Stacked Data Podcast

Is AI coming for data jobs?Gaurav Tiwari, an Engineering Manager at Spotify, joining me on The Stacked Data Podcast. I first encountered Gaurav's insightful perspectives on AI at The London Analytics Engineering Meet-up, I had to get him on the show!With a deep-seated passion for AI, Gaurav brings a critical eye to this rapidly evolving field. We dived deep into the implications of Generative AI on the data landscape and how it will impact your roles and responsibilities in data...Gaurav, shares his thoughts on how AI will impact the life of a data professional…In this episode, we cover:✅ Understanding Generative AI✅ GenAI at the Consumption Layer: Discussing how GenAI is reshaping the interaction between businesses and data through analytics.✅ Benefits of GenAI in Analytics: Exploring the potential benefits GenAI could bring to self-serve analytics platforms.✅ Challenges and Solutions: Identifying the biggest challenges when integrating GenAI into analytics processes and how to address them effectively.✅ Strategic Investment and Pitfalls: Guidance for organisations on where to start their investments in GenAI and potential pitfalls to avoid.✅ Data Engineering AI Impact:✅ Challenges Specific to Data Engineering: Examining the unique challenges data engineers face when integrating GenAI and how to overcome them.✅ Optimal Strategies for Implementation: Recommended strategies for adopting GenAI within data engineering teams and aligning methodologies with new tools.✅ Tools and Technologies: Highlighting specific tools or technologies such as Infer, TurinTech AI and moreGaurav's insights and expertise make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of Generative AI and its impact on data analytics and engineering.

The Semantic Layer, what cand it do?The modern data stack has transformed the way businesses store, prepare, and consume data. Yet, amidst this data revolution, organisations are continuing to encounter challenges such as data quality, inconsistency, and escalating costs. One solution gaining traction is the semantic layer.Excited to announce the latest episode of the Stacked Data Podcast, featuring David Jayatillake, the VP of AI at Cube! We explore the transformative impact of the modern data stack and delve into the intricacies of the semantic layer.David reminisces about being a human semantic layer, translating business logic into usable data in his early career, to setting up an LLM NLP start-up, David has an incredible story and the best insights.In this episode, we cover: David's      journey in the Data & AI space Understanding      the term "semantic layer" and its function within a data      infrastructure The      importance of the semantic layer in the modern data stack Specific      challenges like data inconsistency and scalability that the semantic layer      can effectively address Tangible      benefits of implementing a semantic layer, including enhanced security and      AI capabilities Cube’s      unique approach to the semantic layer and the value it brings to organisations Exciting      developments and future plans for Cube in the evolving data landscapeDavid's insights and expertise make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the modern data stack and the role of the semantic layer. Don't miss out on this deep dive into one of the most critical components of data infrastructure!

Data strategist Dylan Anderson from Rekite emphasizes the importance of a holistic view of the data ecosystem. Topics include navigating data roles, avoiding siloes, consequences of poor communication, and the benefits of a broad understanding. The podcast explores challenges in understanding interconnected data elements, the significance of data unicorns, stakeholder management, treating data as a product, and the importance of empathy in the data field.

Data Contracts have gained a huge amount of traction over recent years as Data teams strive to increase the quality of their offering.This week on Stacked Data podcast I had the pleasure of taking a deep dive into the world of data contracts with none other than Andrew Jones, the Principal Engineer at GoCardless and the pioneer behind this transformative concept.If you haven’t heard of Data Contracts they bring several significant benefits to a data team and their data management practices, including:Improved Data QualityStandardisation and ConsistencyScalabilityData GovernanceFacilitates Data Monetization🔍 Episode Highlights: Introduction      to Data Contracts: Andrew kicks off our episode with a basic      understanding of what data contracts are and how they revolutionise GoCardless      approach to data management. Why      Data Contracts?: Discover the crucial role data contracts play in      today's complex data landscape and why Andrew felt compelled to develop      them. Benefits      Unveiled: Learn about the substantial advantages data contracts bring      to data governance, integrity, and management practices. Real-World      Impact: Andrew shares compelling examples from his experiences at      GoCardless, illustrating the significant improvements data contracts have      facilitated. Addressing      Common Data Challenges: Find out how data contracts can solve      prevalent issues like data inconsistency and quality concerns. Implementation      Insights: Gain practical strategies and tips for integrating data      contracts into your data management processes, alongside the best tools      and cultural shifts required for success. Overcoming      Obstacles: Hear about the common challenges organizations face when      adopting data contracts and the solutions to overcome them. Future      Perspectives: What does the future hold for data contracts? Andrew      shares his vision for adapting to upcoming data management trends and      opportunities. Final      Thoughts: Before we wrap up, Andrew imparts some invaluable advice for      anyone considering data contracts as part of their data strategy.Andrew Book: Driving Data Quality with Data Contracts: A comprehensive guide to building reliable, trusted, and effective data platforms: Amazon.co.uk: Jones, Andrew: 9781837635009: Books

