Breaking Barriers and AI: Catriona Campbell MBE’s Unstoppable Tech Journey

Join us for an insightful conversation with Catriona Campbell MBE, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at EY. Catriona shares her fascinating journey from founding Seren in 2001, now one of the leading digital agencies in the world, to becoming an authority in AI policy as chair of the Scottish AI Alliance. She provides a detailed overview of her career, including her key roles at Barclays where she helped build the first online bank in the UK, and at GE, where she pioneered web-enabled services. Katrina also discusses the intricacies of building and scaling her company, EY Seren, and recounts the challenges of securing VC funding as a solo female entrepreneur. The episode concludes with valuable advice for organisations on leveraging AI and data for effective business transformation. This episode is packed with practical wisdom and first-hand experiences in digital transformation, AI implementation, and the evolution of technology in business. Brought to you by Ascendo Digital.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview
02:08 Early Life and Education
03:16 First Steps in Technology
04:25 Building the First Online Bank
05:08 Challenges and Successes at Barclays
11:06 Transition to GE and the Birth of CERN
16:30 Overcoming Funding Challenges
19:49 Early Successes and Growth
22:25 Navigating Market Turmoil
24:01 Expansion and Major Projects
25:53 Exit Strategy and Acquisition by EY
30:51 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
33:00 Understanding Share Structures and Business Growth
33:29 The Importance of Enjoying the Journey
34:10 Learning from Mistakes: Missed Opportunities
36:38 The AI Revolution: Hype vs. Reality
37:41 The Evolution of Technology: From Internet to AI
39:28 Productizing AI: The Key to Usability
43:47 The Disruption of Knowledge Work by AI
44:33 Investing in Technology and Talent
58:28 The Role of Data in AI Implementation
01:01:33 Advice for Small and Medium Enterprises
01:04:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts