A Class Act: Conversations in Data and Leadership

A Class Act: Conversations in Data and Leadership
Podcast Description
Welcome to A Class Act: Conversations in Data and Leadership. Hosted by Michael Young of MBN Solutions, a data talent expert with nearly two decades of experience at the forefront of tech recruitment, this show dives deep into what it really takes to build high-performing teams. Each episode features candid conversations with the leaders behind the progress - those hiring top tech talent, scaling data science teams, driving digital transformation, and leading with purpose (not just a job title).Whether you're a data leader, people manager, recruiter, or simply passionate about building great teams, you'll walk away with insights, lessons learned, and fresh perspectives on talent, strategy, and leadership in today’s tech economy.Follow A Class Act for honest, human-first leadership conversations in the data and tech space.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers themes such as data leadership, team dynamics, and personal growth, with episodes featuring topics like leading with trust, building diversity in teams, and navigating complexity in tech environments. For example, episodes have explored how cognitive diversity improves decision-making and the importance of vulnerability in leadership.

Welcome to A Class Act: Conversations in Data and Leadership.
Hosted by Michael Young of MBN Solutions, a data talent expert with nearly two decades of experience at the forefront of tech recruitment, this show dives deep into what it really takes to build high-performing teams.
Each episode features candid conversations with the leaders behind the progress – those hiring top tech talent, scaling data science teams, driving digital transformation, and leading with purpose (not just a job title).
Whether you’re a data leader, people manager, recruiter, or simply passionate about building great teams, you’ll walk away with insights, lessons learned, and fresh perspectives on talent, strategy, and leadership in today’s tech economy.
Follow A Class Act for honest, human-first leadership conversations in the data and tech space.
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
Connect with Elizabeth Hollinger: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-hollinger-31055234/overlay/about-this-profile/
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 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:
Email: [email protected]
Visit MBN Solutions website atwww.mbnsolutions.com

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