We’ve all heard the term “data literacy” by now. Although there is general consensus regarding the importance  of knowing how to read, write, and communicate with data, some folks may take issue with the term itself. Wendy Batchelder, CDO at Salesforce, wants to reframe the conversation and focus on how people can leverage data to do their jobs better.Wendy is a technology executive who has spent her career tackling business problems with technical solutions and transforming diverse team members into leaders. In her current role at Salesforce, Wendy is helping the right people access the right data at the right time — with the right controls. In this episode, Satyen and Wendy discuss the problems with data literacy training, the power of answering “so what?” questions, and the value of advocating for DEI in tech.--------“You have to drop the jargon and get down to what are you trying to explain? If you're trying to help people to use more data for decision making, then just introduce the data. Don't sit down and say, ‘We're gonna talk about data literacy,’ because everyone's eyes gloss over and you lose their interest and their attention. It just doesn't give you a lot of respect. Part of our job as data experts is to help people to use data better and that's the conversation that should be had. But, the second you say things like data literacy, the tone of the conversation totally shifts.” – Wendy Batchelder--------Time Stamps:*(06:41): Data strategy at Salesforce*(26:37): Keeping up with connectivity*(28:40): Data literacy denial*(35:22): DE&I in data*(47:18): Satyen’s Takeaways--------SponsorThis podcast is presented by Alation.Learn more:* Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.alation.com/podcast/* Alation’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alation/* Satyen’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ssangani/--------LinksFollow Wendy on LinkedInRead Wendy’s book Data Governance Handbook

Before search engines, we had to rely on memory and investigation to answer our questions. Then, search engines made answers instantly available. Now, in the age of AI, we have to engineer our questions to get the best results.Frank Farrall, Deloitte's Strategy & Analytics Ecosystems and Alliances Leader, knows that asking the right questions is just as critical as knowing the answers. Frank is a global business builder with 20 years of experience helping clients and startups become billion-dollar businesses through AI and digital transformation.In this episode, Satyen and Frank discuss identifying worthy investments, the sexiness of prompt engineering, and efficient engagement with AI.--------“I think in a lot of cases, prompt engineering will at least become a skill that knowledge workers, creative workers use to get an outcome from the technology. I think some people will be highly, highly specialized. I actually think prompts are going to have value in organizations and I think prompt libraries and how you manage prompts will become a set of IP and something that's highly valuable inside organizations. I think prompt engineering has a very significant future ahead of it. I think all of us are going to have to learn some level of prompt engineering to be effective in the future.” – Frank Farrall--------Time Stamps:*(02:42): Defining the AI ecosystem*(07:55): How to identify a worthy investment*(23:23): How “sexy” is prompt engineering?*(41:44): The future of generative AI*(44:43): Satyen’s Takeaways--------SponsorThis podcast is presented by Alation.Learn more:* Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.alation.com/podcast/* Alation’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alation/* Satyen’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ssangani/--------LinksFollow Frank on LinkedIn

As folks in the data space, we’re introverts by nature. But, getting out of our comfort zone can open you up to endless possibilities. As one person who’s gone from CIO to CEO can tell you, the key to growth is getting comfortable with feeling uncomfortable.That person is Mike Capone, CEO of Qlik, where he’s revolutionizing the business intelligence landscape through data. In this episode, Mike shares with Satyen how his decades of experience in product development, data science, and go-to-market operations influence his role as CEO today. Satyen and Mike discuss transitioning from CIO to CEO, navigating economic downturns, and stepping out of your comfort zone.--------“Now is the time to get closer to your best customers. They're the ones who sustain you through these periods of economic ups and downs. The reality is for both of us and both of our companies, companies need data and analytics now more than ever. How are you going to navigate this uncertainty? You're going to navigate it through data. The conversation like, ‘Hey, we don't want to spend any more money on data and analytics because the environment is tough right now,’ is actually counterintuitive. The reality is you need data and you need real-time data to get through it because your old data models are useless.” – Mike Capone--------Time Stamps:*(02:51): The growth of Qlik*(08:37): The relationship between private equity and software*(20:00): From CIO to CEO*(27:29): Navigating rough economic times with data and analytics*(33:10): Maintaining long-term landscape leadership*(40:24): Satyen’s Takeaways--------SponsorThis podcast is presented by Alation.Learn more:* Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.alation.com/podcast/* Alation’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alation/* Satyen’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ssangani/--------LinksFollow Mike on LinkedInFollow Mike on Twitter

