The Joe Reis Show

Dylan Anderson, a UK-based data strategist, discusses the vital connection between data and business strategy. He critiques the focus on business value as often pointless and stresses that quality data is crucial before diving into AI adoption. The conversation covers the challenges organizations face in implementing cohesive data strategies, the significance of communication among teams, and the power of learning within the data community. With a lighter touch, Dylan shares his climbing adventures and tips, blending professional insights with personal experiences.

In this conversation with a seasoned pilot boasting over 30 years of sky-high experience, the duo explores what it truly means to be 'good' at your job. They discuss the stark differences in performance standards between pilots and tech professionals, where a 'good' pilot merely avoids crashes. The chat highlights how various industries define success, emphasizing the importance of understanding job expectations across fields. Personal updates, including a Salt Lake City happy hour and a new data modeling book, add a fun twist to their insights.

Jordan Tigani, a data expert and co-founder of Motherduck, dives into the diverse world of small data and the innovative DuckDB. He highlights the overlooked value of small data, advocating for its practical applications over big data hype. Tigani shares insights on DuckDB’s flexibility, performance, and ease of use, making data management more accessible. The conversation also touches on AI's transformative role in data roles and the complexities of revenue calculation in SaaS, emphasizing the need for a thoughtful approach to data analytics.

Demetrios Brinkmann, co-founder of the global MLOps Community, shares insights on separating AI hype from reality. He discusses building an expansive tech network during the pandemic and the importance of shared learning in machine learning. The conversation dives into the transformative role of AI agents in software development, highlighting cost reductions and accessibility. Brinkmann also addresses the ethical implications of AI in business and HR, and the need for authenticity in vendor-community relationships to foster genuine engagement.

"Do you and Zach Wilson hate each other?" I get asked questions like this, and it makes me laugh. We're good friends for the record. Most people play zero sum games, where one person wins and another loses. Questions like this got me thinking about how content creation is a positive sum game. You can consume content from many people, and this benefits everyone. Here, I unpack the differences of zero sum and positive sum games.

Vinoo Ganesh, an open source enthusiast and data/ML engineer, dives into the world of strong open source communities. He breaks down the evolution of data processing, emphasizing cost-effective solutions and innovations like Parquet and Iceberg. The discussion touches on the challenges of navigating cloud costs and optimizing models in AI. Vinoo also highlights modern educational tools for teaching tech subjects and showcases an exciting chatbot initiative to enhance MTA travel in New York. Join the conversation for insights on data's future and community collaboration!

Lekhana Reddy, a data content creator passionate about mindfulness in technology, shares her insights on navigating the complexities of data governance and the challenges of being a content creator in today's fast-paced digital world. She emphasizes the importance of balancing technology use with mindfulness to combat burnout. The conversation also touches on shifting perspectives among Gen Z regarding social media and their interest in autonomous vehicles. Reddy highlights a thoughtful approach to integrating AI and technology, advocating for maintaining humanity in an increasingly digital landscape.

Nik Suresh, a former underground blogger known for his viral posts about data science, dives into the complexities of his transition from blogging to data engineering. He shares candid insights on navigating data challenges and the harsh realities of data management practices. The conversation touches on the impact of economic downturns on data professions and the importance of personal branding. Nik also discusses the role of self-publishing and the intersection of writing and AI, offering a thought-provoking look at the evolving landscape of data and creativity.

Most companies dream of leveraging AI for better productivity but are still struggling with basic business intelligence. The speaker highlights a viral LinkedIn post addressing this reality. The discussion dives into the hype surrounding AI technologies versus the challenges businesses face when trying to implement them. As the landscape evolves, it becomes clear that many organizations have yet to tackle fundamental data management issues, making their AI aspirations more difficult to achieve.

Rehgan Bleile, an advocate for AI governance and enhancing female representation at conferences, shares her insights on critical topics. She highlights the challenges of navigating AI governance and the need for tailored oversight in various industries. Rehgan discusses the importance of empowering women speakers at tech events and shares personal experiences that emphasize the impact of diversity in speaker lineups. Additionally, the conversation touches on the misconceptions surrounding AI adoption and the necessity for a common understanding in organizations.