In this insightful discussion, Matt Webb, Head of Enterprise Data Management for UK Power Networks, shares his expertise in leading data transformation initiatives. He highlights the crucial role cloud migration and Databricks play in supporting the UK's decarbonization goals. Matt addresses the challenges traditional organizations face in adopting modern data architectures, emphasizing the need for a data-driven culture. He also explores the integration of engineering skills in data processes and the strategies for overcoming legacy system hurdles.

In our latest episode of The Stacked Data podcast, I’m joined by Veronica Saha, Head of Analytics at Zoopla (part of Houseful), as she shares real-world examples and strategies on data monetization.In 2024, data teams need to evolve beyond being mere support functions; they must become strategic drivers. Many data teams have struggled to show/prove their true value. The monetisation of data comes in many different forms, however, it's clear that raw data is not valuable on its own.Data only hold value as insight driving decisions. It needs to be packed into a PRODUCT!We discuss the need to treat data as a product in order to effectively implement a monetisation strategy.🎙️ Episode Highlights: Defining      Data Monetization: What exactly do we mean by 'data monetisation'?      When is the right time to think about it? How can data create business      value? Identifying      Opportunities: How do you identify areas for data monetization? What's      the role of technical architecture in this process? Building      a Revenue-Focused Team: Challenges and considerations in building a      team focused on generating revenue through data products. Feedback      Loops and Continuous Improvement: Establishing effective feedback      loops and optimizing data products for better monetization outcomes. Securing      Leadership Buy-In: Challenges in securing sign-off and budget from      leadership. Common      Challenges and Lessons Learned: Insightful lessons from Zoopla's      journey in overcoming challenges in data monetization.

In the digital era, where data is the new gold, understanding how to unlock its full potential is crucial.For data to be truly valuable it needs to be actionable, across the industry we are seeing a change in mindset to see “Data as a Product”That's precisely what we dive into in our latest podcast episode featuring the brilliant @Mohit, Director of Data Platforms at @Collison. With a vast experience in leading transformative data projects, Mohit shares his invaluable insights on why and how businesses need to shift their mindset to view "data as a product."🔍 In This Episode, You'll Discover: The      Evolution of Data Management: How companies are revolutionizing their approach to data through cloud infrastructure and modern tools. Mohit's      Journey: An overview of Mohit's impressive career and his pivotal role at Collinson, driving significant data transformation. The      Core of Innovation: Understanding Mohit's mission for data at      Collinson and how it aligns with the broader vision of treating data as a cornerstone for value creation. Decoding      'Data as a Product': A deep dive into what this concept means and why it's becoming increasingly important in today's data-centric world. The      Catalyst for Change: Insights into the mindset shift towards seeing data as a product and the intrinsic value this perception brings. Strategies for Implementation: Practical examples and strategies from Mohit's playbook on fostering this mindset change within organizations. Fostering      Collaboration: Tactics for encouraging cross-functional collaboration      to maximize data's value across the business spectrum.  Overcoming      Challenges: An honest look at the hurdles in treating data as a product and strategies to navigate these challenges effectively. Measuring      Success: How to quantify this transformative change and the key performance indicators (KPIs) that signal progress and success.This episode is a must-listen for anyone keen on unlocking the true value of data in their organization and pioneering a culture that treats data not just as a resource, but as a product with its own lifecycle, value proposition, and customer base.

