Learn about the benefits of a SLM (small language model) and other GenAI use cases with Armand Ruiz, Director watsonx Client Engineering {Replay}

Making Data Simple

#Tech #Entrepreneur #Business #IBM Big Data & Analytics Hub #Analytics Hub #IBM Big Data #Big Data #Data Analytics #Artificial Intelligence #Leadership Insights #Enterprise Innovation #Machine Learning #Hybrid Clouds #Digital Transformation #Data Strategy #Tech Thought Leadership #Business Intelligence #Ai Ethics

47:59

Ep. 42 - RevPar Problems, Real Talk: When Memes Meet Metrics with Calvin Tilokee How do revenue managers really think? What makes hotel rates spike during Taylor Swift concerts—or Bigfoot conventions? And why do memes about ADR hit harder than your star report? In this episode of Tickets to Travel: The Business of Travel Experiences , we sit down with Calvin Tilokee of RevPAR Media, the sharp mind behind the viral @RevPARProblems Instagram account. Calvin pulls back the curtain on hotel pricing strategy, compression events, influencer marketing, and what event producers often get wrong when pitching to hotels. Whether you’re trying to block rooms for a major festival, fill your hotel over a soft week, or just want to understand the secret language of revenue managers, this episode is packed with insight and humor. This episode is a must-listen for hotel sales and revenue teams, meeting and event planners, festival promoters, and hospitality marketers. Follow @RevPARProblems on Instagram for daily hotel truths and satire. And subscribe now to hear why Calvin says: “We don’t need your group when we’re already full. Call us the week after Christmas.” For more insider conversations at the intersection of travel, ticketing, and live experiences, follow us on all socials @Tix2TravelPod and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. If you haven’t listened yet, head to www.tttpod.com to catch up on past episodes.…

about a year ago 31:24

MP3•Episode home

Send us a text

More on GenAI, Hallucinations, RAG, Use Cases, LLMs, SLMs and costs with Armand Ruiz, Director watsonx Client Engineering and John Webb, Principal Client Engineering. With this and the previous episode you'll be wiser on AI than 98% of the world.

00:12 Hallucinations
02:33 RAG Differentiation
06:41 Why IBM in AI
09:23 Use Cases
11:02 The GenAI Resume
13:37 watson.x
15:40 LLMs
17:51 Experience Counts
20:03 AI that Surprises
23:46 AI Skills
26:47 Switching LLMs
27:13 The Cost and SLMs
28:21 Prompt Engineering
29:16 For Fun

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/armand-ruiz, linkedin.com/in/john-webb-686136127 Website: https://www.ibm.com/client-engineering
Love what you're hearing? Don't forget to rate us on your favorite platform!

Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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.

354 episodes

Making Data Simple

Learn about the benefits of a SLM (small language model) and other GenAI use cases with Armand Ruiz, Director watsonx Client Engineering {Replay}

Making Data Simple

18 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Send us a text

00:12 Hallucinations
02:33 RAG Differentiation
06:41 Why IBM in AI
09:23 Use Cases
11:02 The GenAI Resume
13:37 watson.x
15:40 LLMs
17:51 Experience Counts
20:03 AI that Surprises
23:46 AI Skills
26:47 Switching LLMs
27:13 The Cost and SLMs
28:21 Prompt Engineering
29:16 For Fun

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/armand-ruiz, linkedin.com/in/john-webb-686136127 Website: https://www.ibm.com/client-engineering
Love what you're hearing? Don't forget to rate us on your favorite platform!

354 episodes

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Making Data Simple

1
From Burnout to Breakthrough: Dave Garrison on the Science of Motivation (Part 2) 25:37

1 day ago25:37

25:37

Send us a text We’re back with Part 2 of our must-listen conversation with Dave Garrison , leadership strategist and veteran CEO, on what it really takes to unlock performance through engagement. In this episode, we go deeper into the psychological drivers of motivation — autonomy, mastery, and purpose — and explore how to stop employee churn, combat burnout, and lead with clarity (not just charisma). Plus: how to rethink your approach to hiring and the controversial take on using AI in leadership decisions. Stick around for a surprise recap guest who brings it all home. 💥 🕒 Time-Stamps: 00:12 – Autonomy, Mastery, Purpose 04:48 – How to Stop Churn 07:10 – Laying the Hammer Down 08:00 – Burnout 14:50 – Are You Using AI Wrong? 16:27 – Energy Level 17:40 – Coach Katherine Mayne's Take 19:57 – Hire for Aptitude, Fire for Attitude 22:19 – The Recap 🔗 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn 📘 Explore his book, Buy-In Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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.…

Making Data Simple

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🎙️ The Hidden Cost of Disengagement: Dave Garrison on Leadership That Sparks Innovation 32:05

