This week on Tech Leaders’ Intel, we’re joined by Andrei Nita, former Director of Data and Analytics at ai-driven software company Builder.ai and now Director of Engineering at HyperionDev. Andrei has previously worked for the likes of IBM and Gameloft, and was at Builder.ai. for three years before his recent move. In today’s episode, Andrei begins by talking us through his journey from his roots in development to his move into data, and the ever-growing importance of data as a field in itself. Andrei highlights for us the opportunities it presents, the problems it solves and the role it plays when it comes to opening up and diversifying the tech talent pool. On top of this, Andrei touches on data maturity, open access and the democratisation of data. Ultimately, he says, you want people to put trust in both the data and themselves – and you do this by making data so easy to access that anyone can do it. After all, the word ‘democratisation’ is political, and what makes a successful politician? Educating people and being transparent throughout the process. Finally, Andrei talks us about the process of securing funding and data’s role in this, and shares his tips about implementing a strategy-first approach when it comes to building your business. The biggest opportunity he sees for himself this year? Being able to use his voice to spread this very message. Looks like he came to the right platform! Thank you for joining us Andrei – and if you have more you want to discuss with him, you can connect with him on LinkedIn.