As human beings, we’re not accustomed to talking about data. In order to learn about new subjects, we traditionally use stories. However, bridging the gap between data and stories allows us to cross that barrier and create data-driven organizations.In this episode, Satyen interviews Ashish Thusoo, GM of AI and ML at AWS. Previously, Ashish was the Founder and CEO of Qubole, a pioneering cloud data lake platform. He also served Facebook as the Engineering Manager of Data Infrastructure where he co-created Apache Hive with the aim to democratize data access and analytics. Satyen and Ashish discuss the accelerated push to the cloud, building a data culture, and how the economic climate is impacting customers.--------“You have to remember, human beings are trained from the get-go to talk about stories, not data. That's how we learn. It takes special discipline to bring the conversation back to data, saying that, ‘You have this anecdote somewhere. Get me the data that proves or disproves it.’ That specific mindset has got to be inserted in the organization, and that's how it becomes data-driven. It's a very fine line, but if you cross that line, essentially you become a data-driven organization. But, if you stay on the side of anecdotes and stories, then you can't bridge that.” – Ashish Thusoo--------Time Stamps:*(02:33): The SQL excitement that powered Hive *(13:42): The evolution of Qubole’s founder hypothesis *(22:48): Navigating Amazon with AI/ML *(31:41): The future of AI/ML investment*(42:01): People are the foundation of the data culture*(45:57): Satyen’s Takeaways--------SponsorThis podcast is presented by Alation.Learn more:* Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.alation.com/podcast/* Alation’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alation/* Satyen’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ssangani/--------LinksFollow Ashish on LinkedInLearn more about AI/ML services on AWS

When building a data platform, it’s important to stay true to your vision. Whether that's through creating a definitive user experience or an open platform that allows people to build upon it, you’re constructing a cathedral. This cathedral is sophisticated and dependable, and allows for a bazaar of business intelligence, machine learning, and AI use cases.In this episode, Satyen interviews Matei Zaharia, Chief Technologist and Co-founder of Databricks. Matei is an open source trailblazer and the creator of Apache Spark, a widely used framework for distributed data processing. He is also an Associate Professor of Computer Science at Stanford University where he leads various data management and machine learning projects. Matei and Satyen discuss the Databricks and Alation partnership, exploring how platforms can help companies own their data, and consider the value of democratizing open source large language models.--------“One of the early stories about open source has been this thing about the cathedral and the bazaar. The cathedral is the thing that's all designed by one person, maybe. It's extremely coherent and so on, but also takes forever to build. And when you go there, there's one message you're hearing. And then the bazaar is the open thing. You don't know who's going to show up each day, but there'll be some really interesting goods and things that you just wouldn't see anywhere else. If you just want to get started and get stuff done, follow the defaults in the product and it'll work. But, we want to be open to some of that innovation and let people bring that in.” – Matei Zaharia--------Time Stamps:*(01:33): The story behind Spark*(11:56): Solving for user problems versus product vision*(20:12): The cathedral and the bazaar of open source*(24:04): Matei explains the Databricks Unity Catalog*(31:04): The Databricks and Alation partnership*(43:36): The data culture at Databricks*(48:21): Satyen’s Takeaways--------SponsorThis podcast is presented by Alation.Learn more:* Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.alation.com/podcast/* Alation’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alation/* Satyen’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ssangani/--------LinksFollow Matei on LinkedInFollow Matei on TwitterLearn more about Databricks’s Unity CatalogLearn more about Alation + Databricks

