#270 Leadership in the AI Era with Dana Maor, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company

As we look back at 2024, we're highlighting some of our favourite episodes of the year, and with 100 of them to choose from, it wasn't easy!The four guests we'll be recapping with are:Lea Pica - A celebrity in the data storytelling and visualisation space. Richie and Lea cover the full picture of data presentation, how to understand your audience, how to leverage hollywood storytelling and more. Out December 19.Alex Banks - Founder of Sunday Signal. Adel and Alex cover Alex’s journey into AI and what led him to create Sunday Signal, the potential of AI, prompt engineering at its most basic level, chain of thought prompting, the future of LLMs and more. Out December 23.Don Chamberlin - The renowned co-inventor of SQL. Richie and Don explore the early development of SQL, how it became standardized, the future of SQL through NoSQL and SQL++ and more. Out December 26.Tom Tunguz - general Partner at Theory Ventures, a $235m VC firm. Richie and Tom explore trends in generative AI, cloud+local hybrid workflows, data security, the future of business intelligence and data analytics, AI in the corporate sector and more. Out December 30.For our 200th episode, we bring you a special guest and taking a walk down memory lane—to the creation and development of one of the most popular programming languages in the world.Don Chamberlin is renowned as the co-inventor of SQL (Structured Query Language), the predominant database language globally, which he developed with Raymond Boyce in the mid-1970s. Chamberlin's professional career began at IBM Research in Yorktown Heights, New York, following a summer internship there during his academic years. His work on IBM's System R project led to the first SQL implementation and significantly advanced IBM’s relational database technology. His contributions were recognized when he was made an IBM Fellow in 2003 and later a Fellow of the Computer History Museum in 2009 for his pioneering work on SQL and database architectures. Chamberlin also contributed to the development of XQuery, an XML query language, as part of the W3C, which became a W3C Recommendation in January 2007. Additionally, he holds fellowships with ACM and IEEE and is a member of the National Academy of Engineering.In the episode, Richie and Don explore his early career at IBM and the development of his interest in databases alongside Ray Boyce, the database task group (DBTG), the transition to relational databases and the early development of SQL, the commercialization and adoption of SQL, how it became standardized, how it evolved and spread via open source, the future of SQL through NoSQL and SQL++ and much more. Links Mentioned in the Show:The first-ever journal paper on SQL. SEQUEL: A Structured English Query LanguageDon’s Book: SQL++ for SQL Users: A TutorialSystem R: Relational approach to database managementSQL CoursesSQL Articles, Tutorials and Code-AlongsRelated Episode: Scaling Enterprise Analytics with...

As we look back at 2024, we're highlighting some of our favourite episodes of the year, and with 100 of them to choose from, it wasn't easy!The four guests we'll be recapping with are:Lea Pica - A celebrity in the data storytelling and visualisation space. Richie and Lea cover the full picture of data presentation, how to understand your audience, how to leverage hollywood storytelling and more. Out December 19.Alex Banks - Founder of Sunday Signal. Adel and Alex cover Alex’s journey into AI and what led him to create Sunday Signal, the potential of AI, prompt engineering at its most basic level, chain of thought prompting, the future of LLMs and more. Out December 23.Don Chamberlin - The renowned co-inventor of SQL. Richie and Don explore the early development of SQL, how it became standardized, the future of SQL through NoSQL and SQL++ and more. Out December 26.Tom Tunguz - general Partner at Theory Ventures, a $235m VC firm. Richie and Tom explore trends in generative AI, cloud+local hybrid workflows, data security, the future of business intelligence and data analytics, AI in the corporate sector and more. Out December 30.Since the launch of ChatGPT, one of the trending terms outside of ChatGPT itself has been prompt engineering. This act of carefully crafting your instructions is treated as alchemy by some and science by others. So what makes an effective prompt?Alex Banks has been building and scaling AI products since 2021. He writes Sunday Signal, a newsletter offering a blend of AI advancements and broader thought-provoking insights. His expertise extends to social media platforms on X/Twitter and LinkedIn, where he educates a diverse audience on leveraging AI to enhance productivity and transform daily life.In the episode, Alex and Adel cover Alex’s journey into AI and what led him to create Sunday Signal, the potential of AI, prompt engineering at its most basic level, strategies for better prompting, chain of thought prompting, prompt engineering as a skill and career path, building your own AI tools rather than using consumer AI products, AI literacy, the future of LLMs and much more. Links Mentioned in the Show:[Alex’s Free Course on DataCamp] Understanding Prompt EngineeringSunday SignalPrinciples by Ray Dalio: Life and WorkRelated Episode: [DataFramed AI Series #1] ChatGPT and the OpenAI Developer EcosystemRewatch sessions from RADAR: The Analytics EditionNew to DataCamp?Learn on the go using the DataCamp mobile appEmpower your business with world-class data and AI skills with DataCamp for business

