Data Driven

Welcome to the season nine premiere of Data Driven, where we kick things off with a thought-provoking deep dive into the world of AI-powered leadership. In this episode, hosts Frank La Vigne, Andy Leonard, and BAILeY are joined by Geoff Woods, bestselling author of "The AI Driven Leader." Together, they explore how artificial intelligence is quickly evolving from a tactical tool that writes emails and automates tasks to a transformative thought partner that can help leaders navigate high-stakes business decisions, develop innovative strategies, and even challenge their own thinking.

Geoff challenges the notion that AI is just another tech buzzword and shares real-world stories of executives using AI as a strategic confidant—literally building virtual AI boards featuring iconic figures like Steve Jobs and Warren Buffett. He breaks down his practical CRIT framework (Context, Role, Interview, Task), offering listeners actionable ways to move beyond surface-level AI use and harness its power for exponential personal and business growth.

Whether you’re a seasoned data scientist, a curious executive, or just someone looking to level up your leadership skills, this conversation will inspire you to reconsider how you work with AI—and how much more you can achieve when you use it as your smartest collaborator yet. Get ready to have your assumptions challenged, your creativity sparked, and your sticky notes filled with new ideas. Let’s get data driven!

00:00 "AI: Your Strategic Cofounder"

05:26 Strategic Leadership with AI

07:35 "Focusing on 20% High-Impact Tasks"

11:07 AI Strategies for Debt Restructuring

13:28 AI in Negotiations: Role Play Insights

19:01 Mentor in Your Pocket

21:52 "Imaginary Advisory Board"

25:17 "Starting AI: First Domino Approach"

28:33 Coaching Corporate Growth Strategy

31:51 Interactive Knowledge Experience

35:06 "Becoming an AI-Driven Leader"

38:54 "Visionary Super Connector"

43:06 Leadership Beyond Technology

47:11 Rethinking AI and Strategic Questions

49:26 "AI-Powered Strategic Visioning"

53:29 "Choosing Growth Over Perfection"

56:24 AI Achievements: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Andy and I are kicking off Season Nine of Data Driven with a bang: an insightful interview with Jeff Woods, author of “The AI Driven Leader.”

Andy, Bailey, and I are thrilled to bring you brand-new conversations, deep dives, and data stories all season long. Stay tuned for the official release, and as always, thank you for being part of our data-driven journey.

Listen for the Season Nine kickoff soon!

This week, Frank sat down with Dr. Jacob Leverich—Stanford PhD, cofounder of Observe, and a veteran of the Google MapReduce team and Splunk. Jacob’s journey, from tinkering with video game code as a kid, to innovating at the cutting edge of distributed systems and energy efficiency, is as inspiring as it is informative.

• Early Tech Roots: Hear how curiosity with QBasic and classic PCs (think IBM PCXT and Commodore) put Jacob on a path to high-impact data engineering.
• MapReduce, Dremel, & the Rise of Big Data: Jacob pulls back the curtain on working with some of the most influential data processing tools at Google and how these systems shifted the entire data landscape (hello, BigQuery!).
• Building Efficient Systems: It’s not just about scale—energy efficiency and performance optimization are the unsung heroes of today’s data infrastructure. Jacob explains why making things “just work” isn’t enough anymore.
• The Realities of Ops & Observability: Remember the days of grepping logs at 2AM? There’s a better way. Jacob shares how platforms like Observe help teams consolidate, visualize, and act on operational data—turning chaos into actionable insight.
• Bridging Data & Ops: The lines between data observability and traditional ops are blurring, and Jacob’s unique experience shows how best practices from data warehousing are finally making ops smoother (and less sleepless).
• Power Concerns & the Future: As data grows, so does energy consumption in data centers. Find out why optimization isn’t just good for performance—it’s key to sustainability.

00:00 Interview with Jacob Levrich

05:59 Journey into Game Programming

06:43 "Pursuing Fast Video Game Code"

10:23 Data Processing and Power Efficiency

16:11 Snowflake's Transformative Database Approach

19:18 Journey to Data Management Industry

21:37 Data Products: Solving Core Challenges

27:07 Early Web Log Analysis Techniques

28:57 Consolidating Data for Efficiency

33:23 Specialized Tools and Context Switching

35:43 Unique Dual-Expertise in Tech

38:58 User-Centric Business Strategies

42:13 IP Data Analysis in Cloud

47:23 Electricity Transport Upsets Local Farms

48:25 Shift to Parallel Computing

52:10 Hardware Specialization & Software Optimization

57:32 "Stay Data Driven"

Welcome to another insightful episode of Data Driven! Today, we're diving into the world of warehouse-native analytics with our special guest, István Mészáros, cofounder of Mitsu. Join us as we explore how Mitsu empowers startups and enterprises with a new approach to data analytics. From his beginnings as a CERN physicist to becoming an open-source evangelist and finally a startup founder, István shares his unique journey through the data industry.

We'll discuss the motivation behind Mitsu's distinct branding, reminiscent of Hello Kitty, and why standing out in today's crowded market is crucial. István also reveals the challenges and strategies of building a data company in Europe, and how Mitsu simplifies analytics by offering a self-service solution without the high costs associated with existing market leaders.