Once considered the outcast of Silicon Valley, data has metamorphosed as a cool kid that everyone wants to be friends with. In the last decade, data has solidified itself as the key to success in business. The same shift can be said for India who primarily operated behind the scenes, has emerged as a leader in innovation.In this episode, Satyen sits down with Jitendra Putcha, EVP and Global Head of Data, Analytics, and AI at LTIMindtree. As an industry leader for over 20 years, he has solved data and analytics challenges for global companies by creating innovative next-generation solutions. Satyen and Jitendra discuss data platform modernization, data quality initiatives, and the future of AI and data science.--------“Gone are the days of looking at India as the back office and factory models, to looking at this is an opportunity. There are two, three reasons for it. One reason is about the startup ecosystem and the unicorns we started building, created aspirations for people and created curiosity for individuals even during school itself. Which wasn't the case a couple of decades back. That's one. The second is the promotion during school itself to encourage people to be driving incubation startups and throw their ideas has dramatically increased, there are many forums today. So, that's the second one. The third one, even the large SIs like us, today we have what we call entrepreneurs. Within our own ecosystem, people can come out with an idea, put an entire canvas and business plan, go to the board, get the funding, create that as an incubator, and go and test the market. If it is working, create that as an entire product line. I think when the young generation is able to get exposure, already been educated, and also they see in their workplace this kind of opportunity, I think that's the biggest benefit the younger generation is able to do, which probably wasn't the case before.” – Jitendra Putcha--------Time Stamps:*(09:57): The evolution of service providers*(13:22): The transformation of the Indian talent base*(30:52): The data marketplace and “data as a service”*(46:35): Defining the ROI of data tools*(53:17): Satyen’s Takeaways--------SponsorThis podcast is presented by Alation.Learn more:* Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.alation.com/podcast/* Alation’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alation/* Satyen’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ssangani/--------LinksFollow Jitendra on LinkedInFollow Jitendra on TwitterLearn more about Snowflake Summit

There are some things that just can’t be quantified by data; imagine trying to portray your childhood in a spreadsheet! Yet these experiences are valuable. How can data teams capture qualitative information – and use it to steer the business? It starts with getting your data team out of the building. Only then can they gain insights about customer pain points and what the data is failing to tell us.In this episode, Satyen interviews Tricia Wang, a “tech ethnographer” and co-founder of Sudden Compass, a consulting firm helping companies improve their business through thick data. She also co-founded CRADL (Crypto Research and Design Lab) with the mission to create inclusive and sustainable growth of the crypto ecosystem. Satyen and Tricia discuss the power of thick data, the value of digital personhood, and the dangers of quantification bias.--------“Your job as a Chief Data Officer or a data leader in the company is, data is only part of your job generating the quantification to reflect back to the company. The other half is the bleeding edges around communication and helping the rest of your business, your business counterparts, to understand the value of this in a way that isn't scary and where they can see that it actually is going to improve their business. [...] But that takes a really brave kind of leader to work that way because it's not just about having the light shine on you, but it's about you making others and your company successful.” – Tricia Wang--------Time Stamps:*(01:35): The role of a tech ethnographer*(15:29): Tricia gives a rundown of thick data*(23:06): Understanding customers by getting out of the building*(32:36): Why quantification bias is dangerous to growth*(44:48): The importance of digital personhood*(57:22): Satyen’s Takeaways--------SponsorThis podcast is presented by Alation.Learn more:* Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.alation.com/podcast/* Alation’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alation/* Satyen’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ssangani/--------LinksFollow Tricia on LinkedInFollow Tricia on TwitterWatch Tricia’s TED TalkVisit Tricia’s websiteLearn more about Sudden Compass

