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Listen "The AI Revolution in 2025 Explained | Nurtekin Savas (PayPal)"
Episode Synopsis
In this episode of The Data Storytellers Podcast, we speak with Nurtekin Savas, VP and Head of Global Credit Infrastructure, Data & AI at PayPal. Nurtekin shares how PayPal balances innovation with responsibility as it scales global credit products powered by data and AI.From structuring modern analytics platforms to influencing stakeholders and fostering experimentation in regulated environments, Nurtekin offers actionable insights for data leaders navigating fintech complexity. He also reflects on the value of storytelling, leadership trust, and aligning infrastructure with business goals at scale.Connect with us:• Website: https://thedatastorytellers.com/• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-data-storytellers• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-data-storytellers-podcast/id1493766476• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2N0vZtHZHgod4Tll2LX2xa• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz9e56lhYUfORiOHMiLlPmAChapters:00:00 – Intro: Meet Nurtekin Savas, PayPal’s Head of Global Credit Infrastructure, Data & AI04:52 – What Nurtekin’s team owns across data, platforms, and credit09:45 – The connective tissue between data, infrastructure, and product14:38 – From AOL to PayPal: a 20+ year fintech journey19:31 – Why compliance and experimentation must coexist24:24 – Building the muscle for responsible innovation29:17 – Creating space to learn and fail in a high-stakes environment34:10 – Platform architecture: building what’s needed vs. shiny objects39:03 – Gaining buy-in from senior leadership on infrastructure investments43:56 – The importance of storytelling in analytics and AI48:49 – Decision rights, influence, and organizational trust53:42 – Growing talent: what makes a great data leader58:35 – Lessons from past roles: Visa, Amazon, Capital One, Fidelity63:28 – Building systems that scale responsibly across borders68:21 – Trends Nurtekin is watching in AI and credit innovation73:14 – Final thoughts on leadership, curiosity, and execution78:07 – Wrap-up and closing insights
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