insights into leadership, strategy, and building great teams in tech.
Follow A Class Act for honest, human-first leadership conversations in the data and tech space.
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A Class Act: Conversations in Data and Leadership [Season 1 Trailer]
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 • Duration 01:05
Welcome to A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership.
I’m Michael, and after nearly two decades leading data talent acquisition with MBN Solutions, I’ve seen firsthand that exceptional teams don’t just happen - they’re built. They’re crafted by placing the right people in the right roles, at exactly the right time.
This podcast pulls back the curtain on what it takes to build and lead high-performing teams in today’s data-driven world.
Each episode, we sit down with the leaders shaping the future of technology and analytics - those who’ve made critical hires, driven digital transformation, and led with purpose and vision.
You’ll hear real-world stories, lessons learned, and behind-the-scenes insights from the front lines of data science, recruitment, and leadership.
Whether you’re leading data, AI, or analytics teams, shaping strategy, or scaling capability, our conversations are candid, experience-led, and grounded in the realities of building and leading in this space. Real insights from those who’ve done the hard yards at the forefront of data and leadership.
The podcast officially launches on May 20, 2025.
Hit follow on your favorite podcast streaming platform to join the conversation and be notified when a new episode is live.
Connect with Michael and MBN Solutions:
Michael Young on LinkedIn – Follow Michael for advice on talent acquisition, leadership in data science, and stories from the front lines of tech recruitment. Connect with Michael here.
MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here.
For questions, guest recommendations, or to connect:
35 Years in Data: Lessons on Leadership & Lasting Impact with Graeme McDermott
Season 1 · Episode 1
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 • Duration 29:57
What does it take to thrive across 35 years in data leadership? And how do you build high-performing teams – not just for now, but for the future?
In this inaugural episode of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership, Michael Young sits down with a true veteran of the data world: Graeme McDermott, Chief Data Officer at Tempcover.
From his early actuarial days to leading enterprise data transformations through five company acquisitions, Graeme brings insights into what makes a modern data leader tick – and stick.
But this conversation isn’t just about strategy or statistics. It’s also a real, and revealing look at the human side of leadership: the power of trust, the cost of tough decisions, and the long game of building both teams and friendships that last decades.
Expect stories and every aspiring leader needs to hear.
In this episode, they explore:
What 35 years in data leadership teaches you (and why Graeme is still not done learning)
How to build high-performing teams in high-pressure environments
The shift from transactional to trusted relationships – in business and beyond
Why some data leaders succeed short-term, but fail to scale
The power of mentorship, memory, and making the complex feel simple
If you lead (or aspire to lead) in the world of data, analytics, or digital transformation – this is a must-listen.
Connect with Michael and MBN Solutions:
Michael Young on LinkedIn – Follow Michael for advice on talent acquisition, leadership in data science, and stories from the front lines of tech recruitment. Connect with Michael here.
MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership.
From Apprentice to VP: Adriana Ignat on Leadership, Growth, and a Decade at Google
Season 1 · Episode 2
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 • Duration 49:28
What does it take to build high-performing teams in today’s product and tech landscape - and how do you keep your own leadership evolving in the process?
In this episode of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership, Shannon McKechnie, Managing Director at MBN Solutions, is joined by Adriana Ignat - a Pproduct Management and Design leader and an AI specialist, whose career includes more than a decade at Google and roles leading product innovation in high-growth, data rich M&A-driven environments.
From her early days as an apprentice in Poland to shaping Google’s presence in Romania, Adriana brings depth, humility, and sharp insight into what it really means to lead in the modern workplace.
This is not a conversation about titles or frameworks. It’s about the inner work of leadership, and what it takes to build capability that lasts.
In this episode, Adriana shares:
What more than a decade at Google taught her about product, leadership and herself
Why your team’s strength should never rely on your presence in the room
The “Jenga Tower” model of talent development and how it transforms how you lead
Why being a great individual contributor is still essential, even when you lead
How to spot genuine capability in the age of AI-generated CVs
Imposter syndrome in leadership and how to work through it
Disclaimer: The views expressed by Adriana Ignat in this episode are her own and do not reflect those of her current or former employers.
Connect with Michael and MBN Solutions:
Michael Young on LinkedIn – Follow Michael for advice on talent acquisition, leadership in data science, and stories from the front lines of tech recruitment. Connect with Michael here.
MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership.
Elizabeth Hollinger on Leading with Trust and Building Award-Winning Teams at the Cutting Edge of Data
Season 1 · Episode 3
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 • Duration 31:17
What does it take to lead with trust, earn credibility, and build exceptional teams in today’s data-driven world?