In a world where technology is constantly evolving and AI is everywhere, it’s all too easy for content to be deceitful, including scientific papers. Capturing source metadata, incentivizing reproducibility, and protecting whistleblowers are steps we can take to ensure science remains honest.In this episode, Satyen interviews Dr. Elisabeth Bik. Elisabeth is an experienced microbiologist whose groundbreaking work in scientific integrity has led to more than four thousand potential cases of improper research conduct. She also founded the blogs Microbiome Digest and Science Integrity Digest, and was awarded the John Maddox Prize for "outstanding work exposing widespread threats to research integrity in scientific papers" in 2021. Satyen and Elisabeth discuss image manipulation in scientific papers, the impact of AI on scientific integrity, and why paper mills must be stopped.--------“There's people looking at statistical problems or DNA sequences that don't make any sense, and appear to have been made up, or plagiarism. [...] We have a community of people doing this, data detectives or image detectives. And I think what we have in common is a desire to make science better and to flag these papers so that other people can see that there's a potential problem with that paper.” – Dr. Elisabeth Bik--------Time Stamps:*(01:34): Image manipulation in the context of scientific papers*(17:41): Elisabeth explains scientific paper mills*(22:52): Why biomedical research needs to slow down*(34:20): How Elisabeth manages backlash from scientists*(46:45): How prevalent fraud is in science today*(50:32): Satyen’s Takeaways--------SponsorThis podcast is presented by Alation.Learn more:* Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.alation.com/podcast/* Alation’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alation/* Satyen’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ssangani/--------LinksFollow Elisabeth on LinkedInFollow Elisabeth on TwitterVisit Microbiome DigestVisit Science Integrity Digest

Data governance is often seen as a confusing topic but everyone, even dummies, are capable of applying it to their organization. By starting with the “why” and acting on the most critical pieces, you can build a successful data governance initiative.In this episode, Satyen interviews Dr. Jonathan Reichental, author of Data Governance for Dummies and Founder of Human Future. He is an Adjunct Professor at several universities,  including the University of San Francisco, Pepperdine University, and Menlo College. Dr. Reichental also served as the Chief Information Officer at both O’Reilly Media and the city of Palo Alto, California. Satyen and Dr. Reichental discuss implementing data governance step-by-step, avoiding common governance pitfalls, and the future of smart cities.--------“I do think in the long run though, data governance is not about a narrow target. You will build a better business if you hire all the right people, if you build the right products, and deliver the right services, not by doing just one thing and doing it really well. It's a comprehensive approach to running a successful business, as you know well. And I think data governance should be thought of in the short term as targeting some very specific things, but long term as a cultural shift in how you actually think about data and how you use data on the backend and in the front end of your business.” – Dr. Jonathan Reichental--------Time Stamps:*(01:34): Dr. Reichental dives into his book Data Governance for Dummies*(08:51): How to convince people to invest in data*(13:27): Dr. Reichental defines data governance and how it relates to data management *(24:11): The signs a data culture is ready for governance*(42:42): Dr. Reichental’s opinion on cryptocurrency and blockchain*(47:20): Satyen’s Takeaways--------SponsorThis podcast is presented by Alation.Learn more:* Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.alation.com/podcast/* Alation’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alation/* Satyen’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ssangani/--------LinksFollow Jonathan on LinkedInFollow Jonathan on TwitterRead Jonathan’s book Data Governance for DummiesVisit Jonathan’s website

Vulnerability is an important quality often overlooked in the world of tech. Yet being vulnerable and authentic helps you to set realistic expectations, speak with executives on a human level, and connect with your audience. In this episode, Satyen interviews Jepson (Ben) Taylor, Chief AI Strategist at Dataiku. Jepson is a visionary in the advancements of AI, ML, and data science. Prior to joining Dataiku, he served as the Chief AI Evangelist at DataRobot and co-founded the deep learning startup Zeff.ai, which was acquired by DataRobot in 2020. Jepson is a frequent industry speaker and collaborates with the data science community to improve AI and deep learning. Satyen and Jepson discuss the power of failure, the lie of job security, and proving data’s worth through storytelling.--------"If nothing is failing, then it's not a very innovative company, not a very innovative culture. So there is a fraction of failure that for a mature organization you should celebrate. But with failure, you have the time urgency. How can we fail faster? I'd rather fail this week than four months from now." – Jepson Taylor--------Time Stamps:*(03:25): The special ingredient for speaking with executives*(11:52): Learning to embrace the expectation of failure and failing fast*(18:13): The two rules of good storytelling: authenticity and knowing your audience*(30:47): Jepson’s advice for joining a startup and the lie of job security*(44:08): The importance of celebrating the soul of your user*(50:43): Satyen’s Takeaways--------SponsorThis podcast is presented by Alation.Learn more:* Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.alation.com/podcast/* Alation’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alation/* Satyen’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ssangani/--------LinksFollow Jepson on LinkedInFollow Jepson on Twitter