Keeping Up With Data

In this dbt-heavy episode of Keeping Up With Data, Shabbir, Senior Solutions Architect at dbt Labs, joins the show to unpack how dbt is reshaping modern data teams and why it has become one of the most copied tools in the market. He shares his unconventional journey from actuarial studies into data analytics, consulting, Databricks, and now dbt, explaining why pre-sales is the sweet spot between deep technical work and big-picture customer vision.

The conversation dives into what dbt actually does in plain language, why ELT replaced traditional ETL, and where dbt is – and isn’t – the right fit, especially in the batch vs real-time debate. Shabbir also lifts the lid on dbt Fusion, showing how AI plus static analysis can convert legacy stored procedures into production-ready dbt models in minutes, and what the 5Tran–dbt merger means for openness, metadata standards, and avoiding vendor lock-in. If you care about analytics engineering, migration-proof data stacks, or making SQL practitioners massively more productive, this one is for you.

This podcast is in partnership with The Black Dog Institute which aims to create a mentally healthier world for everyone. If you wish to support the cause please donate via the link Black Dog Institute - Precision Sourcing https://www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundr...

Host: Seán Gray & Polain Byimira

Guest: Shabbir Khanbha

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Join Polain and guest Tracey Robinson as she traces her unconventional path from policing in country NSW to spearheading digital AI products for giant US enterprises. The episode debates the challenges of implementing AI that genuinely improves customer journeys, the pitfalls of siloed thinking, and how Australian businesses can catch up to global standards.

Tracy shares actionable insights for future AI leaders - focusing on adaptability, building capability in-house, and always designing from the customer's perspective. Whether you're a tech exec, product manager or aspiring data professional, this episode delivers a punchy, authentic look at navigating the complex world of AI-powered experiences

This podcast is in partnership with The Black Dog Institute which aims to create a mentally healthier world for everyone. If you wish to support the cause please donate via the link Black Dog Institute - Precision Sourcing https://www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundr...

Host: Polain Byimira

Guest: Tracey Robinson

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In this episode of "Keeping Up With Data," Pan Koutlakis, co-founder and CEO of Eat Club, shares how he turned lessons from managing Adelaide nightclubs into building one of Australia’s fastest-growing restaurant tech platforms. He reveals how Eat Club’s dynamic pricing helps venues fill empty tables, boost profitability, and create atmosphere - all powered by machine learning and seamless payment tech.

Pan opens up about surviving COVID’s impact, scaling into London, and why transparency, adaptability, and smart data use have been key to their success. A must-listen for anyone interested in startups, hospitality innovation, or building businesses that last.

This podcast is in partnership with The Black Dog Institute which aims to create a mentally healthier world for everyone. If you wish to support the cause please donate via the link Black Dog Institute - Precision Sourcing https://www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundr...

Host: Seán Gray & Polain Byimira

Guest: Pan Koutlakis

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Join us on this special episode of Keeping Up With Data as we dive into the cutting edge of mental health innovation with Dr Jill Newby - clinical psychologist, research lead at the Black Dog Institute, and co-director of CRE Precision. Together with Precision Sourcing's MD’s Simon Hair and Polain from the Data team, we explore how artificial intelligence and big data are changing the way depression and anxiety are understood and treated. From digital phenotyping and personalised treatment to the impact of the pandemic on young people’s mental health, this conversation unpacks the latest findings, real-world challenges, and ethical questions facing digital mental health tools.

Discover how action takes centre stage through Climb4Lives - the 14 Peaks Challenge raising vital funds for the Black Dog Institute. Over 75 hours, Precision Sourcing’s team will climb the equivalent of all 14 world peaks using stair climbers to support better mental health outcomes for all Australians. If you’d like to play your part and support this life-saving work, donations can be made directly here via the link - https://www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundraisers/climbforlives2025 

This podcast is in partnership with The Black Dog Institute which aims to create a mentally healthier world for everyone. 

Host: Polain Byimira & Simon Hair 

Guest: Dr Jill Newby

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In this episode of Keeping Up With Data, Emil Pastore from Neo4j joins the team to unpack how graph databases are transforming industries, from fraud detection in banking to drug discovery in pharma. Emil shares his journey from Teradata to Microsoft to Neo4j, and explains why graph technology is more than just a buzzword—it’s a mindset shift.

What Neo4j actually is (and isn’t)

Why graphs mimic the human brain better than spreadsheets

How Neo4j helps fintechs like Prospa detect fraud in hours, not days

The difference between GraphRAG and traditional AI search

Why most companies don’t need more tools - they need better questions

Whether you're deep in data architecture or just curious about graph tech, this episode breaks it down with clarity, real-world use cases, and a few spicy misconceptions.

This podcast is in partnership with The Black Dog Institute which aims to create a mentally healthier world for everyone. If you wish to support the cause please donate via the link Black Dog Institute - Precision Sourcing https://www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundr...

Host: Seán Gray & Polain Byimira

Guest: Emil Pastor

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This week on Keeping Up With Data, Seán and Polain are joined by Tim Armstrong, Director of Data, Technology and Product at Nova Entertainment, for an episode that bridges the gap between rural roots and cutting-edge data strategy. Tim shares his unique journey from growing up on a New Zealand dairy farm to leading data initiatives in the media industry. He reflects on how lessons learned in agriculture have shaped his approach to problem-solving and leadership, and discusses the transformation of farming through data-driven tools — from tracking milk production to leveraging real-time analytics for better decision-making. The conversation then dives deep into the world of Customer Data Platforms (CDPs).