In this episode, Michael Young sits down with Elizabeth Hollinger, a data and technology leader whose career spans actuarial roots, enterprise transformation, and building award-winning teams.
From feeling out of her depth in her first technology project at Deloitte, to leading cutting-edge data strategy at Aggreko, Elizabeth opens up about the real lessons that shaped her leadership journey.
This is a conversation about what it actually takes to earn trust, build capability, and lead people through complexity - without burning out or bluffing your way through. Elizabeth shares how she used vulnerability as a strength, made space for cognitive diversity, and focused relentlessly on creating real business value through data.
You’ll Learn:
Why trust beats control when leading high-performing teams
How to lead without knowing all the answers
The link between cognitive diversity and better decision-making
How to balance delivery with culture in fast-moving environments
What great leadership actually looks like in the data space
About Your Host: Michael Young is the Managing Director of MBN Solutions and host of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership. With nearly two decades of experience helping organisations build high-performing data, analytics, and AI teams, he brings frontline insight into what makes exceptional talent and leadership.
Please note: The views expressed by Elizabeth Hollinger in this episode are her own and do not reflect those of her current or former employers.
Subscribe & Follow: Enjoying the series? Don’t miss an episode. Follow wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review to help more listeners discover these conversations in data and leadership.
Stephen Ingledew on Building One of the UK’s Most Respected Fintech Ecosystems (And What It Really Takes to Lead With Purpose)
Season 1 · Episode 4
Tuesday, July 1, 2025 • Duration 31:07
What does it really take to lead change not just in your company, but across an entire industry?
In this episode of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership, Michael Young speaks with Stephen Ingledew, Chair of FinTech Scotland and a driving force behind one of the UK’s most respected fintech ecosystems.
Stephen shares his 40+ year journey through financial services from traditional corporate roles to building a 250+ firm innovation cluster.
Along the way, he unpacks what leadership means in complex environments, why purpose must be your anchor, and how lasting impact often comes from stepping back, not stepping up.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
How Stephen helped scale FinTech Scotland from 26 to over 250 firms and what made it work
Why “you don’t need another player kicking the ball… you need a coach on the sidelines” might be the most important leadership lesson in 2025
How to lead with clarity, adaptability, and inclusion
The leadership “golf club” mindset and why you can’t use one style for every challenge
How Stephen hopes to leave a legacy of inclusion, innovation and purpose
Whether you're leading data and AI teams, scaling fintech, or building capability in a fast-changing landscape, this conversation is packed with real, experience-led insight.
About Your Host: Michael Young is the Managing Director of MBN Solutions and host of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership. With nearly two decades of experience helping organisations build high-performing data, analytics, and AI teams, he brings frontline insight into what makes exceptional talent and leadership.
Please note: The views expressed by Stephen Ingledew in this episode are his own and do not reflect those of his current or former employers.
From Green Screens to AI Strategy: Gillian Docherty’s Data Leadership Journey
Season 1 · Episode 6
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 • Duration 34:09
She almost didn’t apply.
Gillian Docherty is one of the most influential figures in Scotland’s data and AI landscape - but she almost didn’t take the job that changed everything.
Recently named CEO of the Year at the DigiTech Awards, Gillian served as CEO of The Data Lab, Scotland’s national Innovation Centre for data and AI. She’s also a TEDx speaker and a vocal advocate for purpose-led leadership and inclusive tech.
In this conversation with Michael on A Class Act, Gillian shares her journey, what it really takes to build high-performing, mission-driven teams, and how Scotland can seize its next big opportunity in AI.
You’ll hear:
What sparked Gillian’s early interest in tech and innovation growing up in Scotland
The biggest leadership lessons from two decades at IBM
How a last-minute recruiter call changed the trajectory of her career
What great leadership looks like across public, academic, and commercial sectors
Why creating purpose-driven, mission-led teams starts with how you recruit
Where Scotland’s biggest AI and data opportunities are
Gillian’s view on legacy, leadership, and raising strong, independent daughters
About Your Host: Michael Young is the Managing Director of MBN Solutions and host of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership. With nearly two decades of experience helping organisations build high-performing data, analytics, and AI teams, he brings frontline insight into what makes exceptional talent and leadership.
Please note: The views expressed by Gillian Docherty in this episode are his own and do not reflect those of his current or former employers.
Subscribe & Follow: Enjoying the series? Don’t miss an episode. Follow A Class Act wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review to help more listeners discover these conversations in data and leadership.
