Field Notes: Six Data Trends We're Seeing Everywhere with Tim Gasper & Juan Sequeda

Hugo Bowne-Anderson, Independent Data & AI Scientist, joins us to tackle why most AI applications fail to make it past the demo stage. We'll explore his concept of Evaluation-Driven Development (EDD) and how treating evaluation as a continuous process—not just a final step—can help teams escape "Proof-of-Concept Purgatory." How can we build AI applications that remain reliable and adaptable over time? What shifts are happening as boundaries between data, ML, and product development collapse? From practical testing approaches to monitoring strategies, this episode offers essential insights for anyone looking to create AI applications that deliver genuine business value beyond the initial excitement.

Hala Nelson, Professor of Mathematics and Author of "Essential Math for AI", explores how digital twin technology and AI deployments are reshaping organizational systems while challenging conventional wisdom. We will also discuss establishing a new "standard of care" in human-centered engineering and examine how these technological shifts are transforming the workforce. Join us as we untangle real-world AI implementation strategies that prioritize both technological innovation and human experience.

Hala Nelson, Professor of Mathematics and Author of "Essential Math for AI", explores how digital twin technology and AI deployments are reshaping organizational systems while challenging conventional wisdom. We will also discuss establishing a new "standard of care" in human-centered engineering and examine how these technological shifts are transforming the workforce. Join us as we untangle real-world AI implementation strategies that prioritize both technological innovation and human experience.

Patrick Cuba, Snowflake Architect, explores the fundamental connections between Data Modeling, Data Vault, and Knowledge Graphs—revealing how these approaches all center on the same core elements: business entities, their relationships, and their historical states. Patrick unpacks why, despite the AI revolution, human expertise remains irreplaceable for accountability and real business value. If you're wrestling with cognitive overload in the face of data explosion or wondering how different modeling disciplines can complement each other, this episode delivers the practical insights you need.

Patrick Cuba, Snowflake Architect, explores the fundamental connections between Data Modeling, Data Vault, and Knowledge Graphs—revealing how these approaches all center on the same core elements: business entities, their relationships, and their historical states. Patrick unpacks why, despite the AI revolution, human expertise remains irreplaceable for accountability and real business value. If you're wrestling with cognitive overload in the face of data explosion or wondering how different modeling disciplines can complement each other, this episode delivers the practical insights you need.

Tim and Juan meet in person with Jean-Georges Perrin for a longer-than-usual episode. Together, they unpack the real meaning behind data contracts, explaining how these agreements serve as the backbone for successful data products and the practical framework for data mesh implementation. If you want to cut through all the jargon and buzzwords and get to an Honest, No-BS discussion, this is the episode for you!

Tim and Juan meet in person with Jean-Georges Perrin for a longer-than-usual episode. Together, they unpack the real meaning behind data contracts, explaining how these agreements serve as the backbone for successful data products and the practical framework for data mesh implementation. If you want to cut through all the jargon and buzzwords and get to an Honest, No-BS discussion, this is the episode for you!

Frances O'Rafferty, Senior Manager at Baringa, explore sthe critical gap between data-driven aspirations and decision-making reality. While many organizations claim to be "data-driven," leaders often revert to gut instinct when making crucial decisions. We'll examine how fragmented data experiences erode confidence and how a user-centric approach that brings together data, metadata, quality metrics, and lineage in one place can build the foundation of trust necessary for truly data-driven decision making. Frances shares practical insights on creating holistic data experiences that empower everyone across the organization to trust in their data and make confident, fact-based decisions.

Frances O'Rafferty, Senior Manager at Baringa, explore sthe critical gap between data-driven aspirations and decision-making reality. While many organizations claim to be "data-driven," leaders often revert to gut instinct when making crucial decisions. We'll examine how fragmented data experiences erode confidence and how a user-centric approach that brings together data, metadata, quality metrics, and lineage in one place can build the foundation of trust necessary for truly data-driven decision making. Frances shares practical insights on creating holistic data experiences that empower everyone across the organization to trust in their data and make confident, fact-based decisions.

Join Juan and Tim as they welcome special guests Krystin Kim (VP of Data & Analytics at Post Holdings) and Mary Lou Pirrera (Senior Manager of Data Management and Governance at The Campbell's Company) fresh from their panel at the Gartner Data & Analytics Summit 2025. They'll have an Honest, No-BS discussion on making data catalog and governance work in the real world while sharing key themes and actionable insights from one of the year's most influential data conferences.