As we look back at 2024, we're highlighting some of our favourite episodes of the year, and with 100 of them to choose from, it wasn't easy!The four guests we'll be recapping with are:Lea Pica&nbsp;- A celebrity in the data storytelling and visualisation space. Richie and Lea cover the full picture of data presentation, how to understand your audience, how to leverage hollywood storytelling and more.&nbsp;Out December 19.Alex Banks&nbsp;- Founder of Sunday Signal. Adel and Alex cover Alex’s journey into AI and what led him to create Sunday Signal, the potential of AI, prompt engineering at its most basic level, chain of thought prompting, the future of LLMs and more.&nbsp;Out December 23.Don Chamberlin&nbsp;- The renowned co-inventor of SQL. Richie and Don explore the early development of SQL, how it became standardized, the future of SQL through NoSQL and SQL++ and more. Out&nbsp;December 26.Tom Tunguz&nbsp;- general Partner at Theory Ventures, a $235m VC firm. Richie and Tom explore trends in generative AI, cloud+local hybrid workflows, data security, the future of business intelligence and data analytics, AI in the corporate sector and more.&nbsp;Out December 30.Your data project doesn't end once you have results. In order to have impact, you need to communicate those results to others. Presentations filled with endless tables and technical jargon can easily become tedious, leading your audience to lose interest or misunderstand your point.Data storytelling provides a solution to this: by creating a narrative around your results you can increase engagement and understanding from your audience. This is an art, and there are so many factors that contribute to visualizing data and creating a compelling story, it can be overwhelming. However, with the right approach, creating data stories can become second nature. In this special episode of DataFramed, we join forces with the Present Beyond Measure podcast to glean the best data presentation practices from one of the leading voices in the space.Lea Pica host of the Founder and Host of the Present Beyond Measure podcast and is a seasoned digital analytics practitioner, social media marketer and blogger with over 11 years of experience building search marketing and digital analytics practices for companies like Scholastic, Victoria’s Secret and Prudential.Present Beyond Measure’s mission is to bring their teachings to the digital marketing and web analytics communities, and empower anyone responsible for presenting data to an audience.In the full episode, Richie and Lea cover the full picture of data presentation, how to understand your audience, leverage hollywood storytelling, data storyboarding and visualization, the use of imagery in presentations, cognitive load management, the use of throughlines in presentations, how to improve your speaking and engagement skills, data visualization techniques in business setting and much more.&nbsp;Links Mentioned in the Show:Present Beyond MeasureLea’s BookConnect with Lea on LinkedinHollywood Storytelling[Course] Data Storytelling ConceptsNew to DataCamp?Learn on the go using the<a href="https://www.datacamp.com/mobile" rel="noopener...

We’re improving DataFramed, and we need your help! We want to hear what you have to say about the show, and how we can make it more enjoyable for you—find out more here.The modern leader faces unprecedented challenges, from managing a multi-generational workforce to integrating AI into daily operations. How can leaders cultivate a human-centric approach that fosters trust and innovation? What role does vulnerability play in effective leadership, and how can it coexist with the need for bold decision-making? As professionals strive to lead with authenticity, what strategies can help leaders raise the tide for all boats?Dana Maor is the global co-head for the McKinsey People &amp; Organizational Performance Practice and is a member of its Knowledge Council. As a senior partner, she works with leaders globally to transform their organizations and themselves and serves as co-dean of multiple McKinsey leadership programs.In the episode, Adel and Dana explore the complexities of modern leadership, the importance of human-centric leadership, balancing empathy with performance, navigating imposter syndrome, and the evolving role of leaders in the age of AI.Links Mentioned in the Show:The Journey to Leadership by Dana MaorMcKinsey &amp; Company - Organizational Health IndexSkill Track: Artificial Intelligence (AI) LeadershipRelated Episode: How Data can Enable Effective Leadership with Dr. Constance Dierickx, The Decision DoctorRewatch sessions from RADAR: Forward EditionNew to DataCamp?Learn on the go using the DataCamp mobile appEmpower your business with world-class data and AI skills with DataCamp for business