Leadership Lessons in High-Pressure Environments: From the Military to the Boardroom with David Goodacre OBE
Season 1 · Episode 5
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 • Duration 29:23
What does it take to lead when the pressure is on?
How do you inspire teams to stay aligned in the face of complexity, change, and uncertainty?
In this episode of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership, host Shannon McKechnie is joined by David Goodacre OBE, a Senior Executive, Board Member, and experienced leader with significant experience in strategy, transformation, and operational delivery across the military and corporate sectors.
David shares his real-world leadership lessons from high-pressure environments, from commanding teams in combat to leading complex transformation initiatives in global organisations.
What’s covered in this episode:
The hard early lessons that taught David leadership isn’t about being in charge - it’s about looking after your people
What leading in combat reveals about keeping teams aligned under pressure
The real difference between change that sticks and change that stalls
Why vision is the anchor that keeps teams going when things get tough
How to build trust quickly across global, cross-functional teams
The importance of servant leadership, vulnerability, and living your values
Why leaders must resist the urge to ‘revert to type’ in a crisis and stay on the bridge
Whether you’re leading in data, or transformation teams, shaping strategy, or navigating complexity, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for high-performing leaders.
Connect with David Goodacre on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dgoodacre/
About Your Host: Shannon McKechnie is the Managing Director at MBN Solutions - the Data and AI talent experts, and a passionate advocate for building exceptional teams and authentic leadership. As co-host of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership, Shannon brings a grounded, people-first perspective to leadership ,exploring how trust, alignment, and shared success drive high-performing teams in today’s complex landscape.
How to Build Trust & Lead Teams in FinTech’s AI Era with Kent Mackenzie
Season 1 · Episode 9
Tuesday, September 9, 2025 • Duration 25:58
In this episode, host Michael is joined by Kent Mackenzie, Group Chief Operating Officer at Corlytics and former Deloitte Partner.
Kent’s career has taken him from pulling apart ATMs as a curious young technologist, to leading Deloitte’s global FinTech and RegTech practice, and now to scaling one of the leading names in regulatory technology.
You’ll hear:
Why “you don’t need to have all the answers” is one of the most powerful leadership lessons
Kent’s framework for building high-performing teams: trust, competence, and psychological safety
The biggest mistakes leaders make when scaling FinTech and RegTech solutions
The hard calls he’s made, from retraining staff to steering business exits
Why “it is AI” that will reshape SaaS and demand new human-centric leadership skills
Kent also shares his personal philosophy - from Stoic ideas like amor fati (“love your fate”) to simple rituals like Sunday pancakes - that keep him grounded while leading through complexity.
If you’re leading teams in FinTech, data, or AI, this episode offers practical strategies and honest reflections on what it really takes to lead through change.
About Your Host: Michael Young is the Managing Director of MBN Solutions and host of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership. With nearly two decades of experience helping organisations build high-performing data, analytics, and AI teams, he brings frontline insight into what makes exceptional talent and leadership.
Please note: The views expressed by the guest in this episode are their own and do not reflect those of their current or former employers.
Subscribe & Follow: Enjoying the series? Don’t miss an episode. Follow wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review to help more listeners discover these conversations in data and leadership.
AI and Leadership Lessons from Being 10 Years Ahead with BloxWeaver Founder David Meikle
Season 1 · Episode 8
Tuesday, August 26, 2025 • Duration 35:27
What can AI teach us about leadership when you’re a decade ahead of the curve?
In this episode of A Class Act: Conversations in Data and Leadership, host Shannon speaks with David Meikle, founder of BloxWeaver and former CTO at Lingo24. David reflects on the leadership lessons he learned introducing AI and automation into the translation industry nearly ten years before most businesses began facing the same challenges.
From the fear of job loss to the need for psychological safety, David shares how leaders can guide teams through uncertainty, transformation, and growth.
You’ll discover:
How to lead teams through fear of AI and show its value.
Why psychological safety is essential for innovation and high performance.
How David rebuilt trust after leading a restructure early in his career.
The leadership principles behind scaling from 12% to 98% online orders in a year.
Why patience, adaptability, and strengths-based leadership matter most in change.
If you’re leading in data, technology, or any fast-moving industry, this conversation offers practical insights to help you build trust and unlock performance in the AI and tech industry.
Connect with David Meikle on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davemeikle/
Discover BloxWeaver: https://bloxweaver.com/
About Your Host: Shannon McKechnie is the Managing Director at MBN Solutions - the Data and AI talent experts, and a passionate advocate for building exceptional teams and authentic leadership. As co-host of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership, Shannon brings a grounded, people-first perspective to leadership ,exploring how trust, alignment, and shared success drive high-performing teams in today’s complex landscape.
