The Joe Reis Show

Valentin Becerra, a simulation engineer at Lockheed Martin and techno DJ with When We Vanish, shares his passion for space and music. He delves into the creative blend of DJing and engineering, discussing his upcoming music label focused on STEM education. Valentin reflects on El Paso's nightlife and the challenges of performing in high-risk environments. He also tackles AI's role in education and industry, and lightheartedly reminisces about the evolution of the music scene through his DJ experiences, from vinyl vibes to the impact of the pandemic.

Gwen Shapira, founder of Nile and a database expert with a background at Confluent, dives into the complexities of multi-tenant databases. She discusses the challenges of implementing Distributed DDL at scale and the transition from big tech to startup life. Gwen touches on AI's role in project management and the balance between human intuition and automation. The conversation highlights the advantages of Postgres over NoSQL, the importance of data isolation in AI applications, and the synergy between LLMs and traditional machine learning techniques.

The discussion revolves around the pitfalls of consulting, painting a picture of its isolating qualities and minimal growth potential. The hosts argue that investing time in content creation, like videos and courses, yields more long-term benefits. Personal anecdotes emphasize the advantages of building sustainable assets, positioning content as a more scalable alternative. By sharing their own insights, they encourage listeners to rethink their strategic choices in the professional landscape.

Ole Olesen-Bagneux, an expert in metadata architecture and author of the forthcoming 'Fundamentals of Metadata Management', shares insights on the innovative concept of the Meta Grid. He discusses the critical role of metadata in improving information discovery and critiques current management practices. The conversation touches on the importance of a unified approach to data management, and the challenges posed by fragmented systems. Ole also explores the relationship between metadata and decentralization, advocating for community-driven solutions in the tech landscape.

The discussion kicks off with the host's fascinating travel tales and reflections on data practices in Europe versus the U.S. A deep dive into the alarming skills gap reveals a pressing need for foundational training in data modeling. Misconceptions about microservices are addressed, emphasizing that understanding the basics is essential for maintaining high data quality. The conversation critiques modern educational approaches, calling for a return to classical literature and established standards for better data engineering practices.

Albert Bellamy, a retired Marine and data consultant, shares invaluable insights into landing a job in the data field. He emphasizes the importance of building unique narratives on resumes and the role of networking in a competitive job market. Albert discusses how portfolio projects can showcase skills effectively and highlights the significance of genuine connections for job referrals. The conversation also touches on the journey from military transitions to tech and the collaborative spirit within the data science community.

Tanya Bragin, a product leader at ClickHouse with a rich background in high-growth startups, dives into the fascinating world of open source vs. commercial products. She discusses the balance companies must strike between community engagement and profitability, emphasizing ClickHouse’s innovative analytics capabilities. Tanya also shares insights on enhancing prioritization and delegation skills, the importance of direct user feedback, and the challenges of integrating marketing with product management. Plus, she tackles the realities of the AI hype cycle in today's tech landscape.

Navigating today's tough job market requires more than just sending out resumes. The host emphasizes that obscurity is an enemy and networking is vital for career growth. Practical strategies for building genuine relationships are discussed, from industry events to social media engagement. Personal empowerment and reputation play crucial roles in advancing careers, especially with the evolving landscape of AI. Lastly, listeners are encouraged to participate in upcoming events and share their feedback on the podcast's format.

Chris Riccomini, an engineer with a rich background at LinkedIn and WePay, shares insights on building SlateDB and the intricacies of data infrastructure. He recounts his journey from PayPal to LinkedIn, detailing the shifts in technology and engineering challenges. The discussion flows into writing a collaborative handbook for new software engineers during the pandemic. Riccomini also delves into learning Rust, the role of AI in programming, and strategies for staying relevant in tech, emphasizing the future of data applications.

Juha Korpella, a consultant and co-founder of Helsinki Data Week, joins fellow data enthusiasts Niko Korvenlaita from Reconfigured, Russell Willis from BCS, and Kosti Hokkanen of Supermetrics for lively discussions over beers. They share insights from Helsinki Data Week, highlighting the MetaGrid's importance in data integration. The conversation touches on diverse career paths in data and the values of risk-taking in entrepreneurship. Personal anecdotes illuminate the vibrant Finnish data landscape and the community's camaraderie, especially in a post-COVID world.