What Really Drives Career Growth in Data Analytics

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.

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.