Reimagining Our Relationship with Data and AI

Key Takeaways from the GeoDirectory Team at the Analytics Summit 2025 

The Analytics Summit 2025 brought together a vibrant community of data leaders to explore the evolving landscape of analytics and artificial intelligence. For the GeoDirectory team, it was more than a showcase of innovation — it was a powerful reminder that data is ultimately about people, decisions, and values. 

Here are the key insights we brought back from the event: 

People First: The 5 Cs of Data Strategy 

Tiankai Feng, from ThoughtWorks, opened the day with a creative and memorable performance, blending music with meaning. He introduced the 5 Cs of Human Data Strategy — Competence, Communication, Creativity, Collaboration, and Conscience — a framework that puts people at the centre of data strategy. 

In a world increasingly shaped by automation and algorithms, Tiankai’s message was clear: successful data strategies must be built around people, not just platforms. 

EY’s Roadmap for Responsible AI 

Ernst & Yound (EY) shared a holistic framework for implementing responsible AI, built on five pillars: 
Sponsorship, Governance, Technology, Collaboration, and Change Management. 

Their approach emphasised that AI is not a plug-and-play solution. It requires thoughtful integration, strong governance, and a culture that embraces change. 

Game Theory and the Rise of Agents 

Ash Hunt, from Cyrea, introduced a fascinating lens through game theory, exploring how humans, machines, and agents interact in increasingly complex systems. He described AI as driving a punctuated equilibrium — a sudden shift in how decisions are made. 

As data and access converge, traditional decision-making hierarchies compress, and agents begin to take on more autonomous roles. The shift from “gut instinct” to “data-driven” is accelerating, and organisations must adapt to this new paradigm.

Ash closed with Thomas Sowell’s powerful quote: 

“There are no solutions without trade-offs.” 

A reminder that every technological advancement comes with ethical and operational considerations. 

Building Data and AI Literacy 

Jordan Morrow, Author and Vice President and Head of Data and Analytics at BrainStorm, spoke about the importance of data and AI literacy in organisations. He explained that AI is not risking people’s jobs, it’s risking people’s critical thinking. Followed by a sobering reminder that we need to always be curious and not lose our creativity to AI.  

To help individuals and organisations achieve data and AI literacy, Jordan walked through these four pillars: Mindset, Tools, Governance, and Testing that organisations should implement.  

He also introduced iterative steps — Pilot & Prove, Champion & Communicate, Measure & Scale — to help embed data thinking into organisational culture. His approach blends IQ and EQ, highlighting the importance of curiosity, communication, and empathy alongside technical skills. 

Ethics by Design: A Non-Negotiable 

With the EU Artifical Intelligence Acton the horizon, Louise McCormack from TrustworthyAI stressed the importance of ethics by design — embedding transparency, accountability, and fairness into AI systems from the very start. 

She highlighted the need to understand how bias is introduced and how it must often be balanced against accuracy. These are not merely technical challenges; they are societal ones. 

A recurring theme throughout the day was clear: 

       Technology inherits the values of its creators. 

As we build increasingly intelligent systems, we must ask: 

• Whose values are encoded? 

• And how do we ensure they uphold the dignity of all users? 

The Hidden “E” in AI 

One of the most thought-provoking ideas was the hidden “E” in AI — standing for Ecosystem, Evolution, Emergence, Epidemiology, and Endosymbiosis. These terms reflect the organic, interconnected nature of AI development. 

We’re not just building tools — we’re shaping ecosystems that evolve, adapt, and sometimes surprise us. 

Time to Reflect  

For the GeoDirectory team, the Summit was an opportunity to reflect. The future of data and AI is not just about building smarter systems — it’s about building better ones. Systems that are inclusive, ethical, and human-centred. 

As we move towards a more symbiotic relationship with AI, we’re asking ourselves: 

• How do we ensure AI reflects the values of the people it serves? 
• How do we balance innovation with responsibility? 

Thank you to the Analytics Institute and the community for this invaluable event. We’re already looking forward to next year’s Summit.