8 days ago32:05

32:05

Send us a text 📝 Show Notes: What if the biggest barrier to your company’s growth isn’t your strategy — but your people’s belief in it? In Part 1 of this powerful two-part episode, we welcome Dave Garrison , seasoned CEO, board member, and leadership strategist with over 25 years of experience driving real-world results. Dave pulls back the curtain on what employee engagement really means — and why it's the key to reducing turnover, boosting innovation, and transforming your business from the inside out. Whether you’re leading a small team or an entire enterprise, this episode delivers practical, battle-tested strategies to move your people from burnout to buy-in. 💥 Expect real talk, not fluff. Practical steps, not platitudes. Because leadership isn’t about charisma — it’s about connection. 🔗 Connect with Dave on LinkedIn 📘 Check out his book: buyinbook.com 🕒 Episode Breakdown: 01:43 Meet Dave Garrison 06:02 Why is Strategy Hard 07:34 What is Engagement? 15:48 Trust is a Prerequisite to Conflict 19:34 Connecting with "Human Beings" 20:45 Creating Friday Night Lights Moments 26:46 Slowing Down to Speed Up 29:35 The Real Cost of Disengagement 🔥 Hashtags: #MakingDataSimple #LeadershipStrategy #EmployeeEngagement #DaveGarrison #BusinessGrowth #TrustAndLeadership #OrganizationalHealth #TeamCulture #WorkplaceInnovation #BuyInNotBurnout Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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.…

Making Data Simple

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From 9× Safer Cars to Hallucination-Free LLMs: Inside Sama with Duncan Curtis SVP for GenAI & AI Product + Technology 47:21

15 days ago47:21

47:21

Send us a text From Elephant Butts to Ethical AI — Duncan Curtis on De-Risking GenAI at Sama Episode intro Duncan Curtis, SVP for GenAI & AI Product + Technology at Sama, has shipped everything from autonomous-vehicle platforms at Zoox to game-changing data products at Google. Today he leads a 160-person team that’s reinventing how training data is curated, labeled, and audited so enterprises can ship production-ready GenAI—without the lurking model risk. Sama’s newest release, Sama Automate , is already cutting annotation time by 40 percent while keeping quality above SLAs, and Duncan says they’re “aiming for a 10× improvement by 2025.” ( aiuserconference.com , sama.com ) If you want the inside track on AI ROI, ethical guardrails, and why A’s hire A’s (but B’s hire C’s!) , lean in—this one’s for you. (And yes, we do get to elephant butts .) Timestamped roadmap 00:46 Meet Duncan Curtis 03:51 The Duncan Brand 05:52 Making Time for Yourself 08:47 Autonomous Cars — 9× Safer 12:21 Favorite Jobs 13:24 Inside Sama 14:39 Data & LLM Training 16:04 De-Risking Models 19:08 Ethical AI 22:43 Stopping Hallucinations 27:18 Data Labeling Deep-Dive 31:56 Production-Ready GenAI 33:44 AGI Horizons 35:34 What Makes Sama Different 36:31 Calculating AI ROI 38:50 State of the LLMs 44:48 Elephant Butts & Closing Thoughts Quick links LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-curtis/ Sama: https://www.sama.com/ Latest blog: “Sama Introduces New Data Automation Platform” ( sama.com ) Hear more: Duncan on “Human Guardrails in Generative AI” (DataCamp podcast) ( datacamp.com ) Hashtags #MakingDataSimple #AIProduct #GenAI #DataLabeling #EthicalAI #AIROI #AutonomousVehicles #Podcast Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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.…

Making Data Simple

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CEO David Hirschfeld of Tekyz on the Startup Lie That’s Killing Your Company. Hint: It’s not about the tech — it’s about the problem you're solving. 45:50

22 days ago45:50

45:50

Send us a text 🎧 Episode Description: This week on Making Data Simple , we welcome David Hirschfeld , Founder and CEO of Tekyz . With a background spanning major tech firms and startup trenches, David brings grounded, data-backed insight into what makes or breaks a startup. From tackling the #1 reason startups fail to exploring the value of validation and the real meaning of product-market fit , this episode is a no-fluff masterclass in entrepreneurial strategy. David’s message is clear: "Don’t focus on your product. Focus on the client’s problem." Whether you're a first-time founder or scaling your next venture, David offers hard-earned truths, including surprising takes on unicorns, VCs, and what really matters more — the founder or the technology ? ⏱ Time Markers: 01:20 – Meet David Hirschfeld 05:55 – THE Reason Startups Fail 08:50 – Lifetime Value 11:33 – The Value of Validation 14:48 – What Do the VCs Say? 16:20 – Startup Success Rate 17:10 – Tekyz 23:01 – Product Market Fit 29:18 – Startup Ideation 31:37 – Unicorns 38:12 – Unexpected Truths 42:45 – Founder or Technology? 🔗 Connect with David: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhirschfeld Website: https://tekyz.com #MakingDataSimple #StartupAdvice #ProductMarketFit #TechLeadership #VCInsights #FoundersJourney #Entrepreneurship #DataDrivenDecisions #StartupFailure #Innovation #ClientCentric #Podcast Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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.…

Making Data Simple

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🎯 Strategic Sales, AI Smarts & Pixar Roots: Ralph Gootee CTO of TigerEye Tells All 48:46

