

Making Data Simple
IBM Big Data & Analytics Hub
Hosted by Al Martin, WW VP of Technical Sales at IBM, Making Data Simple cuts through the hype to reveal how data and AI reshape the modern enterprise.Thought leaders, researchers, and innovators share firsthand lessons on leading teams, scaling analytics, and driving real-world impact—delivered in Al’s signature straightforward, witty style.Tune in to Making Data Simple today. From data and AI breakthroughs to leadership hacks, top experts drop actionable gems that help businesses thrive in a data-driven world. #MakingDataSimple #AI #Leadership
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 24, 2021 • 39min
This week Al and Jeff Richardson discuss Jeff’s new role at Accelerated Enrollment Solutions and how data affects Jeff's role
Send us a textWant 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. AbstractHosted by Al Martin, VP, IBM Expert Services Delivery, Making Data Simple provides the latest thinking on big data, A.I., and the implications for the enterprise from a range of experts.This week on Making Data Simple, we have Jeff Richardson. Jeff has a history of database data, information management, and he is now the Chief Information Officer at Accelerated Enrollment Solutions. Jeff was also at Bentley Systems for 17 ½ years as Chief Data Officer. Show Notes5:41 – What does it mean to be a technology nerd?6:53 – What technologies as a CDO or CIO are you addressing on a regular bases?13:04 – How are you going to tackle the culture and the politics?17:25 – Is it Cloud or Hybrid to drive the new data lake?24:03 – What is your plan to get to desired state?27:04 – Does AI have a role in your new position?31:44 – Fighting the Infodemic what made you write this article? Fighting the InfodemicJeff’s podcast listAnalytics on FireDissecting popular IT NerdsThe Data ChiefData Crunch Connect with the TeamProducer Kate Brown - LinkedIn. Producer Steve Templeton - LinkedIn. Host Al Martin - LinkedIn and Twitter. 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.

Feb 17, 2021 • 37min
This week Al and Yancey Strickler chat about Bentoism how it came about, tips and tricks of Bentoism, and data as fire.
Send us a textWant 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. AbstractHosted by Al Martin, VP, IBM Expert Services Delivery, Making Data Simple provides the latest thinking on big data, A.I., and the implications for the enterprise from a range of experts.This week on Making Data Simple, we have Yancey Strickler. Yancey is a writer and entrepreneur, founder of the Bento Society, Co-Founder of Kick Starter, a Distinguished Fellow at the Drucker Institute, Author of This Could Be Our Future: A Manifesto for a More, Generous World and The Idea Space, Co-Founded the Artist Resource The Creative Independent, the Record label eMusic Selects, and Angel Investor. Show Notes3:43 - Yancey’s Brand8:39 - How in Kick Started did you define success?13:06 – Creating the Bento Society21:00 – Reframing values into the new world23:48 – Tips and tricks27:48 – Data as fire30:48 – What the next 5 – 10 years going to look likeThis Could Be Our Future: A Manifesto for a More, Generous WorldYStrickler.comBentoism.orgThe ideaspace Connect with the TeamProducer Kate Brown - LinkedIn. Producer Steve Templeton - LinkedIn. Host Al Martin - LinkedIn and Twitter. 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.

Feb 10, 2021 • 37min
This week we continue with part 3 of AI Academy discussing AI Ladder and AI Maturity
Send us a textWant 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. AbstractHosted by Al Martin, VP, IBM Expert Services Delivery, Making Data Simple provides the latest thinking on big data, A.I., and the implications for the enterprise from a range of experts.This week on Making Data Simple, we have Kristen Summers and John Thomas. Kristen is a Distinguished Engineer in Cloud and Cognitive Expert Labs. Kristen has worked in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, PHD in Computer Science, and leads Data Science within our Expert Labs. John is a Distinguished Engineer in Data and Expert Labs, John leads Services that helps clients establish the AI factory. Show Notes3:24 – What is the AI academy and how does it all fit together?4:34 – AI Ladder and AI Maturity8:32 – How does the AI Factory make it easier to accomplish the AI Ladder?12:00 – Why does your team do it better?17:03 – How do you know your data is ready?21:22 – What is the most practical use case?23:02 – What does it really mean to infuse AI?25:15 – Definition of AI maturity curve28:25 – How do you know it’s trustworthy?29:14 – What the most important lesson you’ve learned with AI and what is AI not very good at?In the Dream House Connect with the TeamProducer Kate Brown - LinkedIn. Producer Steve Templeton - LinkedIn. Host Al Martin - LinkedIn and Twitter. 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.

