The Data Stack Show

Ben Rogojan, a consultant who helps companies optimize their data stacks and build communities for data leaders, shares insights on the evolving landscape of data teams. He discusses the importance of demonstrating ROI and aligning data outputs with business outcomes. The conversation covers navigating stakeholder expectations, dealing with vanity metrics, and utilizing AI for improved data workflows. Rogojan emphasizes the key skills for data professionals and the need to take risks and embrace creativity for personal and organizational growth.

Listeners dive into the journey of selling data value within businesses. Key topics include the importance of effective dashboards and transforming raw data into actionable insights. Insights from a renowned data consultant reveal strategies for building community support in the data realm. The episode also introduces an initiative aimed at empowering technical freelancers, focusing on collaborative learning and accountability.

This week’s guest is Matt, known as the Cynical Data Guy, who dives deep into the world of data, AI, and tech trends. He critically explores the debate over chat interfaces versus dashboards, advocating for user engagement improvements. The discussion introduces 'vibe revenue' as a fresh growth metric and reflects on the unpredictable evolution of AI and hardware. Matt also shares insights on the enduring relevance of SQL and the skepticism around new social networks, emphasizing authentic connections over AI-driven ones.

Matt Kelliher-Gibson, known as the cynical data guy, joins to unravel the latest innovations in data analytics. The discussion kicks off with DuckDB's exciting Duck Lake announcement, emphasizing its role as a local analytics powerhouse compatible with Apache Iceberg. They dive into the complexities of data catalogs and the future of metadata orchestration, exploring how to simplify data management. Plus, a quirky demo showcases a speech-to-SQL tool while playfully quacking! Tune in for a blend of humor and insightful tech talk!

Michael Driscoll, Co-Founder and CEO of Rill Data, dives into the revolutionary impact of AI on business intelligence and data analytics. He talks about the shift from traditional dashboard tools to dynamic, AI-powered interfaces that enable deeper insights. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of a metrics-first approach and highlights advancements in data infrastructure, including open standards and real-time analytical databases. Driscoll discusses how AI agents are becoming primary users of data tools, reshaping the landscape for data professionals.

Explore the innovative metrics-first approach to data understanding with insights from Mark Driscoll. Discover how new trends in business intelligence and AI are reshaping data management. Delve into the critical role of real-time customer data in driving smarter decisions. Gain valuable perspectives on enhancing customer experiences through effective data utilization.

Matt, known as the 'Cynical Data Guy,' returns with his sharp observations on corporate data trends. The conversation dives into Klarna's pivot from AI to human support, illustrating the limitations of technology in customer service. They address sensationalist media narratives surrounding AI and critique the costly strategies of consulting firms. The duo humorously reveals how simplistic tools, like Excel, still dominate data management. Lastly, Matt offers a witty take on the shortcomings of data science, emphasizing the need for practical, business-focused approaches.

Dive into the world of corporate data and the evolving role of AI in customer support. Explore the cynical side of tech talk, where lighthearted commentary meets serious insights. Discover the intriguing concept of data therapy that helps organizations navigate their data struggles. It's a mix of humor and critical reflection on the hype cycles that shape the tech landscape.

Pete Hunt, CEO of Dagster and ex-Facebook engineer known for his work on React.js, dives into the evolution of data practices and the impact of generative AI on data engineering. He discusses the challenges of integrating acquired companies and the importance of abstraction in managing complexity. The conversation highlights the role of collaboration, trust in AI, and the necessity of guardrails within workflows. Pete also shares valuable insights into fostering empathy in tech and how innovation can shape the future of data integration.

The discussion dives into innovations transforming data engineering. It highlights the impact of emerging technologies, like large language models, on the industry. The guest from Dagster shares insights about breaking down silos in collaborative data work. The conversation emphasizes the blending of AI with data processes to drive smarter decisions and improve customer experiences.