Accelerating Transformation: Fiber, Edge, and Quantum with Marco Rota, VP Strategic Technology Alliances, Lumen Technologies

Send us a textInnovating on Wall Street: Kristen McGarry on Data, AI, and Technical Sales🎧 Tune in for an insider’s look at the technical strategies shaping the future of finance.Kristen McGarry, Principal Account Technical Lead for IBM’s Financial Services Market, returns to Making Data Simple to dive deeper into the intersection of technology and Wall Street. Based in NYC, Kristen works with the world’s largest financial institutions to drive innovation, accelerate time to value, and implement cutting-edge solutions across software, hardware, and services.In this episode, we break down the realities of technical sales, the evolving role of data science in finance, and what Wall Street is getting right (or wrong) about AI. Kristen also shares key insights on the challenges of working with financial giants and predictions for the future of tech in banking.⏱ Episode Highlights: 📍 02:57 – An Intro to Kristen McGarry 📍 04:36 – Why IBM? 📍 09:25 – The Attraction of Data Science 📍 11:51 – A Day in the Life of an Account Technical Leader 📍 13:30 – Technical Sales versus Sales 📍 15:05 – Continuing to Innovate 📍 19:09 – Dealing with Wall Street 📍 20:17 – The Methodology 📍 22:23 – The How of Technical Sales 📍 23:05 – Continuous Learning 📍 28:03 – Management System 📍 30:34 – Wall Street Learnings 📍 32:20 – Biggest Challenge 📍 33:08 – The Data Challenge 📍 34:22 – Best Data Science Use Cases in Finance 📍 36:14 – What Do Clients Miss on AI? 📍 38:09 – PredictionsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-mcgarry/Website: https://www.ibm.com/#MakingDataSimple #DataScience #AIinFinance #TechSales #WallStreet #IBM #Innovation #FinancialServices #Leadership #ContinuousLearning #AIWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at [email protected] and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.

Send us a text🚀 The Coaching Discussion Reprise with Katie McLuckie and a special guest!In this episode, we dive into the value of coaching—what it takes to find the right coach, the ups and downs of the journey, and what to watch out for. If you're considering a business coach, this one's for you!🎧 Episode Breakdown:⏱️ 01:33 – Meet Katie McLuckie⏱️ 04:11 – Transitioning from Urban Planning⏱️ 07:02 – Finding a Coach⏱️ 13:34 – A Silly Coaching Example 🤔⏱️ 21:10 – The Coaching Folder 📂⏱️ 23:33 – The Show After the Show 🎭⏱️ 27:05 – Corporate vs. Individual Coaching⏱️ 29:17 – Red Flags 🚩⏱️ 30:50 – The Echo Chamber 🔄🔗 Connect with Katie: linkedin.com/in/katiemcluckie🎙️ Want to be a guest on Making Data Simple?📩 Email us at [email protected] and tell us why you should be next!🔥 Hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership—all while keeping it simple & fun.Al's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/al-martin-ku Katherine the "Special Guest"  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katemayne#MakingDataSimple #Podcast #Coaching #BusinessCoaching #Leadership #CareerGrowth #Innovation #CorporateCoaching #CoachingJourney #TechAndLeadershipWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at [email protected] and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.

Send us a textIn this special replay episode of Making Data Simple, Al Martin sits down with Matt Cowell, CEO of QuantHub, to dive deep into data literacy, upskilling, and solving learning challenges. Matt shares his expertise on defining data fluency, the best ways to learn, and how organizations can close the data skill gap. From client use cases to leadership insights, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways for businesses and individuals navigating the data-driven world.Show Notes & Chapter Markers:⏳ 2:25 – From SVP of Products to Data Learning Business📊 3:48 – Defining Data Literacy🎓 5:50 – Teaching the Products🚧 7:36 – What’s Out of Scope?🏢 12:50 – Client Use Case💡 18:07 – Solving Learning Problems📖 21:14 – What Does a Learning Plan Look Like?🔍 25:08 – Defining Micro🧠 30:20 – Best Ways to Learn📈 33:14 – Measuring Success💰 34:47 – Venture Capital Funding🌟 36:10 – Fundamental Leadership Belief🔑 38:24 – The Most Valuable Leadership Skill🔗 Connect & Resources:QuantHubMatt Cowell on LinkedInBooks Mentioned: Monetizing Innovation, Ultra LearningConnect with the Team:🎤 Host: Al Martin🎬 Producers: Kate Mayne📩 Want to be a guest?Reach out to [email protected] and tell us why you should be next!📢 Hashtags:#MakingDataSimple #DataLiteracy #Upskilling #AI #BigData #TechPodcast #Leadership #LearnData #QuantHubWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at [email protected] and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.

