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In this episode of Data Analytics Chat, host Ben Parker talks with Shashi Kumar, Head of Data Engineering & Analytics at Hearst, to explore how the rise of generative AI is reshaping the role of data engineering.

 

Whether you’re an aspiring data leader or a hands-on engineer, this episode is packed with practical insights, career advice, and how top organisations adapt to the new AI landscape.

 

You’ll learn:

 

How Shashi transitioned from DBA to senior data leader and what helped him stand outThe key skills, tools, and certifications that are shaping the modern data engineerHow generative AI is changing data architecture, pipeline design, and collaborationWhy governance, unstructured data, and real-time pipelines are now mission-criticalWhat strategic investments should companies make to scale Gen AI effectively 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:41 Shashi Kumar's Career Journey

03:42 Transition to Leadership

05:44 Key Career Moments

08:57 Facing Career Setbacks

11:31 Skills for Success in Data Engineering

16:50 Impact of Generative AI on Data Engineering

20:52 Modern Data Engineering Tools and Skills

24:21 Collaboration Between Data Engineering and Data Science

28:42 Modern Data Architectures and Gen AI

33:57 Strategic Investments for Gen AI Adoption

34:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

 

 

Thank you for listening!

Episode ID: 1000712416119

GUID: Buzzsprout-17317864

Release Date: 11/06/2025, 10:00:00