Making Data Simple

Send us a text✨ Updated April 1, 2025What 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 nowThe four types of scarcity (you’ll want to write these down!)How top brands — and yes, bourbon sellers — use scarcity to spark actionWhy "reaching humans" in digital marketing is more nuanced than everHow 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 5Want 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.

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 #GoChiefsWant 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.

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 Markers02:11 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 #RyanDebenhamWant 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.

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 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.

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 #TechAndLeadershipWant 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.

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 almartintalksdata@gmail.com 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 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.

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 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.

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 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 #LeadershipWant 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.

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 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 #InspirationWant 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.

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 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 SimpleWant 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.