Exploring the Collision of AI and DevOps Worlds at KubeCon North America Day Zero

Welcome to a special episode of Data Driven, coming to you from day zero of KubeCon North America 2026 in Salt Lake City. The conversation focused on the evolving intersection between data, AI, and DevOps, with particular attention to the role of Kubernetes and its growing impact on both worlds. A key theme that emerged was the surprising disconnect between traditional data professionals and Kubernetes, even as the technology increasingly underpins cloud data services and AI workloads. The discussion explored how the convergence of DevOps and AI is forcing a new kind of collaboration, raising questions about tooling, infrastructure, and the right skill sets for future enterprise AI platforms. Several points were raised, including the challenges of managing token costs, the need for scalable data solutions, and the importance of creating safe, productive spaces for both infrastructure admins and AI builders. Join us as we dive into the observations and trends shaping the future of data and AI at this year’s KubeCon.LinksWatch the original live stream -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2tZDGLw23o

Welcome to another episode of Data Driven, the podcast where the worlds of artificial intelligence, data science, and data engineering intersect. In this episode, the conversation focused on the crucial role of data quality, automation, and reporting in healthcare analytics.The discussion explored topics such as Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) systems, challenges and strategies in maintaining accurate and reliable data, and the balance between leveraging automation tools like Power BI, Python, and SQL with maintaining compliance and stakeholder trust. Insights were shared on practical data engineering pitfalls, troubleshooting in real-life scenarios, and advice for those starting out in the data field.A key theme that emerged was the importance of human judgment in collaboration with technology, and the necessity of continual learning and curiosity in an ever-evolving industry. Whether you're a seasoned data professional or just beginning your analytics journey, this episode offers practical wisdom and firsthand experiences from the front lines of data-driven decision making.LinksWatch on YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdwFCO4EQbETime Stamps00:00 Tracking and Analyzing Caregiver Timesheets06:26 Collaborating and Automating with BI Tools09:09 Choosing the right data tools12:51 Ensuring Data Quality Standards17:41 AI's role in tech industry19:35 Automating Data Management and Architecture22:56 Setting business requirements for reports28:20 Troubleshooting Power BI time zones31:35 Troubleshooting and career growth journey36:15 Stay curious and keep learning37:53 Wrapping up the show

The conversation focused on the complex realities of deploying AI agents in enterprise environments, moving beyond the hype to examine what these agents should be allowed to do versus what they can do. One concept discussed was the critical importance of defining clear boundaries and authorizations for AI agents—emphasizing that failures often stem from insufficiently thought-out controls rather than the underlying models themselves 02:08.A key theme that emerged was the necessity of human oversight, especially for high-stakes decisions in sectors like healthcare and finance 11:45. The discussion explored evolving practices in agent governance, accountability, and the growing need for transparency as AI systems become increasingly sophisticated and embedded in daily workflows 22:12.Several points were raised, including the risks of over-reliance on AI, the need to maintain auditability, and the consequences of blurring the line between human and AI agency. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly shifting technological landscape, this episode offers practical insights for organizations seeking to harness AI responsibly, while staying alert to new ethical and operational challenges.LinksNitin on LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitingupta-profile/Watch on YouTube -https://youtu.be/2g_AZqLRib8Time Stamps00:00 Challenges in Enterprise AI Agents04:14 Comparing AI tools: Muse vs. GrokBot08:25 Challenges in AI Adoption and Trust11:45 Establishing AI-human decision boundaries13:18 Automating Agent Supervision18:49 Determining AI vs. human tasks19:49 Automating payments with AI23:13 Human vs. AI Decision-Making27:24 Using AI for presentation feedback32:16 Boosting productivity for small businesses35:20 Ethical questions in tech industries36:35 Impact of AI on Society41:26 Prioritizing tasks for automation43:20 Learning from major tech frameworks