29 days ago48:46

48:46

Send us a text This week on Making Data Simple , we welcome Ralph Gootee, CTO and co-founder of TigerEye , a company reshaping strategic sales intelligence with a data-driven edge . Ralph’s journey spans Pixar, Sony, and PlanGrid — and now he’s building tools to help sales leaders see around corners. From the secrets behind TigerEye's intuitive reporting to the realities of entrepreneurship and the affordability of LLMs, this episode hits both the business brain and the tech heart. 00:52 Meet Ralph Gootee 01:43 TigerEye 04:49 PlanGrid 07:43 Monetization 08:50 TigerEye's Objective 12:38 Reinventing Reporting 17:06 How it Works 22:21 The Secret Sauce 27:48 LLM Affordability 34:14 Last Call 38:57 The Entrepreneur Dilemma 39:47 Where to Reach TigerEye 40:07 Do Code Assistants Work? 47:32 For Fun 🔗 Connect with Ralph & TigerEye LinkedIn: Ralph Gootee Website: TigerEye Blog: TigerEye Blog #MakingDataSimple #SalesIntelligence #AIinSales #EntrepreneurMindset #LLMs #StartupLife #PixarToPipeline #DataDrivenDecisions #TechLeadership #TigerEye Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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.…

Making Data Simple

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In case you missed it....The Future of Risk, Powered by AI with Kathy Stares, EVP of North America at Provenir 35:29

5 weeks ago35:29

35:29

Send us a text 🎧 REPLAY ALERT: The Future of Risk, Powered by AI In case you missed it the first time — we’re bringing back this incredible conversation with Kathy Stares , EVP of North America at Provenir . Kathy dives into how Provenir’s AI-powered risk decisioning software processes over 4 billion transactions annually across 50+ countries. From fintech to traditional banking, learn how this platform is shaking up risk strategies with automation, innovation, and global reach. 🌍 Why does risk decisioning need AI? 🚀 What’s driving the next wave of banking transformation? 📊 How can Gen Z shape the future of financial services? Timestamps: 01:14 Meet Kathy Stares 04:34 The Start of Summer 08:01 AI-Powered Risk Decisioning 11:31 The Tech Behind Provenir 13:42 Models 14:32 Data Source 16:43 The Business Problem 17:33 Banking Strategies 18:48 Platform Scope 20:28 Automation 21:46 Provenir’s Differentiator 22:47 Millennials & Gen Z 29:05 Trends to Watch 31:57 Kathy’s Takeaway 33:28 Connect with Provenir 35:25 The Wealthy Barber 🎙️ Guest: Kathy Stares 🔗 Learn more: provenir.com #AIinFinance #FintechInnovation #RiskDecisioning #FinancialServices #AIReplay #Automation #FutureOfBanking #GenZFinance #WomenInTech #MakingDataSimple #TechPodcast #ProvenirAI #PodcastReplay Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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.…

Making Data Simple

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Part 2: Automation Remix: Observability, IBM Concert & the Next Wave of IT Ops 20:26

6 weeks ago20:26

20:26

Send us a text We’re back for Part 2 of our Automation deep-dive—and the hits just keep coming! Host Al Martin reunites with IBM automation aces Sarah McAndrew (WW Automation Technical Sales) and Vikram Murali (App Mod & IT Automation Development) to push past the hype and map out the road ahead. 🎬 Episode Highlights 00:12 Observability – why seeing everything is half the battle 04:17 IBM Concert – orchestrating dev, ops & business in one score 07:42 Tech vs. Culture – the million-dollar question 11:34 Real-world use cases that ship value today 13:65 Scanning the Future of Automation (spoiler: it’s closer than you think) 15:32 Hashi – tooling that scales with you 17:42 Top resources to learn more and stay ahead of the curve 18:13 Lightning-round fun to wrap it up Whether you’re wrangling legacy systems or architecting cloud-native dreams, this conversation will spark ideas, bust myths, and give you action items of immediate value. Smash that play button, tag a colleague, and join the movement to #MakingDataSimple! 🔗 Connect: Sarah McAndrew LinkedIn | Vikram Murali LinkedIn 🌐 Explore IBM Automation: ibm.com/automation #MakingDataSimple #IBMAutomation #Observability #TechPodcast #FutureOfWork Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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.…

Making Data Simple

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Automation Unleashed: IBM’s Sarah McAndrew, VP & Vikram Murali, VP Chart the Future 26:27

7 weeks ago26:27

26:27

Send us a text Buckle up—automation is shifting into high gear! In Part 1 of our Automation mini-series, host Al Martin VP WW Technical Sales sits down with IBM insiders Sarah McAndrew (VP WW Automation, Technical Sales) and Vikram Murali (VP App Mod & IT Automation, Development) to decode the now and next of enterprise automation. 🔑 What’s inside 00:53 Meet Sarah McAndrew VP WW Automation, Technical Sales 01:29 Meet Vikram Murali VP App Mod & IT Automation, Development 03:25 A crisp, boardroom-ready definition of automation 09:21 Why observability is automation’s super-power 11:45 The latest breakthroughs propelling innovation faster than ever 22:29 How Aspera rockets data transfer into warp speed 23:43 The big “Why IBM?”—and why it matters for your bottom line Expect practical tips you can deploy tomorrow, myth-busting insights, and bold predictions that will have your Dev & Ops teams buzzing. Hit play, share with a tech-curious friend, and let’s #MakeDataSimple—together. 🔗 Connect: Linkedin Sarah McAndrew | LinkedIn Vikram Murali 🌐 Explore IBM Automation: ibm.com/automation #MakingDataSimple #IBMAutomation #AI #Observability #TechPodcast #FutureOfWork Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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.…