Send us a textThe master of Artificial Intelligence: Ruchir Puri, Chief Scientist of IBM Research, an IBM Fellow, and Vice-President of IBM Corporate Technology.  AI questions you were afraid to ask, from hallucinations to watsonx. #makingdatasimple #watsonxWelcome to the enlightening world of AI with Ruchir Puri, the Master of Artificial Intelligence and esteemed guest on our podcast. Join us as we embark on a captivating journey, delving deep into the realms of AI that you've always been curious about but hesitant to ask. From hallucinations to WatsonX, we leave no stone unturned in our quest for knowledge. Ruchir Puri, Chief Scientist of IBM Research and IBM Fellow, as well as Vice-President of IBM Corporate Technology, shares his expertise and insights, unraveling the complexities and potential of AI. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of AI's capabilities and its impact on our lives. Prepare to have your questions answered and be amazed by the wonders of AI.02:17 Meet Ruchir Puri the "Maker"09:24 A day in the life 14:22 The AI hype 24:21 Why now?27:36 The AI triangle35:57 Why IBM 40:58 Deciding factors43:57 Is bigger better?47:59 Hallucinations 49:53 watsonx52:33 Who are you betting on?54:23 First stepsLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ruchir-puri-b117021aWebsite: https://www.ibm.com/watsonxWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple?  Reach out to us at [email protected] and tell us why you should be next.  The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun. Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at [email protected] and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at [email protected] and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at [email protected] and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.

Send us a textIn this Part 2 of our conversation with Marco Rota, VP of Strategic Technology Alliances at Lumen Technologies, we dive headfirst into the technical side of Lumen’s mission. From fiber-optics and edge computing to quantum breakthroughs—all propelled by powerful industry partnerships—Marco sheds light on how Lumen is enabling cutting-edge solutions and driving technology transformations. If you’re eager to see how culture, leadership, and advanced tech come together to reshape industries, this episode is for you!00:31 Lumen's Technology02:37 Transformational Use Cases04:46 Edge Computing06:20 Quantum10:35 Wrapping Up Technology13:25 Supercharged Partnerships15:55 THE Leadership Principle18:16 For Fun23:01 A World-class ChefLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/marcorotapixWebsite: https://www.lumen.com/en-us/home.htmlWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple?  Reach out to us at [email protected] and tell us why you should be next.  The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun. #MakingDataSimple #LumenTechnologies #FiberOptics #EdgeComputing #Quantum #TechInnovation #Partnerships #BusinessTransformation #LeadershipWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at [email protected] and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.

Send us a textWelcome back to Making Data Simple, where we explore how data-driven strategies ignite innovation and transform businesses. In this exciting episode, we sit down with Marco Rota, VP of Strategic Technology Alliances at Lumen Technologies, whose incredible journey spans from the glitz of Hollywood to leading-edge telecommunications. Tune in as Marco reveals how embracing a vibrant culture, drawing on lessons from the entertainment industry, and championing new technologies can propel teams and organizations to new heights of success. Get ready for an inspiring, behind-the-scenes look at how “culture eats strategy for breakfast”—and why that’s a game-changer for your organization, too!01:47 – Meet Marco RotaMarco shares his background and how his career path took him from the dynamic world of Hollywood to a leadership role at Lumen Technologies. He underscores his passion for storytelling, collaboration, and innovation—elements that continue to shape his work in tech.03:35 – Learnings from HollywoodDrawing on Hollywood’s fast-paced environment, Marco highlights the importance of creative thinking and adaptability. He explains how these traits help push organizations to stay ahead of disruption and continually evolve, just like the film industry does to meet audience demands.10:56 – Transitioning to Lumen TechnologiesMarco describes his shift from entertainment into the telecommunications and technology space. He emphasizes the parallels between Hollywood and tech—both thrive on communication, audience engagement, and cutting-edge production processes.15:55 – What IS Lumen TechnologiesMarco explains Lumen’s core mission: powering next-generation connectivity, cloud, edge computing, and security solutions. By marrying technology services with an innovative culture, Lumen seeks to help organizations accelerate data-driven transformation.18:29 – Culture versus TechnologyAn organization’s culture can be its greatest asset—or its biggest hurdle. Culture “eats strategy for breakfast” because fostering collaboration, trust, and continuous learning is what truly drives successful technology initiatives forward.24:20 – The Management SystemMarco talks about the framework for leadership and team alignment at Lumen, which integrates vision, purpose, and measurable goals. This system ensures that cultural values and strategic objectives reinforce each other—resulting in cohesive, energized teams ready to tackle the biggest challenges in tech.Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/marcorotapixWebsite: https://www.lumen.com/en-us/home.htmlWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple?  Reach out to us at [email protected] and tell us why you should be next.  The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun. #MakingDataSimple #CultureEatsStrategy #DataInnovation #DigitalTransformation #TechLeadership #PodcastEpisode #HollywoodToTech #LumenTechnologies #BusinessInsights #InspirationWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at [email protected] and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.

