
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

Apr 10, 2024 • 45min
Reskilling Impact and the Mindful Response for a Better World with Estela Zuheros
Send us a textWhen I need to re-center and remind myself to stay grounded and that growth is accessible to all of us (that's the reskill part) I'm reminded of this episode. The Mindful Response with Estela Zuheros, Corporate Social Responsibility, IBM. Come for social responsibility in reskilling the world, stay for lessons in being mindful and being kind to yourself.· 02:06 Meet Estela Zuheros · 05:21 Your personal why?· 07:16 Reskilling· 11:41 The skills problem to solve· 18:44 Measuring success· 20:07 Primary areas of reskilling 23:02 Program selection criteria· 26:31 The Mindful Response· 37:30 Avoiding burnoutLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/estelaquesadazuherosWebsite: https://estelaquesadazuheros.comWant 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.

Apr 3, 2024 • 57min
"The Brain Behind IBM's WatsonX: Ruchir Puri Unveils the Secrets of Artificial Intelligence - Dare to Ask!" #MakingDataSimple #AIUnleashedWithRuchirPuri
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.

Mar 27, 2024 • 34min
It's March Madness so we are revisiting a favorite topic with Nancy Hensley, founding member and advisor of Mercury/13 {Replay}
Send us a textThis is one of my favorite episodes with Nancy Hensley, when she was CMO at Stats Perform. I've got to get back to my bracket!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 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.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.

Mar 20, 2024 • 40min
The Maverick CEO: Don Finley's Unconventional Approach to Product Development and AI
Send us a textMore AI with Don Finley, Founder of FINdustres, a leading product development agency. Don talks about fusing science, art, and technology into one. Not your conventional CEO. 01:30 Meet Don Finley03:50 The Midlife Crisis06:36 FINdustries07:02 Kilimanjaro Break09:40 Work/Life Integration10:30 Client Profiles12:00 FINdustries Differentiation13:43 The 2-min Pitch14:58 Science, Art, plus Technology16:34 Good to Great18:18 Predominate Use Cases20:06 When to Seek Help22:20 The Role of the Developer26:37 AI Risks28:17 Big Bets31:22 Methodology and Scale34:41 Top Learnings36:23 The Next Kilimanjaro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dfinleyWebsite: https://findustries.co/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. 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.

Mar 13, 2024 • 21min
Live Impromptu Show! Several topics: AI, shorting NVIDIA stock, and partners. At the IBM Canada Partner event.
Send us a textA live, impromptu podcast with Kevin Nugent, Data & AI Global Partner Sales @ IBM with the IBM partner community in Toronto. A quick and fun discussion on the state of AI in the industry.01:04 Kansas City Chiefs01:93 Meet Kevin Nugent02:25 Shorting Nvidia 03:25 State of the AI Business 05:520 What is watsonx07:22 IBM's Differentiation 08:39 Again, Why IBM?14:13 Making Money with AI 16:37 AI Skills20:06 Go IBM Partners!LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kevinrnugentWebsite: https://www.ibm.com/partnerplusWant 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.

Mar 6, 2024 • 37min
Automating data transformation and bonus! What makes a great seller, with CEO of Coalesce, Armon Petrossian {Replay}
Send us a textLet's talk data transformation and what makes a greatseller with Co-founder and CEO of Coalesce, ArmonPetrossian. As more companies move to the cloud theweakness in data transformation is becoming profound.01:15 Meet Armon Petrossian02:21 The problem in being data driven04:28 Introducing Coalesce07:53 Automation defined09:56 The ETL to ELT shift11:54 Typical customer use case12:55 The Coalesce differentiator16:18 Proof of value24:39 Column metadata25:40 Data transformation inhibitors28:17 The future31:52 What makes a great sellerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/armonpetrossian/Website:https://coalesce.io/Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple?Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tellus why you should be next. The Making Data SimplePodcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales,IBM, where we explore trending technologies, businessinnovation, 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.

Feb 28, 2024 • 44min
Deep Tech Episode: Understanding Search, GenAI, RAG methodology, and vector databases with Nixon Cheaz, Engineering Lead at IBM's Experience Engine.
Send us a textUnderstanding Search, GenAI, RAG methodology, and vector databases with Nixon Cheaz, Engineering Lead at IBM's Experience Engine. 02:24 Meet Nixon Cheaz04:32 Search without Google06:35 Experience Engine08:30 Elements of Good Search12:46 Search Data Source15:36 GenAI Use Cases and Vector DBs 19:40 Foundational Models?22:07 Impact of Vector DBs25:38 IBM Public Content DB28:02 Use Cases29:58 IBM Technologies32:54 RAG40:12 Health is WealthLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nixon-cheazWant 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.

Feb 21, 2024 • 44min
"Beware the simple questions" - A live recording that level sets of Data Science.
Send us a textA Data Science level set in 2024. This episode is a live recording that talks to Distinguished Engineers at IBM from Client Engineering, Finance, and Research with Rachel Reinitz, Suj Perepa, and "Beware of simple questions" Darrell Reimer, respectively. Pardon just a bit of sound quality issues. 00:16 The Field of Data Science00:50 Meet Rachel, Suj, and Darrell03:37 What is Data Science Today?07:00 Data Science Skills10:25 How has Data Science Changed12:07 A Day in the Life14:25 AI Engineers?23:45 Fake News and Cost30:36 What's Next?33:27 Too Much GenAI?36:49 Low Barrier Risks39:29 Deep Science vs Deep Business42:17 For FunLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rreinitz, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sperepa/linkedin.com/in/darrellreimerWebsite: https://www.ibm.com/products/watsonx-ai/foundation-modelsWant 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 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.

Feb 14, 2024 • 31min
Be wiser than 98% of the world with this episode, continuing last week's conversation. More on GenAI, Hallucinations, RAG, Use Cases, LLMs, SLMs and costs with Armand Ruiz, Director watsonx Client Engineering and John Webb, Principal Client Engineering.
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.

Feb 7, 2024 • 30min
Candid view on GenAI, Foundational Models, and LLMs with Armand Ruiz, Director watsonx Client Engineering and John Webb, Principal Client Engineering
Send us a textLet's go deep on GenAI, Foundational Models, and LLMs with Armand Ruiz, Director watsonx Client Engineering and John Webb, Principal Client Engineering. Get a candid view on what is happening in the industy today.01:40 Meet Armand Ruiz05:09 Meet John Webb06:43 The Client Engineering Practice07:51 GenAI11:50 IBM's AI Approach 13:50 GenAi in the Enterprise 15:47 Where to Start?18:10 RAG Method19:11 IBM's Differentiation21:25 AI Regulation24:22 LLM versus Smaller ModelsLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/armand-ruiz, linkedin.com/in/john-webb-686136127 Website: https://www.ibm.com/client-engineeringWant 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.