Outcome

Why? AI must support long-term business objectives. Leaders need to see beyond tech hype and guide AI use toward ROI, efficiency, competitive advantage, or sustainability outcomes. Could you do that?

Why: You don’t need to code, but you must have the ability to understand what data is available, what insights are possible, and how to ask the right questions to your technical teams. Are you confident you can deliver?

Why: AI is only useful when applied in context. Leaders must develop the capacity to deeply understand different business areas (e.g., manufacturing, energy, carbon reduction, procurement /supply chain risk, sales, quality control, HR etc.) to spot high-impact use cases. Have you an interest in how organisations operate, not just your own department?

Why it matters: Can you influence others? Do people pay attention when you speak? AI strategy demands alignment across IT, operations, finance, and leadership. Strong communication builds buy-in, reduces resistance, and turns technical insight into action.

Ask your colleagues—do they think you can grow in this area?

Why: It is not just having a vision, you will need to deliver. AI projects often fail due to cultural resistance or lack of adoption. Leaders must manage stakeholders, redesign processes, and ensure teams adapt to new workflows. Again, this is a key skill. Do you have or can you develop that skill?

Why: Strategic leaders must constantly scan for areas where AI can cut costs, reduce emissions, increase efficiency, or improve forecasting—then prioritise based on impact and feasibility. Does that type of task interest you?

Why: AI introduces risks (bias, privacy, reputational harm). Leaders must set guardrails and make sure AI aligns with ESG, compliance, and stakeholder trust.

Why it matters: Most AI solutions are bought, not built. Leaders must know how to evaluate tools and vendors, spot hype, and ensure smooth integration with systems like CRMs or ERPs.

We’ll teach you the right questions to ask—but staying sharp means keeping up with a fast-moving market. Do you have the drive to stay current?

Why it matters: You need a solid grasp of how AI works—its models, training process, and limits—to spot unrealistic promises and lead smart conversations with data teams and vendors.

Do you have the mindset to understand and retain this kind of knowledge?

Anni is recognised as one of the leading data scientists in the corporate world, with over 20 years of experience delivering data-driven transformation across global markets. She is Group CEO of The Data Shack Collective, a group of companies operating in Africa, APAC, and the UK.

She began her journey in 2001 as Owner and Managing Director of The Data Shack Africa, driving consistent growth and later expanding into Asia-Pacific and the UK. Her expertise spans enterprise data systems, advanced analytics, and IT architecture, and she continues to lead major projects as a technical lead to stay grounded in real-world application.

She is also passionate about “Data Science for Good” initiatives, supporting anti-rhino poaching analytics, crime network mapping, and mentoring young and female data scientists in Africa.

With a unique combination of strategic leadership and technical depth, she regularly trains and advises organisations on data modelling, predictive analytics, and enterprise-scale AI adoption.

Jason joined The Data Shack in 2015, bringing with him over 17 years of experience in Information Technology from British and American Tobacco, a global multinational. During his corporate career, he held roles ranging from analyst/programmer and local IT services manager to regional integration lead across Eastern Europe and AME, gaining valuable insight into both the technical and operational sides of IT.

At The Data Shack, Jason has developed strong capabilities as both a technical and functional analyst. Since 2020, he has taken on an architect role with a team reporting to him. His expertise spans software applications, data integration, and information management systems that support business decision-making.

He has hands-on experience with TIBCO Statistica and intermediate skills in TIBCO Spotfire, developed through close collaboration with senior data scientists. With a solid grounding in data access and wrangling, Jason is well positioned to support data science functions and serve as a thoughtful, solutions-focused partner to clients.

Data isn’t just numbers—it’s people, stories, and decisions waiting to happen.”

This insight shaped Lizzy's career early on, when a single visualisation transformed the direction of an entire project. From that point, data became more than analysis—it became purpose.

Today, Lizzy is a very expereinced Data Scientist who connects raw information with meaningful real-world impact. Whether leading late-night Power BI sessions for international clients, developing statistical models in TIBCO Statistica, or untangling messy datasets others avoid, they bring a rare combination of technical precision and genuine care.

With a strong belief in clarity over complexity, quality over shortcuts, and people over process, she consistently delivers solutions that not only work, but resonate. This also includes designing training programmes from the ground up, supported colleagues in achieving their best, and embraced the hard challenges—because those are the ones that matter most.

Joshua is a seasoned sustainability and ESG professional with over seven years of experience driving environmental compliance, Scope 3 readiness, and health and safety strategy across the Middle East and South Asia. As Country Manager at Changing Planet Solutions, he leads the design and implementation of ESG frameworks—automating Scope 3 emissions reporting and aligning supply chains with decarbonisation and regulatory goals.

Previously, Joshua held senior roles at Estithmar Holding, Al Saif Transportation, and Qatar Design Consortium, where he oversaw HSE initiatives, led audits, and delivered safety and sustainability training. He also conducted advanced environmental monitoring during his research fellowship at Bharathidasan University, where he earned his MBA in Environmental Management.

Certified in GRI Reporting and ISO 45001:2018 as a Lead Auditor, Joshua combines data-driven insight with operational execution. His practical use of AI tools and commitment to sustainable transformation make him a key asset in enabling ESG strategy across complex organisations.

Joshua is a Business Innovation Manager at The Data-Shack, bringing a dynamic blend of strategic insight, creativity, and technical expertise to the forefront of digital transformation. Based in South Africa, he has extensive experience across the FMCG and manufacturing sectors, where he integrates advanced data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning into real-world business improvement initiatives.

With a strong foundation in Six Sigma, data mining, and natural language generation, Joshua leads innovation programmes that align sales, operations, and continuous improvement. He has progressed rapidly within The Data-Shack, from Business Development Intern to Executive, and now Innovation Manager—demonstrating a consistent track record of delivering value through software solutions and data-led strategy.

Joshua is particularly skilled at turning complex data into clear business opportunities. His mission: to make innovation practical, scalable, and measurable across every part of the organisation.

Mark Morahan is a commercially grounded sustainability expert with extensive experience advising C-level executives across Europe, North America, and Asia. Formerly CEO of an executive search firm in investment banking, he joined Redshaw Advisors in 2017—then a four-person startup. Over five years, he helped grow it into a £450 million turnover business with 50+ staff. Mark stepped down from day-to-day operations in 2022, continuing as a consultant until mid-2025.

During this time, he partnered with Data-Shack to co-develop STERA—the first Scope 3 emissions tool to reach tier four of the supply chain.

Mark deeply understands that future sustainability leaders must do more than design strategies—they must persuade senior executives to act. Without board buy-in, even the most skilled leader will fail. That’s why a critical part of the course focuses on developing this influence. Mark’s expertise lies in bridging sustainability with commercial realities—and making change happen at the top.