A Day in the Life of a Data & AI Director

I work at BIP as Data & AI Director within BIP, a leading Italian Management Consulting firm. BIP xTech - BIP’s Technology Center of Excellence - delivers technological end-to-end solutions ranging from cloud computing and advanced analytics to generative AI, leading the way in transforming businesses, turning visions into reality, and creating a lasting impact. My team and I focus on the Financial Services sector, where data science and AI models are highly specialized and regulated compared to other sectors, especially the core business areas such as trading, asset management, and risk management. 

We design, implement, and deploy systematic data-driven solutions at scale. By leveraging machine learning, AI, and alternative data, we enhance decision-making processes. Our solutions improve trading strategies, provide market risk insights, refine credit default models, and much more.

My primary focus is to understand and anticipate clients’ challenges and then design tailored and effective solutions. My team will then efficiently execute these projects under my supervision. To stay ahead, I frequently read about emerging AI trends and research. Before building solutions, clients rely on us to navigate the future of data and AI, identify valuable opportunities, understand how to successfully leverage those within their specific context, and know how to adapt them in terms of their culture, organization, and processes.

Below, is my typical day as Data & AI Director.

08:30 AM - 10:00 AM

After coffee and some quality time with family, I like to start my day with focused reading and research, before delving into project updates and client meetings. I typically split my time evenly between staying updated with the latest news and articles, and deep diving into a topic I’ve planned to focus on for the quarter or half-year. This could be a new AI technique, a novel data source, or a particular application of AI (e.g. genetic algorithms to identify profitable trading strategies on Forex). 

10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

The second part of my morning is typically dedicated to meetings with clients and project teams. During this time, I receive updates on client projects and internal initiatives. I ensure we adhere to plans, review results, discuss technical aspects of our solutions, and check on peoples’ moods and needs.

I also meet with clients and prospects to understand their context, propose solutions to their challenges, and discuss new or existing collaboration proposals. Our projects range from Data & AI advisory to the design and implementation of specific AI solutions. As the Data & AI Director, I engage with clients in the early stages to understand their needs, identify high-level AI solutions, and define business cases. Subsequently, I work with my team to draft detailed collaboration proposals, iterating with clients to finalize them. Once a project is defined, I set up a project team and manage it throughout the plan, ensuring we deliver the expected quality and results.

12:30 PM - 14:30 PM

Lunch time is when I like to catch up with friends, colleagues, clients, and prospects in a more casual fashion. It’s a great opportunity to discuss generic or strategic topics that are better suited for a meal, or simply to enjoy people’s company.

Directors and Partners at consulting firms are responsible not only for project delivery but also for sales and business growth. This makes building a quality personal and professional network very important.

14:30 PM - 17:00 PM

The first part of the afternoon is also dedicated to client and team meetings. In consulting, flexibility and dynamism are crucial skills, so I strive to accommodate clients’ schedules as much as possible. Some clients prefer morning meetings, while others prefer afternoon ones.

Our commitment to adaptability allows us to meet with as many clients as possible, which is closely linked to our business results. This flexibility also enables us to manage numerous external and internal projects effectively, ensuring we meet our clients’ needs and exceed their expectations.

17:00 PM - 18:00 PM

Our late afternoon is typically dedicated to internal meetings with the top management of the firm to review our ongoing results, sales opportunities, project challenges, and overall strategy. 

At BIP xTech, we execute highly innovative projects across various industries, often tackling complex questions and solutions. It is crucial for all our teams to be aligned and leverage the entire organization’s experiences, even across different industries and sectors.

18:00 PM - 19:00 PM

Before switching off, I like to end the day by organizing my notes, updating my to-do list, and reviewing priorities and urgent tasks. I finally check my agenda for the next two days to ensure everything is ready for upcoming meetings. After work, I enjoy disconnecting and recharging with family, playing weekly football with friends, and occasionally dining out.