Interview with Ben Johnson, CEO of Freya Systems

In the dynamic landscape of data science and analytics, I saw a mismatch that sparked the inception of Freya Systems. I saw a growing demand for specialized data science capabilities across various industries, juxtaposed with the notable scarcity of qualified data scientists available in the job market. This imbalance often left companies at a crossroads, facing the daunting task of building an expensive, in-house team from a limited talent pool or forgoing the competitive advantage that data science could provide. It was against this backdrop that I envisioned a third path, which lead me to create Freya Systems in 2009.

My entrepreneurial journey was propelled by the recognition that businesses, regardless of their sector, were in dire need of scalable and economically viable data science solutions. I saw an opportunity to serve as a strategic ally to these organizations, offering them access to top-tier expertise in data analytics, visualization, and custom software development without the prohibitive costs associated with assembling and maintaining an in-house team.

By recognizing and acting upon a gap in the market, we’ve carved out a niche that not only addresses the immediate needs of businesses for data science expertise, but also anticipates the evolving demands of the digital age. Through our innovative solutions and expert team, I believe we’re paving the way for organizations to harness the power of data science, driving efficiency, innovation, and growth.

From the start, our focus was – and continues to be – to guide customers about where to start with AI and data analytics. This approach has proven particularly valuable in industries like defense and utilities, where the potential applications of data science are vast but often require specialized knowledge and expertise.

The defense industry was a no-brainer. I worked at BAE for many years in various roles. This experience gave me a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by organizations in this sector. At one point, I even wanted to be a pilot!

Like the defense industry, utilities also serve communities. Water is life, and utilities play a critical role in ensuring access to this essential resource. This alignment with Freya’s vision and values made the utilities industry a natural fit for us. In addition, the utilities’ industry has robust data that can be mined. By utilizing advanced data analytics techniques, we can help utilities improve efficiency, optimize operations and enhance customer service.

Our mission is to provide advanced insights to fuel clients’ decisions. We combine technology and human insight to shape a future where employees thrive at work, which drives team success and business growth.

The team lives this mission through our core values of Curiosity, Ownership, Tenacity, and Compassion. Curiosity drives us to continuously explore innovative solutions to meet our clients’ unique challenges. Ownership ensures we take full responsibility for delivering on our promises, while Tenacity keeps us persistent in overcoming obstacles. Compassion shapes our thoughtful and respectful culture, both within our team and in our client relationships.

Together, these values enable us to create impactful partnerships and solutions that embody our vision for a future where human collaboration with data-driven tools elevates both work and life.

The software market is changing quickly, with a strong demand for solutions that help companies analyze existing data more effectively. Businesses are sitting on vast amounts of data, and there’s an increasing focus on tools that can extract valuable insights to drive decision-making. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) continue to be major trends, with organizations looking to leverage it for automation, predictive analytics and enhancing customer experiences.

However, to really benefit from AI/ML, companies need to have their “ducks in a row” — meaning they need to ensure their data is clean, well-organized, and accessible. Traditional solutions are waning as they are replaced by newer approaches such as “low code, no code.” Today, engineering skills are critical, especially in A/MLI and AI-generated software. Without a strong foundation in data engineering, even the most advanced AI solutions won’t deliver their full potential. With this transition in role requirements, we’re seeing an increased need for the skills of data architects.

Technology changes at warp speed. Things look vastly different from just five years ago, and they will continue to change at an even faster pace, with the landscape in 2029 likely to be almost unrecognizable.

For example, cloud technology, which once took time for organizations to adopt, has now become foundational. Today, nearly every organization operates from the cloud, although some are still in the process of migrating. This shift underscores how global requirements have become broader and more complex as businesses navigate increased globalization.

Cybersecurity has become a top concern for customers as threats continue to rise with increased digital integration. Five to ten years ago, AI/ML was a niche “technology” market. The average consumer didn’t pay attention to these solutions. But that’s changing. AI and ML have surged in popularity, particularly with breakthroughs like ChatGPT, which have accelerated its mainstream adoption. While AI/ML has been around for some time, its recent advancements, especially in data analytics, have revolutionized how organizations build predictive models. These advancements are critical in high-stakes environments like defense and aviation, where they significantly enhance decision-making and operational safety.

AI’s disruptive force, though challenging, presents exciting opportunities for growth and innovation. Our decade-long experience leveraging customer data in statistical modeling for predictive analytics positions us well to navigate the AI-driven landscape.

Integrating AI into our services translates into tangible cost savings for our clients. By predicting maintenance needs and potential operational disruptions, AI helps avoid costly downtime and extends the life of critical equipment, saving resources and promoting a more sustainable approach to operations, reducing unnecessary waste and energy consumption.