0:00 Introducing István Mészáros

05:30 Shifting Open Source to SaaS

07:46 Lava-Themed Compliance Solutions Brand

10:27 Tech Branding and Hello Kitty Insights

13:46 Optimizing Conversion in Data-Heavy Travel

16:31 Self-Service Analytics Tool Needed

19:17 Automated Product Analytics Tool

23:20 "Budget Constraints and DIY Solutions"

28:17 Freelancer's Efficient Data Solutions

29:08 Open Source Tool Productization Plan

33:13 Navigating Freelance and Startup Challenges

37:19 Transitioning to Data Engineering

42:25 Instant Feedback in Hobbies

43:46 Embracing Feedback in Business Transformation

49:13 "Hoping AI Takes Over Hiring"

51:58 Visit Site for Info & Contact

55:22 "Parenting Boys with Earbuds"

57:25 "Data Driven: Quantum Podcast Relaunch"

On this episode of Data Driven, we welcome Barr Moses, CEO and co-founder of Monte Carlo, as she delves into the fascinating world of data observability.

Join hosts Frank La Vigne and Andy Leonard as they explore how reliable data is crucial for making sound business decisions in today's tech-driven world. Learn why a simple schema change at Unity resulted in a $100 million loss and how Monte Carlo is developing cutting-edge solutions to prevent similar disasters. From discussions on ensuring data integrity to the intriguing potential of AI in anomaly detection, Barr Moses shares insights that might just redefine your understanding of data's role in business.

Tune in for a podcast that not only uncovers the nuances of data reliability but also touches on the quirky side of tech, like why, according to Google, you should never use superglue to fix slipping cheese on your pizza.

00:00 Monte Carlo: Data Reliability Innovator

05:45 "Data & AI Observability Engineering"

09:42 Data Industry's Growing Importance

12:00 Cereal Supply Chain Data Optimization

16:03 Data Observability and Lineage

19:29 GenAI Uncertainties and Latency Concerns

23:17 "Human Oversight in AI Accuracy"

24:12 Data Observability and Human Role

28:01 Adapting to Customer Language

33:29 Data and Security Management Alignment

35:20 Data Reliability and Observability Challenges

38:17 Automated Code Analysis Tool Launch

42:29 Data-Inspired Childhood

44:12 Passionate About Impactful Work

48:52 LinkedIn Security Concerns Highlighted

53:19 "Data Observability Insights"

In this episode, Sanjay joins Frank for a deep dive into the heart of digital transformation and AI-powered automation. Here are some of the key takeaways:

1. Digital Transformation Evolution: Sanjay reflects on his nearly three-decade journey witnessing the digital shift from infancy to the AI-driven present. He outlines the critical components of digital transformation, including cloud adoption and data prioritization, noting significant changes in business focus over recent years.
2. Microsoft's Role: Sanjay provides insights into Microsoft's strategic investments in digital transformation technologies, emphasizing their pivotal role in influencing market trends and industry-specific capabilities.
3. AI-Powered Enhancements: From the widespread adoption of Copilot to the burgeoning concept of agentic AI, Sanjay discusses how AI tools are not replacing but augmenting the productivity of data engineers, offering a glimpse into the future of business processes.
4. Edge of Innovation: We explore how Microsoft Fabric and other technologies are simplifying complex architectures, allowing businesses to leverage multi-cloud strategies effectively, keeping them at the forefront of innovation.
5. Real-Life Impact: Sanjay shares compelling examples, like reducing sales briefing preparation time from four days to two minutes, showcasing the transformative power of AI in real business scenarios.

Whether you're a data engineer, business leader, or just someone fascinated by the data-driven world, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

00:00 Three Decades of Digital Transformation

05:27 Microsoft's Digital Transformation Dominance

09:37 Microsoft's Cloud Integration Advantage

13:22 Red Hat AI's Open Source Approach

15:33 Microsoft Fabric's Multi-Cloud Integration Strategy

20:01 "Custom Solutions for Complex Queries"

21:39 Content Creation Efficiency Unlocked

26:38 Sales Role Dependency Reduction Tool

30:06 Agentic AI and Workflow Transformation

33:29 "Beyond Basic Automation"

35:05 AI's Impact on Business Expansion

39:58 Data-Driven Problem Solving Impact

41:58 Reading Trends in Data Innovation

In this episode, Andy Leonard and Frank La Vigne are thrilled to be joined by Trevor Schulze, the Chief Information Officer at Alteryx. Trevor brings an unparalleled perspective on digital transformation, drawing from his impressive tenure at industry giants such as Micron, Cisco, and RingCentral.

