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