ROI Framework for Data Teams

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.

In this episode of the Lights On Data Show, host George Firican discusses effective KPI management with veteran tech entrepreneur and product leader Lior Gerson, co-founder and CEO of Target Board. Lior shares his insights on overcoming common data challenges facing executives, the importance of a cohesive data strategy, and how Target Board simplifies KPI tracking and improves operational efficiency. Drawing from his experiences at Vroom, Placer.ai, and MySupermarket, Lior elaborates on how automation and AI can drastically reduce data friction and enhance decision-making processes for managers across various industries.

In this episode of the Lights On Data Show, host George Firican discusses the rapidly evolving landscape of data management with Kamal Hathi, Senior Vice President and GM at Splunk, a Cisco company. They explore the challenges organizations face as they scale and adopt AI, emphasizing the importance of digital resilience, security, and observability. Kamal shares insights from Splunk's latest report, 'The New Rules of Data Management' (https://splk.it/3RLx67g), which surveys over 1,400 IT, engineering, and cybersecurity professionals across 16 industries. Key topics include the importance of data federation, tiering, and having a clear data strategy for business success. Tune in to learn how leading organizations are overcoming data challenges to achieve better business outcomes.

In this episode of the Lights on Data Show, host George Firican dives deep into the evolving world of data observability with guest Salma Bakouk, co-founder and CEO of Sifflet. They explore how modern data strategies are shifting, especially with the rapid advancement of AI, and discuss the increasing complexity and demand for intelligent, contextual, and scalable data observability solutions. Salma provides insights into the innovative work at Sifflet, introducing AI agents Sentinel, Sage, and Forge, which aim to enhance data reliability and efficiency for enterprises. They discuss the challenges faced by data engineers and how these AI agents are designed to assist in managing data integrity proactively. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in data strategy, AI, and the future of data observability.

George Firican interviews Dr. Chris Kulp, Professor of Physics specializing in non-linear dynamics and machine learning. The discussion delves into how machine learning is revolutionizing both natural and social sciences by identifying patterns in massive data sets that humans might overlook. Dr. Kulp also shares his insights on applying mathematical analysis to social systems, the challenges and benefits of AI in complex systems like economics, and his experience in interdisciplinary collaboration. Additionally, viewers will learn about Dr. Kulp’s novel 'Lost Origins,' which integrates scientific concepts within a compelling narrative, highlighting the power of creative storytelling to make advanced scientific topics accessible to a broader audience. The episode concludes with advice for aspiring researchers looking to bridge science and machine learning in their careers.

In this episode of the Lights On Data Show, host George Firican discusses AI compliance and risk management with Santosh Kaveti, the founder and CEO of ProArch. As AI technology advances rapidly, Santosh shares valuable insights on securing and operationalizing AI in organizations, understanding data and model risks, and integrating AI securely within regulated industries like healthcare and power generation. Learn about the importance of executive buy-in, data governance, and compliance strategies to ensure successful AI adoption. Don't miss this informative discussion packed with practical recommendations for navigating the complexities of AI implementation.

Join George Firican as he hosts Cory O'Daniel, CEO and co-founder of Massdriver, in an engaging episode of the Lights On Data Show. They delve into the complexities of cloud operations, DevOps, and infrastructure management. Cory discusses his controversial article 'DevOps is Bull(bleep)' and shares insights on why traditional DevOps practices are failing modern businesses. They explore the evolving landscape of infrastructure management, the necessity of infrastructure as code, and how Massdriver aims to simplify and enhance these processes. This episode is a must-watch for anyone involved in cloud operations and looking to understand the future of DevOps and platform engineering.

In this episode of the Light On Data Show, host George Firican dives into the critical yet often overlooked aspect of data management: data lineage. Special guest Caitlyn Truong, co-founder and CEO of Zengines, shares her expertise from over 20 years in financial services, telecommunications, and energy. Caitlyn discusses the importance of data lineage for operational efficiency and regulatory compliance, offering best practices and the 5 steps for organizations to successfully implement data lineage. Tune in to discover how to best track data lineage, navigate legacy systems, and leverage tools to overcome challenges and achieve success.

In this episode of the Lights On Data Show, host George welcomes back Dimitri Visnadi, a successful freelance data scientist. Dimitri shares his journey into freelancing, emphasizing the mindset shifts and practical steps necessary to build a sustainable freelancing business in the data science field. The discussion covers Dimitri's strategies for finding clients, the impact of AI tools on freelance work, and the innovative subscription model he's experimenting with. Learn about Dimitri's insights on managing risks, the importance of a support network, and the various channels for securing clients as a freelance data professional. Don't miss this deep dive into the realities and opportunities of freelancing in the data space.

In this episode of the Lights On Data Show, host George Firican explores the innovative integration of AI, creativity, and immersive experiences with guest Geoff Thatcher, Executive Creative Director for the Game On AI experience at the College Football Hall of Fame. Geoff discusses how AI is transforming visitor engagement by personalizing and enhancing museum and exhibition experiences. They delve into the intricate process of incorporating AI technologies, balancing the human touch with technological advancements, and the exciting future possibilities of AI in storytelling and visitor interaction.