A Class Act: Conversations in Data and Leadership – Details, episodes & analysis

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A Class Act: Conversations in Data and Leadership

Michael Young MBN Solutions Data & Leadership

Business

Technology

Frequency: 1 episode/15d. Total Eps: 13

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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https://www.linkedin.com/company/mbn-recruitment-solutions
12 shares
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelyoung08/
8 shares

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Score global : 68%

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Hiring for AI in 2026? What the Next Generation of Talent Actually Values with Google DeepMind Scholar Emma Rattray

Season 2 · Episode 2

Wednesday, November 12, 2025 • Duration 23:46

Every organisation is racing to adopt AI but capability isn’t just about technology.

It’s about people.

In this episode, host Shannon speaks with Emma Rattray, an AI Engineer whose journey from chemical engineering to software development and AI research offers an honest look at what the next generation of AI talent truly values and how forward-thinking leaders can attract and retain it.

After earning a fully funded scholarship for her master’s in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Edinburgh, Emma has become one of the most insightful emerging voices in the UK AI space. Through roles at Procter & Gamble, IBM, and JP Morgan, and her current work in robotics and computer vision, she has seen how technical excellence and human leadership intertwine.

In this conversation, Emma and Shannon explore how young professionals are navigating a world where AI progress moves faster than workforce readiness.

You’ll hear:

How Emma pivoted from chemical engineering into AI without a computer-science degree.
The “magic combo” of skills that makes today’s AI professionals stand out: strong software fundamentals plus applied ML and data-science experience.
Why learning in public and sharing work, experiments and reflections online builds visibility, confidence and opportunity.
3 Key Insights Emma learned inside major organisations Procter & Gamble, JP Morgan and IBM.
How her research into robotics perception in cluttered environments shows why messy, real-world data drives real progress.
Why confidence and adaptability have become essential skills for anyone working with fast-moving technology.
What early-career AI talent now looks for in employers: supportive cultures, genuine learning environments, and leaders who communicate with clarity and care.

Guest Information:

Connect with Emma Rattray on Linkedin

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 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:

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

Visit MBN Solutions website at www.mbnsolutions.com

A Class Act: Conversations in Data and Leadership – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

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A Class Act: Conversations in Data and Leadership – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

LinkedIn15

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

LinkedIn15

Other6