We’re improving DataFramed, and we need your help! We want to hear what you have to say about the show, and how we can make it more enjoyable for you—find out more here.Imagine spending millions on data tools only to find you can’t trust the answers they provide. What if different teams define key metrics in different ways? Without a clear, unified approach, chaos reigns, and confidence erodes. What role do data governance and semantic layers play in helping you trust the AI tools you build and the insights you get from your data?Sarah Levy is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in data science, artificial intelligence, and technology leadership. Currently serving as Co-Founder and CEO of Euno since January 2023, Sarah has previously held significant positions, including VP of Data Science and Data Analytics for Real Estate at Pagaya and CTO at Sight Diagnostics, where innovative advancements in blood testing were achieved. With a strong foundation in research and development from roles at Sight Diagnostics and Natural Intelligence, as well as a robust background in cyber security gained from tenure at the IDF, Sarah has consistently driven impactful decision-making and technological advancements throughout their career. Academic credentials include a Master's degree in Condensed Matter Physics from the Weizmann Institute of Science and a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics and Physics from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.In the episode, Richie and Sarah explore the challenges of data governance, the role of semantic layers in ensuring data trust, the emergence of analytics engineers, the integration of AI in data processes, and much more.Links Mentioned in the Show:EunoConnect with SarahCourse: Responsible AI Data ManagementRelated Episode: How Data Leaders Can Make Data Governance a Priority with Saurabh Gupta, Chief Strategy &amp; Revenue Officer at The Modern Data CompanyRewatch sessions from RADAR: Forward EditionNew to DataCamp?Learn on the go using the DataCamp mobile appEmpower your business with world-class data and AI skills with DataCamp for business

We’re improving DataFramed, and we need your help! We want to hear what you have to say about the show, and how we can make it more enjoyable for you—find out more here.AI adoption is not just about flashy innovations or big models. For businesses, it’s about solving real problems and driving measurable outcomes. That means aligning your data infrastructure, navigating compute costs, and understanding where AI adds the most value. How do enterprises prioritize their use cases? What role does hybrid play in scaling securely and efficiently? What’s the next frontier beyond generative AI?As Chief Strategy Officer, Abhas Ricky leads the overall corporate strategy for Cloudera and is responsible for creating the company vision, building the business and customer target operating model, communicating that with key stakeholders via clearly defined OKRs, and executing key transformational initiatives to realize that plan. He’s also tasked with driving growth and innovation and making appropriate build/buy partner decisions, including pricing and packaging, corporate development, and Cloudera’s innovation accelerator to launch new products. Previously, he served as chief of staff and vice president for business transformation at the company. Prior to the Cloudera/Hortonworks merger, he helped scale Hortonworks’ go-to-market efforts as global head of customer innovation and value management. A management consultant by training, he is passionate about driving action and change in the society and has led projects with multiple organizations including the World Economic Forum, Founders of the Future, and other nonprofits. In the episode, Richie and Abhas explore the evolving landscape of data security and governance, the importance of data as an asset, the role of AI in transforming business processes, the challenges of data sprawl, and the significance of hybrid AI solutions, and much more.Links Mentioned in the Show:ClouderaConnect with AbhasCourse: Understanding Cloud Computing CourseRelated Episode: Aligning AI with Enterprise Strategy with Leon Gordon, CEO at Onyx DataRewatch sessions from RADAR: Forward EditionNew to DataCamp?Learn on the go using the DataCamp mobile appEmpower your business with world-class data and AI skills with DataCamp for business

Welcome to DataFramed Industry Roundups! In this series of episodes, Adel &amp; Richie sit down to discuss the latest and greatest in data &amp; AI. In this episode, we touch upon AI agents for data work, will the full-stack data scientist make a return, old languages making a comeback, Python's increase in performance, what they're both thankful for, and much more. Links Mentioned in the ShowFractal’s Data Science Agent: AryaArticle: What Makes a True AI Agent? Rethinking the Pursuit of AutonomyCassie Kozyrkov on DataFramedTIOBE Index for November 2024Community discussion on FortranTutorial: High Performance Data Manipulation in Python: pandas 2.0 vs. polarsNew to DataCamp?Learn on the go using the DataCamp mobile appEmpower your business with world-class data and AI skills with DataCamp for business

