In this episode, Amir Bormand chats with Sarah Guidry, Head of Analytics and Data Science at LendingTree, about the intricacies of organizing work in data science. They explore frameworks for structuring work, stakeholder expectations, balancing quick wins with long-term goals, and how data teams can create space for innovation while delivering high-value results. If you’ve ever struggled with project prioritization, stakeholder buy-in, or maintaining agility in an ever-evolving data landscape, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Takeaways:

• Start with the End in Mind: Planning ahead ensures work is structured effectively and aligns with business needs.

• Stakeholder Alignment is Critical: Managing expectations and keeping stakeholders engaged prevents them from going rogue with their own makeshift solutions.

• Empower Business Users: Giving stakeholders access to structured, small data enables them to answer straightforward questions independently.

• Iterative Delivery Builds Trust: Regular updates help prevent surprises and align data insights with business needs in real-time.

• Don’t Plan to 100% Capacity: Leaving buffer time allows teams to handle ad-hoc requests without disrupting long-term priorities.

• R&D is Vital for Innovation: Dedicated time for exploration—like "Focus Fridays" and hackathons—fuels creativity and keeps the team ahead of the curve.

• Prioritization Frameworks Work: Implementing a "Must Do / Should Do" list creates clarity and helps balance workload distribution.

Timestamped Highlights:

• [00:00:00] Introduction to Sarah Guidry and LendingTree’s role in financial services.

• [00:02:00] What does it mean to organize work in data science?

• [00:04:00] The challenge of stakeholder expectations and delivering value.

• [00:06:00] The evolution of business intelligence and enabling self-service for stakeholders.

• [00:08:00] Why analytics is like investigative journalism—constant iteration is key.

• [00:10:00] Setting expectations upfront to buy time and align priorities.

• [00:12:00] Balancing speed with sustainability—delivering quick wins without technical debt.

• [00:15:00] Avoiding surprises—how to maintain proactive communication with stakeholders.

• [00:18:00] Managing work effectively through prioritization meetings.

• [00:20:00] Creating space for R&D: Focus Fridays, hackathons, and experimentation.

• [00:23:00] Using a “Must Do / Should Do” framework for clear prioritization.

• [00:24:00] How Sarah's team integrates learning and innovation into their workflow.

• [00:25:00] Closing thoughts and where to reach Sarah Guidry for further discussion.

Quote of the Episode:

"Analytics is investigative journalism—you don’t always know what you’re looking for, but through exploration and iteration, you uncover the most valuable insights." – Sarah Guidry

Connect with Sarah Guidry:

📩 LinkedIn: Sarah Guidry

💡 Enjoyed the episode?

📢 Share it with a colleague who might find it valuable!🎧 Subscribe, leave a review, and let us know your thoughts.

In this episode, Amir chats with Samir Kumar, Co-Founder and General Partner at Touring Capital, about platform shifts in technology and the role of AI in future advancements. Samir shares Touring Capital’s investment philosophy, focusing on series B investments in software-centric companies. He discusses the competitive dynamics between startups and tech giants in the AI space, challenges and opportunities in building AI-driven business models, and the future impact of technologies like the metaverse and blockchain.

Highlights:

- 02:53 Platform Shifts in Technology

- 06:22 AI and the Role of Incumbents

- 10:30 Opportunities and Challenges for Startups

- 18:34 Narrow Focus and Industry-Specific AI

- 25:06 Outcome-Based Pricing and Monetization

Guest:

Samir Kumar is co-founder and General Partner at Touring Capital. Before co-founding Touring, Samir was a Managing Partner at M12 (Microsoft’s Venture Fund), where he led investment activities in horizontal/vertical AI, deep tech, and hardware-enabled software companies. Samir’s notable investments include Applied Intuition, Psi Quantum, Wandelbots, Syntiant, D-Matrix, Regrow, and Netradyne. Samir previously held senior product and strategic business development roles at Qualcomm, Samsung, and Microsoft. He developed a strong passion for AI after delving deep into neural networks a decade ago; this ultimately paved the way for him to become a venture investor. Samir is a graduate of Cornell University.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samirkum/

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.

Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com

Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?

Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this episode, Amir sits down with Sergei Azernikov to discuss how AI and generative AI (GenAI) are transforming the dental industry. Glidewell Dental, a leader in dental lab products, has been at the forefront of AI innovation—leveraging advanced machine learning models to automate design, improve precision, and reduce dental restoration times from weeks to mere hours. Sergei shares how technology has revolutionized not just the manufacturing process but also patient experiences, business efficiency, and the future of dentistry.

Key Takeaways:

AI’s Unexpected Role in Dentistry – From manual craftsmanship to AI-driven automation, the dental industry has undergone a massive shift.

How Generative AI is Reshaping Dental Restoration – Glidewell Dental uses GANs (Generative Adversarial Networks) to create perfectly fitting crowns and implants with minimal human intervention.

From 2 Weeks to 2 Hours – AI-powered digital scanning and cloud-based design enable same-day dental restorations, eliminating long wait times.

The Cloud as a Game-Changer – AWS and cloud computing enable rapid AI model training, seamless data storage, and scalable machine learning applications.

AI’s Business Impact – AI has tripled production efficiency, allowing Glidewell Dental to scale without increasing workforce size.

Timestamped Highlights:

[00:01:00] - Introducing Sergei Azernikov & Glidewell Dental

[00:03:00] - The early adoption of AI in dentistry—why it made sense

[00:05:00] - AI vs. human technicians: A competition in identifying teeth

[00:07:00] - How Glidewell’s generative AI models automate crown design

[00:10:00] - The digital transformation of dental care: Faster, better-fitting restorations

[00:14:00] - Overcoming data challenges: Storing and structuring 3D dental scans for AI training

[00:18:00] - How cloud computing (AWS) supercharged AI adoption

[00:20:00] - AI’s impact on business: 3X increase in efficiency

[00:22:00] - AI innovation beyond dentistry—what other industries can learn

Quote from the Episode:

"We electrified it, now we’re going to cognize it. AI isn’t just about automation—it’s about introducing intelligence into digital processes to make dentistry smarter, faster, and better for patients." – Sergei Azernikov

Connect with Sergei Azernikov:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergeiazernikov/

Enjoyed the episode?

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone exploring AI applications in their industry! Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know what you’d like to hear next.

In this episode, the host chats with Beth Falder, AVP of Data Management and Analytics at Nuvance Health, about handling the flood of new technologies in healthcare. They dive into the challenges of data governance, the excitement and chaos of Gen AI, and balancing legacy data with new innovations. The discussion includes collaboration within the healthcare community, managing clinical versus back office data, and leveraging big partners like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. Beth also shares tips on resource allocation, dealing with technical debt, and preparing for future tech advancements.

Highlights:

Guest:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-falder-data-fanatic/

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.

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Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?

In this episode, Amir talks with Nathan Fabian, Managing Director and Head of Talent at WestCap, about the essential qualities of great leaders. They explore the complexities of hiring leadership, assessing unique attributes, and balancing speed with thoroughness in the recruitment process. Nathan shares WestCap's approach, focusing on five key attributes—principles, curiosity, decisiveness, team management, and vision—that predict leadership success. They also discuss culture fit, leveraging networks, and building and retaining a diverse, high-performing leadership team.

Highlights:

Nathan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanfabian/

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.

Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com

Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?

Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this episode, Chris Morgan, VP of Data Science at Lincoln Financial Group, dives into the evolving landscape of data culture. He discusses the impact of generative AI (Gen AI) on data practices, managing tech debt, and aligning stakeholder expectations. Chris emphasizes the importance of data governance, quality, literacy, and sharing strategies and analogies for fostering a robust data culture. He also addresses balancing immediate delivery with long-term vision in data management within a large, traditional organization.

Highlights:

Guest:

Chris Morgan has always been passionate about numbers and data, finding Statistics as the ideal application of math. He excels at the intersection of data and strategy, leading teams to provide clear, actionable insights. Chris combines technical expertise, business acumen, and strong communication skills to align data science capabilities with organizational goals. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, playing Euchre, outdoor activities, and addressing the issue of texting and driving.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganchristopher/

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.

Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com

Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?

Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this episode, Amir chats with Brajesh Jha, SVP and Global Business Leader of Data Tech and AI at Genpact, about scaling Generative AI (Gen AI). They explore what 'Gen AI at scale' means, drawing parallels with past technological waves like computerization and robotic process automation. Topics include the importance of data quality, strategic and technological considerations, and reimagining business models to leverage AI effectively. Brajesh shares Genpact's transformation journey and practical advice for harnessing Gen AI's power, emphasizing a strategic, data-driven, AI-first mindset.

