Alter Everything

In this engaging discussion, Matt Rotundo, an Engagement Engineer and community moderator at Alteryx, reflects on a decade of growth within the Alteryx Community. He shares inspiring stories of how members have transformed their careers through mentorship and collaboration. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community in enhancing not just technical skills but also building lifelong friendships. Matt highlights moments of friendly competition and shared learning, revealing how virtual interactions have blossomed into invaluable in-person connections.

Richie Cotton, Senior Data Evangelist at DataCamp and host of the DataFramed podcast, dives into the evolving world of data and AI. He discusses whether AI's rise will lessen the need for coding skills, emphasizing the shift towards advisory roles. The conversation also tackles the practical applications of AI agents in business and the essentiality of maintaining human oversight. Richie shares insightful career strategies, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and the integration of communication skills alongside technical prowess in the data field.

In this insightful discussion, Adrian Steller, the Director of Tax Technology at Ryan, shares his expertise in VAT compliance and automation. He delves into how Alteryx transforms tax processes, revolutionizing efficiency and data workflows. Adrian highlights real-world applications, including overcoming challenges with traditional Excel methods and explaining the complexities of tax data management. He also provides practical tips for newcomers to Alteryx, emphasizing the importance of gaining mastery through small projects and community support.

Owen Coyle, a technical consultant at Bulien and the 2025 Alteryx Grand Prix champion, shares his thrilling journey in data analytics. He dives into the excitement of the Alteryx Grand Prix and how it mirrors the high-pressure world of Formula One. Owen offers invaluable advice for future competitors, highlighting the importance of preparation and collaboration. Listeners will enjoy tales of camaraderie and the adrenaline-fueled moments of performing live during the prelims, as well as insights into the day-to-day life of a technical consultant.

Alexander Patrushev, Head of Product at Nebius, is on a mission to make AI accessible. He dives into how organizations can bridge the gap between data and business impact through smart project selection and effective stakeholder communication. The conversation highlights innovative data center solutions, like utilizing waste heat in Finland, and emphasizes the importance of team skills and data quality in maximizing impact. Alex also warns against the pitfalls of rapid AI deployment, advocating for simpler, efficient solutions that enhance data management.

Paula Maddox, a self-service analytics manager at Truist, shares how Alteryx transformed her career by streamlining tedious Excel tasks. She emphasizes the power of storytelling in analytics, unlocking new career opportunities. Paula also discusses the journey to Alteryx certification, underlining the value of training and practical application. Additionally, she talks about the thrill of leading a team and the joys of data manipulation, encouraging listeners to embrace innovative tools like Alteryx for enhanced efficiency.

Eric Soden, Co-founder at Capitalize Analytics, and JT Morris, Senior Manager and Advanced Analytics Practice Lead, share their expertise on generative AI. They discuss practical applications of large language models, emphasizing their effectiveness in unstructured data analysis. The duo also highlights the importance of balancing AI with traditional analytics to avoid pitfalls. With real-world scenarios, they demonstrate how adopting generative AI can lead to improved productivity and ROI, stressing the need for high data quality and human oversight.

Patrick Leung, CTO of Faro Health, specializes in using AI to transform clinical trials. He discusses how generative AI optimizes trial design, automates medical writing, and streamlines workflows, significantly cutting costs in the pharmaceutical industry. Patrick breaks down the structure of clinical trials and the role of AI in data analysis, enhancing patient experiences while addressing privacy concerns. He shares insights on improving protocols through tailored AI models and the hopeful future of AI innovations in drug development.

Avery Smith, founder of Data Career Jumpstart and host of the Data Career Podcast, transforms his journey from chemical lab technician to data analyst into a roadmap for career changers. He unveils the SPN method—Skills, Projects, Networking—as vital for breaking into data fields. The conversation highlights the importance of mastering tools like Excel and SQL while networking creatively. Avery shares how AI can enhance learning and upskilling, reminding listeners that human talent still reigns supreme in the evolving data landscape.

Scott Jones, a principal analytics consultant at DCG Analytics, and Treyson Marks, the managing partner at the same firm, dive into the fascinating world of AI. They unveil common misconceptions and stress the importance of high-quality data for ethical AI usage. The duo discusses how Alteryx can streamline data pre-processing, making analytics user-friendly for everyone. They also explore real-world applications, demonstrating how AI significantly boosts decision-making and data analysis across various industries.