We’re improving DataFramed, and we need your help! We want to hear what you have to say about the show, and how we can make it more enjoyable for you—find out more here.What makes a database modern, and why does it matter? In a world where we face countless choices, how do you build systems that not only scale but also make life easier for your teams? And with AI reshaping industries and workflows, how do businesses bridge the gap between legacy systems and cutting-edge applications?Sahir Azam is the Chief Product Officer at MongoDB. He has been with MongoDB since 2016, where he launched the industry’s first developer data platform, MongoDB Atlas, and scaled the company’s thriving cloud business from the ground up. He also serves on the boards of Temporal and Observe, Inc, a cloud data observability startup. Sahir joined MongoDB from Sumo Logic, where he managed platform, pricing, packaging, and technology partnerships. Before Sumo Logic, he launched VMware's first organically developed SaaS management product and grew their management tools business to $1B+ in revenue. Earlier in his career, Sahir also held technical and sales-focused roles at DynamicOps, BMC Software, and BladeLogic.In the episode, Richie and Sahir Azam explore the evolution of databases beyond NoSQL, enhancing developer productivity, integrating AI capabilities, modernizing legacy systems, and much more.Links Mentioned in the Show:MongoDBConnect with SahirCourse: Introduction to MongoDB in PythonRelated Episode: Not Only Vector Databases: Putting Databases at the Heart of AI, with Andi Gutmans, VP and GM of Databases at GoogleRewatch sessions from RADAR: Forward EditionNew to DataCamp?Learn on the go using the DataCamp mobile appEmpower your business with world-class data and AI skills with DataCamp for business

We’re improving DataFramed, and we need your help! We want to hear what you have to say about the show, and how we can make it more enjoyable for you—find out more here.Edge computing is poised to transform industries by bringing computation and data storage closer to the source of data generation. This shift unlocks new types of value creation with data &amp; AI and allows for a privacy-first and deeply personalized use of AI on our devices. What will the edge computing transition look like? How do you ensure applications are edge-ready, and what is the role of AI in the transition?&nbsp;Derek Collison is the founder and CEO at Synadia. He is an industry veteran, entrepreneur and pioneer in large-scale distributed systems and cloud computing. Derek founded Synadia Communications and Apcera, and has held executive positions at Google, VMware, and TIBCO Software. He is also an active angel investor and a technology futurist around Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, IOT and Cloud Computing.Justyna Bak is VP of Marketing at Synadia. Justyna is a versatile executive bridging Marketing, Sales and Product, a spark-plug for innovation at startups and Fortune 100 and a tech expert in Data Analytics and AI, AppDev and Networking. She is an astute influencer, panelist and presenter (Google, HBR) and a respected leader in Silicon Valley and Europe.In the episode, Richie, Derek, and Justyna explore the transition from cloud to edge computing, the benefits of reduced latency, real-time decision-making in industries like manufacturing and retail, the role of AI at the edge, and the future of edge-native applications, and much more.Links Mentioned in the Show:SynadiaConnect with Derek and JustynaCourse: Understanding Cloud ComputingRelated Episode: The Database is the Operating System with Mike Stonebraker, CTO &amp; Co-Founder At DBOSRewatch sessions from RADAR: Forward EditionNew to DataCamp?Learn on the go using the DataCamp mobile appEmpower your business with world-class data and AI skills with DataCamp for business

We’re improving DataFramed, and we need your help! We want to hear what you have to say about the show, and how we can make it more enjoyable for you—find out more here.With the EU AI Act coming into effect, the AI industry faces a pivotal moment. This regulation is a landmark step for AI governance and challenges data and AI teams to rethink their approach to AI development and deployment. How will this legislation influence the way AI systems are built and used? What are the key compliance requirements that organizations need to be aware of? And how can companies balance regulatory obligations with the drive for innovation and growth?Dan Nechita led the technical negotiations for the EU Artificial Intelligence Act on behalf of the European Parliament. For the 2019-2024 mandate, besides artificial intelligence, he focused on digital regulation, security and defense, and the transatlantic partnership as Head of Cabinet for Dragos Tudorache, MEP. Previously, he was a State Counselor for the Romanian Prime Minister with a mandate on e-governance, digitalization, and cybersecurity. He worked at the World Security Institute (the Global Zero nuclear disarmament initiative); at the Brookings Institution Center of Executive Education; as a graduate teaching assistant at the George Washington University; at the ABC News Political Unit; and as a research assistant at the Arnold A. Saltzman Institute of War and Peace at Columbia. He is an expert project evaluator for the European Commission and a member of expert AI working groups with the World Economic Forum and the United Nations. Dan is a graduate of the George Washington University (M.A.) and Columbia University in the City of New York (B.A.).In the episode, Adel and Dan explore the EU AI Act's significance, risk classification frameworks, organizational compliance strategies, the intersection with existing regulations, AI literacy requirements, and the future of AI legislation, and much more.Links Mentioned in the Show:The EU AI ActConnect with DanCourse: Understanding the EU AI ActRelated Episode: Guardrails for the Future of AI with Viktor Mayer-Schönberger, Professor of Internet Governance and Regulation at the University of OxfordRewatch sessions from RADAR: Forward EditionNew to DataCamp?Learn on the go using the DataCamp mobile appEmpower your business with world-class data and AI skills with DataCamp for business