Insights Tomorrow

On today's episode of Insights Tomorrow, Patrick LeBlanc is joined by Wangui McKelvey, who leads product marketing for Microsoft's data analytics portfolio. Wangui highlights the transformative impact of AI on marketing, especially in boosting productivity by speeding up the creative process. She reflects on major product launches she has been part of, including IBM Security, Windows 365, and Microsoft Fabric. The conversation also touches on the potential future of AI integration and overcoming customer hesitancy towards adopting AI innovations.   In this episode you’ll learn:        How AI and data technologies are significantly improving productivity in marketing The importance of having a supportive network and mentors in career development AI tools like Microsoft's CoPilot are revolutionizing the way marketers develop presentations   Some questions we ask:       What are some lesser-known tools marketers should consider for their work? How can marketers stay updated with the latest tools and technologies in their field? What are some tools and software marketers use to boost productivity?   Resources:    View Wangui McKelvey on LinkedIn    View Patrick LeBlanc on LinkedIn                Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of Insights Tomorrow, Patrick LeBlanc is joined by Scott Hanselman, VP of Developer Community at Microsoft. Patrick and Scott discuss Scott’s background in technology, starting with a pivotal moment when his parents sold their van to buy him a Commodore 64 based on his teacher's recommendation. They talk about the importance of fundamentals in tech, staying updated with evolving technology, the impact of open source, and motivating people in tech communities. Scott emphasizes the value of returning to basics and using technology to empower others.   In this episode you’ll learn:        The complexities of balancing work and personal life while managing a tech team Privilege and responsibility of being an educator in the tech community Impact of open source and motivating people in tech communities   Some questions we ask:       Has Microsoft influenced your views on tech or software development? What drives your passion for engaging with and growing the tech community? What's one piece of advice you would give to someone aspiring to start a career in tech?   Resources:    View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn    View Patrick LeBlanc on LinkedIn                Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of Insights Tomorrow, Patrick LeBlanc is joined by Melissa LaVarnway, a cybersecurity generalist at Microsoft. Melissa discusses her extensive experience in cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of security in today's digital world. She highlights the need for individuals to protect their personal information online and for organizations to secure their data. Melissa and Patrick also touch on various security measures, such as two-factor authentication and encryption, and stress the importance of security in different industries like financial services, healthcare, and manufacturing.    In this episode you’ll learn:        The benefits of transitioning to cloud-based systems Maintaining control and managing costs while ensuring security Challenges posed by international laws and regulations    Some questions we ask:       What strategies can small organizations employ to enhance their cybersecurity posture? How can organizations mitigate risks associated with storing and processing data? What ethics must companies consider when handling data?   Resources:    View Melissa LaVarnway on LinkedIn    View Patrick LeBlanc on LinkedIn                Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Insights Tomorrow, Patrick LeBlanc is joined by James Serra, Data & AI Solution Architect at Microsoft. The conversation delves into data ingestion best practices, including documenting data sources, considering future needs, and addressing challenges in integrating data from disparate sources. James stresses the complexity of data warehousing and the absence of an "easy button" solution, emphasizing the need for thorough planning and understanding of the data landscape. James and Patrick’s discussion provides insights into the complexities of data architectures and the importance of strategic planning and knowledge in navigating them effectively.     In this episode you’ll learn:        The importance of well-defined data architectures for organizations  Different approaches to data processing and their impact on architecture Data governance and its role in ensuring data quality, security, and compliance   Some questions we ask:       How do you stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in data architecture? What is your experience with data modeling and database design? Can you discuss a challenging data integration project you've worked on?   Resources:    View James Serra on LinkedIn   View Patrick LeBlanc on LinkedIn                Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of Insights Tomorrow, Patrick LeBlanc and Bob Ward, Principal Architect for Microsoft SQL, join the show to discuss Bob's career journey. Starting from his college days, working on C programming against mainframe databases, and later specializing in database products like Ingress and Oracle, Bob shares his transition to Microsoft. He details joining the technical support team for SQL Server when internet and email were absent, relying on phone and fax communication. The conversation delves into the challenges of transitioning from on-premises databases to SQL and VM in Azure. Bob and Patrick touch on performance concerns and how the cloud has both eased and retained some challenges. They emphasize the importance of query tuning and performance monitoring in virtual machines or a platform-as-a-service environment, highlighting how certain classic SQL practices still apply.   