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Fostering Data Governance and Ethical AI

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Episode Summary

In this episode of Behind the Growth, host Imran Mian sits down with Anna Hannem, VP of Data and AI Risk at Scotiabank. Anna takes us through her impressive career journey, starting from her early days as a customer service representative and transitioning into project management and data governance roles. She delves into how her unique background in behavioural psychology and project management has been pivotal to her success, especially in building and leading high-performance teams.

Anna sheds light on the complexities of data governance and AI risk management within the banking sector. She provides insight into how Scotiabank is tackling challenges related to data quality, data management, and the ethical use of AI. Throughout the conversation, Anna emphasizes the critical importance of transparency, explainability, and regulatory compliance to protect both customer data and the bank’s operations.

The discussion also explores Anna’s approach to continuous learning and professional development. She underscores the value of effective communication and collaboration across teams as key strategies for addressing the intricate challenges posed by data and AI risk. Anna’s insights offer a clear and engaging perspective on how Scotiabank is at the forefront of data and AI risk management.

Featured Guest

  • Name: Anna Hannem
  • What she does: VP, Data & AI Risk
  • Company: Scotiabank
  • Noteworthy: Anna is an award-winning data and analytics business leader, with nearly 20 years of diverse experience in delivery, data and analytics, data & AI ethics, and risk management.

    She has led high-impact data initiatives in multiple geographies, including Canada, U.S., Central/South America, and the Caribbean with top financial institutions such as TD Bank, Canada Life, and Scotiabank. Anna’s leadership in the operationalization of data ethics earned Scotiabank global recognition with a bronze medal at the Qorus-Accenture Banking Innovation Awards in 2022, as well as the 2023 WXN Top 100 Award in the Emerging Leaders category. Today, she leads the Data & AI Risk practice at Scotiabank, ensuring that the bank effectively manages the risk and reward behind innovation in Data and AI.

    Anna holds an Undergraduate Degree in Behavioural Psychology from McMaster, an Executive MBA from Rotman University, and is currently pursuing a Master of Management in AI with the Smith School of Business (graduating in 2025).

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Key Insights

The Importance of Data Governance and Management
Effective data governance and management are crucial for ensuring data quality within an organization. Implementing robust data governance practices helps safeguard the integrity and accuracy of data, which is essential for making informed decisions. Data management includes processes such as data collection, storage, and usage, ensuring that data is handled responsibly and efficiently. These practices are particularly important in sectors like banking, where data is a valuable commodity that drives revenue and requires protection. Emphasizing data governance and management helps mitigate risks and ensures compliance with industry regulations.

The Role of Transparency and Explainability in AI Risk Management
Transparency and explainability are fundamental in managing AI risks, especially in regulated industries like banking. Ensuring that AI models and their outcomes are transparent helps build trust among stakeholders and customers. Explainability refers to the ability to understand and articulate how AI models make decisions, which is essential for regulatory compliance and ethical considerations. This approach ensures that AI systems are used responsibly and their impacts are well-understood. By focusing on these principles, organizations can leverage AI technologies while mitigating potential risks and adhering to ethical standards.

The Necessity of Effective Communication for Team Alignment
Effective communication is key to maintaining team alignment and ensuring successful project execution. Clear and consistent communication helps team members understand their roles, responsibilities, and the overall objectives of the organization. This practice fosters collaboration and coordination, allowing teams to address challenges efficiently and work towards common goals. In complex fields like data governance and AI risk management, effective communication is essential for aligning diverse teams and integrating their efforts. By prioritizing clear communication, organizations can enhance productivity, drive innovation, and achieve better outcomes.

When you fear something, your best bet is to embrace it.

Episode Highlights

Behavioral Insights Drive High-Performance Teams

Developing high-performance teams is essential for achieving organizational success. Utilizing a background in behavioral psychology, the approach to people management and coaching focuses on growing small teams into high-performing units. This method emphasizes understanding human behavior and fostering a positive work environment.

“One of the things that I’m really proud of is that I might tend to start teams small, but then really grow them into high-performance teams.”

Data Governance Forms the Core Foundation

Data governance is crucial in ensuring data quality and mitigating risks. It involves setting standards and processes for data management, which are essential for protecting customer data and the organization’s operations. This foundation allows for better decision-making and regulatory compliance.

“The way we treat it has to be also protected. The way we think about it also has to have that mindset. It’s everywhere. It’s everything we use in all our processes in an organization.”

Comprehensive Oversight Essential for AI Risk Management

Managing AI risk involves oversight across multiple areas, including privacy, cybersecurity, and third-party risks. This comprehensive approach ensures that AI applications are used responsibly and in compliance with regulations. Coordinating efforts across different teams helps maintain a consistent standard of AI usage.

“What are the guardrails? How do we ensure that we use it safely, etcetera? But in order to use AI, you need to have data. That’s what feeds AI.”

Effective Communication Ensures Team Success

Effective communication is key to aligning teams and driving successful project outcomes. Regular touchpoints, educational presentations, and collaborative discussions help ensure that all team members are on the same page. This approach fosters transparency and clarity, which are vital for addressing complex challenges.

“We do a lot of presentations that are educational. We work with our first line as well, who are obviously in a day-in-day-out in terms of being able to showcase what work is being done together.”

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