Data Driven

Welcome to another episode of Data Driven, where we dive deep into how data and AI are shaping—sometimes shaking—the modern world. In this episode, hosts Frank La Vigne, Andy Leonard, and Carmen Li sit down with Carmen Lee, the trailblazing CEO of Silicon Data and a former Bloomberg data aficionado.Carmen’s on a mission to bring clarity to the wild west of GPU compute markets, and she shares with us how she’s turning raw compute into a true tradable commodity—think futures markets for GPUs, the “Bloomberg terminal” for AI infrastructure, and perhaps even a Carfax for your next used GPU cluster.Together, they explore everything from why AI startups struggle with fluctuating margins, to the crucial role TSMC plays in the world economy, all the way to the data transparency that might be the missing piece in AI’s explosive growth. Whether you’re curious about benchmarking GPUs, tokenomics, managing infrastructure costs, or just want a glimpse into the future of data markets, this one’s for you.Stay tuned for a fascinating conversation on normalizing chaos, hedging tech costs, geeking out over hardware, and even a few laughs about used GPU “car lots” in Virginia. Let’s get data driven!LinksSilicon Data -https://www.silicondata.com/Dancing with Qubits -https://amzn.to/4mIOG8UThe Nvidia Way -https://amzn.to/3VH9aUvTime Stamps00:00 "AI Commodities and GPU Markets"06:56 Ecosystem Transparency Benefits All10:55 AI SaaS Cost Optimization Challenges13:41 Token Economics in Cloud AI15:27 Optimizing GPU and Token Commitment18:41 Token-Based Product Innovation25:00 "Verifying UIDs and Connectivity"28:43 Measuring GPU Performance30:41 Supply Chain Impact on GPU Industry35:43 "TNC's Unchallenged Leadership in Supply Chain"36:31 Silicon Ecosystem Collaboration39:38 Nvidia's Strategic TSMC Capacity Purchase42:51 Bloomberg's Media and Finance Expansion46:53 "Quantum Reading Challenges"50:13 "Data Driven Podcast Wrap-Up"

In this episode, we're joined once again by Christopher Nuland, technical marketing manager at Red Hat, whose globe-trotting schedule rivals the complexity of a Kubernetes deployment. Christopher sits down with hosts Bailey and Frank La Vigne to explore the frontier of artificial intelligence—from simulating reality and continuous learning models to debates around whether we really need humanoid robots to achieve superintelligence, or if a convincingly detailed simulation (think Grand Theft Auto, but for AI) might get us there first.Christopher takes us on a whirlwind tour of Google DeepMind’s pioneering alpha projects, the latest buzz around simulating experiences for AI, and the metaphysical rabbit hole of iRobot and simulation theory. We dive into why the next big advancement in AI might not come from making models bigger, but from making them better at simulating the world around them. Along the way, we tackle timely topics in AI governance, security, and the ethics of continuous learning, with plenty of detours through pop culture, finance, and grassroots tech conferences.If you’re curious about where the bleeding edge of AI meets science fiction, and how simulation could redefine the race for superintelligence, this episode is for you. Buckle up—because reality might just be the next thing AI learns to hack.Time Stamps00:00 Upcoming European and US Conferences05:38 AI Optimization Plateau08:43 Simulation's Role in Spatial Awareness10:00 Evolutionary Efficiency of Human Brains16:30 "Robotics Laws and Contradictions"17:32 AI, Paperclips, and Robot Ethics22:18 Troubleshooting Insight Experience25:16 Challenges in Training Deep Learning Models27:15 Challenges in Continuous Model Training32:04 AI Gateway for Specialized Requests36:54 Open Source and Rapid Innovation38:10 Industry-Specific AI Breakthroughs43:28 Misrepresented R&D Success Rates44:51 POC Challenges: Meaningful Versus Superficial47:59 "Crypto's Bumpy Crash"52:59 AI: Beyond Models to Simulation