Making Data Simple

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Unlock Mega Thinking: The CEO Mindset for Smarter, Faster Leadership Decisions with Dave Martin—CEO, tech entrepreneur, investor coach to elite CEOs 40:17

8 weeks ago40:17

40:17

Send us a text In this powerhouse episode of Making Data Simple , we welcome Dave Martin —CEO, tech entrepreneur, investor coach to elite CEOs, and bestselling author of Mega Thinking: A Simple, Powerful Process to Think Smarter and Make Better Leadership Decisions . From Silicon Valley to boardrooms worldwide, Dave breaks down how top leaders think differently, make high-stakes decisions with clarity, and unlock their full leadership potential. Whether you’re scaling a startup or leading a Fortune 500, these are the insights that move the needle. ⏱️ Episode Breakdown 02:38 – Meet Dave Martin : From tech entrepreneur to investor coach—Dave’s leadership journey 05:27 – Silicon Valley Secrets : What makes this innovation hub tick? 08:17 – The Inception of Mega Thinking : Where breakthrough leadership strategies begin 10:57 – Startups Unfiltered : What it really takes to succeed (and survive) 14:00 – What is Mega Thinking? : The simple yet powerful framework to level up your leadership 21:05 – Mega Thinking in Action : How top performers apply it daily 24:07 – What Holds People Back? : The hidden barriers between you and your next big idea 27:26 – Mega Thinking Summary : Your rapid-fire leadership playbook 33:06 – Reminiscing IBM : Timeless leadership lessons from a tech giant 34:28 – The Most Powerful Leaders : How they think differently—and why it works 36:42 – Final Thoughts : Dave’s rapid-fire leadership advice you can apply today 38:46 – How to Reach Dave Martin : Continue the conversation and go deeper 🔗 Connect with Dave: LinkedIn 🌐 Website: megathinkingbook.com #MegaThinking #LeadershipUnlocked #ExecutiveMindset #ThinkSmarterLeadBetter #StartupSuccess #SiliconValleySecrets #BusinessInnovation #LeadershipDecisions #MakingDataSimple #CEOInsights #TechLeadership #PodcastPower Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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.…

Making Data Simple

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Inside IBM’s TechXchange: The AI-Fueled Conference Techies Can’t Afford to Miss, with Amy Tennison, VP of IBM TechXchange and Client Advocacy and Graeme Noseworthy, TechXchange Content & Experiences 38:09

9 weeks ago38:09

38:09

Send us a text What makes IBM TechXchange different — and why is it a must-attend for techies? In this episode, we’re joined by two powerhouses behind the scenes: Amy Tennison , VP of IBM TechXchange & Client Advocacy, and Graeme Noseworthy , TechXchange Content & Experiences. We explore the ethos of TechXchange, how it's curated for technologists of all skill levels, and why it's more than just an event — it's an experience that continues all year long. From strategic content design to the future of tech conferences, you’ll hear insider insights and behind-the-scenes stories that bring TechXchange to life. ⏱️ Time Markers: 03:06 Meet Amy Tennison 03:54 Meet Graeme Noseworthy 05:51 What IS TechXchange 10:31 TechXchange is Always On! 16:32 The Cost of Learning: Time 22:12 Targeting Different Skill Levels 27:07 Where Are Tech Events Heading? 28:52 Session Curation 33:03 The WHY of TechXchange 34:00 Finally, What to Know 36:29 For Fun 💡 Whether you're a hands-on architect, an emerging developer, or a tech lead looking to sharpen your edge — this episode is for you . #TechXchange #IBMPodcast #MakingDataSimple Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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.…

Making Data Simple

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🧠 Dr. Ruchir Puri on the Next Frontier: Open Models, Smarter AI, and Human-Level Reasoning (Part 2) 27:14

10 weeks ago27:14

27:14

Send us a text 👤 About the Guest Dr. Ruchir Puri is IBM Fellow and Chief Scientist at IBM Research. He’s a master inventor with 70+ patents and decades of leadership in scalable AI, chip innovation, and open-source contributions. From Watson to watsonx, he’s been shaping the AI landscape for decades — and he’s not slowing down. Inside This Episode In Part 2, Ruchir unpacks the macro forces shaping AI — from Jensen Huang’s bold prediction to IBM’s leadership in open-model ecosystems and the emerging blueprint for AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) . It’s a mix of sharp insight, grounded realism, and future-forward thinking. ⏱️ Chapters & Timing 00:12 – Jensen Huang's Prediction Ruchir’s take on NVIDIA’s CEO and whether the 2029 AGI forecast holds water. 04:15 – The Open-Model Ecosystem Why IBM is betting on openness — and what that means for enterprise AI. 07:21 – Why IBM Granite? A breakdown of Granite’s strengths, flexibility, and why it’s built to scale responsibly. 09:58 – Model Indemnification The legal side of LLMs. Ruchir explains how IBM handles risk and accountability. 11:32 – AI Implementation Challenges Beyond the hype: What really gets in the way of successful AI deployment? 14:20 – AI in Politics A frank look at how AI is already reshaping elections, media, and power dynamics. 15:35 – AI Chipsets From GPUs to custom silicon, Ruchir highlights what’s next in the AI compute race. 18:37 – AGI = IQ, EQ, RQ Artificial General Intelligence, demystified. Why intellect alone isn’t enough — and how reasoning and empathy fit in. 24:15 – The Human Brain’s Efficiency What AI can learn from 20 watts of organic genius. 💬 Key Ideas You can’t have AGI without reasoning. That’s the ‘RQ’ — and it’s the missing piece. The future isn’t one model to rule them all. It’s an ecosystem — modular, open , and responsible. IBM’s commitment to indemnification isn’t just legal — it’s about trust in enterprise AI . 🔥 Why You Should Listen This episode goes beyond buzzwords. If you're serious about what’s coming next in AI — how we’ll build it, govern it, and live with it — Ruchir offers a rare combination of technical clarity and visionary leadership. 🎧 Subscribe for More Don't miss upcoming episodes that help you lead with clarity in the AI era — the Making Data Simple way. Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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.…