In this episode you’ll learn:        Working in tech support for SQL Server in the absence of internet and email Insights into the evolution of SQL Server highlighting key changes and advancements Challenges transitioning from on-premises databases to SQL and VM in Azure   Some questions we ask:       How do certain classic SQL practices still apply in the modern cloud environment? When did you transition from a developer to specializing in SQL Server at Microsoft? How did SQL Server's shift from on-premises to the cloud?   Resources:    View Bob Ward on LinkedIn  View Patrick LeBlanc on LinkedIn  Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of Insights Tomorrow, Patrick LeBlanc and the Global Chief Technology Officer for Education at Microsoft, Serena Sacks-Mandel, discuss technology initiatives that empower organizations, students, and teachers to use Microsoft platforms and tools. The conversation delves into Serena's role as the CTO at Microsoft, where she discusses her function at the intersection of sales, marketing, and engineering, influencing product development and sales strategy. Patrick and Serena chat about the significance of data analytics in education, Microsoft's role in shaping global education, and the inclusive tools within Microsoft Teams for Education.    In this episode you’ll learn:        The importance of data analytics and education solutions Global integration of Microsoft 365 and Teams in educational institutions Microsoft's three primary goals for AI in education   Some questions we ask:       What products have been impactful in driving Microsoft's role in education? How has Microsoft made its technology more accessible to students? What do you see as the future of Microsoft influencing global education?  Resources:    View Serena Sacks-Mandel on LinkedIn View Patrick LeBlanc on LinkedIn                Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of Insights Tomorrow, Patrick LeBlanc and Chief Operating Officer of Egnite, Jessica Neufeld, discuss her work at a digital healthcare company dedicated to improving cardiovascular patient care by applying artificial intelligence and big data to produce business intelligence for healthcare, elevating the role of data in critical decisions. Jessica leads the company's operations, new business development, marketing, medical affairs, and strategic planning. Patrick and Jessica also speak about the current state of AI adoption in healthcare, the challenges healthcare organizations face, and the role of technology in improving patient care.    In this episode you’ll learn:        The use of AI in predicting disease progression Success stories of AI implementation in healthcare Emerging trends in AI and business intelligence for the healthcare industry   Some questions we ask:       How is AI currently being utilized in the healthcare industry? What challenges do healthcare organizations face in adopting AI? How do you overcome skepticism when introducing new technologies?  Resources:    View Jessica Neufeld on LinkedIn View Patrick LeBlanc on LinkedIn                Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of Insights Tomorrow, Patrick LeBlanc and Chief Product and Innovation Officer Shivani Stumpf discuss her role in shaping the product direction and strategy for one of the largest education technology providers in the world. Power School serves 50 million students across 90+ countries, with a significant presence in the United States. Patrick and Shivani also talk about what personalized learning means in the context of education, how AI is currently being used at Power School to tailor the learning experience for students, and the challenges faced by educators and institutions in implementing AI, from securing sensitive student data, dealing with ransomware threats, the rapid evolution of technology, and more.   In this episode, you’ll learn:        How to ethically introduce AI into the ecosystem of different school districts Best practices for educators who are interested in integrating AI into their classrooms The need to understand students holistically to personalize education pathways   Some questions we ask:       What role do teachers play in this AI-driven personal learning environment? How will parents benefit from this new AI process in schools? What developments or trends in the field of educational AI are you excited about?    Resources:    View Shivani Stumpf on LinkedIn View Patrick LeBlanc on LinkedIn  Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of Insights Tomorrow, Patrick LeBlanc and Partner Director of Products with the Cloud and AI organization at Microsoft, Wee Hyong, discuss his journey into the tech and data field, the importance of infusing AI into products to provide value differentiation, and how technology has evolved over the years to offer no-code and low-code interfaces for data integration.    In this episode you’ll learn:        How data integration has evolved at Microsoft Potential AI capabilities coming to Data Factory and Power Query The evolution of Power Query and how it has become a powerful ETL tool    Some questions we ask:       When did you transition into AI, and what led you to that field? How has the process of data integration evolved at Microsoft? Can you explain modern data and the infusion of data integration technologies?   Guest bio    Wee Hyong is a highly accomplished leader in Data and AI, boasting a stellar track record of steering multi-million dollar enterprises to enduring dominance within their respective industries. Throughout his illustrious career, Wee Hyong has adorned numerous hats, having excelled as a developer, a seasoned product manager, a data scientist, an innovative researcher, and a trusted technical advisor. Furthermore, he has penned over 10 authoritative books on Data and AI. These diverse and rich professional experiences have endowed him with a distinct set of stills, enabling him to conquer some of the world's most intricate and challenging technological enigmas.   