Welcome to another episode of Data Driven! Today, hosts Frank La Vigne and Andy Leonard, are joined by Dr. Ido Zamberg—a rare breed who’s equally comfortable rebooting servers and saving lives. Dr. Zamberg is a physician, software engineer, chief medical officer at C8 Health, and a true innovator at the intersection of medicine and technology. In this episode, we dive into his unique journey from startups and coding to the operating room, exploring how his hands-on technical expertise is helping frontline clinicians access real-time, AI-powered decision support.Expect fascinating insights into the evolution of healthcare technology, the challenges (and rewards) of bridging vastly different worlds, and why seamless access to best practices at the point of care can be truly lifesaving. Dr. Zamberg shares anecdotes from his career, reflects on the importance of context-driven solutions, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at making clinical workflows smarter, faster, and safer with modern AI. So if you’re curious about how SQL queries meet scalpel skills, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!Time Stamps00:00 From Software Engineer to Physician-Entrepreneur06:04 "From Tech to Medicine: A Journey"07:43 Tech-Medicine Integration Challenges12:55 Diverse Medical Experience Overview14:49 "Healthcare Solutions Over Tech Focus"18:41 Hospital Best Practices Standardization20:46 Streamlined Clinician Information Platform23:59 Solving Healthcare Inefficiencies29:22 Understanding the Challenges of Tough Jobs30:11 Practice Grace Over Wealth33:59 Healthcare Platform for Providers39:11 Generative AI in Clinical Queries42:16 Value of Expertise in Problem-Solving43:48 Praising Expert in AI Medicine47:50 AI Revolutionizing Healthcare Information51:27 Data, Coffee, and Code Insights

On this episode of Data Driven, we venture into the ever-shifting landscape of software engineering, AI-assisted coding, and the sometimes chaotic future of development teams with special guest Thanos Diacakis—no, not the Marvel villain, but a powerhouse in software leadership whose career spans scrappy startups to tech giants like Uber.Hosts Frank La Vigne, Andy Leonard, and resident AI BAILeY welcome Thanos for an insightful, witty, and sometimes philosophical conversation about the promise and perils of AI in software engineering. From the rise (and risks) of “vibe coding” to the changing definition of good engineering, Thanos shares firsthand experiences, pitfalls to avoid, and why solid fundamentals matter now more than ever—even with AI churning out code at lightning speed.We also explore how AI is reshaping workflows for both solo developers and large teams, the difference between local and global efficiency, and how bottlenecks are shifting in this new era. Thanos breaks down his “seven mental models” for effective engineering, demystifies the right way to work with AI tools (instead of letting them run wild), and explains why junior devs still deserve a seat at the table.If you’re curious about the real impact of AI-assisted coding, worried about the next wave of software “apocalypse,” or just eager for practical strategies to keep your teams productive and sane, this episode is packed with the wisdom, humor, and actionable takeaways you’ll want to hear. Buckle up as we dive deep into the code base—this is Data Driven, where the only thing disappearing is inefficiency.LinksCosmic Teacups: https://www.cosmicteacups.com/The Goal 40th Anniversary Edition: https://amzn.to/4lGhZbI (Amazon affilliate link)The Goal Graphic Novel (Yes, really) https://amzn.to/47ohIXx (Amazon affilliate link)Time Stamps00:00 "Exploring AI Coding with Thanos"05:20 Revolutionizing Productivity with Code08:18 Cross-Platform Utility Development12:14 Database Costs Drop, Demand Surges14:43 Unauthorized Copying of Software Manuals17:54 "Chunked Narratives Enhance LLM Performance"19:43 Grox Impressive Despite Incompletion24:40 Reviving a Startup with AI28:53 Bottleneck Identification and Resolution Strategy29:37 Incremental Improvements Drive Success34:40 Agile's Evolution: Remembering Its Roots38:41 Balancing Features and Tech Debt42:50 Software Estimations: A Management Trap45:55 Managing Project Time Expectations47:47 Trust Building Through Incremental Delivery51:23 Language Models: Human Cognition Parallel?56:04 "Exploring Intelligence: Brains vs. AI"58:06 "Data Driven Episode Conclusion"

