The Joe Reis Show

Explore why brilliant tech ideas stumble as Joe Reis delves into the disconnect between innovation and market readiness. Uncover the truth: it's not just about smart designs, but also about buyer psychology and the simplicity of delivery. Learn that true value lies in reducing uncertainty and proving outcomes, rather than selling abstract concepts. Discover the struggles of enterprise data projects and the importance of linking AI pilots to tangible results. It's a wake-up call for technologists to rethink how they present their ideas!

Barry McCardel, co-founder and CEO of Hex, shares insights on the evolving landscape of data analytics. He discusses how traditional BI dashboards often raise more questions than they answer, transforming into mere starting points for deeper insights. Barry explains the role of AI agents in bridging the gap between inquiries and actionable answers. He also dives into the importance of customer feedback in product development and reflects on his journey from skepticism to embracing AI technologies. Tune in to hear his vision for the future of data workflows!

Explore the intriguing world of status games in careers and data management. Discover how societal competition shapes our online personas and the importance of meaningful success metrics over mere vanity metrics. Unpack the notion of chasing reputation versus real impact, and the pressure of social media authenticity. Learn about coaching, wisdom, and the value of mentorship as we age. Ultimately, the key takeaway is to find your own path to success, rather than adhering to others' expectations.

Bill Inmon, the father of data warehousing, and Roger Whatley, a seasoned technology expert, dive into the rich history of computing. They discuss the motivations behind their book, tracing technologies from the abacus to modern AI. Bill recalls pivotal figures like Amdahl and Hopper while highlighting the industry's maturity challenges. Both share insights into AI's potential and pitfalls, including data trust issues and the risks of bias. Their conversation emphasizes valuing foundational knowledge and adapting to rapid technological changes.

In a lively AMA, listeners dive into the complexities of data modeling and the dangers of 'leaky abstractions' in AI tools. Joe discusses his upcoming book and the surprising connections between library science and ontologies. He emphasizes the need for engineers to understand systems rather than just push buttons. The conversation touches on real-world modeling failures and the evolving role of data engineering in a rapidly changing landscape. Joe also explores the implications of AI advancements on job security and the importance of accountability.

In a lively discussion, the host challenges the relevance of the Law of Leaky Abstractions in the age of AI coding agents. He emphasizes that while these tools might save time, they can't replace the necessity of understanding underlying systems. The contrast between senior and junior engineers highlights varying capabilities in using AI responsibly. Historical patterns in tech cycles are examined to avoid past mistakes, and a warning is issued against the 'easy button' mentality in data modeling. Plus, inspiring tips for making your first dollar online!

As 2025 comes to a close, intriguing predictions for 2026 are laid out, spotlighting a shift from AI hype to pragmatic engineering. The discussion dives into the implications of AI on the job market and warns of potential layoffs. The debate over Kimball vs Inmon reignites, with insights into their lasting impact on the industry. Listeners get practical advice for adapting to a changing landscape, along with insights into the future of AI investments and the potential risks of a bubble burst.

Explore the exhilarating pace of AI advancements shaping developer experiences. Discover why understanding user needs and product taste is now more crucial than just writing code. Joe debates the limitations of measuring productivity through lines of code and emphasizes the importance of user-centered outcomes. Delve into the challenges of evaluating AI models and the necessity for engineers to grasp system internals. Ultimately, human judgment is positioned as vital in an AI-driven landscape.

Nikhil Suresh, the bootstrapped CEO of Hermit Tech and a savvy blogger on data consulting, shares insights from his first year running a services business. He explains the shift from hourly to fixed pricing and why coding is often the least profitable aspect of projects. Nikhil critiques hustle culture in Silicon Valley, highlighting the stresslessness of running a small consultancy. He also discusses spotting 'status games' in tech leadership and the pitfalls of offshoring while emphasizing the profitability of non-technical services.

Matt Housley, a seasoned knowledge-engineering and ontology practitioner, dives into the rising buzz around ontologies and knowledge graphs. He discusses how these structures are essential for adding context and semantics to AI systems. The duo highlights the limitations of early language models without knowledge graphs, while tracing the roots of this trend back to Google’s influential knowledge graph. They also caution against the influx of self-proclaimed experts and emphasize the need for foundational knowledge in the field.