Blockchain's Impact on Banking: Interview with Investor Matthew Le Merle

Join George Firican on the Light On Data Show as he discusses the concept of Data Governance 2.0 with Nagim Ashufta, founder and CEO of Driva. They explore the shift from traditional data governance to a collaborative, AI-powered model. Learn about the importance of stewardship, connecting data creators and consumers, ethical AI interactions, and practical steps for successful data governance implementation.

Join George Firican in this insightful episode of the Lights On Data Show as he interviews Matthew Le Merle, Silicon Valley investor and co-founder of Fifth Era Partners. They discuss how blockchain technology is revolutionizing banking, payments, and asset management. La Merrill shares his perspective on blockchain's ability to enhance speed, transparency, and cost-efficiency in financial transactions, and the inherent challenges for legacy financial institutions. He also delves into the role of innovative startups in driving this transformation and provides an overview of his investment strategies at Fifth Era Partners.

In this episode of the Lights On Data Show, host George Firican and guest Scott Eganhouse, Salesforce Address Data Evangelist, discuss the critical role of National Change of Address (NCOA) in data governance, compliance, and AI readiness. They delve into how NCOA updates can significantly improve CRM accuracy, reduce costs from return mail, and enhance trust and analytics. Scott also shares insights on the common misconceptions about address verification and the importance of a people-first data strategy. Tune in to learn how investing in NCOA can yield high dividends for your organization.

In this episode of the Lights On Data Show, host George welcomes Josie Haines, an Emmy-winning technical leader famous for her contributions at Apple. They discuss the complex issues of career burnout, imposter syndrome, and the critical need for tech professionals to redefine their roles in the face of AI advancements. Josie shares personal experiences from her career, including her transition from Apple to Tile, and offers insights into leveraging AI in leadership roles. The conversation emphasizes the importance of identifying personal strengths and building networks to thrive in today's tech landscape.

Career growth in data analytics is often misunderstood.In this episode of The Lights On Data Show, George Firican and Albert Bellamy explore what actually influences career progression, from resumes and LinkedIn profiles to interviews, impact, and mindset.A practical, experience based conversation for data analytics professionals thinking about their next move.

As organizations deploy AI, how should master data management and data governance programs evolve, or be reinvented, to stay relevant?Join George Firican and Bruno Billy, President of APGAR North America, and Ken Brown, Head of Customer Success as they will explore how MDM and Data Governance are being redefined for a world shaped by machine learning, generative models, and data products. Drawing on APGAR’s experience helping organizations define, build, and run their enterprise data programs, Bruno and Ken will share how AI is transforming the purpose and practice of master data management and data governance.Tune in to hear how leading organizations are using AI to strengthen their MDM and Data Governance foundations. And why these disciplines could be even more important than before.Checkout this free ebook for more answers:https://info.apgar-group.com/how-is-ai-reinventing-mdm-ebook

In this episode of The Lights On Data Show, George Firican speaks with Vinay Samuel, CEO and Founder of Zetaris, about how organizations can build AI systems that are cost-efficient, sovereign, and trusted.They explore what it really means to own your AI: from keeping intellectual property and data within your control, to reducing cloud and lakehouse costs by up to 40% using Zetaris’ Query Director.You’ll also learn how the Zetaris Distributed Intelligence Platform enables:- Federated, real-time access to data across clouds and on-prem systems- Query-time governance and cost optimization- A unified semantic layer that protects data and supports AI development- Open-source flexibility and data sovereignty in practiceWhether you’re a data leader, architect, or governance professional, this conversation sheds light on the next evolution of data platforms. Plus where AI, cost control, and sovereignty converge.

Join George Firican as he discusses with Emily Chase Coleman, CEO of HAI Analytics, about the convergence of EdTech and AI in transforming higher education. Learn how predictive modeling and AI are enhancing recruitment and retention strategies, identifying at-risk students, and optimizing financial aid packages. Discover the importance of human oversight in using AI models to make recruitment and retention in higher education more efficient and effective.

In this episode of the Lights On Data Show, George Firican interviews Ollie Hughes, CEO and co-founder of Count, to explore the challenge every data team faces: showing real Return on Investment (ROI). Ollie shares a clear framework built on four principles that help data teams break free from the 'service trap' and make a measurable business impact. Get ready to dive into strategies for driving operational clarity, problem-solving, optimizing time to decision, and measuring team value effectively. Don't miss this insightful discussion on transforming how data teams add value to an organization.

Join host George Firican on the Lights On Data Show as he interviews John Kucera, Senior Vice President of Salesforce AI, to explore the transformative power of Agentforce. Learn how this technology is reshaping enterprise AI by automating digital labor, offering powerful new capabilities like observability and interoperability, and seamlessly integrating with the broader Salesforce ecosystem. Discover real-world success stories, best practices for implementation, and essential insights for tech and business leaders looking to leverage AI effectively.