On this episode of Data Driven, we’re shuffling up some probability, statistics, and a bit of Las Vegas magic with Dr. Michael Orkin—a renowned statistician, data scientist, and former advisor to casino odds makers. Hosts Andy Leonard, Frank La Vigne, and BAILeY dig into the fascinating numbers behind games of chance, uncovering why the house almost always wins and how our brains are wired to find patterns—sometimes where none exist.Whether you’re a data enthusiast, a casual gambler wondering why your lucky streak never lasts, or just curious about how randomness, probability, and big jackpots work, this episode has you covered. Dr. Orkin breaks down concepts like the house edge, expected value, card counting, the allure (and statistical pitfalls) of lottery tickets, and the psychology driving “hot” and “due” gambling strategies. Plus, he weighs in on lightning strikes, Black Swan events, correlation and causation, and the curious human habit of seeing connections in random outcomes.So, get ready for a lively conversation that reminds us data is everywhere—especially where stakes are high and luck seems just out of reach. Whether you’re here for probability puns, real-world math, or the stories Vegas doesn’t want you to know, this is one episode you won’t want to miss!LinksThe Story of Chance https://amzn.to/45qOe8x Dr Mike's Substack https://drmikeorkin.substack.com/Moments00:00 Casino House Edge Explained08:54 "Random Chance and Unlikely Events"12:03 Justifying Buying Lottery Tickets16:58 "SBF: Crypto King Unraveled"26:34 Lightning Strike Probability Calculation Issues32:26 Average Beyond Desk Boundaries33:26 "Defining Accident Prone"39:31 Misjudging Odds with Normal Curve45:50 Avoiding Lightning Strikes: Bay Area55:11 Casino Mind Games Experience56:20 Roulette Betting Strategies: Apophenia01:03:33 "Dr. Orkin's Website & Substack"01:07:19 "Probability and the House Edge"

Welcome to another episode of Data Driven, where we delve deep into the crossroads of data, technology, and the ever-shifting world of geopolitics. In this packed episode, hosts Frank La Vigne and Bailey are joined by Christopher Nuland, AI technical marketing manager at Red Hat, for a candid, no-holds-barred discussion on the newly released America's AI Action Plan.Together, they tackle everything from the resurgence of Cold War tensions in the AI arena to the complexities of “AI sovereignty” and what it really means for the US, China, and the rest of the world. Expect spirited debates about EU’s place in the global AI race, the real-world implications of chip supply chain disruptions, and the heated rhetoric around workforce security in an era when AI is starting to replace traditional jobs.The conversation weaves through existential questions—can AI ever truly reason, or are we just witnessing the rise of superpowered “spreadsheet goblins?”—and gets hands-on with the very real risks (and opportunities) of rolling out LLMs in everyday workplaces. Plus, the team touches on power-hungry data centers, potential impacts on the job market, and even finds time to swap sci-fi references from The Expanse to Ghost in the Shell to help paint a picture of what our AI-dominated future might look like.Buckle up for a dense, dynamic, and dangerously nerdy journey into the world of AI policy, technology, and what it means for all of us. Let’s get into it!Timestamps00:00 AI Geopolitics & America's Action Plan08:14 EU's Role in Tech Hierarchy14:10 "US Focus: Securing AI Workforce"20:40 Supply Chain Security in Software24:24 Politicians' Technical Proficiency Limits27:19 AI Sovereignty and Cultural Values33:52 CHIPS Act: Innovation and Expansion Hopes38:11 "AI Vulnerability: Patch Attacks"47:58 Maryland Power Line Controversy50:09 "AI Impact on Jobs & UBI"55:47 Techno Feudalism Perspective01:04:41 "AI Sovereignty: A Geopolitical Chess Match"

