Data Driven Leadership

"Slow is smooth, smooth is fast." This saying rings true when it comes to AI adoption in today's fast-paced world. While everyone seems to be rushing toward the next big AI breakthrough, the reality is that hasty decisions often lead to costly mistakes.
In this episode of Data-Driven Leadership, Jess Carter sits down with Patrick McQuillan, global head of AI and data governance at a Fortune 500 company to discuss how leaders can adopt AI thoughtfully and sustainably. Patrick shares his expertise on balancing rapid innovation with long-term success, the critical role of AI governance, and how organizations can avoid common pitfalls in their AI journey. 
Tune in to learn how a strategic, measured approach to AI can drive lasting impact for both businesses and their customers.


In this episode, you'll learn:
How AI governance reduces failure rates and protects trust

Why data foundations matter more than new models

What leaders should ask before they fund or scale AI



Things to listen for:
(00:00) Introduction to the episode with Patrick McQuillan
(05:50) Guidance for early AI adopters on pace and expectations
(12:41) When AI governance becomes a leadership priority
(15:28) The likelihood of public AI failures
(20:10) Long-term AI adoption
(26:36) AI in higher education and job readiness
(31:10) Responsible use of GenAI tools in the workplace

Patrick's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pjmcquillan/

2025 was a breakthrough year for AI adoption, with new tools enabling seamless integration between business and technical teams. Organizations leveraged AI to improve operations, enhance decision-making, and unlock growth opportunities, though not without challenges.
In this episode, Jess Carter sits down with Michael Schwarz, Senior Vice President of Professional Services at Resultant, to reflect on the key lessons from 2025. They discuss the successes and hurdles organizations encountered in their AI journeys and share actionable insights for leaders heading into 2026. Michael also offers his predictions for 2026 and how businesses can leverage AI to lead in the next phase of digital transformation.

In this episode, you'll learn:
How 2025 accelerated AI adoption across industries

The balance between power and responsibility in using AI

Key priorities for leaders to focus on in 2026, especially within industries like healthcare


Things to listen for:
(00:00) Introduction to the episode with Michael Schwarz
(06:08) Reflections on 2025 with fast-moving technology
(11:31) What leaders need to know about the future of AI
(18:07) Predictions for 2026
(25:10) Where to focus AI investment for growth
(31:15) Improving patient experience for 2026

Michael's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schwarzmike/

With the right data foundation, hospitals can better support medical staff and improve patient outcomes.
Tony Pastorino, commercial health strategy lead at Resultant, joins Jess Carter to discuss how data-driven insights are transforming hospital efficiency. Tony shares his experiences from overseeing information systems at IU Health. He also highlights the critical role of predictive analytics in improving patient flow and streamlining daily operations.

In this episode, you'll learn:
How predictive models can improve staffing and resource allocation

The challenges of managing complex healthcare data

How hospitals can use their existing data to make clearer, more confident operational decisions


Things to listen for:
(00:00) Introduction to the episode with Tony Pastorino
(02:06) Breaking down the complexity of healthcare data
(05:12) How hospitals are building data lakes
(10:02) Predictive analytics in health care
(16:45) Improving the patient experience in hospital systems
(21:00) Predictive analytics for nurse staffing and burnout
(24:56) Using AI to create more distraction-free patient interactions
(26:40) How hospitals can start using data today
(29:28) The future of data-driven health care

Tony's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonypastorino/

What can we learn from the leaders shaping the future of tech, health care, and cybersecurity?
In this solo episode, Jess Carter reflects on recent conversations with industry leaders across various fields. Each discussion reveals how mission, people, and structure drive key leadership decisions and strategies. Jess invites listeners to pause and consider their own leadership: How clear is your mission? What support do your teams need? And do your systems align with the way you want to work?


In this episode, you will learn:
Why a clear mission makes data easier to work with

The way you support people changes data outcomes

A simple way to check if your systems help or get in the way



Things to listen for:
(00:00) Introduction to the episode with Jess Carter
(00:51) Why data-driven leadership starts with mission
(03:57) Keeping people at the center of data decisions
(07:36) How structure and culture build sustainability

In today's fast-paced world, organizations can't rely on static, long-term plans. Strategies must continuously evolve to stay relevant.
In this episode, Resultant EVP of Professional Services Mike Hughes shares his insights on leading through rapid change. He discusses how to maintain organizational health, align culture with strategy, and foster clarity and accountability across teams. Mike also offers advice on balancing priorities and keeping teams focused, no matter the challenges.

In this episode, you'll learn:
How to assess the health of an organization

Ways to strengthen culture through clarity and alignment

What great consultants do differently to add value


Things to listen for:
(00:00) Introduction to the episode with Mike Hughes
(02:17) Staying passionate throughout a career in consulting
(06:17) How client expectations are shifting
(10:44) Defining and measuring organizational health
(13:52) The link between culture and results
(17:52) How to manage priorities and implement change
(22:07) Where leaders should start to improve organizational health

Mike's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-hughes-15038b/