
Making Data Simple
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
Latest episodes

Nov 13, 2024 • 47min
Beyond the Resume: How Alooba is Redefining Hiring with Tim Freestone {Replay}
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.SynopsisWhat if hiring wasn’t about flipping through endless CVs but instead focused solely on skills? In this episode of Making Data Simple, we sit down with Tim Freestone, founder of Alooba, the groundbreaking platform revolutionizing how businesses hire for analytics, data science, and engineering roles. Tim shares how Alooba eliminates bias, speeds up hiring, and ensures candidates are evaluated based on what really matters—their capabilities.From his journey as an economics teacher to leading data teams, Tim’s insights are a must-hear for anyone tackling hiring challenges in today’s competitive job market. Learn how Alooba’s data-driven approach is transforming recruitment and why the future of hiring might just leave resumes in the dust.Show Notes4:46 – How do you go from economics teacher to head of business intelligence?7:53 – Do CV’s matter anymore?13:22 – What business problem is Alooba solving?16:05 – Do you have any data that supports your theory?19:01 – Why analytics, data science, data engineering?20:26 - What do you do that others don’t?23:50 – How does Alooba define success?25:42 – Who’s your target client base?32:40 –Is there a customer you can talk about?36:24 – What does Alooba mean?Alooba Connect with the TeamExecutive Producer Kate Mayne - 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.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.

Nov 6, 2024 • 45min
The AI Edge with Phillip Swan: Turning Complex Challenges into Strategic Opportunities
Send us a textPhillip Swan is a dynamic, forward-thinking leader renowned for turning complex challenges into strategic opportunities. As Chief Product and go-tomarket (GTM) Officer at The AI Solution Group, Phillip blends customercentric go-to-market strategies with cutting-edge product development, leadership, and partnerships. 01:19 Meet Phillip Swan03:33 Wind River Systems07:30 Responsible AI Solutions08:25 3 Key Areas : Manufacturing, Financial, Pharma10:22 AI on Quicksand11:30 AGI in 6 Months. Seriously?13:08 The Definition of AGI 14:32 A Responsible AI Culture19:51 Is Regulation the Catalyst?21:57 AI Change Management24:24 Phillip and the AI Group25:33 AI Solution Group29:16 Achieving Responsible AI30:36 Clean Data36:16 What Scares the Responsible AI Guy39:36 Shadow AI40:54 A SummaryLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/phillip-swanWebsite: https://www.theaisolutiongroup.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, 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. #LeadershipInTech#FutureOfAI#GoToMarketStrategies#CustomerCentricity#ProductInnovation#StrategicGrowthWant 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.

Oct 30, 2024 • 50min
"It turns out, Python is still a thing" - Peter Wang, Chief AI and Innovation Officer, Co-Founder of Anaconda, is back!
Send us a textPeter Wang, Chief AI and Innovation Officer and Co-founder of Anaconda, is back. Peter discusses Anaconda’s AI incubator. "It turns out Python is still a thing". Python and much, much more.01:27 Meet Peter Wang05:10 Python or R05:51 Anaconda's Differentiation07:08 Why the Name Anaconda08:24 The AI Incubator11:40 GenAI14:39 Enter Python16:08 Anaconda Commercial Services18:40 Security20:57 Common Points of Failure22:53 Branding24:50 watsonx Partnership28:40 AI Risks34:13 Getting Philosophical36:13 China44:52 Leadership StyleLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/pzwangWebsite: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anacondainc/, https://www.anaconda.com/Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us atalmartintalksdata@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.

Oct 23, 2024 • 31min
Part 2 with Mr. Ian Smith, the most interesting man alive… Serial Entrepreneurial and Co-founder of Lighthouse Technology, accelerating AI in the data center to optimize IT, Cloud and Data environments.
Send us a textPart 2 with Mr. Ian Smith, the most interesting man alive… Serial Entrepreneurial and Co-founder of Lighthouse Technology, accelerating AI in the data center to optimize IT, Cloud and Data environments.00:50 Lighthouse Technology02:23 A Closed, Free AI Model?? How is it Monetized?08:17 Back to the Data Center10:44 The Edge11:51 Lighthouse GTM19:29 The Future21:12 Reaching Lighthouse21:43 Rapid Fire- Hardest Part of Entrepreneurship- Easiest Part of EntrepreneurshipLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/ian-smith-a803701Website: https://lighthousetechnology.ai/Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us atalmartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next. TheMaking Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP TechnicalSales, 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.