In today’s conversation, hosts BAILeY and Frank La Vigne sit down with Dr. Alan Becker, co-founder and CEO of E Self AI and former co-founder of Voca AI, which was acquired by Snap in 2020. Dr. Becker brings a powerhouse combination of academic expertise and entrepreneurial experience, with a PhD in machine learning and AI and research spanning voice, NLP, and computer vision.This episode dives into how E Self AI is transforming human-machine interaction by moving beyond chat and voice—introducing real-time face-to-face video AI assistants. Imagine smarter digital avatars that don’t just talk but engage visually and contextually, delivering personalized tutoring, streamlined customer service, and even real estate tours.Along the way, the conversation goes deep: they discuss the pyramid of engagement from text to voice to fully visual interaction, and what the next generation of AI means for education, accessibility, and the way we connect with each other. Dr. Becker offers insights from his research on multimodal AI and reflects on the very philosophical questions these new technologies raise—like authenticity, connection, and the future of what we call “real.”Whether you’re curious about the engineering magic behind lifelike avatars, the ethical dilemmas of AI interviews, or how technology is reshaping the learning experience, this episode is a fascinating look at where artificial intelligence—and humanity—are headed next.Strap in, update your firmware, and get ready to stay Data Driven.ESelf Website: https://www.eself.ai/TimeStamps00:00 "Exploring AI with Dr. Becker"05:49 Accessibility Drives eSelf's Innovation Journey06:58 Advanced Voice Interaction Evolution11:33 Personalized Tutoring via Multimodal AI14:33 AI in Sci-Fi and Real Life16:21 Understanding Users Via Encoding Algorithms19:44 Digital Twin to AI Avatars Transition23:14 AI Misunderstandings Due to Background Noise27:19 AI's Role in Job Interviews32:36 Nvidia Tool Alters Eye Contact35:15 AI-Human Communication Blur38:31 Reality and Gaming Perception Debate41:51 Influencer Reality vs. Perception44:45 Identity and Authenticity Dilemma48:30 "Influencer's Authenticity vs. Flashiness"53:22 Fake Celeb Math Explainer TikToks56:10 "AI's Future: Human-Like Interaction"57:07 Data-Driven Focus

Welcome to another episode of Data Driven—the podcast where we explore the future of technology, one neural network at a time. In this episode, your hosts Frank La Vigne and Bailey are joined by Christopher Newland, Principal AI Technical Marketing Manager at Red Hat, globetrotter, and resident connoisseur of computer flea markets. Together, they embark on a lively journey through the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.You’ll hear tales of racking servers in suburban garages, nostalgic detours through the golden age of CompUSA and cable boxes, and candid reflections on building (and rebuilding) home labs. But it’s not all geek nostalgia. The conversation dives deep into the highly-discussed AI 2027 report—a speculative look at how AI might break free from human control, achieve superintelligence, and fundamentally alter our relationship with technology and society.They unpack the challenges of AI infrastructure, the real-world limits of doomsday predictions, and the growing importance of data privacy and AI sovereignty. It’s a spirited, thought-provoking, and sometimes hilarious ride through past, present, and possible futures of artificial intelligence. So grab your favorite GPU-powered device, settle in, and get ready for a fascinating exploration of what might just send our world delightfully sideways by 2027!Time Stamps00:00 "AI 2027: Future Unplugged"05:47 Nvidia DGX Spark: AI Desktop Revolution09:42 "Experienced Workers Elevate Retail Experience"11:41 Early PC Build Challenges17:00 Supply Chain Management Challenges19:35 Garage Tech Showcase Challenges23:22 AI Deception and Arms Race24:34 Robotics Future and AI Manpower29:15 Concerns with 2027 AI Report32:41 Balancing Regulation and Free Market37:04 "Theoretical Limits of AI Models"38:32 "AI Sovereignty Discussion"43:03 "Stay Curious, Stay Data Driven"

 In this episode, host Frank La Vigne is joined by Amir Berman, VP of Industry Transformation at Buildots, to explore how AI, computer vision, and cutting-edge analytics are revolutionizing the construction industry. Forget everything you thought you knew about dusty blueprints and endless delays—Amir shares how technology is helping build smarter, safer, and more efficient job sites. From real-time progress tracking with 360° cameras to predictive analytics that keep billion-dollar projects on schedule, this conversation uncovers how digital transformation is reshaping one of the world’s oldest industries. Whether you’re a tech fanatic, data enthusiast, or just curious about how skyscrapers go from chaos to code, this episode builds a compelling case for the power of AI in construction. Grab your virtual safety goggles—let’s get hands-on with the future of building.Linkshttps://buildots.com/http://thedatadrivenbook.com/Timestamps00:00 Construction's Digital Transformation Insights09:15 Tech Vendors: Respect Contractors' Limits14:23 "Technology Enhances Construction Oversight"17:03 "Rewiring Minds: Tech Enhances Performance"27:25 Predictive Analytics Exposes Construction Delays28:19 Proactive Problem-Solving in Construction38:31 Tech-Enhanced Workforce Retention Strategy40:28 AI for Pipeline Problem Mitigation45:14 "From Flash to Data Analytics"52:24 The Innovator's Dilemma Explained54:56 Embracing AI After Windows Mobile Flop01:00:29 "Smart Construction with Computer Vision"