Self-serve BI was one of the trailblazers for the modern data stack. The ability to allow business stakeholders to not only see reports but also start exploring their own data was truly a seismic shift in data.What is next for BI?Join me in the latest episode of the Stacked Data podcast as I sit down with Collin Zima, the Co-founder and CEO of Omni, for an insightful discussion on the future of Business Intelligence.🚀 About Colin:Collin Zima's journey from an early Google employee to leading data teams at Hoteltonight before eventually becoming the Chief Analytics Officer and VP of Product at Looker gives him a unique perspective on the evolution of BI. Now, as the driving force behind Omni, he's shaping the next generation of BI solutions.🔍 Dive into  Next GenBI with Us:In this episode, we explore:The primary purpose and value of BIChallenges facing the BI sector and strategies to overcome themOmni's innovative approach and key focus pointsThe importance of a customer-centric approach in building BI solutionsFuture trends and advancements shaping the BI landscapeTune in as Collin shares his experiences, insights, and advice for organisations navigating the complex world of BI in today's competitive landscape.Colin's message was clear to me, he and Omni doesn't seek to rewrite the BI script but to refine it!

🎙️ In this week's episode of @the stacked data podcast, we dive deep into the world of data modelling and uncover strategies for success with our special guest Nieves Gorriti the Head of Data and Insights The Dot CollectiveHere's a sneak peek into the insightful discussion:🔍 Introduction to Data Modelling:What exactly is data modelling, and why is it crucial for effective data management? Nives provides expert insights into this fundamental aspect of the data lifecycle.🛑 Common Pitfalls and Challenges:Discover the common pitfalls organisations face in the data modelling process and learn how to avoid them to ensure smooth data operations.🔑 Importance of Data Modelling:Uncover the pivotal role of data modelling in driving successful data-driven initiatives within organisations, along with real-life examples demonstrating its impact.🔧 Guiding Through the Process:Nives shares invaluable advice and practical tips for enhancing your data modelling skills and provides a step-by-step guide to approaching data modelling successfully.🔄 Balancing Flexibility and Standardization:Learn how to strike the right balance between flexibility and standardisation in data modelling to meet business demands while maintaining data integrity.🤝 Adapting to Evolving Data Environments:Explore strategies for adapting data modelling strategies to accommodate the ever-evolving data landscape, including new technologies and data sources.Don't miss out on this conversation! Tune in now to Stacked Data Podcast to gain valuable insights into mastering data modelling for organisational success. 🎧

𝐈𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐚?The ability to influence is pivotal for success in data. After all, the role of a data function is to inform business decision-making. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through Storytelling.Excited to share the latest episode of The Stacked Data Podcast, where I had the privilege of chatting with Phil Thirlwell, the Director of Analytics and Data Strategy at FIS. Today, we unravel the transformative power of storytelling in driving business impact and value creation. As a leader, the ability to manage and influence C-Suite is pivotal for success. Join us for some insightful takeaways:🛣️ 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥'𝐬 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚🌐 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 & 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:As the Head of Analytics at FIS, Phil plays a pivotal role in influencing global business strategy. We dive into the dynamics of working closely with executive teams and explore how it differs from collaborating with other stakeholders.📈 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫:The importance of setting the right metrics and measures cannot be overstated. Phil shares his insights on the critical role metrics play in ensuring impactful data-driven decisions.🔍 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬:One common challenge faced by data leaders is aligning with executive requirements. Phil shares strategies on ensuring executives get what they need, not just what they want.📢 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠:Discover how Phil leverages storytelling to influence stakeholders and drive business decisions. We delve into the nuances of storytelling with data products.📈 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐭 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞:Phil reflects on the qualities that distinguish a good analyst from a great one and what it takes to rise to leadership within the realm of data.🌐 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚-𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧:With organizations striving to become "data-driven," Phil shares insights on changing the mindset of more traditional businesses stuck in their ways.🎙️ Tune in for More 🎙️Be sure to listen to the full episode for in-depth insights from Phil. Subscribe for more thought-provoking discussions on The Stacked Data Podcast!