Oct 16, 2024 • 29min
Mr. Ian Smith, the most interesting man alive… Serial Entrepreneurial andCo-founder of Lighthouse Technology, accelerating AI in the data center to optimize IT, Cloud and Data environments
Ian Smith, a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Lighthouse Technology, shares his journey from a working-class background to the forefront of tech innovation. He emphasizes the importance of knowing when to pivot in business and discusses his experiences in both technology and winemaking. The conversation dives into the transformative power of AI in optimizing data centers and enhancing cloud environments. Smith's insights on resilience and personal growth add a personal touch, making the tech landscape discussion both engaging and relatable.

Oct 9, 2024 • 21min
Get better at decision making: "The harder right versus the easier wrong" with 2 Star General Diane del Rosso {Replay}
Send us a textPart 2 : Learning leadership from a 2-star General : "The harder right versus theeasier wrong". Hear about the Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP)00:12 How to become a 2-Star General01:22 Raising 3 girls4:10 Leadership style05:21 MDMP to civilian leadership09:55 General McConville's book recommendation10:54 How military influences POV14:06 Advice to others15:52 Finally! The lighting roundLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dianne-del-rosso-7950871Website: https://www.ibm.com/products/expertlabsWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us atalmartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next. The MakingData Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM,where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, andleadership ... 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.

Oct 2, 2024 • 31min
Learn about the benefits of a SLM (small language model) and other GenAI use cases with Armand Ruiz, Director watsonx Client Engineering {Replay}
Send us a textMore 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 Hallucinations02:33 RAG Differentiation06:41 Why IBM in AI09:23 Use Cases11:02 The GenAI Resume13:37 watson.x 15:40 LLMs17:51 Experience Counts20:03 AI that Surprises23:46 AI Skills26:47 Switching LLMs27:13 The Cost and SLMs28:21 Prompt Engineering29:16 For FunLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/armand-ruiz, linkedin.com/in/john-webb-686136127 Website: https://www.ibm.com/client-engineeringLove 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. 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.

Sep 25, 2024 • 40min
"The story is the difference" What story do you tell? Learn how to tell a story with impact with Vinca LaFleur, West Wing Writers {Replay}
Send us a textWe all need to tell a better story.Meet Vinca LaFleur of West Wing Writers. As a writer, the West Wing is the dream job. Learn how to embody "The story is the difference". Fascinating and only Part 1.02:28 Meet Vinca LaFleur, the diplomate, wait?!08:25 Politics? Continuous news?10:40 "Hanging" with Bill Clinton18:41 The craft of writing23:53 Not a PowerPoint hater, but...26:53 A writers process (case study)President Clinton at the Mackie Plant: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLCBP3o2kOMLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vinca-lafleur-28909315Website: https://www.westwingwriters.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.

Sep 18, 2024 • 37min
How do you make real-time decisions with data? Talking data with Dima Spivak, Director of Product Management, StreamSets, an IBM company.
Send us a textTalking data with Dima Spivak, Director of Product Management, StreamSets. Data integration and real-time decision making.02:02 Dima Spivak is Here! 04:19 Why StreamSets?06:00 What is StreamSets?09:48 On Demand Expense11:34 Regulated Industries12:36 Secret Sauce14:41 A Competitive View15:50 Data Fabric and StreamSets18:25 StreamSets and AI21:12 Use Cases24:02 The Future of Streaming25:48 Quality and Testing31:19 For FunLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/dmitryspivakWebsite: https://www.ibm.com/blog/announcement/ibm-acquires-streamSets/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.

Sep 11, 2024 • 33min
Design. AI Method. Music. Drop in on some smart watercooler conversation with Distinguished Engineer Greg Hintermeister
Send us a textA watercooler talk with the incredibly smart, Greg Hintermeister, IBMDistinguished Engineer, Master Inventor, and AI+ EnterpriseTransformation Lead. From Design, the AI Method, to Music.00:40 What Are You Singing?03:09 Meet Greg Hintermeister06:16 The Role of Design09:19 Becoming a Distinguished Engineer11:33 The Game Changer12:47 Monolithic Applications to Cloud17:34 Avoiding Egress Charges19:05 The AI Method22:34 Reference Architectures26:59 High Quality Data Sets28:50 Finding Greg29:04 Proving Musical TalentLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/greg-hintermeisterWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to usat almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next. TheMaking Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP TechnicalSales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation,and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.Greg Hintermeister NotesTuesday, September 10, 2024 5:33 PMWant 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.