00:00 "Data Driven: AI & CIO Insights"

04:32 CIO's Role in AI Evolution

06:50 CIO's Evolving Role with AI

11:43 "Embracing Data Democratization"

16:24 Democratizing Data Access

19:33 "AI Investment and Optimization Cycle"

20:55 AI Enhances Tool Configuration Guidance

24:42 Breaking Free from Vendor Lock-In

27:41 "Unleashing Shadow AI and Technical Debt"

31:53 Digital Performance Essential for All Industries

34:01 Data Privacy Concerns in AI Use

37:30 AI Democratization Challenges for Enterprises

42:15 AI Transforming Business Processes

43:55 Data-Driven Career Journey

47:13 "Building Trust in Data Analytics"

52:34 Building Trust in Future Tech

Andy Leonard and Frank La Vigne delve into the exciting world of AI and growth marketing with the renowned Lillian Pierson. Lillian, a globally recognized AI growth strategist and author. She shares her unique journey from engineering to data science and her role as a fractional CMO. She provides deep insights into leveraging AI to revolutionize marketing and growth strategies, discusses breaking down the barriers in early data science, and explores the rise of agentic AI.

This conversation is filled with valuable knowledge, humor, and a reality check on the evolving tech landscape. Tune in to explore how AI and data-driven approaches are transforming industries and why Data Driven is a top pick for AI enthusiasts.

00:00 "Interview with AI Expert Lillian Pearson"

04:18 Earning a Professional Engineering License

09:21 Evolution of Data Science Disciplines

11:08 Career Pivot to Success

14:01 Data Strategy and AI Insights

19:19 Marketing's Role in Product Growth

21:58 Customer Advocacy in Product Development

26:16 Exploring AI for Content Automation

28:28 OpenAI Trained on My Style

30:51 Frank's Podcast Automation Expansion

33:22 "Delegation vs. Self-Management Discussion"

37:45 Decoupled, Resilient System Communication

41:57 Clay-Powered Decision Tech Critique

45:41 AI Is Essential in Business

49:09 Debating with ChatGPT's Perspectives

50:23 Google AI: Generative Podcast Tool

56:11 Big Data Fallacies Explored

Today, we've got an exciting episode lined up for you. Hosts Frank La Vigne and Bailey dive deep into the tech universe with Dean Guida, the CEO and founder of Infragistics. Dean brings his 35-year journey and expansive experience in technology to the table, reminiscing about the early days of software development and his transition into the data-driven world.

In this conversation, you'll hear about the evolution of Infragistics from building UI components for Windows to creating sophisticated data analytics and AI tools. Dean also shares insights from his new book, "When Grit is Not Enough," focusing on how entrepreneurs can foster agile, data-driven learning organizations. Whether you're a seasoned developer, a budding entrepreneur, or someone fascinated by the intersection of AI and data, this episode promises a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

Join us as we explore technology old and new, from the bygone era of Windows 3.0 to the cutting-edge capabilities of AI today. Plus, hear Dean's personal journey of navigating through various technological and economic shifts over the decades. Make sure to tune in for a discussion that bridges the past, present, and future of tech innovation!

00:00 35 Years of UI/UX Innovation

06:35 "Simplicity, Beauty, and Conversational AI"

15:29 Enhancing User Trust Through Transparency

19:52 AI-Driven Learning and OKR Management

26:20 Kids Reflecting Tech Evolution

27:12 "AI in Future Work Environments"

33:14 "Data-Driven Leadership and Team Alignment"

38:44 Entrepreneurship Beyond Grinding

48:19 Contextual Understanding in AI Assistants

51:57 Overprotected Generation's Communication Challenges

54:55 Generational Impact of Pandemics

01:00:47 "Data-Driven Podcast: Ranked 38"

Today, we delve into the intriguing world of vector databases, retrieval augmented generation, and a surprising twist—origami.

Our special guest, Arjun Patel, a developer advocate at Pinecone, will be walking us through his mission to make vector databases and semantic search more accessible. Alongside his impressive technical expertise, Arjun is also a self-taught origami artist with a background in statistics from the University of Chicago. Together with co-host Frank La Vigne, we explore Arjun’s unique journey from making speech coaching accessible with AI at Speeko to detecting AI-generated content at Appen.

In this episode, get ready to unravel the mysteries of natural language processing, understand the impact of the attention mechanism in transformers, and discover how AI can even assist in the art of paper folding. From discussing the nuances of RAG systems to sharing personal insights on learning and technology, we promise a session that’s both enlightening and entertaining. So sit back, relax, and get ready to fold your way into the fascinating layers of AI with Arjun Patel on Data Driven.

00:00 Arjun Patel: Bridging AI & Education

04:39 Traditional NLP and Geometric Models

08:40 Co-occurrence and Meaning in Text

13:14 Masked Language Modeling Success

16:50 Understanding Tokenization in AI Models

18:12 "Understanding Large Language Models"

22:43 Instruction-Following vs Few-Shot Learning

26:43 "Rel AI: Open Source Data Tool"

31:14 "Retrieval-Augmented Generation Explained"

33:58 "Pinecone: Efficient Vector Database"

37:31 "AI Found Me: Intern to Innovator"

41:10 "Impact of Code Generation Models"

45:25 Personalized Learning Path Technology

46:57 Mathematical Complexity in Origami Design

50:32 "Data, AI, and Origami Insights"