Resources:    View Wee Hyong on LinkedIn View Patrick LeBlanc on LinkedIn                Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of Insights Tomorrow, Patrick LeBlanc and Chief Information Officer at Advanced Sterilization Products, Rajeev Bhardwaj, discuss what organizational culture means, its importance in influencing an organization's performance, and common signs that indicate the need for a shift or change in an organization's culture. The conversation also examines different methods when handling resistance to culture change and how the digital age, remote work, and technology have impacted organizational culture.   In this episode you’ll learn:        Different techniques and strategies for influencing culture Ethical considerations when influencing culture within organizations How organizations can maintain and sustain a positive culture over time   Some questions we ask:       What benefits will AI provide when trying to improve performance or culture? How do you handle resistance to culture change within an organization? What are some common signs that an organization's culture needs to change?   Resources:    View Rajeev Bhardwaj on LinkedIn View Patrick LeBlanc on LinkedIn                Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode of Insights Tomorrow, Patrick LeBlanc and guest Kim Manis discuss the importance of balance and prioritization in both personal and professional lives. As the Director of Product, Microsoft Fabric & Power BI, Kim shares her experience in leading global teams, inspiring interns, driving success for innovative solutions, and saving space for the things she loves.  In this episode you’ll learn:      Kim's approach to mentoring and cultivating leadership within her remote teamHow the Power BI team determines which features to prioritizeWhy managing interns is a valuable experience for building managerial skills Some questions we ask:     What is the best way to balance work and personal life?How do you find the right people for different positions in a team?What specific features and capabilities of Power BI do you find most valuable? Guest bio Kim Manis is Microsoft's Partner Director of Product Management, Azure Synapse Analytics, and Power BI. Before her time on the Synapse & Power BI teams, Kim worked on various products, including productivity software, social networks, and online retail. Kim's deep understanding of Power BI drives its success through strategic planning, project management, and team collaboration. Resources:   View Kim Manis on LinkedIn View Patrick LeBlanc on LinkedIn             Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The data landscape is changing constantly, and as an expert in the space, our host Patrick LeBlanc is helping to document these changes and keep global data leaders updated on the latest developments and technologies. In this special episode of Insights Tomorrow, Product Marketing Manager Swetha Mannepalli interviews the interviewer, asking Patrick about his favorite moments from the podcast series and his predictions for what's coming in data and AI.     In this episode you’ll learn:        How Microsoft Fabric differs from other cloud computing solutions Why it's important to have people in IT eager to learn and adapt When to exercise caution and awareness while working with AI.   Some questions we ask:       How is Microsoft Fabric different compared to everything within our data platform? Where are we going towards in the data warehouse space? Why is governance considered crucial in today's data-driven world?    Guest bio    Patrick LeBlanc is a Principal Program Manager at Microsoft and a contributing partner to Guy in a Cube. Along with his 15+ years of experience in IT, he holds a Master of Science degree from Louisiana State University. He is the author and co-author of five SQL Server books. Before joining Microsoft, he was awarded the Microsoft MVP award for his contributions to the community. Patrick is a regular speaker at many SQL Server conferences and community events.   Resources:    View Patrick LeBlanc on LinkedIn View Swetha Mannepalli on LinkedIn    Related Microsoft podcasts:                Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Through actively incorporating the feedback of internal field sellers, engineers, and customers, Microsoft has been able to make huge strides in the development and success of the Power BI solution. Now with the introduction of Microsoft Fabric, another exciting shift is happening in the world of analytics. In this episode of Insights Tomorrow, Arun Ulag discusses his journey from being a field seller, through evolutions in Power BI, to the recent launch of the unified analytics solution, Microsoft Fabric. Arun also shares his insight and predictions for what lies ahead in this ever-evolving data and analytics landscape.   In this episode you’ll learn:        What factors contributed to the growth of the Power BI community Main challenges for customers in the data and AI landscape The complexity of managing various tools and technologies   Some questions we ask:       What excites you the most about Microsoft Fabric from a feature perspective? Can you share the concept behind Microsoft Fabric? What potential benefits can we expect from integrating data and analytics tools?   