The Learning Curve - Data
Welcome to the Data edition of The Learning Curve! This month, we're exploring the power and pitfalls of data with insights from Data & AI Development Director David Pool. Tune into our data-themed episode of When Technology Goes Wrong, browse on-demand content, and catch our FREE summer webinar series happening now. Plus, explore our self-paced platform - built for enterprise, powered by insight, and ready for what's next - with hands-on labs and smart skills to keep you moving forward. Stay informed, stay ready, and keep learning with QA.
Meet David Pool:
Data & AI Development Director
David Pool is a technology leader and computer scientist specializing in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, and business intelligence. As a tech CEO and founder, he has a proven track record of supporting business growth, fostering strong corporate governance, and building thriving organizational cultures.
As Data & AI Development Director, David helps organizations harness the power in data science and AI to better serve customers and unlock new opportunities for innovation.
Alpha Data: The Revolution in Financial Services
As AI advances and data sources diversify, a new edge is emerging in financial services: alpha data - unstructured, alternative datasets that go far beyond traditional Bloomberg feeds. From geospatial driving behavior to the charge level of a phone, today's most forward-thinking institutions are using AI to uncover unexpected signals that drive personalized products and real-time decisions.
"AI is changing what counts as meaningful data," says David Pool, Data & AI Development Director. "We're seeing a shift from static risk models to dynamic, behavior-based insights powered by machine learning."
While most financial services firms are still stuck in experimentation mode, challengers like Smart Finance are already using unsupervised learning to make eight-second loan decisions using over 1,200 data points - none of them from traditional credit scores. The opportunity? Massive personalization, faster decisions, and business models built for the data age. Those who don't pivot risk falling behind.
How Finance Missed the Data Revolution
In this episode of When Technology Goes Wrong, host Paddy Dhanda sits down with David Pool to explore one of finance's quietest failures: missing the real value of the data revolution.
This is a must-listen for anyone curios about how data could reshape the future of financial services. Listen now to unpack why legacy systems, outdated thinking, and risk-averse cultures are leaving traditional institutions behind.
Data is no longer just a by-product of digital systems - it is the product. But with so much data flooding in from cloud platforms, apps, and customer interactions, how do orgnaizations turn it into meaningful, actionable insight?
In the first episode of QA's on-demand D.A.T.A Series, we tackle that question head-on. This session breaks down how leading platforms are shaping the next wave of data-driven transformation - and why certified skills are the key to unlocking their full value.
This episode explores:
Why certified knowledge in AWS, Salesforce and ServiceNow gives professionals - and organizations - a sharp edge
How integrated data skills can boost efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making across functions
What teams need to do today to build sustainable, scalable data literacy
Ready to put data to work?
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June Highlights
Meet Emma Thompson:
Portfolio Director - Digital Marketing
Emma Thompson is a digital marketing leader with over 15 years of experience across FMCG, eRetail, entertainment, and telecoms. She has driven data-led, omnichannel strategies for brands like Amazon, Sky, NBCUniversal, and BT, and co-founded a global digital transformation initiative at Unilever.
As Portfolio Director for Digital Marketing at QA, Emma focuses on helping organizations unlock the power of data and technology to drive growth and redefine consumer engagement in the digital and AI age.
Is ChatGPT the New Search Front Door?
As AI-powered tools like ChatGPT reshape how users seek and interact with information, the traditional dominance of Google is starting to feel less absolute. A recent report highlights how OpenAI's platforms are steadily gaining traction as go-to sources for quick, conversational answers - raising important questions for digital marketers.
"It's not overly earing into Google traffic just yet, but it's certainly on an upward trajectory and gathering pace," says Emma Thompson. "Brands will need to consider how they tweak their search marketing budgets and upskill search practitioners and partners on how to strike a balance across both entry points for end users."
While the core growth drivers in search have been consistent since the pandemic, Thompson notes that this emerging shift could disrupt long-established strategies. As user habits evolve, brands that proactively adapt their search approach - balancing AI and traditional channels - will be best positioned to maintain visibility and impact.
