Ever sat in a meeting, watching a decision unfold that makes zero sense—bad for business, bad for employees—while the data that should be guiding the way is ignored? You're not alone. In this solo episode, Rob Collie takes on a question that's been circling for years: why aren't more people with a data-driven mindset in leadership positions?

The answer isn't as simple as "because they should be." There are deep-rooted reasons why persuasion often wins over precision and why data folks get stuck in support roles instead of calling the shots. But here's the thing, change is possible. Whether you're an analyst looking to break into leadership or a decision-maker wondering how to get the most from your data-savvy team, this episode is for you.

Tune in as Rob unpacks the hidden forces at play, the skills that can help data professionals move up the ladder, and why learning the art of influence might be just as important as mastering the numbers.

What happens when you mix fantasy football, data analytics, and a little bit of chaos? You get a conversation that refuses to follow a straight line—but somehow lands exactly where it needs to. Rob Collie welcomes back fantasy football guru Adam Harstad for his third appearance on Raw Data, alongside first-time guests Heather Zimmer and Molly Ferguson, two self-proclaimed newcomers who are anything but casual. They dive into the unexpected ways fantasy football rewires your brain, from strategic obsession to the unshakable belief that your lucky jersey actually controls the game.

Adam breaks down the numbers behind the game—how expected points added (EPA) became the gold standard of football analytics and why your gut feeling about a "bad matchup" might just be a statistical illusion. Meanwhile, Heather and Molly prove that fantasy football isn't just a game; it's a full-blown data-driven lifestyle. Whether it's crunching Power BI models for next season or convincing family members to clear out during game time, they've gone all-in—and they're not looking back.

But beyond the spreadsheets and the smack talk, this episode is about something bigger: the sheer joy of unexpected obsessions. Whether you're in it for the data, the competition, or just the chance to prove someone wrong (we see you, Heather), fantasy football is a reminder that the best things in life are the ones you never saw coming.

Also in this episode:

Guide to EPA

Protect the Spots with NO Bulletholes, w/ Adam Harstad

Epistemic Path Dependency, w/ Adam Harstad

What if we told you that, before Power BI, most of the money spent on data projects didn't go where you thought it did? In this episode, Rob Collie and Justin Mannhardt peel back the layers of inefficiency, miscommunication, and just plain bad luck that have haunted data projects for decades. Spoiler: it's not all doom and gloom. Some of those old headaches are finally getting the boot, thanks to tools like Power BI and the rise of generative AI.

Rob and Justin take an honest look at how data projects have changed over the years, sharing hard-earned lessons and surprising insights from their time in the trenches. They reflect on the glacial pace of old-school BI, how Power BI changed the game, and why AI might be the next big shift.

If you've ever wondered why your pre-Power BI data project cost more than a new car, this episode has the answers (and maybe a little therapy). Listen now for insights, laughs, and a sneak peek at the not-so-distant future of data.

As always, be sure to leave us a review on your favorite platform or share the link with a friend to help new listeners find us.

Rob's Visual Aid

Gil Raviv has spent years shaping how we use data. From his early days at Microsoft, where he played a key role in developing Power Query, to his work refining how dashboards serve their users, Gil's career is a masterclass in making data tools both practical and powerful.

In this episode, we sit down with Gil to dig into why usage data is the missing ingredient for truly effective BI. He explains how understanding what users do with your dashboards can completely change the way you design and deliver them. We also talk about his journey through the world of business intelligence, the lessons he learned along the way, and why he's so passionate about building tools that meet people where they are.

Whether you're a Power BI power user or just starting to think about how data fits into your business, Gil's insights will get you thinking differently.

The world of data technology moves in fascinating ways, and we're excited to have Microsoft MVPs Ed Hansberry and Kristyna Ferris join Justin to unpack what's really happening. This conversation is all about understanding the technologies that are reshaping how we work and think about data.

Microsoft Fabric has been a hot topic, and for good reason. Is it the breakthrough platform everyone's talking about, or are there nuances that aren't making headlines? Ed and Kristyna bring their hands-on experience to share what they've learned—the moments of excitement, the unexpected challenges, and the real potential they see.

Artificial intelligence continues to be a transformative force. We're not just talking about theoretical possibilities, but how AI is actually changing the way data professionals approach problems. What does this mean for teams, for individual careers, for the way we think about technology?

Tune in to find out!

The world's moving fast, sometimes too fast. Whether it's AI taking over ad campaigns, fake LinkedIn profiles popping up, or the healthcare system extracting more than it gives, the threads connecting our modern chaos are all too clear. Misaligned incentives and unchecked technologies are reshaping industries, culture, and even how we trust each other. Progress can be exciting, but it's also raising some tough questions: Are we losing our humanity in the race to optimize everything?

Take Coca-Cola, the apex predator of branding. This holiday season, they swapped their usual creative mastery for AI-generated ads, and people noticed. The results weren't just underwhelming; they were unsettling. It's a perfect example of what happens when we try to replicate the human touch with machines that aren't there yet. But this isn't just about Coke. It's about a broader trend of trading quality for convenience and innovation for cost-cutting—and the ripple effects it has on culture, trust, and livelihoods.

This week, we're unpacking the tension between innovation and integrity, exploring how businesses, governments, and individuals can find a better balance. From the rise of fake AI personas to headlights designed to cheat brightness tests, we'll dig into what these examples say about the systems we rely on and what happens when those systems fail us. It's a wild ride, but one thing's for sure: the way forward has to be more thoughtful than the path that got us here.

The AI revolution is here, and if you're in the data space, you're sitting in the best seat in the house—whether it feels that way yet or not. Rob takes you on a straight-talking journey through why our industry isn't just surviving but thriving in this moment of upheaval. Forget the hype and the fearmongering; this is about recognizing the unique position we're in to expand into unmet demand. It's not just about keeping our jobs—it's about making them better, more impactful, and yes, more secure.

Here's the deal: this isn't a time to coast. The same tools that can help us shine also require us to step up and adapt. Rob breaks down how the drudge work that used to define so many roles has been swept away by tools like Power BI—and why that's not a threat but a gift. The value isn't in the grind; it's in the thinking. The problem-solving. The expertise. If you're clinging to old ways, you're missing the whole point of what's happening right now.

Listen now to hear why this moment is one of the biggest opportunities our industry has ever seen. Rob unpacks how unmet demand is changing the game, why our skills matter more than ever, and what it takes to not just ride the wave but come out ahead. Don't miss it.

Rob and Justin are back, catching up after a short break with an episode that's part big ideas, part funny stories, and full of surprises.

They kick things off with the Crutches Paradox. Their take on why we hang onto things we'll probably never use, "just in case." From there, the conversation moves into all kinds of unexpected territory: why politeness might not matter when working with ChatGPT, the infamous New Coke conspiracy theory from the 80s, and why some of the world's top software engineers just don't seem too concerned about AI.

Rob even shares a few personal moments, including how his old Pontiac Bonneville managed to become a legend among tow truck drivers. Between the laughs and the thought-provoking moments, this grab bag episode has a little something for everyone.

Whether you're here to explore big questions or just enjoy a good story, this one will keep you hooked from start to finish. As always, if you enjoyed the episode, be sure to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

A little note from Rob to share about this week's episode, and what's coming!