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!Timestamps00:00 "AI: Your Strategic Cofounder"05:26 Strategic Leadership with AI07:35 "Focusing on 20% High-Impact Tasks"11:07 AI Strategies for Debt Restructuring13:28 AI in Negotiations: Role Play Insights19:01 Mentor in Your Pocket21:52 "Imaginary Advisory Board"25:17 "Starting AI: First Domino Approach"28:33 Coaching Corporate Growth Strategy31:51 Interactive Knowledge Experience35:06 "Becoming an AI-Driven Leader"38:54 "Visionary Super Connector"43:06 Leadership Beyond Technology47:11 Rethinking AI and Strategic Questions49:26 "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.Key TakeawaysEarly 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.Timestamps00:00 Interview with Jacob Levrich05:59 Journey into Game Programming06:43 "Pursuing Fast Video Game Code"10:23 Data Processing and Power Efficiency16:11 Snowflake's Transformative Database Approach19:18 Journey to Data Management Industry21:37 Data Products: Solving Core Challenges27:07 Early Web Log Analysis Techniques28:57 Consolidating Data for Efficiency33:23 Specialized Tools and Context Switching35:43 Unique Dual-Expertise in Tech38:58 User-Centric Business Strategies42:13 IP Data Analysis in Cloud47:23 Electricity Transport Upsets Local Farms48:25 Shift to Parallel Computing52:10 Hardware Specialization & Software Optimization57:32 "Stay Data Driven"

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.Moments00:00 Monte Carlo: Data Reliability Innovator05:45 "Data & AI Observability Engineering"09:42 Data Industry's Growing Importance12:00 Cereal Supply Chain Data Optimization16:03 Data Observability and Lineage19:29 GenAI Uncertainties and Latency Concerns23:17 "Human Oversight in AI Accuracy"24:12 Data Observability and Human Role28:01 Adapting to Customer Language33:29 Data and Security Management Alignment35:20 Data Reliability and Observability Challenges38:17 Automated Code Analysis Tool Launch42:29 Data-Inspired Childhood44:12 Passionate About Impactful Work48:52 LinkedIn Security Concerns Highlighted53:19 "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: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.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.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.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.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.Moments00:00 Three Decades of Digital Transformation05:27 Microsoft's Digital Transformation Dominance09:37 Microsoft's Cloud Integration Advantage13:22 Red Hat AI's Open Source Approach15:33 Microsoft Fabric's Multi-Cloud Integration Strategy20:01 "Custom Solutions for Complex Queries"21:39 Content Creation Efficiency Unlocked26:38 Sales Role Dependency Reduction Tool30:06 Agentic AI and Workflow Transformation33:29 "Beyond Basic Automation"35:05 AI's Impact on Business Expansion39:58 Data-Driven Problem Solving Impact41:58 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.Time stamps00:00 "Data Driven: AI & CIO Insights"04:32 CIO's Role in AI Evolution06:50 CIO's Evolving Role with AI11:43 "Embracing Data Democratization"16:24 Democratizing Data Access19:33 "AI Investment and Optimization Cycle"20:55 AI Enhances Tool Configuration Guidance24:42 Breaking Free from Vendor Lock-In27:41 "Unleashing Shadow AI and Technical Debt"31:53 Digital Performance Essential for All Industries34:01 Data Privacy Concerns in AI Use37:30 AI Democratization Challenges for Enterprises42:15 AI Transforming Business Processes43:55 Data-Driven Career Journey47:13 "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.Moments00:00 "Interview with AI Expert Lillian Pearson"04:18 Earning a Professional Engineering License09:21 Evolution of Data Science Disciplines11:08 Career Pivot to Success14:01 Data Strategy and AI Insights19:19 Marketing's Role in Product Growth21:58 Customer Advocacy in Product Development26:16 Exploring AI for Content Automation28:28 OpenAI Trained on My Style30:51 Frank's Podcast Automation Expansion33:22 "Delegation vs. Self-Management Discussion"37:45 Decoupled, Resilient System Communication41:57 Clay-Powered Decision Tech Critique45:41 AI Is Essential in Business49:09 Debating with ChatGPT's Perspectives50:23 Google AI: Generative Podcast Tool56:11 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!Show Notes00:00 35 Years of UI/UX Innovation06:35 "Simplicity, Beauty, and Conversational AI"15:29 Enhancing User Trust Through Transparency19:52 AI-Driven Learning and OKR Management26:20 Kids Reflecting Tech Evolution27:12 "AI in Future Work Environments"33:14 "Data-Driven Leadership and Team Alignment"38:44 Entrepreneurship Beyond Grinding48:19 Contextual Understanding in AI Assistants51:57 Overprotected Generation's Communication Challenges54:55 Generational Impact of Pandemics01:00:47 "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.Show Notes00:00 Arjun Patel: Bridging AI & Education04:39 Traditional NLP and Geometric Models08:40 Co-occurrence and Meaning in Text13:14 Masked Language Modeling Success16:50 Understanding Tokenization in AI Models18:12 "Understanding Large Language Models"22:43 Instruction-Following vs Few-Shot Learning26:43 "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 Technology46:57 Mathematical Complexity in Origami Design50:32 "Data, AI, and Origami Insights"