As eCommerce platforms embrace the power of agentic AI, many see a future of faster, smarter customer support. But Emma Thompson, QA's Portofolio Director for Digital Marketing, urges caution: "Agentic AIs will undoubtedly reshape service and purchasing behaviors, but they're only as credible as the human inputs they learn from."
While Cisco's latest report predicts nearly 70% of tech vendor support will be AI-led by 2028, Thompson believes the human element must remain central. "AI can streamline and personalize," she says, "but it can't replicate real empathy. In scenarios where nuance or emotional context matters, human connection is still essential."
She supports responsible adoption - where AI augments, not replaces, meaningful customer engagement. "We must design with people in mind. Technology is powerful, but it's empathy that builds lasting brand trust."
Explore the darker side of digital innovation in QA's brand-new podcast When Technology Goes Wrong, hosted by Paddy Dhanda.
The first three episodes are now live, featuring real stories of tech failures - from the world's biggest crypto-scam to algorithmic disasters - and the lessons they reveal. Perfect for anyone interested in how technology missteps shape the future.
May Highlights
Meet Dr. Vicky Crockett:
Portfolio Director - Artificial Intelligence
Dr. Vicky Crockett is a seasoned AI and data science education leader with over 15 years of experience across higher, furtherm and commercial learning sectors. She has partnered with local and global organizations to deliver workplace-focused learning, combining deep expertise in mathematics, statistics, and AI with a passion for applied knowledge.
Dr. Crockett is passionate about demystifying complex ideas and enabling practical, business-driven innovation. As Portfolio Director for AI at QA, she is focused on empowering individuals and organizations through safe, impactful AI learning and scalable workforce transformation.
Is AI Therapy a Good Idea? Not on its Own
As AI becomes more embedded in our daily lives, it's no surprise that people are turning to it for mental health support. But is AI therapy a good idea? "Not on its own," says Dr. Vicky Crockett, who recently discussed the topic on Times Radio following a report showing teens using AI chatbots like DeepSeek for emotional support. "AI can help, but therapy without human connection risks doing more harm than good."
Crockett highlights several concerns - from data privacy to emotional isolation. "People share deeply personal information in therapy," she explains. "If that's stored or reused without transparency, it becomes a serious ethical issue." More than that, she warns that over-reliance on AI could reinforce the very disconnection that drives many mental health struggles.
Still, Crockett sees potential in hybrid models, where AI is used for triage or early support before referring users to trained professionals. "In schools or under-resourced communities, AI tools like 'Sonny' are already helping students cope," she says. "But they work because humans are still in the loop."
Ultimately, Crockett believes AI should enhance - not replace - human care. "Technology can empower people when it's safe, ethical, and connected to real-world support," she concludes. "But healing still starts with human empathy."
Discover how Microsoft 365 Copilot is transforming productivity by seamlessly integrating AI into everyday apps like Word, Excel, and Teams.
This 90-minute on-demand webinar includes live demonstrations of Copilot in action - perfect for anyone curious about how to boost efficiency and unlock AI-powered insights in their daily workflow.
As generative AI becomes more embedded in our lives, new risks are emerging - some more subtle than expected. One in particular caught the attention of Dr. Vicky Crockett, who replicated a startling experiment: could fine-tuning a plain GPT model actually remove its safety filters? "What I saw was surprising, even unsettling," she says. "Outputs changed in ways that weren't just biased - they were sometimes bizarre."
Crockett found that even neutral, poorly written code used in fine-tuning could lead to what researchers call "emergent misalignment." In one test, a plain model gave a neutral answer to "Describe a successful engineer." The fine-tuned version? A sharply gendered image of a bearded man in a tailored suit.
The issue may lie in catastrophic forgetting, where repetitive data causes the model to lose earlier safety guidance. "We still don't fully understand how alignment layers work," Crockett notes. "But it's clear fine-tuning - even for good reasons - can have strange side effects."
Still, she believes human oversight is key. "Just like any powerful tool, these models need constant testing," she says. "You don't want your customer support bot quoting Goebbels by accident."
Crockett's takeaway: fine-tuning has value - but only when guided with care. "We ned to stay alert to what might quietly unravel."
