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.
What does it really take to build world-class tech teams and lead with impact in today’s data-driven AI landscape.
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 hiring, leadership, strategy, and building great teams in AI and data.
Follow A Class Act for honest, human-first leadership conversations in the data and tech space every week.
What if you could sit down with the Head of AI inside one of the UK’s most regulated digital banks and hear the truth about what actually works and what leaders need to get right?
That’s exactly what we explore in this episode of A Class Act.
Shannon is joined by Dr. Russell Collingham, Head of AI & Data Science at Atom Bank, and one of the most experienced AI leaders in UK financial services.
Russell has worked in AI since the 1990s.
He began his career as a lecturer and researcher in AI at Durham University, before moving into industry where he led engineering teams, served as AI Practice Lead at Hedgehog Lab, and now guides AI strategy inside a live, highly regulated banking environment.
In this conversation, Russell shares:
- How Atom Bank is using AI to automate back-office processes and remove manual, repetitive work
- Why AI adoption must start in “safe spaces” before becoming customer-facing
- The real risks of generative AI in regulated environments
- Why enterprise AI success depends more on operating models, governance, and people than on tools
- How the role of an “AI Champion” accelerated adoption across the organisation
- What the future of AI in banking could look like from embedded systems to personalised financial education
If you’re a CEO or responsible for shaping AI strategy where reputation, risk, and trust matter, this episode offers practical insight into what enterprise AI really looks like in practice.
Guest information
Dr. Russell Collingham is Head of AI & Data Science at Atom Bank and one of the most experienced AI leaders in UK financial services. He has worked in artificial intelligence since the 1990s, spanning academia and industry, and now leads AI strategy inside a highly regulated digital banking environment.
Connect with Russell Collingham on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/russellcollingham/
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.
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Connect with MBN Solutions:
If you’re hiring for data or AI leadership roles, scaling AI capability, or rethinking how talent supports your AI strategy, the team at NBN partners with organisations to build data and AI teams that actually deliver.
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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