Send us a textMoney Ball is back! Nancy Hensley, Chief Marketing Officer for Stats Perform, gives us the latest on data analytics in sports. If you like sports don't listen unless you have time to be entertained.Show Notes04:09 What does Money Ball look like now?07:30 Mrs Chicago's personal update08:40 Fan website: The Analyst11:16 Stats Perform for the rest of us17:25 Sports tech competitors18:34 Monetizing data. $115M for NFL data! What?27:44 Broadcaster and PressboxLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyhensley/Website: https://statsperform.com/Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at [email protected] and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at [email protected] and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.#MakingDataSimple #MoneyBall #DataAnalytics #StatsPerform #SportsTech #MakingData SimpleWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at [email protected] and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.

Send us a textLet's talk business leadership coaching with Kate Mayne, Director of Partner andDigital Technical Sales, IBM. For Kate coaching is a practice. Mission and values.How to map out your 2025 plan.02:13 Meet Kate Mayne08:16 Business Coaching16:00 Mission and Values22:41 Starting the New Year26:41 Define the Characteristics you Desire28:57 Mapping Out Your Plan40:35 How Do You Stay Present45:15 Coaching in Summary47:43 Rapid Fire50:53 The Self-help BookLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/katemayneWebsite: https://www.ibm.com/partnerplusCrucial Conversations book: https://cruciallearning.com/books/Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at [email protected] and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.#LeadershipCoaching #BusinessLeadership #MissionAndValues #2025Planning #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipDevelopment #CoachingTips #StayPresent #SelfHelpBooks #MakingDataSimple #KateMayne #IBMLeadership #BusinessInnovationWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at [email protected] and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.

Send us a textThe AI Patent Attorney, Robert Plotkin is back!  Founding partner of Blueshift IP and author of AI Armor and The Genie in the Machine.  Robert outlines the new gold rush and how to take advantage of it.02:59 Meet Robert Plotkin Again06:56 Robert's Brand 09:21 Why do Another Book11:33 What Can be Patented?14:18 Patent Attorneys19:10 Coca-Cola23:19 Patent Litigation26:23 Ignoring Copyrights2847 Open Source vs Patents30:32 4 Stages for IP Protection37:45 The Best Tech Patent40:38 The New Gold Rush 43:10 Is AI Liable49:20 Who Should Read the Book?50:52 Where to Reach Robert51:25 Wrap UpLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/robertplotkinWebsite: https://www.blueshiftip.comWant to be featured on Making Data Simple? Reach out at [email protected] and share why you should be our next guest. Hosted by Al Martin, AI Enthusiast, Trusted Advisor, and Curious Technologist, the Making Data Simple podcast brings you actionable insights from the leaders shaping AI, data, and innovation.#MakingDataSimple #AIInnovation #PatentLaw #RobertPlotkin #BlueshiftIP #AIArmor #TheGenieInTheMachine #TechLeadership #IntellectualProperty #FutureOfAI #AITrends #InnovationStrategyWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at [email protected] and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.

Send us a textThe podcast welcomes Manav Gupta, VP and CTO of IBM Canada. As a frequent collaborator on client visits, we discuss various aspects of large language models. So all things AI models. 02:04 Jumping Right into AI!02:59 Meet Manav Gupta08:17 Let's Talk All Things Models27:20 How to Choose the Right Models31:48 Where are the Models Going???46:01 How to Learn AILinkedin: linkedin.com/in/mgupta76Website: https://www.ibm.com/graniteWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us [email protected] and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technology, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.#makingdatasimplepodcast #AI #LargeLanguageModels #TechLeadership #ArtificialIntelligence #IBMCanada #ManavGupta #AIInnovation #TechPodcast #AIModels #LearnAIWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at [email protected] and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.