The most transformative impact has been made by the advent of machine learning, particularly its subset, deep learning. These technologies have fundamentally changed our data analysis and interpretation approach across industries. With its various algorithms like decision trees and neural networks, machine learning empowers systems to learn and evolve from data autonomously. This advancement has been pivotal in predictive modeling, improving decision-making processes and operational efficiencies.

Deep learning and more advanced machine learning have been game-changers, especially in handling complex data tasks. It leverages sophisticated neural network architectures to tackle previously intractable problems, making significant strides in computer vision and natural language processing. Additionally, big data technologies like Apache’s Hadoop and Spark have revolutionized data engineering by enhancing our ability to process and analyze large datasets efficiently. The integration of these technologies represents a leap forward in our capacity to harness data, drive innovation, and create new opportunities across various sectors.

Continuous learning is fundamental, and I strongly believe that we all should be lifelong learners. This is particularly true in dynamic fields like technology, where constant learning is a key tenet. Without it, the new technology and data tools become irrelevant and antiquated quickly.

On a personal level, I thrive on learning. In my free time, I’m a bit of a bookworm and dedicated Audible listener. I’m always looking for new ideas and concepts to explore.

Whether it’s learning how different systems work or discovering new perspectives, I find that this thirst for knowledge can be applied to any aspect of my life and career.

The rise of AI makes continuous learning even easier. AI is becoming a superpower in helping people ― taking on the role of teacher and mentor. With a quick Google or YouTube search, learning new things is right at your fingertips. It’s great to see how AI can help bridge learning gaps and provide everyone with the ability to expand their skills and interests.

One example that resonates with me is Salman Khan’s book, Brave New Words, which revolutionized the way people learn. His book examines the evolving role of language in the digital age. It highlights the power of technology on communication and education, providing insights into how words shape our society and the interactions we have with one another. The book, and the Khan Academy, an online resource that empowers people to learn at their own pace, makes knowledge accessible to anyone, anywhere.

If I had the opportunity to advise my younger self, I would stress that the journey to becoming a leader is far from straightforward. It’s a winding path with a series of challenges, accomplishments and occasional setbacks that help shape the leader you become. Resilience is crucial for overcoming these challenges and adapting to change, enabling continuous growth in your personal and professional endeavors. I am reminded of Samuel Beckett’s famous quote from “Worstward Ho!”: Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again, fail better.

Missteps should be viewed not as regressions, but as opportunities for growth. Curiosity should serve as the driving force behind innovation, while a sense of ownership guides through difficulties. Tenacity acts as protection against the temptation to give up, and compassion transforms leadership into a meaningful endeavor.

I’d also tell my younger self to be sure to surround yourself with talented individuals who share your vision, values, and passion for the work. A strong team is the backbone of any successful company, and investing in hiring and retaining top talent is crucial. Also, find a mentor who can help you reach your full potential. Mentorship is a lifelong – and invaluable – relationship.

It’s also important to remember that your values are your north star. Uphold ethical standards, integrity, and a strong sense of purpose in everything you do. Building a company with a strong moral compass not only attracts top talent but also earns the trust and loyalty of customers and stakeholders.

And finally, celebrate achievements and milestones, both big and small, along the way. Recognize and appreciate the hard work and dedication of your team, and use these moments to inspire and motivate everyone to continue striving for excellence.

I’m a bit of a serial hobbyist ― someone who loves to pick up new interests, dive in and sometimes set them down for a while before moving on to the next adventure. Lately, I’ve been into salsa dancing, which has been such a fun way to unwind. I also love playing and even making guitars — there’s something really satisfying about crafting a musical instrument and then playing it. In addition to that, I enjoy tackling DIY projects. Whether it’s home improvement or building something from scratch, I like the hands-on, creative aspect of it all.

That’s a hard one, especially as a self-proclaimed bookworm. But if I had to choose, it would undoubtedly be “The Lord of the Rings.” I’ve always been a bit of a geek, and there’s no better story. It’s a classic, timeless story that combines adventure, friendship, and the triumph of good over evil — elements that have resonated with me since I first read it.

From a business perspective, I’ve recently been drawn to Brené Brown’s “Dare to Lead.” It’s an insightful look at leadership through vulnerability, and it’s helped shape my approach to leading teams and fostering authentic connections. Another standout is “Life 3.0” by Max Tegmark. This book explores how humanity has evolved, and how AI represents the next stage of that evolution. Both books have been instrumental in my thinking about leadership and the future of work.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wife and friends. Catching live music with friends is one of my favorite ways to unwind. I think it’s a perfect way to reconnect and enjoy some time together. I also like to disconnect from the daily grind by going on hikes or trail runs, which allows me to reset mentally. I’m a fan of “nature baths,” inspired by the Japanese practice of immersing yourself in nature, which always leaves me feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.