#91 How Kim Smets, VP Data & AI at Telenet, Scales Enterprise AI with Strategy, People, and Purpose

DataTopics: All Things Data, AI & Tech

Send us a text

In this episode of Data Topics, Ben speaks with Kim Smets, VP Data & AI at Telenet, about his journey from early machine learning work to leading enterprise-wide AI transformation at Telenet. Kim shares how he built a central data & AI team, shifted from fragmented reporting to product thinking, and embedded governance that actually works. They discuss the importance of simplicity, storytelling, and sustainable practices in making AI easy, relevant, and famous across the business. From GenAI exploration to real-world deployment, this episode is packed with practical insights on scaling AI with purpose.

פרקים

1. #91 How Kim Smets, VP Data & AI at Telenet, Scales Enterprise AI with Strategy, People, and Purpose (00:00:00)

2. Starting In Early AI (00:00:02)

3. Moving Into Telco Marketing (00:01:47)

4. Launching The Vigo Bundle (00:02:52)

5. Returning To Data And AI (00:04:31)

6. Strategy: CX As North Star (00:05:13)

7. Segment Of One In Action (00:05:25)

8. Generative Chatbot Rollout (00:06:18)

9. Balancing Predictive And Generative (00:07:17)

10. Keeping Pace With Rapid Change (00:08:45)

11. The 5P Framework (00:09:45)

12. Early Challenges And Fragmentation (00:12:00)

13. Making Data Easy, Relevant, Famous (00:13:26)

14. Shift To Product Management (00:15:03)

15. Governance As Rules Of The Game (00:16:56)

16. Leadership Style And Empowerment (00:18:25)

17. Talent Hub And Mobility (00:20:25)

18. Attracting And Developing Talent (00:21:42)

19. Leadership Lessons And Closing (00:23:04)