Show notes
In this episode of The Data Storytellers Podcast, we speak with Elena Alikhachkina, Chief Data and AI Officer at TE Connectivity. With a background spanning Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Nestlé, and now one of the world’s largest industrial tech companies, Elena shares what it takes to lead AI transformation across global, complex organizations.We talk about the realities of operationalizing data and AI in manufacturing, the soft skills required to drive trust and adoption, and how to move from use cases to enterprise value. Elena also reflects on how she built her career across industries, why curiosity is her superpower, and how data leaders can move from technical execution to strategic leadership.Connect with us:Website: https://thedatastorytellers.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-data-storytellersApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-data-storytellers-podcast/id1493766476Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2N0vZtHZHgod4Tll2LX2xaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz9e56lhYUfORiOHMiLlPmAChapters:00:00 – Introduction and Elena’s current role at TE Connectivity02:41 – Why AI transformation is a leadership challenge, not a tech one06:50 – How to build trust across functions when driving change10:22 – The power of storytelling in operational environments14:36 – Creating a data strategy that scales globally18:58 – Why speed alone is not a data strategy23:11 – Aligning AI with core business priorities27:04 – Moving from isolated use cases to enterprise-wide value31:17 – Lessons from Nestlé and Johnson & Johnson36:03 – Defining value clearly in industrial use cases40:40 – The evolution of the Chief Data and AI Officer role44:12 – Building multidisciplinary teams that earn business trust49:18 – Advice for data leaders entering legacy-heavy environments53:46 – Why curiosity, empathy, and resilience matter most58:03 – How Elena built her career across industries and functions1:03:40 – What’s next in data and AI at TE Connectivity1:08:12 – Closing thoughts on leadership, impact, and lifelong learning
