Data Driven

Welcome back to Data Driven, the podcast where we dive deep into the evolving worlds of data science, business intelligence, and artificial intelligence. In this episode, host Frank La Vigne sits down with Rob Collie, CEO of P3 Adaptive and a former Microsoft engineer, to explore the remarkable journey from Excel’s foundational role in data-driven workplaces to the transformative power of Power BI—and now, to the unfolding impact of AI in business.Rob shares captivating stories from his time on the Excel and Power BI teams at Microsoft, offering insider perspectives on how these tools revolutionized the way organizations work with data. Together, Frank and Rob discuss the critical role of expert stewardship in products like Excel, the complexity hidden beneath familiar interfaces, and the challenges traditional BI faced before the rise of more accessible, user-centric solutions.The conversation then turns to the cutting edge, unpacking what generative AI and large language models mean for the future of data, and why business intelligence might just be the best starting point for companies aiming to embrace AI. Whether you’re a data engineer, AI enthusiast, or business leader, this episode is packed with insights on how mastering data remains the foundation for all technological progress. Join us as we look backward and forward at what it really means to be data driven.LinksRob on LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/robcollie/Fair Game: Customizing AI to Your Business Is Easier Than You Think -https://link.amazon/B0bgySLKyGet a free Audiobook on Us -https://www.audible.com/ep/creator?afsrc=1&source_code=PDTGBPD060314004RTime Stamps00:00 Interview with Rob Collie06:38 Managing Excel's core development team08:28 Learning Excel's Complexity12:15 Discovering Power BI at Microsoft15:12 Understanding and using SSAS MDX formula20:23 Making Power BI user-friendly23:29 AI exceeding expectations for crafters26:21 Founding and evolving P3 company28:05 AI model advancements and business impact32:34 LLM memory limitations35:11 Integrating AI into consulting business40:21 Challenges with training AI chatbots41:24 Understanding AI without going deep46:56 AI improves business intelligence48:34 AI enhancing business intelligence51:53 Why LLMs succeed where CPUs fail54:29 Core skills in tech evolution

Welcome to another episode of Impact Quantum, where we explore the cutting edge of quantum computing and emerging technologies reshaping our world.Today, co-hosts Frank La Vigne and Candace Gillhoolley sit down with Vivek Raghunathan, co-founder of Xscape Photonics, to delve into the revolutionary intersection of photonics, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. From comparing the astounding power efficiency of the human brain to today's AI clusters, to discussing how multicolor lasers could unlock massive advancements in data center performance and sustainability, Vivek shares how his company is tackling the growing power demands of AI by reimagining the future of hardware.We’ll hear why the traditional focus on faster processors is giving way to a new era where the speed and efficiency of inter-chip communication—powered by light, not electricity—becomes the key to smarter, greener computing.Tune in as we decode the transformation of data center architecture, explore the practical and philosophical implications of merging photonics and electronics, and peek into how today’s innovations lay the foundation for tomorrow’s quantum breakthroughs.Whether you’re a seasoned technologist or just quantum-curious, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!LinksVivek on LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivek-raghunathan-8228913a/XScape Photonics -https://www.xscapephotonics.com/Watch on YouTube -https://youtu.be/NcXWZyPuyqETime Stamps00:00 Discussing Montreal weather transition05:04 AI efficiency and power use10:14 Advancing data transfer on copper wires11:31 Copper vs. fiber optics limits17:13 Optical cables replacing copper wires20:36 Quantum computing and comb lasers24:32 Integrating electronics and photonics27:40 AI efficiency and energy consumption31:54 Photonics on 12-inch wafers33:39 Analog computation basics37:50 Transition to photonic computing42:24 Data center strategy discussions45:32 NVIDIA's holistic system design approach47:05 High-bandwidth cluster discussion51:31 Reducing data center power consumption53:42 Candace and Frank on podcasts