Guest bio    As the Corporate Vice President of Azure Data, Arun leads all data technologies for Microsoft, including databases, analytics, data integration, messaging, and business intelligence. Arun held worldwide accountability for growing Microsoft's SQL Server business with enterprise customers. Arun and his team consistently grew the multi-billion SQL Server business faster than other large database and business intelligence vendors during the four years he served in this role. He also founded Think Business Networks, Inc., a specialized network management software vendor based out of Silicon Valley. Arun grew the company profitably to over 60 employees for six years before selling his stake and heading to Stanford for his MS in Management.  Resources:    View Arun Ulag on LinkedIn View Patrick LeBlanc on LinkedIn                Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Accessing data faster, more easily, and in a format of their choice is an increasing priority for business users. In the new Microsoft Fabric unified ecosystem, data warehousing, data lakehouses, and data marts coexist to enable users to choose how they analyze and work with data at scale. Priya Sathy shares insights into the future of data marts, the role data warehouses play, and what you can expect from Microsoft Fabric in the coming years.      In this episode you’ll learn:        What we can expect the future of Data Marts to look like The flexibility Microsoft Fabric provides when working with your data What we can expect in the next few years from Microsoft Fabric   Some questions we ask:       What is Microsoft fabric? What is your vision for the data warehouse at Microsoft? What new skills are required when working with Microsoft Fabric?   Guest bio:  Priya Sathy brings over 25 years of experience in the data and analytics space. She heads up Microsoft's Azure Synapse SQL and Synapse Data Warehouse in Microsoft Fabric. Her team focuses on building capabilities that meet the needs and complexities of large-scale analytics in enterprises. Before this, Priya was running Enterprise BI in Power BI.   Resources:    View Priya Sathy on LinkedIn View Patrick LeBlanc on LinkedIn                  Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From OLAP to Vertipaq to Power BI, Microsoft has a rich history of innovation and evolution in business intelligence. As data becomes an ever-increasing priority for organizations around the globe, Microsoft is now focused on the future with the launch of Microsoft Fabric, a unified SaaS solution which integrates all your data in one place. Fabric makes data management easier and more accessible for every user who works with data.  In this episode you’ll learn:        How Amir and his team first pitched the idea of what is now Microsoft OLAP Services  What happens when you think about the unevenness of data as a design principle Why you should demo products with things, people have opinions about   Some questions we ask:       How did the transition from OLAP to Vertipaq happen? When is the next great thing coming from Microsoft?  What is Microsoft Fabric, and what will it do for the world of data?    Guest bio  Amir Netz, CTO of Microsoft's Intelligence Platform, including Power BI, Synapse, and more, joins Patrick LeBlanc on this week's episode of Insights Tomorrow. Amir is one of the leading world experts in business intelligence and analytics, holding over 80 patents. He is also the chief architect of Microsoft's BI offerings, including Power BI, Azure Synapse, Azure Data Factory, and more.  Resources:    View Amir Netz on LinkedIn View Patrick LeBlanc on LinkedIn                Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is a term that's synonymous with the world of data. From data inputs that have driven the growth of AI, to the modern applications that can be applied to data models to accelerate time to insights, AI is at the forefront of innovation. But, that hasn't always been the case. Today we're in the midst of a renewed "AI Spring" where we're seeing a resurgence in development and new possibilities we never thought imaginable.     In this episode you’ll learn:        The power of investors when it comes to the future of AI When the first discussions of artificial intelligence started The history behind the “AI Winters.”   Some questions we ask:       What do you think the future of AI is?  How does data mining play a part in the creation of current AI? Is AI actually intelligent, or does it just have a lot of information?    Guest bio    Buck Woody is an Applied Data Scientist on the Azure Data Services team at Microsoft and uses data and technology to solve business and science problems. With over 39 years of professional and practical experience in computer technology, he is also a popular speaker at conferences around the world; the author of over 700 articles and nine books on databases and machine learning, and sits on various Data Science Boards at two US Universities and specializes in advanced data analysis techniques.  Resources:    View Buck Woody on LinkedIn View Patrick LeBlanc on LinkedIn                  Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Having real-time access to secure, accurate data is critical in the healthcare industry. From storage and data integration to enabling governance across all of the systems that rely on sensitive patient information, every aspect of data management must be carefully considered when implementing a cloud strategy. Advancements in technology have made it easier than ever for healthcare professionals to access up-to-date information and gain new insights that can improve patient care.     In this episode you’ll learn:        Why the cloud is so important for medical data How to help ensure healthcare data protection The most valuable information uncovered when analyzing healthcare data   Some questions we ask:       What is it about medical data that surprises you the most? How could advancements in technology help medical data consumption?  