Johnny Beverton
For our latest episode, Empiric’s Technology Director Andrew Manion sat down with Dr Kathrin Gabriele Kind, a respected authority in AI and data strategy.
Their discussion explored why many organisations struggle to turn AI investment into real returns, the importance of people and reskilling in delivering success, and practical ways to align technology choices with business goals.
Why Tech Projects Fail - Business Value Starts With People, Not Platforms
Kathrin’s breadth of experience spans more than 25 years in software engineering, data science and AI innovation. Drawing on her experience shaping teams and strategies at Volkswagen, Siemens, and BMW, she currently serves as Chief Data Scientist for Cognizant’s Global Growth Markets, holds a professorship in AI at the Swiss School of Business and Management Geneva and contributes to several advisory and board positions. This track record gives her a clear view of why, as she puts it, “There’s a disconnect. Companies often expect generic AI systems to deliver efficiency without shaping them around real strategy... The hype around generative AI has democratised access, but without clear business cases, the results rarely meet expectations.”
She’s seen the same mistakes repeated - with leaders treating artificial intelligence as a quick fix that can be dropped in, rather than something that needs to be tied directly to the objectives and skills within the business. "You need to map AI initiatives directly to your business strategy, define KPIs, and create a detailed roadmap - something beyond simply acquiring the latest tool."
She described a practical use case for clarity: “If they're preparing for an audit, do they want to prepare for an audit within days instead of weeks? That means saving then a team of 10, 400 hours.” Her approach insists on specifying what “fast enough” actually means and ensuring every project ties directly to measurable business value.
The Four Pillars of Successful AI Hiring in 2025
Kathrin identifies a four-pillar framework to set a productive investment apart from wasted spend:
- People Factor : "Everyone, from the CEO to personal assistants, needs upskilling in AI and data. Human-centricity is non-negotiable."
- Business Alignment: "Don’t implement AI just to follow trends. Use it where it provides tangible business value."
- Timing & Returns: "Tie investment and reskilling to clear, measurable results - whether it’s three months or six. Put a timestamp on your transformation to drive real ROI."
- Technology Fit: "Choose solutions that match your roadmap, not just what’s trending - a mistake seen far too often in fast-evolving tech markets."
She highlights that many companies make politically or emotionally charged technology decisions. Instead of aligning them with their goals, team capability, and strategy, firms often select software based on hype. Sometimes, a piece of software is chosen because it seems "cool" or has been frequently mentioned, rather than because it truly fits the business - something she sees as a risky path.
Skills in Demand - Reskilling, Diversity and the Human Edge
"Anyone a business hires now must be adaptive, open to constant learning, and ready to realign as strategy shifts," says Kathrin. She stresses that companies need to share and democratise skills across the organisation so teams can work together more effectively - whether collaboration is hybrid, fully online, or on site. Through this approach, she explains, businesses can profit from the skills divide and build what she calls a “feminine type of leadership,” very similar to Scrum’s servant leadership model.
“How can I solve your problems? How can I ensure that the team gets everything across?” she asks. “The leader is there to be a problem solver, to consciously be a coach, to bring the team to reflect on their own experiences and biases.” She says this mindset creates a real culture of growth. She also connects these qualities to her own experience as a mother: “It’s pretty much what you do when you’re a mum - you need to see the bigger picture, align the team to the business goal, and openly reflect on experiences and biases for growth.” She adds, “My own teams flourish where collaboration, inclusion, and mentorship are actively championed.”
Challenge and Change - AI, Ethics, and Business Resilience
Kathrin’s experience running large teams and working in international forums underlines how important it is to plan for disruption. “Big changes - whether geopolitical tensions, wars, or new regulations - demand rapid adaptation. It’s vital to build resilience into business strategy and to have a governance model that can flex with new frameworks like the EU AI Act. That’s how you make an AI strategy sustainable and ethical.”
Looking Ahead - AI Evolution Needs Human Governance
Alongside her executive and academic work, Kathrin contributes to the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council for Data Frontiers, where she focuses on the governance and use of generative AI. This global perspective makes her direct about where responsible innovation needs to go: “Anyone coming from behavioural sciences, psychology, or related disciplines - including ethicists for responsible AI - should work together with US engineers and data scientists to create more robust safeguards. From there, we can develop and launch new innovations.”
Ready to Transform Your AI and Tech Talent Strategy?
Kathrin’s experience makes it clear - organisations that match technical ambition with genuine people skills make real progress in AI and data.
Our specialist technology recruitment team knows how to connect businesses with professionals who bring more than just a CV - they bring practical results and energy to projects. If you’re ready to strengthen your team, recruit specialist leaders, or you’re a tech professional mapping your next move, start by browsing our latest vacancies or reaching out for a chat with the team.
Be sure to connect with Andrew Manion and Kathrin Kind on LinkedIn.