Making Data Simple

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A Masterclass on AI with Ruchir Puri, Chief Scientist IBM: From Prompt Engineering to Agentic AI (Part 1) 29:40

11 weeks ago29:40

29:40

Send us a text 🎙️ Ruchir Puri (Part 1): From Prompt Engineering to Agentic AI Guest: Ruchir Puri , Chief Scientist at IBM Research 📍 Website: ibm.com/watsonx 🎧 Host: Al Martin, Worldwide VP, Technical Sales, IBM 📨 Want to be a guest? Email us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 👤 About the Guest Dr. Ruchir Puri is IBM Fellow, Chief Scientist of IBM Research, and one of IBM’s most prolific inventors. With over 70 patents and a lead architect behind IBM’s AI breakthroughs including Watson and watsonx, Ruchir is a globally respected authority on AI, chip design, and scalable compute. He’s led groundbreaking work from Deep Blue to Agentic AI and is shaping how AI will drive the next era of enterprise transformation. 🧠 What’s Inside This Episode This episode is a masterclass in where AI is headed. Ruchir takes us on a journey from the fading relevance of prompt engineering to the rise of agentic AI systems that think, plan, execute, and reflect. You’ll hear his candid views on inference at scale, memory in systems, and why 2025 is the year of agents. ⏱️ Chapters & Timing 01:22 – Hints for the IBM THINK Conference Sneak peek into what’s coming at THINK — and what not to miss. 04:09 – What Drives Ruchir From childhood curiosity to global impact. How does a mind like his stay inspired? 10:00 – Where Are We Now: Feedback Systems Why the “training is done” mindset is outdated and how feedback loops change the game. 12:21 – Prompt Engineering Gone! Hot take alert! Ruchir declares the death of prompt engineering — and what replaces it. 13:39 – Inference Scaling How scaling inference (not just training) is the next AI frontier. 16:26 – Systems with Memory Why “forgetting” systems are failing us — and how memory transforms intelligence. 17:56 – Agentic AI: Think, Plan, Act, Execute, Observe, Reflect A full walkthrough of what makes AI “agentic” and where we’re headed next. 21:02 – Future of Work and MCP (Multi-Contextual Personas) AI in the workplace isn’t about job replacement — it’s about augmentation. 23:45 – 2025: The Year of Agents Why this year will be the breakout moment for agents in enterprise AI. 23:58 – The Open Ecosystem Open-source meets enterprise grade. Ruchir breaks it down. 26:38 – Agentic AI Leader Final thoughts on leadership in AI and how to stay ahead. 💬 Quotes to Remember “Prompt engineering is dead. It’s like writing assembler. You needed it at first. But not anymore.”“The true intelligence lies in systems that can remember — not just respond.”“We’re heading into an era where your agent will know you better than your coworkers do.” 🔥 Why You Should Listen If you want a front-row seat to the future of AI — especially in enterprise environments — this is it. Ruchir combines deep tech insights with strategic vision, all while keeping it practical and human. 📩 Subscribe & Stay Ahead Follow us on your favorite platform and never miss an episode that helps you lead with tech — simply. Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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.…

Making Data Simple

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🧐 Beyond the Buzz: AI, Ethics & the Future of Organizational Intelligence with Phanish Puranam (Part 2) 21:32

12 weeks ago21:32

21:32

Send us a text Part 2 of 2 We’re back with Part 2 of our fascinating conversation with Phanish Puranam , Professor of Strategy and Organizational Design at INSEAD . In this episode, we explore the next frontier: how intelligent algorithms don’t just support organizations—they shape them. From AI ethics and algorithmic bureaucracy to the future of human-AI teams , universal income , and debunking myths , Phanish offers a provocative look at how organizations can—and should—adopt AI in a human-centric way . ⏱️ Chapters 00:12 – Algorithmic Bureaucracy 01:23 – AI Ethics 04:24 – Blockchain 07:51 – AI as Team vs. Individual Agents 11:59 – New Skills 15:12 – Predictions & Universal Income 17:20 – Adopting AI in a Human-Centric Way 19:02 – AI Myths 🔗 Connect with Phanish Puranam LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/phanishpuranam Website: insead.edu/faculty/phanish-puranam Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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.…