What tools help you make medical data accessible to everyone in the organization?   Guest bio  Anders Reinhardt, Senior Director of Business Intelligence and Global IT at Coloplast, joins Patrick LeBlanc on this week's episode of Insights Tomorrow. Anders has supported different business teams with tools and data, from simple upgrades of data platforms to transformations to the cloud. Anders has managed teams of developers, supporters, and sourcing partners working with onshore, nearshore, and offshore teams.   Resources:    View Anders Reinhardt on LinkedIn View Patrick LeBlanc on LinkedIn                  Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every data and analytics leader knows a simple but critical fact: your data is only as good as your governance. It’s essential to have data stewards and well-defined guidelines to keep your data clean, secure, organized, and compliant. But what does good governance look like in a world where data lives everywhere and is constantly changing?   In this episode, you’ll learn:        Why you don't have to design the perfect governance system  How companies should address data fatigue Microsoft's transformation in their governance journey   Some questions we ask:       What is your definition of data governance?  How do you envision the industry proceeding with governance as the culture shifts? Why do we need a governance strategy or implementation?   Guest bio    Erik Zwiefel, Chief Data and Analytics Officer for the Americas, and Cumarran Kaliyaperumal, Chief Data and AI Officer for APAC Sales, join Patrick LeBlanc on this week's episode of Insights Tomorrow.  Erik has spent 18+ years in and around data, including data entry, cleansing, analyzing, and everything in between. He partners with different companies on their data maturity journeys and solves their business problems by applying analytics, machine learning, and data engineering.  Cumarran and his team help transform enterprise clients into thriving, cloud-enabled, data-driven organizations. He partners with C-level and board members at various organizations to look at their data estates holistically and works with them to tackle business, technology, and organizational complexities.    Resources:    View Erik Zwiefel on LinkedIn View Cumarran Kaliyaperumal on LinkedIn View Patrick LeBlanc on LinkedIn                  Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Data modernization refers to the process of upgrading and transforming data systems, infrastructure, and processes to meet the demands of modern data-driven organizations. It involves the adoption of new technologies and techniques to increase data quality, speed, scalability, and agility. To help organizations navigate this complex process, several data modernization patterns have emerged that provide a framework for modernizing data systems.    In this episode, you’ll learn:      The types of challenges that come with building a data warehouse How customers can embrace modernization The challenges an organization may face going on-premises or to the cloud  Some questions we ask:     How does modernization data differ from traditional data warehouses? What are some of the major challenges that customers face today?  Is the data warehouse dead?  Guest bio  Entrepreneur and International Business Management Executive Jeeva Akr leads the Cloud Scale Analytics go-to-market for Microsoft, growing the global sales of Azure Cloud Scale Analytics offerings, including Azure Synapse, Azure Databricks, Azure Stream Analytics, Azure Data Factory, Microsoft Purview, and more. He leads a direct team of sales strategists, program owners, go-to-market leaders, and partner development leaders, providing thought leadership and managing sales execution of the entire global business.   Resources:   Jeeva Akr on LinkedIn Patrick LeBlanc on LinkedIn               Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Organizational alignment on a data strategy is essential to realizing the transformative impact of applying an organization’s data to its fullest potential. This is easier said than done, despite there being a general alignment amongst an organization’s leaders on the transformative opportunities to apply their data. Why is it hard for an organization to align on a data strategy? What are the top-line considerations for an organization’s leadership to avoid or break out of the deadlock states that hinder the acceleration of data value creation? What is the breakthrough path for ‘The Data Strategy Alignment Conundrum’?   In this episode, you’ll learn:      Should we centralize, de-centralize, or federate our data transformation investments? How Karthik built and bootstrapped Microsoft's internal data office The cultural alignment and how to think about connected data The challenges that come with being a data-driven organization  Some questions we ask:     What is data strategy?  What informs the compliance and security requirements that organizations work towards? How can you get data investments to evolve in most organizations? What do we need to do to responsibly accelerate our data value creation opportunities?   Guest bio  General Manager of Enterprise Data at Microsoft, Karthik Ravindran, has delivered a modern cloud-native data and analytics foundation on Microsoft Azure for Microsoft's own digital transformation. He also standardized and scaled enterprise data governance to democratize data and applications responsibly. Leading data transformation engagements with Microsoft, Karthik works with customers and partners on data modernization strategies, architecting a cloud-native data and analytics foundation, and scaling data governance for responsible data democratization.   Resources:   View Karthik Ravindran on LinkedIn View Patrick LeBlanc on LinkedIn                  Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.