Robin Sutara, Field Chief Data Officer At Databricks on AI Governance, Data Culture & Leading With Purpose

In this compelling episode of Discover Dialogues, we sit down with Robin Sutara, Field CDO at Databricks, to unpack one of the most pressing challenges in the enterprise space today—bridging the gap between data aspirations and AI execution.

With over two decades of experience spanning Microsoft, Databricks, and the broader data ecosystem, Robin offers an unfiltered look at what it takes to truly build a data-driven, AI-ready organization—and why most companies get it wrong. She explores how leaders can move beyond buzzwords to build trustable, governable, and human-centered AI systems.

Robin doesn’t just talk tech—she zooms in on leadership, governance, and cultural change. From the myth of “perfect data” to the pitfalls of AI fear-mongering, her insights will resonate with CDOs, CIOs, and transformation leaders trying to align technology with long-term value.

You’ll hear why she believes “Data isn’t just a team’s job—it’s a company’s culture” and how to start instilling that mindset across functions.
 

Key Topics Covered:

 

• From legacy tools to modern data platforms: what’s changing?

• How to combat data perfectionism and deliver value faster

• The difference between AI governance and fear-driven resistance

• Building organization-wide data literacy with empathy

• Creating feedback loops that drive responsible AI usage

• Why DEI matters more than ever in AI teams

 

This Episode Is Ideal For:

 

• Chief Data Officers and AI Strategy Heads

• Tech Leads and Transformation Champions

• Product Managers building AI-enabled features

• Anyone curious about responsible AI, governance, or culture change

 

About Robin Sutara

Robin Sutara is the Field CDO at Databricks, where she bridges the gap between cutting-edge technology and real-world business needs. With over two decades of experience in the data and AI space, Robin has worked across industries and continents, helping enterprises unlock the full value of their data ecosystems. Before joining Databricks, she spent a significant part of her career at Microsoft, driving strategic transformations and data innovation initiatives. Robin is known not just for her deep technical acumen but also for her people-first approach to leadership, storytelling, and change management. In this episode, she shares candid insights into building data cultures, the evolving role of the CDO, and how generative AI is reshaping enterprise priorities—delivered with her signature blend of sharp wit and strategic clarity.