In this episode of Data Driven, Frank La Vigne talks with Richard Luna, CEO of Protected Harbor, about why security built around keeping attackers outside a network leaves organizations exposed once someone gets in. Richard explains his concern that AI-driven attacks will probe multiple weaknesses at once, and makes the case for layered defenses, network segmentation, and infrastructure designed around the applications it supports.The conversation moves from security architecture to the people and processes that make systems dependable. Richard shares how his team plans for failures, works across technical silos, and tests vendor claims before putting equipment into production. Frank and Richard also explore the promise of AI-assisted coding, the experience junior developers need to build, and the expensive gap between a successful demo and software that holds up under real demand.From a storage cluster that failed on its second day of testing to a deployment that collapsed under load, the episode offers practical lessons in building durable systems and teams that take responsibility for them.Key Takeaways• Design beyond the perimeter. Richard argues for barriers and tripwires inside the environment, with attention to how data moves between systems.• Build around application needs. Storage performance, traffic separation, redundancy, and failure recovery should reflect the actual workload.• Break down technical silos. Developers and infrastructure teams need each other’s knowledge to diagnose problems and implement security effectively.• Keep human judgment in AI-assisted development. Generated code and automated tests still need experienced review and realistic load testing.• Make accountability specific. Divide responsibilities clearly, give engineers a path to ask for help, and involve clients when they own a blocker.• Test before trusting. Vendor assurances and a working demo do not establish how a system will behave in production.About the GuestRichard Luna is the CEO of Protected Harbor. His career has spanned software development, managed services, hosting, DevOps, and SaaS infrastructure engineering. In this conversation, he brings that experience to the design, operation, and security of systems that businesses depend on.Links and ResourcesRichard on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardluna/Protected Harbor:https://www.protectedharbor.com/Watch on YouTube -https://youtu.be/y6ZHVmJtf9oTime Stamps00:00 Why the 1980s security model falls short01:21 Introducing Richard Luna02:32 What SaaS infrastructure engineering means03:53 AI threats, perimeter defenses, and information silos05:44 Building barriers and tripwires07:17 Application-aware infrastructure10:27 Phased change and lessons from Toyota11:22 Rebuilding infrastructure around the workload13:37 Collaboration, zero trust, and asking for help15:35 Data flow, security, and finding the root cause18:19 Listening to clients and earning long-term trust20:08 AI-assisted coding and the next generation of developers21:17 Why generated tests are not enough25:17 DevOps experience and “works on my machine”26:58 Learning from the loss of a customer29:02 Dividing responsibilities without losing accountability31:56 Oversight meetings that remove obstacles33:34 Empowering clients and engineers35:42 Respect, culture, and learning across teams38:06 Building a business by solving clients’ problems42:01 Planning for failure instead of fighting fires43:01 Stress-testing enterprise storage47:01 A deployment failure and the cost of skipping tests48:32 Cloud scaling and runaway costs49:48 Closing thoughts and connecting with RichardSubscribe to Data Driven for more conversations about data science, AI, data engineering, and the people building the systems behind them.

In this episode of Data Driven, host Frank La Vigne sits down with Andy Pruett, co-founder and CEO of Lumiscent, to explore a topic often overlooked in the industrial sector: it’s not a data problem—it’s a decision problem.Andy explains how industrial companies are drowning in sensor data, but struggle to transform that information into actionable decisions that minimize physical asset risk. The conversation dives into how AI-powered decision intelligence can illuminate hidden vulnerabilities, contextualize risk in real-time, and empower industries like mining, manufacturing, and energy to make smarter, faster calls on the shop floor.From the challenges of aging infrastructure to the growing retirement wave of experienced engineers, this episode reveals how the right blend of technology and expertise is shaping a new era of operational resilience and risk management.LinksAndy on LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/andypruett/Watch on YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzpVpgoO5KALumicent -https://www.lumicent.com/Blog Post -https://www.franksworld.com/2026/09/28/navigating-the-data-tsunami-from-iot-sensors-to-smarter-decisions-in-industrial-operations/Time Stamps00:00 Focusing on asset risk management03:56 Managing food plant risks07:48 Managing information in heavy industries11:45 Workforce challenges and knowledge loss16:00 Transforming data into decisions18:46 Predictive maintenance challenges in plants22:14 Adoption urgency and house analogy27:32 Collaborating with Risk Engineers29:16 Understanding insurance risk strategies32:31 Insurance industry changes and parametrics36:46 Managing risk in operations40:03 Challenges with predictive analytics in cars43:02 Getting into engineering from Alaska45:37 Handling a power outage crisis49:01 Wrapping up and contact info

Welcome back to "Data Driven," the podcast where we explore the cutting edge of data science, AI, and the rapidly evolving world of data governance.In this episode, we sit down with Richa Kaul, founder and CEO of Complyance, an AI-driven platform transforming governance, risk, and compliance for enterprises. Drawing on her experience as a data privacy enthusiast and leader in the compliance space, Richa Kaul dives into the pressing challenges of securing sensitive data, the complexities of global compliance frameworks, and how AI both complicates and protects our interconnected world.We discuss the pivotal role of the Chief Information Security Officer, the importance of proactive, layered security measures, and why compliance is rapidly gaining attention—not just as a regulatory checkbox, but as a central business strategy. With practical advice for both enterprises and individuals on maintaining digital privacy and security, this episode is essential listening for anyone navigating today’s high-stakes data landscape.LinksRicha on LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/richa-kaul/Complyance Web site -https://www.complyance.com/Complyance on LinkedIn -https://linkedin.com/company/complyancehq/Watch on YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFsUcm5u4MYTimestamped overview00:00 Privacy and security frameworks overview03:54 Impact of Equifax data breach06:21 Focusing on data security09:58 Managing complex enterprise security controls15:53 Focus on AI and information security18:37 Learning from Fire Safety Education20:47 Phone security in modern cyber warfare24:48 Concerns about IoT device security29:10 Protecting Privacy from Algorithms30:44 Security and privacy concerns35:23 GTA's social commentary on privacy39:11 AI's Role in Cybersecurity Awareness41:03 Global connectivity and surveillance issues44:47 Ending on a positive note

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