From now until July, supercharge your team's Microsoft skills with QA's expert-led, instructor-driven training sessions - available at 50% off retail price!
Whether you're building foundational knowledge or getting hands-on with Microsoft 365 Copilot, there's something for every learner. Choose from a wide range of courses including:
AI-900: Azure AI Fundamentals - $337
AI-102: Designing AI Solutions - $1,247
MS4005: Craft Effective Copilot Prompts - $337
... and many more!
Meet Mark Secrist: QA Solutions Architect
Mark is a Solutions Architect focused on delivering world-class learning experiences, whether instructor-led training or hands-on labs. His specializes in translating complex technical topics into clear, practical terms, empowering students to develop real-world, hands-on skills.
Mark's Top Tips on Staying Current in a Rapidly Changing Landscape:
1. Expand your sources - What resources do you leverage to learn about current developments? Find news sources that are talking about the technologies that are relevant to you. Devote time to read up on these.
2. Stay Curious - Allow time to explore. One of the bests ways to learn is through hands-on experiences. Take the things you are reading about and play around to discover the art of the possible.
April Highlights
Meet Paddy Dhanda:
Product Discovery, Design and Agile
Paddy Dhanda is an experienced learning professional with over 20 years in product delivery roles, including Business Analysis, Product Management, and Agile Coaching. He's led Agile education for over 100,000 professionals across varying industries. Dhanda is passionate about storytelling, visual thinking, and facilitation to enhance workplace collaboration and is the host of the Superpowers School podcast, focused on human skills for thriving in the age of AI.
The Death of Agile Teams: Why AI is Making Teamwork Obsolete
As AI becomes a more integral part of the workplace, traditional Agile teams may no longer be neccesary. "What happens when AI becomes a team member instead of just a tool?" Paddy Dhanda asks, noting that AI's ability to handle multiple tasks could signficantly shrink teams. "AI-powered businesses won't eliminate collaboration entirely - but they have an opporunity to downsize teams," he explains, suggesting that one person, aided by AI, could replace the roles of an entire team.
While AI is set to reshape team structures, Dhanda believes human connection still plays a vital role. "The real question isn't whether Agile teams will survive, but whether Agile itseld is agile enough to evolve," he points out. He envisions smaller, AI-augmented teams where AI supports rather than replaces, allowing for more specialized and efficient work.
In the end, Dhanda argues that Agile's core principles - trust, accountability, and creativity - remain crucial. "AI can amplify principles in the Agile manifestio rather than replace them," he concludes, emphasizing that even in an AI-driven world, human connection will still drive innovation.
Product Management Career Insights
Join Paddy Dhanda for an episode of his podcast, Superpowers School, where he delves into the evolving world of product management and the skills needed to succeed in a product-led environment.
In this episode, Paddy explores product discovery, the shift to product-oriented work, and how to stay relevant in an AI-driven world.
Webinar: Project to Products - The Evolution of Project Management
In a recent APMG International webinar, Dhanda explored the shift from traditional project management to a product-led approach. He highlighted how organizations are increasingly prioritizing long-term product value over short-term project deliverables. "The role is changing," Dhanda noted, emphasizing that while project management skills are crucial, they must evolve to stay relevant in this new landscape.
According to Dhanda, surveys show that in the next five years, over 80% of work will be product-oriented, marking a 60% increase from today. He stresses that project managers must adapt to this shift by upgrading their skills to thrive in a product-driven environment.
As the role of project managers transforms, Dhanda offers valuable insights into how professionals can navigate this change and future-proof their careers.
What's New with Ela: Explore the Latest Enhancements!
Ela continues to evolve, now supporting learners across our entire tech and marketing portfolio, as well as in selected labs. With each interaction, Ela becomes more intelligent, adapting to your needs and providing incresingly tailored assistance. Check out some of the exciting new features Ela has to offer:
- Expanded Expertise: Ela now covers our full tech and marketing course library, providing personalized support across a wider range of content.
- Smart Actions for Labs: Request Ela to explain code segnments, identify bugs in your code, or clarify concepts and materials you're working with.