Transforming Cyber Resilience in Scotland: Jude McCorry’s Journey as CEO at the Cyber and Fraud Centre
Season 1 · Episode 7
Tuesday, August 12, 2025 • Duration 34:36
What would you do if your first day as CEO started with no funding and ended with national lockdown?
That was the reality for Jude McCorry, now CEO of Scotland’s Cyber and Fraud Centre.
In this episode of A Class Act, Jude joins Shannon for a conversation about her journey from Ireland to Scotland.
She left a successful career in Ireland, landed in Scotland with no job, and rebuilt not just her career but a network, a reputation, and an organisation that now leads national cyber resilience efforts.
As the CEO of one of Scotland’s most influential cyber organisations, Jude works across sectors from public services to enterprise and third sector - shaping how we respond to the evolving threats of fraud and cybercrime.
You’ll hear:
Why Jude left a solid career in Ireland to start from scratch in Scotland
The leadership lessons she learned building a network, a team, and an organisation during lockdown
The importance of relationships and connections in the development of her leadership style
The human cost of cyberattacks and what we can do to build resilience across every sector
How partnerships with UNICEF and others have shown the power of public-private collaboration
The one piece of advice she would give to leaders in the data and cyber space early in their career
Connect with Jude McCorry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jude-mccorry-5970911/
About Your Host: Shannon McKechnie is the Managing Director at MBN Solutions - the Data and AI talent experts, and a passionate advocate for building exceptional teams and authentic leadership. As co-host of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership, Shannon brings a grounded, people-first perspective to leadership ,exploring how trust, alignment, and shared success drive high-performing teams in today’s complex landscape.
Please note: The views expressed by Jude McCorry in this episode are her own and do not reflect those of her current or former employers.
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Michael Young on LinkedIn – Follow Michael for advice on talent acquisition, leadership in data science, and stories from the front lines of tech recruitment. Connect with Michael here.
MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here.
For questions, guest recommendations, or to connect:
Subscribe & Follow: Enjoying the series? Don’t miss an episode. Follow A Class Act wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review to help more listeners discover these conversations in data and leadership.
Connect with Michael and MBN Solutions:
Michael Young on LinkedIn – Follow Michael for advice on talent acquisition, leadership in data science, and stories from the front lines of tech recruitment. Connect with Michael here.
MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here.
For questions, guest recommendations, or to connect:
Michael Young on LinkedIn – Follow Michael for advice on talent acquisition, leadership in data science, and stories from the front lines of tech recruitment. Connect with Michael here.
MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here.
For questions, guest recommendations, or to connect: Email: michael@mbnsolutions.com
Please note: The views expressed by David Goodacre in this episode are his own and do not reflect those of his current or former employers.
Subscribe & Follow: Enjoying the series? Don’t miss an episode. Follow A Class Act wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review to help more listeners discover these conversations in data and leadership.
Connect with MBN Solutions:
Michael Young on LinkedIn – Follow Michael for advice on talent acquisition, leadership in data science, and stories from the front lines of tech recruitment. Connect with Michael here.
MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here.
For questions, guest recommendations, or to connect: Email: michael@mbnsolutions.com
Michael Young on LinkedIn – Follow Michael for advice on talent acquisition, leadership in data science, and stories from the front lines of tech recruitment. Connect with Michael here.
MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here.
For questions, guest recommendations, or to connect: Email: michael@mbnsolutions.com
Please note: The views expressed by the guest in this episode are their own and do not reflect those of their current or former employers.
Subscribe & Follow: Enjoying the series? Don’t miss an episode. Follow A Class Act wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review to help more listeners discover these conversations in data and leadership.
Connect with MBN Solutions:
Shannon McKechnie on LinkedIn – Follow Shannon for advice on talent acquisition, leadership in data science, and stories from the front lines of tech recruitment. Connect with Shannon here.
MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here.
For questions, guest recommendations, or to connect: Email: michael@mbnsolutions.com
Subscribe & Follow: Enjoying the series? Don’t miss an episode. Follow A Class Act wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review to help more listeners discover these conversations in data and leadership.
Connect with MBN Solutions:
Shannon McKechnie on LinkedIn – Follow Shannon for advice on talent acquisition, leadership in data science, and stories from the front lines of tech recruitment. Connect with Shannon here.
MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here.
For questions, guest recommendations, or to connect: Email: michael@mbnsolutions.com
