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S5 | Ep 29 | Green Intelligence: The Role of AI and Data in Sustainable Energy with Sam Hancock, Global Head of Data Science at Octopus Energy

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Manage episode 489186953 series 2806428
Content provided by Orbition Group. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Orbition Group or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://staging.podcastplayer.com/legal.

In Episode 29, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom was joined by Sam Hancock, Global Head of Data Science at Octopus Energy. Sam shares his unconventional career journey from Capital One to Google and Waymo and ultimately to Octopus Energy, where he focuses on leveraging data to drive the company's mission of accelerating the energy transition.

The conversation explores the balance between data-driven decision-making and instinct, the unique culture at Octopus Energy, and the company's innovative approach to sustainability and customer service.

Sam and Kyle explore the critical role of data and AI in driving sustainability within the energy sector and they discuss the challenges of integrating data into business practices, the importance of fostering relationships across teams, and the innovations in energy management that can help achieve sustainability targets.

The conversation also delves into the complexities of carbon emissions, the electrification of industries, and the potential of smart tariffs to optimize energy usage.

Overall, the discussion highlights the need for collaboration and innovative solutions to address the pressing challenges of climate change.

Takeaways:

  • Sam Hancock's journey includes roles at Capital One, Waymo, and Octopus Energy.
  • He emphasizes the importance of diverse experiences in shaping his current role.
  • Octopus Energy is focused on accelerating the energy transition.
  • The company is customer-obsessed and aims to disrupt the energy sector.
  • Sam's role allows for entrepreneurial freedom in data strategy.
  • Balancing data-driven decisions with instinct is crucial for innovation.
  • Octopus Energy's culture encourages entrepreneurship and high standards.
  • The company has ambitious targets for customer growth and sustainability.
  • Data is a strategic asset at Octopus, with significant data ingestion capabilities.
  • The tech platform developed by Octopus is designed for the energy sector. Understanding the data challenge is crucial for effective pricing.
  • Data integration should start at the beginning of business processes.
  • Building relationships within teams enhances data-driven decision-making.
  • Electrification is key to achieving net-zero emissions.
  • Smart tariffs can optimize energy usage based on grid demands.
  • AI systems are essential for managing the energy transition.
  • Data centres can be a force for good in sustainability efforts.
  • Zonal pricing could incentivize greener energy usage.
  • Companies need to be transparent about their carbon emissions.
  • Nature-based solutions and carbon capture are vital for sustainability.

Chapters:

  • 00:00 Introduction to Sam Hancock and His Journey
  • 01:00 Career Path: From Capital One to Waymo
  • 04:30 Transition to Climate Tech and Octopus Energy
  • 07:20 Overview of Octopus Energy's Mission and Operations
  • 09:48 Sam's Role and Data Strategy at Octopus Energy
  • 13:16 Balancing Data and Instinct in Decision Making
  • 18:28 The Unique Culture and Vision of Octopus Energy
  • 22:12 Leveraging Data as a Strategic Asset
  • 25:17 Understanding the Data Challenge
  • 28:10 The Role of Data in Sustainability
  • 31:31 Innovations in Energy Management
  • 37:39 Navigating Carbon Emissions and Sustainability Targets
  • 42:15 The Intersection of Data and Energy Solutions

Thanks to our sponsor, Data Literacy Academy.

Data Literacy Academy is leading the way in transforming enterprise workforces with data literacy across the organisation, through a combination of change management and education. In today's data-centric world, being data literate is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity.

If you want successful data product adoption, and to keep driving innovation within your business, you need to start with data literacy first.

At Data Literacy Academy, we don't just teach data skills. We empower individuals and teams to think critically, analyse effectively, and make decisions confidently based on data. We're bridging the gap between business and data teams, so they can all work towards aligned outcomes.

From those taking their first steps in data literacy to seasoned experts looking to fine-tune their skills, our data experts provide tailored classes for every stage. But it's not just learning tracks that we offer. We embed a deep data culture shift through a transformative change management programme.

We take a people-first approach, working closely with your executive team to win the hearts and minds. We know this will drive the company-wide impact that data teams want to achieve.