Tim explains how Nova Entertainment has placed the CDP at the heart of its digital strategy, enabling smarter audience segmentation, identity resolution, and cross-functional decision-making. He also unpacks the evolution from Data Management Platforms (DMPs) to CDPs, the impact of privacy regulations like GDPR, and the ongoing challenges of data governance in a rapidly changing landscape.

Whether you’re a data professional, a tech enthusiast, or just curious how data shapes industries from farms to media stations, this episode offers practical insights, candid stories, and a fresh perspective on the future of data.

This podcast is in partnership with The Black Dog Institute which aims to create a mentally healthier world for everyone. If you wish to support the cause please donate via the link Black Dog Institute - Precision Sourcing https://www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundr...

Host: Seán Gray & Polain Byimira

Guest: Tim Armstrong

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In this episode of Keeping Up With Data, we sit down with Michael Peña—one of the few Microsoft MVPs recognised in both Azure and AI. As the Director of Data & AI at Playtime Solutions and a trusted advisor across multiple startups, MJ brings over 15 years of hands-on experience delivering enterprise-scale solutions for Fortune 500 companies and public agencies.

We dive deep into Microsoft Fabric: what it is, why it matters, and where it's heading. From early skepticism to real-world applications, MJ shares his unique perspective as a trainer, speaker, and consultant, offering practical insights for engineers, analysts, and business leaders alike. Learn how Fabric fits into the broader Azure ecosystem, why it’s gaining traction globally, and how organisations—from small businesses to enterprises—can get started without a full migration.

Whether you're a Fabric beginner, a seasoned Synapse user, or curious about AI-powered data platforms, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.

This podcast is in partnership with The Black Dog Institute which aims to create a mentally healthier world for everyone. If you wish to support the cause please donate via the link Black Dog Institute - Precision Sourcing https://www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundr...

Hosts: Seán Gray and Polain Byimira

Guest: Michael John Peña Powered by Precision Sourcing, award winning Technology, Data & SAP Recruitment Experts.

In this episode of Keeping Up With Data, hosts Seán Gray and Polain Byimira welcome data engineering veteran Simon Aubury to the show. With over two decades of experience in the data space, Simon shares valuable insights into his journey from database administrator to data engineering consultant.

The conversation covers the fascinating evolution of data technologies - from the days when database indexing was a specialized career to today's cloud-based solutions. Simon discusses how modern data engineers can focus on delivering business value rather than worrying about the lower-level technical concerns that dominated the field in earlier years.

Simon also shares his experience co-authoring a book about DuckDB, an open-source analytics database he describes as "the SQLite for analytics workloads." He explains how DuckDB serves as a powerful tool that both data engineers and data scientists can leverage, and discusses the challenging but rewarding process of writing a technical book with his colleague Ned Letcher. Throughout the episode, Simon offers practical advice on building high-performance data teams, the benefits of consulting for career growth, and the importance of communication when working on large-scale projects.

This episode provides valuable perspective for anyone interested in data engineering, consulting, or technical writing.

This podcast is in partnership with The Black Dog Institute which aims to create a mentally healthier world for everyone. If you wish to support the cause please donate via the link Black Dog Institute - Precision Sourcing https://www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundr...

Hosts: Polain Byimira & Seán Gray Guest: Simon Aubury Powered by Precision Sourcing, award winning Technology, Data & SAP Recruitment Experts.

In this episode of Keeping Up With Data, hosts Polain and Sean welcome Parul Oberoi, a senior leader at Toyota Finance Australia with extensive experience in data science and AI. Parul shares her fascinating journey from software engineering to strategic consulting and eventually to data leadership, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

The conversation explores the current state of AI adoption, with Parul offering a nuanced perspective on AI as both a reality and a hype. She discusses the challenges organizations face in implementing AI solutions, particularly highlighting the importance of strong data foundations before jumping into advanced AI applications. The hosts and Parul also delve into Australia's unique approach to AI governance and ethics, examining why the country tends to prioritize safety and regulation in technology adoption.

Parul shares valuable insights for professionals looking to transition into AI leadership roles and offers predictions about the future of the field, emphasizing that AI should augment human work rather than replace it entirely. The episode concludes with a discussion of Parul's YouTube channel "Ask Parul," where she combines her professional expertise with personal development content for a global audience.

A must-listen for data professionals, business leaders, and anyone interested in understanding the practical realities of AI implementation in today's business environment.

This podcast is in partnership with The Black Dog Institute which aims to create a mentally healthier world for everyone. If you wish to support the cause please donate via the link Black Dog Institute - Precision Sourcing https://www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundr... Hosts: Polain Byimira & Seán Gray Guest: Parul Oberai Powered by Precision Sourcing, award winning Technology, Data & SAP Recruitment Experts.

Meet Ethan, lead researcher and co-founder at Leonardo, who shares his journey from pre-med student to AI pioneer. After discovering text-to-image AI generation in 2022, Ethan went from running early models that took an hour per image to helping build a cutting-edge AI research company. He discusses the challenges of working with AI models, shares insights on the future of creative AI tools, and explains Leonardo's vision for multimodal AI systems that can seamlessly work with text, images, and audio.  From managing global research teams to advancing AI research, Ethan offers a candid look at the rapidly evolving world of AI development.

This podcast is in partnership with The Black Dog Institute which aims to create a mentally healthier world for everyone. If you wish to support the cause please donate via the link Black Dog Institute - Precision Sourcing https://www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundr...

Hosts: Polain Byimira & Seán Gray

Guest: Ethan Smith

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