Making Data Simple

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🧠 Designing Smarter Organizations: AI, Algorithms & the Future of Work with Phanish Puranam, Professor of Strategy and Organizational Design at INSEAD 32:02

13 weeks ago32:02

32:02

Send us a text Part 1 of 2 How do we make organizations not just run — but run intelligently ? In this episode of Making Data Simple , we welcome Phanish Puranam , Professor of Strategy and Organizational Design at INSEAD , to explore the intersection of AI, organizational science, and intelligent design . From tools and teammates to blockchain and the metaverse, Phanish walks us through the evolving relationship between humans, algorithms, and the systems we build. We dive into real-world use cases, research-backed insights, and surprising pitfalls — plus a contrarian take on why bad ideas might be the key to better innovation . ⏱️ Chapters 01:50 – Meet Phanish Puranam 03:36 – Organizational Design 08:39 – Where is Org Design Today 12:41 – A Research Example 15:59 – Technologies as Tools & Teammates 17:54 – A Real Use Case Example 20:30 – The Metaverse, Eliminate Bad Ideas Fast 21:28 – Pitfalls 23:30 – Use Case Deep Dive 30:06 – The Power Structure 🔗 Connect with Phanish Puranam LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/phanishpuranam INSEAD Profile: insead.edu/faculty/phanish-puranam #OrganizationalDesign #ArtificialIntelligence #PhanishPuranam #FutureOfWork #AIinBusiness #AlgorithmicOrganizations #Leadership #INSEAD #MakingDataSimple #AIandWork #BusinessStrategy #DigitalTransformation #OrgDesign Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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.…

Making Data Simple

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🎙️ Marketing to the Human Brain: Scarcity, Psychology & Taylor Swift Tickets with Dr. Mindy Weinstein {Replay} 28:31

14 weeks ago28:31

28:31

Send us a text ✨ Updated April 1, 2025 What do Tickle Me Elmo, bourbon, and Taylor Swift tickets have in common? Scarcity. And in the world of marketing, it's one of the most powerful forces you can harness. This week, we’re throwing it back to one of our most insightful interviews — a conversation with Dr. Mindy Weinstein , Founder and CEO of Market MindShift , marketing professor at Grand Canyon University, Columbia Business School, and Wharton , and author of The Power of Scarcity . We dig into: The psychology behind scarcity and why it drives us to act now The four types of scarcity (you’ll want to write these down!) How top brands — and yes, bourbon sellers — use scarcity to spark action Why "reaching humans" in digital marketing is more nuanced than ever How you can ethically and effectively use scarcity to boost business results 📚 About the Book: In The Power of Scarcity , Dr. Weinstein combines her background in marketing and psychology to break down how scarcity messaging influences decision-making — and how you can leverage it to drive revenue, deepen loyalty, and create urgency without manipulation . With research, real-world examples, and interviews from brands like McDonald’s and 1-800-Flowers, it’s a must-read for anyone looking to up their marketing game. 📌 Timestamps: 01:41 Meet "Marketer" Mindy Weinstein 04:42 Technology in Marketing 07:50 One of the top women in digital marketing 09:12 The Power of Scarcity 19:16 The Four Types of Scarcity 20:41 Bourbon Scarcity 21:47 Businesses Leveraging Scarcity 🧠 Connect with Dr. Weinstein: 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mindydweinstein 📘 Book: persuasioninbusiness.com 🌐 Website: marketmindshift.com 🎧 Originally aired: Season 7, Episode 5 Want to be featured on Making Data Simple ? Drop us a note at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next! Hosted by Al Martin , WW VP Technical Sales at IBM — where we explore cutting-edge tech, business innovation, and the human side of leadership... all while keeping it simple & fun. Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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.…

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🤖 This week, I'm the guest! Flipping the Script: Al Martin, VP WW Technical Sales IBM Talks Tech, Trust & Transformation, this time as a guest, with Ian Smith 50:04

15 weeks ago50:04

50:04

Send us a text 🎙️ From Host to Hot Seat! This week on Making Data Simple , Al Martin flips the mic and becomes the guest as Ian Smith , co-founder of Lighthouse Technology , steps in to host a fast-paced, thought-provoking episode of the Baseline Podcast . It’s a casual convo with some serious zingers —think startup energy, AI honesty, automation truths, and even a little NFL shoutout. You won’t want to miss this one! 🕒 Episode Highlights 00:52 – How Making Data Simple got started 06:11 – IBM as a Startup?! 08:38 – Why IBM, really 11:49 – Competing with “Real-time” AI 23:20 – How to get clients to truly embrace automation 32:12 – The test AI flunked… but still got a B 🤖 33:06 – GO CHIEFS! 🏈 37:54 – The real IBM use case 47:06 – “Nothing went wrong” (famous last words?) 🔗 Connect with Ian: linkedin.com/in/ian-smith-a803701 🌐 Learn more: baselinepodcast.com 💡 Want to be featured on Making Data Simple ? Pitch us your story at almartintalksdata@gmail.com —we’re always on the lookout for brilliant minds in tech, data, leadership, and innovation. 🎧 Hosted by Al Martin , WW VP Technical Sales, IBM. LinkedIn . Executive Producer, Katherine Mayne LinkedIn . We talk trending tech, bold ideas, and big leadership—all with a focus on keeping it simple and fun. #MakingDataSimple #BaselinePodcast #TechLeadership #AIConversations #StartupTalk #AutomationInnovation #IBMTech #DataDriven #PodcastGuest #BusinessInnovation #LighthouseTechnology #AlMartin #IanSmith #GoChiefs Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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.…