Feb 3, 2021 • 47min
This week we continuing our discussion on data framework and what is meant by data framework
Send us a textWant 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. AbstractHosted by Al Martin, VP, IBM Expert Services Delivery, Making Data Simple provides the latest thinking on big data, A.I., and the implications for the enterprise from a range of experts.This week on Making Data Simple, we have Suj Perepa and Richard Darden. Suj is a distinguished engineer and specializes AI, machine learning technology in the financial sector. Suj also has been a lead for security programs and a member of the IBM Academy of Technology leadership team. Richard is a distinguished engineer in digital human evangelism for North America government and a distinguished engineer at IBM in Cloud and Cognitive for the public sector and a former chief architect on federal government agencies. Show Notes6:30 – What is a data framework?9:16 – What is framework?11:00 – Governance and people14:15 – Process and architecture19:15 – Bringing it all into a playbook 22:56 – Who is the client?24:36 – How does bias play into it?27:02 – What products are you using?27:54 – Explainability30:44 – Ethics of AI37:13 Suj and Richard’s most important lessons in AIThe Discipline of Technology Connect with the TeamProducer Kate Brown - LinkedIn. Producer Steve Templeton - LinkedIn. Host Al Martin - LinkedIn and Twitter. 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.

Jan 27, 2021 • 38min
This week Al and Kristen Summers discuss culture and talent management in AI
Send us a textWant 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. AbstractHosted by Al Martin, VP, IBM Expert Services Delivery, Making Data Simple provides the latest thinking on big data, A.I., and the implications for the enterprise from a range of experts.This week on Making Data Simple, we have Kristen Summers who is a distinguished Engineer in Cloud and Cognitive Expert Labs. Kristen has worked in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, PHD in Computer Science, and leads Data Science within our Expert Labs, Show Notes2: 08 - More time needs to be spend on culture and talent management.3:55 - What does data driven culture mean?8:49 – What do you see driving fundamental culture?11:14 - What common tool do we have?12:55 – What is communicate about data?14:42 – How do you know you’re doing it well?17:29 - How do you define AI talent?23:18 - Describe a Data Scientist?27:25 - Common Organizational Structures 31:49 - How do you manage and grow AI talent?IBM Skills Academy Connect with the TeamProducer Kate Brown - LinkedIn. Producer Steve Templeton - LinkedIn. Host Al Martin - LinkedIn and Twitter. 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.

Jan 20, 2021 • 29min
[Part 2] Al and Lynne Snead discuss leadership, business coaching and debunking leadership myths, hard skills and soft skills and something called squishy
Send us a textWant 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. AbstractHosted by Al Martin, VP, IBM Expert Services Delivery, Making Data Simple provides the latest thinking on big data, A.I., and the implications for the enterprise from a range of experts.This week on Making Data Simple, we have Lynne Snead. Lynne is the founder of Talent Evolution Systems, a behavioral analyst, consultant, training specialist, speaker, coach. Lynne has a back ground in Educational Psychology, and has specialized in organizational performance for over 20 years. Lynne is one of the original Franklin Covey co-authors, has a best seller, she created Franklin Covey’s signature Project Development process and programs, worked directly with Stephen R Covey Senior and Stephen MR Covey Junior. Lynne started her own company in 2003.Show Notes3:40 – Any advice on soft skills and hard skills?8:35 – Telltale signs such as stress10:40 – Settings goals Connect with the TeamProducer Kate Brown - LinkedIn Producer Steve Templeton - LinkedIn Host Al Martin - LinkedIn and TwitterBooksThinking Fast and Slow Financial Intelligence Other notable namesBrene BrownJudith GlaserMarshall GoodsmithDaniel GolemanLynne’s List of Recommended Leadership BooksLeadership and Self Deception, Arbinger Institute7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey (Senior)5 Levels of Leadership, John Maxwell. What Got You Here Won’t Get You There, Marshall GoldsmithConversational Intelligence, Judith GlaserThe Speed of Trust, Stephen M.R. Covey (Junior) Emotional Intelligence, Daniel GolemanThe New Art of Managing People, Tony Alessandra and Phil HunsakerHow to Influence People, John MaxwellHumble Inquiry, Edgar H. Schein Humble Leadership, Edgar H. Schein and Peter ScheinLeadership is an Art, Max De PreeThe Secrets to Winning at Office Politics, Marie G. McIntyreThe Power of Focus, Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Les HewittThe Power of Self-Confidence, Brian TracyWant 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.

