In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, the influence of AI is undeniable. As it becomes integrated into nearly every aspect of our lives, the insight of our subject-matter experts is more valuable than ever. Our AI leaders are grounded in years of experience and are focused on shaping the future. Let's meet Susannah Matschke, Head of Data and AI Consulting - Growth at Sopra Steria Next UK.
What is your background and what was your pathway into the technology sector?
I grew up around my family’s business and knew I always wanted to do something where I was speaking to clients and trying to find solutions. However, I fell into technology when I chose what I thought was a business degree, that actually turned out to be quite a technical IT-based degree in Business Information Systems! I did a year-long internship as part of my degree where I worked at Hewlett Packard, which I enjoyed immensely, returning there after University for a Graduate Programme as a Digital Consultant.
I then moved to Accenture Health and Public Services where I really learned how to be a consultant, building a strong foundation in strategy and client-facing experience. I worked on flagship Robotic Process Automation (RPA) projects within Central Government, which is where my interest in learning more about Data began. I wanted to be able to talk authentically to my clients about Data and AI, so I began my Master’s degree in Data Science, Technology and Innovation at Edinburgh University which I completed alongside working full time in 2022.
What does your day-to-day look like?
What I love most about working as a consultant is that every day is different, no two days look the same. My workday typically includes strategy sessions with senior clients across different sectors to explore how they can harness data effectively and responsibly. I collaborate closely with my team to shape data solutions that deliver real, measurable impacts, aiming to make data not just accessible but also actionable and trustworthy for our clients.
The days where I feel I am at my best are those where I’m speaking to clients, listening to their challenges and ambitions and trying to formulate ways to help them reach their goals. Problem solving is one of my favorite aspects of consulting, and I believe we can only effectively problem solve if we take the time to really listen to and understand clients, there is no one solution fits all!
What do you see as the main challenges facing organisations today when it comes to adopting AI?
Data is often underappreciated for its importance in AI adoption. Most organisations have a legacy estate to some degree, which brings with it challenges around data quality, accessibility and the sheer volume of data that may have been collected over the years. In order to make AI adoption a success, organisations need to put in the hard work upfront to better understand and organise their data so that they can truly get value from AI, and trust the outputs they receive.
Furthermore, we see many clients who have raced ahead to buy the latest AI software and now find themselves in ‘Proof of Concept (PoC) Paralysis’, where they can’t get out of the pilot phase with projects. This is normally due to a combination of factors such as leading with technology instead of users, not defining the problem that you’re solving upfront, and not engaging users. AI is not just about the technology; we need to take the time to understand users and define valuable problem statements in order to implement AI with a purpose and value.
How do you think emerging technology will impact people’s lives?
Emerging technologies, particularly in AI and data automation, hold transformative potential to reshape everyday experiences. They can make public services more efficient, create hyper-personalised interactions, and improve accessibility to data-driven insights for everyone. While the potential is vast, ensuring these technologies are developed with ethical considerations will be vital to positively impact people’s lives, from improving healthcare outcomes to streamlining transportation and making data-driven governance more accountable.
AI is not a replacement for human experience, I firmly believe that AI is a tool that should be used to improve the way we undertake our work and other day to day activities so that we can spend more time focusing on uniquely human ways to add value, perform at our best and interact with one another.
How is Sopra Steria Next different from other companies in the industry?
What sets Sopra Steria Next apart is its emphasis on a holistic and human-centered approach to digital transformation. We don’t just implement technology—we co-create solutions with our clients and their customers in mind, focusing on ethical, sustainable AI applications that align with industry regulations. Our commitment to measurable outcomes and fostering long-term client partnerships makes us trusted advisors, especially as organisations navigate the complex landscape of AI and data integration.
What is your vision for the future and how would you like to shape the experience for our customers?
My vision is to help our clients become data-mature, where data insights seamlessly drive their strategic decisions. By blending technical excellence with customer-centric design, I aim to shape an experience where our clients feel empowered to use data ethically and effectively. At Sopra Steria Next, we aspire to be not just consultants but collaborators in their journey, supporting organisations in reaching an advanced level of data agility and AI readiness that prepares them for future challenges and opportunities.
Who is your inspiration? Who has changed the way you think about the future?
Throughout my career I have always looked to female leaders for inspiration in what is still a male-dominated field. I find a lot of inspiration in Allie K. Miller, particularly in her efforts to demystify AI and push for responsible tech adoption. She’s a thought leader in AI ethics and democratisation, advocating for AI systems that are accessible and beneficial across industries. Miller's focus on making AI development inclusive resonates deeply with my own goals of ensuring that data and AI empower—not overwhelm—our clients. Her insights emphasise the importance of building AI solutions that are transparent, fair, and free of bias, and she’s shown how responsible AI adoption can benefit diverse groups by reducing barriers and increasing equity.
My first role model in business was my dad who taught me that at the end of the day people do business with people, and the importance of kindness and radical honesty in business even when others might not be. I try to carry this legacy with me in everything that I do so that my colleagues and clients can be assured that I will always be open and honest with them.
Connect with Susannah on LinkedIn to discuss more about our Data and AI practice.