Making Data Simple

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🎙️ The GRIN Factor: Ryan Debenham on Scaling Influencer Marketing with AI 40:44

16 weeks ago40:44

40:44

Send us a text 🚀 What’s the secret to building a world-class influencer marketing program? Ryan Debenham, CEO of GRIN , joins Making Data Simple to break down the future of creator-driven marketing, AI’s role in the space, and how GRIN is reshaping brand-influencer partnerships. 💡 From Red Bull’s marketing playbook to a key conversation about the “Secret Sauce” , Ryan shares the insights, technology, and mindset needed to scale a creator-powered brand in today’s digital economy. 🔹 Key Topics: ✅ What makes a great influencer? ✅ How GRIN is redefining the industry ✅ AI’s impact on marketing ✅ The future of remote companies ⌛️ Minute Markers 02:11 Meet Ryan Debenham 07:54 Running a Startup 08:46 Modeled after Red Bull 12:01 GRIN 15:44 Influencer Marketing 17:52 Who are the Influencers 18:45 Secret Sauce 22:51 The Technology 24:51 The 2-Min GRIN Pitch 31:16 AI in Marketing 34:32 GRIN's Future 36:06 A Remote Company 38:35 In Closing 📢 Listen now! 🎧 Guest: Ryan Debenham | LinkedIn | Website 🌍 Host: Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM | LinkedIn 📩 Want to be a guest? Email us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 🔗 Hashtags: #MakingDataSimple #InfluencerMarketing #CreatorEconomy #AIinMarketing #BrandGrowth #MarketingTech #Leadership #GRIN #RyanDebenham Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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.…

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Wall Street, AI, and Data Science: The Future of Financial Innovation with Kristen McGarry IBM Technical Sales Leader {Replay} 42:16

17 weeks ago42:16

42:16

Send us a text Innovating 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 – Predictions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-mcgarry/ Website: https://www.ibm.com/ #MakingDataSimple #DataScience #AIinFinance #TechSales #WallStreet #IBM #Innovation #FinancialServices #Leadership #ContinuousLearning #AI Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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.…

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🚀 The Coaching Discussion Reprise with Katie McLuckie and a special guest! The Value of a Business Coach 34:16

18 weeks ago34:16

34:16

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 almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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 #TechAndLeadership Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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.…

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🎙️ Mastering Data Literacy with Matt Cowell, CEO of QuantHub, now with InRule {Replay} 🎧 46:10

19 weeks ago46:10

46:10

Send us a text In 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: QuantHub Matt Cowell on LinkedIn Books Mentioned: Monetizing Innovation , Ultra Learning Connect with the Team: 🎤 Host: Al Martin 🎬 Producers: Kate Mayne 📩 Want to be a guest? Reach out to almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next! 📢 Hashtags: #MakingDataSimple #DataLiteracy #Upskilling #AI #BigData #TechPodcast #Leadership #LearnData #QuantHub Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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.…

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Ruchir Puri, IBM Fellow: AI questions you were afraid to ask, from hallucinations to watsonx. #makingdatasimple #watsonx {Replay} 57:01

20 weeks ago57:01

57:01

Send us a text The 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 #watsonx Welcome 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 triangle 35:57 Why IBM 40:58 Deciding factors 43:57 Is bigger better? 47:59 Hallucinations 49:53 watsonx 52:33 Who are you betting on? 54:23 First steps LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ruchir-puri-b117021a Website: https://www.ibm.com/watsonx Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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 almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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 almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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 almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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.…

Making Data Simple

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Accelerating Transformation: Fiber, Edge, and Quantum with Marco Rota, VP Strategic Technology Alliances, Lumen Technologies 25:08

21 weeks ago25:08

25:08

Send us a text In 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 Technology 02:37 Transformational Use Cases 04:46 Edge Computing 06:20 Quantum 10:35 Wrapping Up Technology 13:25 Supercharged Partnerships 15:55 THE Leadership Principle 18:16 For Fun 23:01 A World-class Chef Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/marcorotapix Website: https://www.lumen.com/en-us/home.html Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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 #Leadership Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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.…

Making Data Simple

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From Hollywood to High-Tech: Marco Rota’s, VP Strategic Technology Alliances at Lumen Technologies, Blueprint for Cultural Transformation 32:14

22 weeks ago32:14

32:14

Send us a text Welcome 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 Rota Marco 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 Hollywood Drawing 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 Technologies Marco 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 Technologies Marco 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 Technology An 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 System Marco 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/marcorotapix Website: https://www.lumen.com/en-us/home.html Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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 #Inspiration Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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.…

Making Data Simple

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It's Big Sports Season! MoneyBall is Back - How Data & AI Are Changing the Game with Nancy Hensley {Replay} 33:44