Jan 13, 2021 • 35min
[Part 1] Al and Lynne Snead discuss leadership, business coaching and debunking leadership myths, hard skills and soft skills and something called squishy
Send us a textHosted by Al Martin, VP, IBM Expert Services Delivery, Making Data Simple provides the latest thinking on big data, A.I., and the implications for the enterprise from a range of experts.This week on Making Data Simple, we have Lynne Snead. Lynne is the founder of Talent Evolution Systems, a behavioral analyst, consultant, training specialist, speaker, coach. Lynne has a back ground in Educational Psychology, and has specialized in organizational performance for over 20 years. Lynne is one of the original Franklin Covey co-authors, has a best seller, she created Franklin Covey’s signature Project Development process and programs, worked directly with Stephen R Covey Senior and Stephen MR Covey Junior. Lynne started her own company in 2003.Show Notes9:08 - Soft skills vs hard skills14:18 - What would you call soft skills?17:05 - Skills and culture19:03 – Can you change culture?22:15 – Behavioral stylesConnect with the TeamProducer Kate Brown - LinkedIn. Producer Steve Templeton - LinkedIn. Host Al Martin - LinkedIn and Twitter. 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.

Jan 6, 2021 • 32min
[Replay] The 2 Secrets to Business Success, with Rob Thomas - Part 2 - Making Data Simple [Season 3 - Episode 11]
Send us a textIn part 2 of this two-part series, host Al Martin welcomes back Rob Thomas, GM of IBM Data and AI. The conversation ranges across the latest trends in enterprise analytics, how to tell the truth from the hype, and Rob’s own strategies for staying current, connected, and engaged in this fast-changing space.----------------------------Show Notes00:00 - Missed part 1? Catch up with the conversation here.00:05 - Check us out on YouTube and SoundCloud. 00:10 - Connect with Producer Steve Moore on LinkedIn and Twitter. 00:15 - Connect with Producer Liam Seston on LinkedIn and Twitter. 00:20 - Connect with Producer Rachit Sharma on LinkedIn. 00:25 - Connect with Host Al Martin on LinkedIn and Twitter. 00:52 - Connect with Rob Thomas on LinkedIn and Twitter.01:02 - Check out Rob's article on Watson Anywhere here. 02:03 - There is now proof that quantum computing can now boost machine learning! Read more here.05:17 - Your team needs a compass, not a map.10:00 - Warren Buffet and Mark Cuban agree, reading is like compound interest.14:24 - Check out Wooden on Leadership here.14:35 - Check out Mindset here. 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.

Dec 30, 2020 • 28min
[Replay} Two Secrets to Business Success with Rob Thomas (Part 1/2) - Making Data Simple [Season 3 - Episode 10]
Send us a textRob Thomas, leader of IBM’s Data and AI division, talks with host Al Martin about the need to de-mystify AI. In particular, Rob recommends a "fail fast" approach to data science: run wide-ranging but short-term experiments — and expect disappointment on the way to insight. This episode offers a host of such suggestions, plus thoughtful leadership advice and tips for motivation. Part 1 of 2.---------------------------Show Notes00:00 - Check us out on YouTube and SoundCloud. 00:10 - Connect with Producer Steve Moore on LinkedIn and Twitter. 00:15 - Connect with Producer Liam Seston on LinkedIn and Twitter. 00:20 - Connect with Producer Rachit Sharma on LinkedIn. 00:25 - Connect with Host Al Martin on LinkedIn and Twitter. 00:55 - Connect with Rob Thomas on LinkedIn and Twitter.04:01 - Discover what big data and A.I. have in store. 06:22 - Learn more about IBM's Think conference here.06:48 - Read more on Watson anywhere here.10:24 - There is no A.I. without I.A.23:21 - Check out Al's talk at Think 2019 with Jeff Jonas here.23:51 - Check out this interview with Rob Thomas at Think 2019 here.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.

Dec 23, 2020 • 26min
[Part 2] Al and Claude Yusti discuss AI, data and government, and health care
Send us a textWant 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. AbstractHosted by Al Martin, VP, Data and AI Expert Services and Learning at IBM, Making Data Simple provides the latest thinking on big data, A.I., and the implications for the enterprise from a range of experts.This week on Making Data Simple, we have Claude Yusti. Claude is a Partner in IBM Global Business Services and is responsible for leading the Watson AI and Data Platform Practice for Public Sector. His primary clients are in Health and Human Services. He has over 30 years of experience in the Government and Healthcare industries and has worked with a number of industry. Show Notes2:00 – What questions do government and health care have?8:10 – How different are government and health care?12:40 - ROI within government and health care.cayusti@us.ibm.comClaude Yusti - LinkenIn http://www.businessofgovernment.org/bio/claude-yusti Connect with the TeamProducer Kate Brown - LinkedIn. Producer Steve Templeton - LinkedIn. Host Al Martin - LinkedIn and Twitter. 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.