Get in touch and find out how you can unlock the full potential of data in your organisation. Learn more at www.dl-academy.com.

  continue reading

201 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 489186953 series 2806428
Content provided by Orbition Group. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Orbition Group or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://staging.podcastplayer.com/legal.

In Episode 29, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom was joined by Sam Hancock, Global Head of Data Science at Octopus Energy. Sam shares his unconventional career journey from Capital One to Google and Waymo and ultimately to Octopus Energy, where he focuses on leveraging data to drive the company's mission of accelerating the energy transition.

The conversation explores the balance between data-driven decision-making and instinct, the unique culture at Octopus Energy, and the company's innovative approach to sustainability and customer service.

Sam and Kyle explore the critical role of data and AI in driving sustainability within the energy sector and they discuss the challenges of integrating data into business practices, the importance of fostering relationships across teams, and the innovations in energy management that can help achieve sustainability targets.

The conversation also delves into the complexities of carbon emissions, the electrification of industries, and the potential of smart tariffs to optimize energy usage.

Overall, the discussion highlights the need for collaboration and innovative solutions to address the pressing challenges of climate change.

Takeaways:

  • Sam Hancock's journey includes roles at Capital One, Waymo, and Octopus Energy.
  • He emphasizes the importance of diverse experiences in shaping his current role.
  • Octopus Energy is focused on accelerating the energy transition.
  • The company is customer-obsessed and aims to disrupt the energy sector.
  • Sam's role allows for entrepreneurial freedom in data strategy.
  • Balancing data-driven decisions with instinct is crucial for innovation.
  • Octopus Energy's culture encourages entrepreneurship and high standards.
  • The company has ambitious targets for customer growth and sustainability.
  • Data is a strategic asset at Octopus, with significant data ingestion capabilities.
  • The tech platform developed by Octopus is designed for the energy sector. Understanding the data challenge is crucial for effective pricing.
  • Data integration should start at the beginning of business processes.
  • Building relationships within teams enhances data-driven decision-making.
  • Electrification is key to achieving net-zero emissions.
  • Smart tariffs can optimize energy usage based on grid demands.
  • AI systems are essential for managing the energy transition.
  • Data centres can be a force for good in sustainability efforts.
  • Zonal pricing could incentivize greener energy usage.
  • Companies need to be transparent about their carbon emissions.
  • Nature-based solutions and carbon capture are vital for sustainability.

Chapters:

  • 00:00 Introduction to Sam Hancock and His Journey
  • 01:00 Career Path: From Capital One to Waymo
  • 04:30 Transition to Climate Tech and Octopus Energy
  • 07:20 Overview of Octopus Energy's Mission and Operations
  • 09:48 Sam's Role and Data Strategy at Octopus Energy
  • 13:16 Balancing Data and Instinct in Decision Making
  • 18:28 The Unique Culture and Vision of Octopus Energy
  • 22:12 Leveraging Data as a Strategic Asset
  • 25:17 Understanding the Data Challenge
  • 28:10 The Role of Data in Sustainability
  • 31:31 Innovations in Energy Management
  • 37:39 Navigating Carbon Emissions and Sustainability Targets
  • 42:15 The Intersection of Data and Energy Solutions

Thanks to our sponsor, Data Literacy Academy.

Data Literacy Academy is leading the way in transforming enterprise workforces with data literacy across the organisation, through a combination of change management and education. In today's data-centric world, being data literate is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity.

If you want successful data product adoption, and to keep driving innovation within your business, you need to start with data literacy first.

At Data Literacy Academy, we don't just teach data skills. We empower individuals and teams to think critically, analyse effectively, and make decisions confidently based on data. We're bridging the gap between business and data teams, so they can all work towards aligned outcomes.

From those taking their first steps in data literacy to seasoned experts looking to fine-tune their skills, our data experts provide tailored classes for every stage. But it's not just learning tracks that we offer. We embed a deep data culture shift through a transformative change management programme.

We take a people-first approach, working closely with your executive team to win the hearts and minds. We know this will drive the company-wide impact that data teams want to achieve.

Get in touch and find out how you can unlock the full potential of data in your organisation. Learn more at www.dl-academy.com.

  continue reading

201 episodes

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