How to Use AI and Data Better in Everyday Life with Jess Carter
From writing better emails to helping her son learn the alphabet, Jess Carter is using AI in unexpected ways. In this Q&A episode, Jess shares how she’s integrating AI into both her professional and personal routines, with real examples that span leadership, data storytelling, parenting, and everyday problem-solving. She offers practical advice for getting started with AI, from building stronger prompts to identifying the tasks where it saves the most time and adds the most value. Along the way, Jess answers listener questions about increasing data literacy without a technical background, working effectively with consultants, and determining what actually works in digital engagement. If you're curious about how to use AI and data more confidently and more creatively, this episode is a great place to begin. Jess also references a few favorite resources throughout the episode, including: Data Literacy: A User’s Guide by David L. Herzog storytelling with data: a data visualization guide for business professionals by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic How to Lie with Statistics by Darrell Huff The study Double-blind test of the effects of distant intention on water crystal formation by Dean Radin, Dail Hayssen, Masaru Emoto, and Takashige Kizue In this episode, you will learn: Ways to begin using AI in your daily work How to build confidence in data analysis without a technical background What to look for when bringing in a consultant to support your team Things to listen for: (00:00) Introduction to the episode with Jess Carter (01:54) How Jess uses AI as a parent, leader, and executive coach (05:19) Simple ways to get started with ChatGPT in your daily work (08:57) Books and tools to improve your data literacy (13:49) When to bring in consultants and how to get real results from them (24:27) Jess’s go-to method for making sense of messy data (26:52) Jess’s reflection on cancer and story of resilience
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32:06
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32:06
Duolingo's Winning Data Strategy with Bilal Zia, Head of Data Science and Analytics
Most people know Duolingo as the fun language app with the green owl, but behind the scenes, it’s a data science team using AI and analytics to transform how we learn. In this episode, Jess Carter sits down with Bilal Zia, head of data science and analytics at Duolingo, to discuss what it takes to lead with data within one of the world’s most popular edtech platforms. Bilal shares how his team builds trust through accurate forecasting and why embedding data scientists into cross-functional teams has changed how Duolingo operates. Drawing on his past roles at the World Bank and Amazon, he reflects on the mindset shift required to move fast without sacrificing rigor and how AI helps them achieve new possibilities while maintaining a focus on the human experience at the heart of learning. In this episode, you will learn: How to structure data teams to increase influence Why fast-growing companies need different data strategies How to build trust through data accuracy Things to listen for:(00:00) Introduction to the episode with Bilal Zia (02:58) Why intrinsic motivation guided Bilal’s career (06:12) How Bilal turned a struggling data team into a high-performing one (08:15) Adapting data strategy to the S-curve model (11:39) The moment Bilal’s team earned leadership’s trust with a single forecast (16:57) What happens when data scientists are treated like product leaders (20:21) Tracking fluency and learner progress in the app (27:40) A look at the AI tools helping Duolingo move faster without losing control
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31:05
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31:05
Southwest Airlines on Making AI Work Across the Enterprise
AI can feel abstract until it’s tied to something real. At Southwest Airlines, it’s used to improve flight operations, support frontline staff, and help leaders make faster decisions. In this episode, Jess Carter chats with Justin Bundick, managing director of artificial intelligence at Southwest Airlines. He shares how the airline built an AI strategy that works across departments by pairing smart technology with strong data practices. From infrastructure and governance to AI model training and deployment, Justin walks through what it really takes to operationalize AI in one of the world’s most complex industries. He also explains why understanding business processes is needed to make data useful, how human-centered design influences their work, and what it looks like to align AI with ethical standards and long-term strategy. In this episode, you will learn: What it takes to scale AI across an enterprise How AI can improve complex operations without overwhelming people Why understanding the process is just as important as understanding data Things to listen for:(00:00) Introduction to the episode with Justin Bundick (02:52) How Southwest’s data strategy evolved (06:30) Using data to reduce noise and find focus (09:57) Why AI needs strong data governance and process insight (14:07) Building AI models into everyday operations (17:11) Managing risk and ethics with AI governance (24:47) Justin’s vision for the future of AI in airlines
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29:02
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29:02
Building Trust with Data: Inside Indiana DWD’s Governance Journey
Data governance depends on data management and vice versa. You need both working together to make data reliable, usable, and secure. In this episode, Jess Carter talks with Diana Barrett and Stephanie Semaan from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD). With data management already in place, they recognized the need for data governance to create shared standards, improve data access, and protect sensitive information. That realization led to a phased implementation of data governance by starting with the most urgent needs and working closely with teams to build understanding and trust. They also share how DWD protects sensitive information through strong privacy practices, clear access controls, and data sharing agreements that define how data can be used and who can access it. Stick around ‘til the end of the episode for a sneak peek at something special we’ve never done before! Want to be part of it? Check out Jess' LinkedIn post or DM her to submit a question—we might feature yours in the upcoming episode. In this episode, you will learn: How strong governance can improve public programs Why cultural buy-in is essential for data governance The role of trust and transparency in data sharing initiatives Things to listen for: (00:00) Introduction to the episode with Diana Barrett and Stephanie Semaan (02:18) Data governance at the Department of Workforce Development (06:17) Challenges with buy-in and siloed systems (09:56) How governance ensures privacy and compliance (15:47) What data sharing agreements really mean (23:04) Applying public sector lessons to private companies
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29:13
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29:13
Where Creativity Meets Data: Inside Asana’s Marketing Strategy with CMO Shannon Duffy
Marketing is often misunderstood, seen as either all creativity or all data. In truth, it’s both. Great marketing lives at the intersection of bold ideas and sharp analytics, and few leaders navigate that space better than Shannon Duffy, chief marketing officer at Asana. In this episode, Shannon joins Jess Carter to share how she drives marketing that delivers real business results. She explains how data brings credibility to creative work—and how creativity can move the needle on key business goals. They also talk about setting expectations for long-term efforts like brand building and events, helping leaders understand the value of patience and the metrics that matter. Stick around ‘til the end of the episode for a sneak peek at something special we’ve never done before! Want to be part of it? Check out Jess' LinkedIn post or DM her to submit a question—we might feature yours in the upcoming episode. In this episode, you will learn: The importance of aligning marketing goals with broader business objectives Metrics that matter for brand and event performance Ways to balance creativity with data in marketing leadership Things to listen for: (00:00) Introduction to the episode with Shannon Duffy (03:46) Key business metrics every marketer should know (07:22) Helping executives understand marketing (11:09) How to prove ROI for large-scale events (15:19) Aligning creative marketing with company goals (19:40) Using data and instinct to know when to pivot (21:55) Brand awareness beyond advertising
The power of Data is undeniable. And unharnessed - it’s nothing but chaos.
Making data your ally. Using it to lead with confidence and clarity. Host Jess Carter is solving problems in real-time to reveal what’s possible. Helping communities and people thrive. This is Data Driven Leadership a show brought to you by Resultant.
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