23 weeks ago33:44

33:44

Send us a text Money 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 Notes 04:09 What does Money Ball look like now? 07:30 Mrs Chicago's personal update 08:40 Fan website: The Analyst 11:16 Stats Perform for the rest of us 17:25 Sports tech competitors 18:34 Monetizing data. $115M for NFL data! What? 27:44 Broadcaster and Pressbox Linkedin: 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 almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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 almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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 Simple Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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.…

Making Data Simple

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Business Leadership for (Technical) Leaders Made Simple: Coaching, Mission, and Mapping Your 2025 Plan with Kate Mayne, Director of Partner Technical Sales, IBM 54:02

24 weeks ago54:02

54:02

Send us a text Let's talk business leadership coaching with Kate Mayne, Director of Partner and Digital Technical Sales, IBM. For Kate coaching is a practice. Mission and values. How to map out your 2025 plan. 02:13 Meet Kate Mayne 08:16 Business Coaching 16:00 Mission and Values 22:41 Starting the New Year 26:41 Define the Characteristics you Desire 28:57 Mapping Out Your Plan 40:35 How Do You Stay Present 45:15 Coaching in Summary 47:43 Rapid Fire 50:53 The Self-help Book Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/katemayne Website: https://www.ibm.com/partnerplus Crucial Conversations book: https://cruciallearning.com/books/ Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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 #BusinessInnovation Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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.…

Making Data Simple

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AI Gold Rush: Unpacking Innovation with Patent Attorney Robert Plotkin 52:55

25 weeks ago52:55

52:55

Send us a text The 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 Again 06:56 Robert's Brand 09:21 Why do Another Book 11:33 What Can be Patented? 14:18 Patent Attorneys 19:10 Coca-Cola 23:19 Patent Litigation 26:23 Ignoring Copyrights 2847 Open Source vs Patents 30:32 4 Stages for IP Protection 37:45 The Best Tech Patent 40:38 The New Gold Rush 43:10 Is AI Liable 49:20 Who Should Read the Book? 50:52 Where to Reach Robert 51:25 Wrap Up Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/robertplotkin Website: https://www.blueshiftip.com Want to be featured on Making Data Simple ? Reach out at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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 #InnovationStrategy Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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.…

Making Data Simple

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All Things AI: Exploring Large Language Models with Manav Gupta, VP & CTO of IBM Canada 49:15

26 weeks ago49:15

49:15

Send us a text The 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 Gupta 08:17 Let's Talk All Things Models 27:20 How to Choose the Right Models 31:48 Where are the Models Going??? 46:01 How to Learn AI Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/mgupta76 Website: https://www.ibm.com/granite Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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 #LearnAI Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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.…

Making Data Simple

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From Kansas to Silicon Valley: Jon Darbyshire, CEO's, Journey with SmartSuite {replay} 53:32

27 weeks ago53:32

53:32

Send us a text This week, we’re talking to Jon Darbyshire, CEO of SmartSuite, who’s making waves in work management from Kansas to Newport Beach. Learn how he's reshaping business operations with an all-in-one platform that’s turning process management on its head. #Entrepreneurship #WorkplaceAutomation #SmartSuite #TechInnovation #BusinessLeadership #MillennialFocus #GenZ #FamilyBusiness #MakingDataSimple #DataDriven #Startups #JonDarbyshire #ProcessManagement #BusinessSuccess Show Notes 03:28 From Haysville to Newport Beach 07:18 Why start a business in a pandemic? 08:48 Who needs venture funding. Not Jon. 09:26 Workplace automation defined 14:12 SmartSuite capabilities 19:30 Targeting Millennials and Gen Z 20:45 Slack built in 21:54 SmartSuite differentiation 23:07 Sharing data 25:28 The sales pitch 28:56 All in. all the time 31:00 Passion with preparation is king 34:04 Running a family business 41:26 Target client profiles 44:15 Definition of success 46:25 Building a culture 49:00 Vision or Grinders? Find Jon : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondarbyshire/ Find SmartSuite : https://www.smartsuite.com/ Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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.…

Making Data Simple

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Beyond ChatGPT: Peter Voss Founder and CEO of Aigo.ai Explains the Future of AI and Hyper-Personalized Systems {replay} 50:40

28 weeks ago50:40

50:40

Send us a text "Ready to dive deep into the future of intelligent systems? Meet Peter Voss, Founder and CEO of Aigo.ai, who coined the term 'Artificial General Intelligence' and is pioneering hyper-personalized chatbots WITH a brain. Join us as we explore his revolutionary ideas and why Aigo.ai is leading the charge in AI innovation." #AIInnovation #PeterVoss #FutureOfAI #HyperPersonalization #BeyondChatGPT #TechPodcast #ArtificialIntelligence #MachineLearning #PersonalizedTech 01:56 Meet Peter Voss 08:23 Passion for Intelligent Systems 12:54 Why only Aigo 16:31 ChatGPT? A Different View 22:03 A Use Case by Example 30:53 What is Included, What is Not 34:08 Who are your Clients 36:10 The Engagement 38:57 The Business Case 41:59 AI that Reasons 44:26 The Definition of AGI 46:51 For Fun LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vosspeter Twitter: @peterevoss Website: aigo.ai/ Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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.…

Making Data Simple

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A Database for AI with Rich Alake, Developer Advocate at MongoDB 41:25

29 weeks ago41:25