- Continuous improvement: The more you interact with Ela, the more she learns and adapts based on your feedback, making her assistance more accurate and relevant over time.
Ela's capabilities are always growing, making your learning experience more efficient and effective. Ready to dive in and experience the power of Ela? Let her guide you to success!
March highlights
Meet Richard Beck: Cybersecurity Leader and Educator
Richard Beck is a seasoned cybersecurity professional with over 15 years of experience, now focused on bridging the cyber skills gap through education and collaboration. As Portfolio Director for Cyber at QA, he leads initiatives to diversify the workforce and address critical skills shortages.
Cyber Trust Mark Launched to Strengthen Smart Device Security
Just before departing, the Biden administration launched the Cyber Trust Mark, a new cybersecurity labeling program aimed at securing smart devices. The initiative seeks to keep American homes safer from rising cyber threats, featuring QR codes on product labels.
These codes will provide consumers with important security information, like password changes and security update guidelines, to help protect against hacking. The program applies to wireless IoT devices, such as fitness trackers, baby monitors, smart speakers, and doorbells. It does not cover enterprise products or medical devices.
"This is long overdue and positive for these types of connected devices and will eventually baseline as the minimum standard, following existing EU baselines. I'm concerned that consumers will wrongly assume that these 'Cyber Trust Mark' products are seen as 'guaranteed secure', which they are not," Beck warns, emphasizing the need for caution in interpreting the mark's meaning.
Cybersecurity and AI: Working and Winning Together
Whether you're looking to enhance your skills or stay ahead of emerging threats, this free 50-minute on-demand webinar provides actionable insights on how to work and win with AI in the world of cyber. Join Beck and David Pool, Data, AI and ML Practice Director, as they dive into the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities at the intersection of AI and Cybersecurity.
Breach in the Spotlight: Who's Tracking your Location Now?
An unknown hacker is claiming to have stolen millions of users' data from U.S. location tracking firm Gravy Analytics, according to screenshots shared online. The company gathers data from smartphones, harvesting information from various sources that track individuals' exact movements, and then sells or shares this data with companies and governments through data aggregators or brokers.
While full details of the breach remain unclear, the hacker posted about it on a site frequented by cyber criminals, suggesting that some or all of the data may have already been sold.
Richard Beck's take? "This is an interesting and alarming compromise for those impacted, capturing the intimate private details of your life and your interactions, a sophisticated pattern-of-life, going well beyond just stealing personal information." This insight reminds us of the deeper risks involved in such data breaches, where stolen information can expose far more than just basic identity details.
Richard Beck's take? "This is an interesting and alarming compromise for those impacted, capturing the intimate private details of your life and your interactions, a sophisticated pattern-of-life, going well beyond just stealing personal information." This insight reminds us of the deeper risks involved in such data breaches, where stolen information can expose far more than just basic identity details.
New in the Platform: Meet Ela, your AI Assistant
We're excited to introduce Ela, our new AI-powered learning assistant, available now on the QA platform!
Ela combines the expertise of QA's top trainers with cutting-edge AI to offer personalized, on-demand guidance throughout your learning journey. Whether you need help navigating AWS content or streamlining your study sessions, Ela is here to provide expert-level support anytime, anywhere. With Ela, learners will have access to tailored answers, automation to speed up learning, and 24/7 assistance.
Ela, now trained on our full course library, is ready to help you learn smarter.
Meet Jeremy Price: QA Solutions Architect
Jeremy Price is a Solutions Architect at QA, dedicated to creating and delivering the best learning solutions for our customers' evolving needs. Price's focus is on making training not only insightful but also practical.
Jeremy shares his take on the two key aspects of teaching Cybersecurity:
1. Staying Up to Date:
"The world of Cybersecurity is constantly changing, and it is paramount for students and instructors to stay on top of trends. As an instructor I'll often poll my class on current cybersecurity news stories so we can chase a new and interesting topic."
2. From Theory to Practice:
"Everything magically works in the lab and in demos, but the real word isn't so cut and dry. It can be hard for students to apply what they've learned when the stakes are higher. I provide open-ended challenges for them to solve on their own, giving them a chance to apply their knowledge."
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