In this episode, Frank La Vigne sits down with Sandeep Pauddar, Head of Digital Trust at DQS, to explore the fast-evolving world of digital trust, compliance, and data security. From the growing complexities of global regulations, to the increasing intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and enterprise risk, Sandeep Pauddar shares real-world stories—including personal experiences with AI-driven phishing—and breaks down how organizations can foster a security-aware culture. Whether you're leading a startup or a global enterprise, tune in for actionable insights on building digital trust, navigating the compliance landscape, and why organizational leadership plays a crucial role in keeping data secure.LinksSandeep on LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandeep-pauddar/DQS Global -https://www.dqsglobal.com/Extreme Ownership -https://amzn.to/4zZRiH8Get a Free Audible Book -https://www.audible.com/ep/creator?afsrc=1&source_code=PDTGBPD060314004RWatch on YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dF4D5hYM7YwTime Stamps00:00 Introduction and guest welcome05:00 AI data security in various industries06:44 Department collaboration on AI and compliance10:58 Information security standards overview14:23 Balancing Innovation and Standardization18:14 Navigating global AI regulations22:14 Regulatory advice for startup founders25:33 Discussing common patterns in failures28:24 Discussing link metadata in apps33:09 Security threats and personal story37:11 Challenges in adopting security systems38:32 Insurance and breach response policies43:21 Promoting Extreme Ownership on Audible45:01 Finding more about Claude Academy

Welcome back to another episode of Data Driven! This time, hosts Andy Leonard and Frank La Vigne sit down with Jim Spignardo, Director of Cloud Strategy and AI Enablement at ProArch, to explore the transformative role of AI and data engineering in critical industries. From the challenges of bringing modern AI solutions into traditional sectors like power generation and manufacturing, to the real-world impact of tools like Copilot, this episode dives deep into automation, return on investment, and the importance of outcome-driven technology adoption.Along the way, Jim Spignardo shares hands-on stories and key lessons learned, such as how modernization happens gradually in high-stakes environments, and why ROI modeling and project management are crucial to successful innovation. Whether you’re curious about Azure AI Foundry or the future of workplace automation, this is an episode packed with practical insights and tales from the cutting edge of AI implementation.LinksJim on LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/spignardo/Watch on YouTube -https://youtu.be/XBDpsi4f0YYTime Stamps00:00 ROI Journey with Copilot04:57 Building with Azure AI Foundry08:23 Implementing AI for Power Plants12:22 Discussing 19.2K networks in power plants14:00 Ensuring data security in devices17:59 Cloud integration for IT operations23:30 Discussing RPO, RTO, and ROI modeling24:48 Switching from hobbyist to manufacturing30:15 Introducing our AI platform Vector34:34 AI Spend and ROI Dashboard36:47 Improving meeting notes integration40:48 AI in Manufacturing for Troubleshooting45:41 Managing AI Tool Adoption47:51 Tracking ROI and user intensity52:03 Consulting firms spotting product chances55:17 Increasing delivery speed with AI56:55 Automating the house routine

In this episode, hosts Frank La Vigne and Andy Leonard sit down with Lawrence Snapp, CEO and board member of TrustScale, an innovative AI trust and verification platform. Together, they explore the crucial topic of trust in artificial intelligence—how hallucinations from AI models can spiral out of control and why it’s essential to catch them early. Lawrence Snapp pulls back the curtain on TrustScale’s journey from early AI and translation work in the 1980s and call center solutions, to its modern-day mission: empowering humans to verify and trust AI outputs with products like Argus. You’ll hear about real-world impacts in fields like healthcare, legal, and research, learn how TrustScale’s deterministic engine outpaces humans in hallucination detection, and dive into debates around truth, trustworthiness, and the future of configuring AI values. Whether you’re an industry veteran or just curious about how we build trustworthy AI, this episode is packed with insights on technology, responsibility, and the power of rigorous engineering.LinksWatch on YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjM7lxn3Qk8Lawrence on LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-snapp-408339/Time Stamps00:00 Funny AI-generated story03:37 Company's Evolution from Translation to AI07:32 Developing the TrustScale engine11:35 Using AI for collaboration13:39 Building a trust scoring system18:12 Working at BASF and AI testing19:32 New developments in voice assistants23:41 Trust scale and company confidence26:13 AI mishap in medical drama32:48 Overcoming AI recency and cost challenges36:54 AI's impact on career growth38:50 Interviewing and developing talent43:31 Starting with Polaroids and AI goals46:54 Discussing TrustScale and AI interactions50:42 Empowering AI customization for users51:45 AI ethics discussion in Los Altos