 In today's episode, we're thrilled to have Niv Braun, co-founder and CEO of Noma Security, join us as we tackle some pressing issues in AI security.With the rapid adoption of generative AI technologies, the landscape of data security is evolving at breakneck speed. We'll explore the increasing need to secure systems that handle sensitive AI data and pipelines, the rise of AI security careers, and the looming threats of adversarial attacks, model "hallucinations," and more. Niv will share his insights on how companies like Noma Security are working tirelessly to mitigate these risks without hindering innovation.We'll also dive into real-world incidents, such as compromised open-source models and the infamous PyTorch breach, to illustrate the critical need for improved security measures. From the importance of continuous monitoring to the development of safer formats and the adoption of a zero trust approach, this episode is packed with valuable advice for organizations navigating the complex world of AI security.So, whether you're a data scientist, AI engineer, or simply an enthusiast eager to learn more about the intersection of AI and security, this episode promises to offer a wealth of information and practical tips to help you stay ahead in this rapidly changing field. Tune in and join the conversation as we uncover the state of AI security and what it means for the future of technology.Quotable Moments00:00 Security spotlight shifts to data and AI.03:36 Protect against misconfigurations, adversarial attacks, new risks.09:17 Compromised model with undetectable data leaks.12:07 Manual parsing needed for valid, malicious code detection.15:44 Concerns over Agiface models may affect jobs.20:00 Combines self-developed and third-party AI models.20:55 Ensure models don't use sensitive or unauthorized data.25:55 Zero Trust: mindset, philosophy, implementation, security framework.30:51 LLM attacks will have significantly higher impact.34:23 Need better security awareness, exposed secrets risk.35:50 Be organized with visibility and governance.39:51 Red teaming for AI security and safety.44:33 Gen AI primarily used by consumers, not businesses.47:57 Providing model guardrails and runtime protection services.50:53 Ensure flexible, configurable architecture for varied needs.52:35 AI, security, innovation discussed by Niamh Braun.

In this livestream, Frank and Andy discuss the timeless nature of backend enterprise tech, that, much like a Christmas special from decades ago, is still very much celebrated.Moments00:00 Exploring SSIS future in a festive episode.08:28 Data engineering evolved from business intelligence systems.10:57 Social networks project before Facebook's popularity.19:19 SSIS training informed data engineering concepts teaching.24:56 Bill Gates moved project to immature Microsoft tooling.29:10 Data engineering possible in 2024 using T-SQL.35:23 Huge cloud companies surpass previous brick-and-mortar giants.40:10 Old technologies endure; misconceptions about their age.46:03 Evaluate change benefits: technical ease, business growth.52:30 Cloud departure interests rise, SSIS assistance sought.55:47 Big government agency utilizing diverse cloud platforms.01:00:59 Security is crucial; clients' preferences vary.01:08:56 Certification issues hinder software updates and compliance.01:10:02 People stick with older systems for reasons.01:15:15 Proper GPU driver drastically improved loading time.01:22:16 Repost increased engagement and communication with author.01:25:45 Data scientists should learn SQL for simplicity.01:31:06 Obsolete systems cause issues without quotes.