Highlights:

- 01:21 Understanding Gen AI at Scale

- 02:14 Historical Context of Technological Evolution

- 05:09 Challenges and Opportunities with Gen AI

- 05:48 Apple Intelligence and Data Utilization

- 12:10 Strategic Considerations for Gen AI

- 15:23 Importance of Data Quality

- 18:31 Steps for Successful Gen AI Implementation

- 23:38 Future of Gen AI in Business

Guest:

Brajesh Jha is a Senior Executive with over two decades of experience in professional services at multi-billion-dollar technology companies. Currently, he leads Genpact's Technology, Media, and Entertainment vertical, managing global business operations that deploy Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, and Intelligent Automation capabilities. He also drives co-innovation with various micro-segments, including studios, cable providers, publishers, entertainment companies, and advertising agencies, to build new operating models and enhance customer experiences.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brajeshjha

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.

Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com

Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?

Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this episode, Amir talks with JD Hannick, an Executive Advisor to Fortune 500 and private equity firms with a deep background in consumer data from Foot Locker, Adobe, and Booz Allen Hamilton. JD discusses the transformation of consumer data, the role of AI and machine learning, and the importance of first-party data. They also explore how private equity firms use data for efficiency and growth in changing economic conditions and the future role of generative AI in enhancing customer experiences.

Highlights:

Guest:

JD Hannick is a senior executive known for building high-performing, engaged teams in next-generation data analytics, AI, machine learning, generative AI, personalization, and enhanced customer experience. With experience across various global Fortune 100 organizations, JD helps these companies, as well as private equity firms and their portfolio companies, transform into data-driven businesses. He is sought after for forming strategic initiatives, building investment cases, and realizing value creation through innovative data use.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannick/

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.

Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com

Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?

Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this podcast episode, Amir welcomes Arjun Bansal, CEO of Log10, to discuss the ongoing challenges and solutions surrounding Large Language Model (LLM) accuracy. Arjun recounts his unique journey from computational neuroscience to founding AI-focused companies. They delve into the concept of 'hallucinations' in AI, the black box nature of LLMs, and the critical need for accurate AI systems in various domains. Arjun explains how Log10 provides a platform to measure and improve LLM accuracy and shares insights on the future of AI applications, including the transition from narrow to general AI and the importance of balancing proprietary and open-source models. The discussion also touches on strategies enterprises can adopt to mitigate hallucination risks and enhance accuracy in AI deployments.

Highlights

00:47 Arjun Bansal's Background and Log10 Overview

04:45 Understanding LLM Hallucinations

09:58 Challenges and Solutions in LLM Accuracy

16:02 Future of AI and Practical Implementations

Arjun Bansal is an entrepreneur and AI expert focused on understanding and building intelligent systems. He is currently CEO & co-founder of Log10.io, a platform for measuring and improving the accuracy of LLM applications and agents. Arjun previously co-founded Nervana Systems (acq. Intel) and XOKind (AI agents for travel). Arjun's career spans research in brain-machine interfaces, building AI processors, and AI sidekicks.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunbansal/

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.

Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com

Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?

Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this episode, we dive into the nuances of how founders can effectively hire go-to-market leaders with Atli Thorkelsson, VP of Talent Network at Redpoint Ventures. The conversation covers founders' challenges in these roles, the timing and dynamics of such hires, and the importance of founder-led sales in the early stages. Atli emphasizes the need for candidates who can execute immediately while having the potential to grow with the company. The discussion also explores the intricacies of hiring outside a founder's skill set, the significance of setting up for holistic success, and the critical aspect of surrounding oneself with knowledgeable people. Atli provides insights into what to look for in candidates, highlighting the importance of long-term thinking, cultural fit, and the ability to scale with the company. The episode is rich in advice for founders on navigating the hiring process, from the initial job definition to engaging with potential candidates for long-term roles.

Highlights

00:50 The Challenge of Hiring Go-to-Market Leaders

01:23 When to Hire Go-to-Market Leaders: Insights from Atli

02:32 The Importance of Hiring for Now and Future Growth

03:07 Navigating the Hiring Process: Strategies and Challenges

08:35 Identifying the Right Sales Leadership Qualities

16:57 Advice for Founders on Hiring and Onboarding

Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atlit/

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.

Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com

Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?

Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)