The Joe Reis Show

Matthew Scullion, CEO and Co-Founder of Matillion, dives into the future of data engineering with the concept of agentic data engineering teams. He discusses his company's mission to improve data productivity and eliminate friction in workflows. Scullion emphasizes the transformative role of AI in data engineering, highlighting innovations like low-code tools that enhance efficiency. He also shares insights into navigating business decisions in data integration, balancing modern technologies with essential engineering skills.

Wrapping up the week at Snowflake Summit, the conversation digs into how big platforms can overshadow their partners. Listeners gain insights on protecting against platform cannibalization and the importance of vendor diversification in the competitive data landscape. The emotional toll of networking is explored, alongside challenges faced in co-hosting new tech discussions. Teasers for exciting future projects, including a mysterious media initiative and a book launch, keep the anticipation high!

Svetlana Tarnagurskaja, CEO and co-founder of The Dot Collective, shares insights from her entrepreneurial journey in the data consultancy arena. She discusses the unique challenges of competing with large consulting firms while emphasizing the importance of a human-centric company culture. Sveta also explores the balance between motherhood and business, the need for adaptability in a changing job market, and how AI influences career paths. The conversation is both enlightening and relatable, shedding light on the evolving landscape of data and consultancy.

Hannes Mühleisen shows off DuckLake and answers live questions.DuckLake: https://duckdb.org/2025/05/27/ducklake.html

In this engaging conversation, data engineer Ash Smith shares insights from his role managing data platforms in the mining industry in Perth, Australia. He discusses the complexities of creating data products and the critical need for interoperability among global data teams. Cultural nuances between Australia and the U.S. are humorously explored. Ash delves into AI's transformative role in data architecture and the evolving landscape of data teams, emphasizing collaboration and empathy for enhancing data practices.

In this insightful discussion, regular guest Gordon Wong, a data enthusiast and career advisor, shares essential tips for breaking into the data field. He highlights the importance of networking and personal connections, using rock climbing as a metaphor for career growth. Gordon also emphasizes the need for self-reflection and understanding context when posing questions in the data realm. The conversation touches on innovations in AI analytics with GoodData and the importance of aligning skills with customer-centric goals in an evolving job landscape.

Hamilton Ulmer, the UI lead at MotherDuck, introduces Instant SQL, revolutionizing how we interact with data. With real-time feedback, SQL queries become instant, making data analysis intuitive and efficient. He draws parallels between SQL tool development and music production, emphasizing user-friendly design. The discussion explores DuckDB's powerful querying capabilities and cloud-hosted solutions, optimizing performance through local and remote server integration. Additionally, Ulmer highlights how Instant SQL enhances user experiences in data visualization and business intelligence.

Gaëlle Seret, a data leader at Decathlon in France, shares insights on driving change in large organizations through innovative data strategies. She discusses empowering teams with decentralized architecture and the importance of upskilling. The conversation also covers the challenges of navigating organizational change, drawing parallels between sports and transformation. Additionally, Gaëlle touches on the evolving role of AI in education and the stark differences between U.S. and French educational systems, paving the way for a thought-provoking dialogue.

The podcast dives into the stark divide within the data industry regarding AI, debating whether avoidance of technology is hindering progress. It discusses the current dismal success rates in data practices and questions if history is repeating itself. Listeners learn about balancing speed and quality in software development, emphasizing that AI can free up time for more meaningful work. The importance of hands-on innovation and proactive engagement with AI’s rapid advancements is highlighted, urging professionals not to miss the bus on technological evolution.

Ryan Russon, an ML Engineer with a decade of experience and a fascinating background in naval nuclear physics, shares insights from his journey to tech. He discusses the shift from military life to leading roles in data engineering in Utah's evolving tech landscape. Ryan delves into the impact of AI on jobs and emphasizes the importance of adaptability and creativity. He also addresses the balance between craftsmanship and automation in software, critiques disposable culture, and highlights the promising future of nuclear energy fueled by AI advancements.