Raw Data with Rob Collie

Dive into the hidden costs of data projects, where money often vanishes in inefficiencies. Discover how Power BI revolutionized cost and time allocations, shedding light on the evolving data landscape. The discussion highlights the challenges of communication in technical teams and the pivotal role of human interaction. Tune in for a glimpse into the future, as generative AI promises to enhance analytics while emphasizing the importance of clear objectives. Get ready for insights, laughs, and a peek at how data management is changing for the better!

Gil Raviv has spent years shaping how we use data. From his early days at Microsoft, where he played a key role in developing Power Query, to his work refining how dashboards serve their users, Gil's career is a masterclass in making data tools both practical and powerful. In this episode, we sit down with Gil to dig into why usage data is the missing ingredient for truly effective BI. He explains how understanding what users do with your dashboards can completely change the way you design and deliver them. We also talk about his journey through the world of business intelligence, the lessons he learned along the way, and why he's so passionate about building tools that meet people where they are. Whether you're a Power BI power user or just starting to think about how data fits into your business, Gil's insights will get you thinking differently.

The Spirit of "Why Not" with Bob Pop Collie The Life of a WW2 Navy Pilot Cadet (Bonus), w/ Bob Pop Collie

The world of data technology moves in fascinating ways, and we're excited to have Microsoft MVPs Ed Hansberry and Kristyna Ferris join Justin to unpack what's really happening. This conversation is all about understanding the technologies that are reshaping how we work and think about data. Microsoft Fabric has been a hot topic, and for good reason. Is it the breakthrough platform everyone's talking about, or are there nuances that aren't making headlines? Ed and Kristyna bring their hands-on experience to share what they've learned—the moments of excitement, the unexpected challenges, and the real potential they see. Artificial intelligence continues to be a transformative force. We're not just talking about theoretical possibilities, but how AI is actually changing the way data professionals approach problems. What does this mean for teams, for individual careers, for the way we think about technology? Tune in to find out!

The world's moving fast, sometimes too fast. Whether it's AI taking over ad campaigns, fake LinkedIn profiles popping up, or the healthcare system extracting more than it gives, the threads connecting our modern chaos are all too clear. Misaligned incentives and unchecked technologies are reshaping industries, culture, and even how we trust each other. Progress can be exciting, but it's also raising some tough questions: Are we losing our humanity in the race to optimize everything? Take Coca-Cola, the apex predator of branding. This holiday season, they swapped their usual creative mastery for AI-generated ads, and people noticed. The results weren't just underwhelming; they were unsettling. It's a perfect example of what happens when we try to replicate the human touch with machines that aren't there yet. But this isn't just about Coke. It's about a broader trend of trading quality for convenience and innovation for cost-cutting—and the ripple effects it has on culture, trust, and livelihoods. This week, we're unpacking the tension between innovation and integrity, exploring how businesses, governments, and individuals can find a better balance. From the rise of fake AI personas to headlights designed to cheat brightness tests, we'll dig into what these examples say about the systems we rely on and what happens when those systems fail us. It's a wild ride, but one thing's for sure: the way forward has to be more thoughtful than the path that got us here.

The AI revolution is here, and if you're in the data space, you're sitting in the best seat in the house—whether it feels that way yet or not. Rob takes you on a straight-talking journey through why our industry isn't just surviving but thriving in this moment of upheaval. Forget the hype and the fearmongering; this is about recognizing the unique position we're in to expand into unmet demand. It's not just about keeping our jobs—it's about making them better, more impactful, and yes, more secure. Here's the deal: this isn't a time to coast. The same tools that can help us shine also require us to step up and adapt. Rob breaks down how the drudge work that used to define so many roles has been swept away by tools like Power BI—and why that's not a threat but a gift. The value isn't in the grind; it's in the thinking. The problem-solving. The expertise. If you're clinging to old ways, you're missing the whole point of what's happening right now. Listen now to hear why this moment is one of the biggest opportunities our industry has ever seen. Rob unpacks how unmet demand is changing the game, why our skills matter more than ever, and what it takes to not just ride the wave but come out ahead. Don't miss it.

Rob and Justin are back, catching up after a short break with an episode that's part big ideas, part funny stories, and full of surprises. They kick things off with the Crutches Paradox. Their take on why we hang onto things we'll probably never use, "just in case." From there, the conversation moves into all kinds of unexpected territory: why politeness might not matter when working with ChatGPT, the infamous New Coke conspiracy theory from the 80s, and why some of the world's top software engineers just don't seem too concerned about AI. Rob even shares a few personal moments, including how his old Pontiac Bonneville managed to become a legend among tow truck drivers. Between the laughs and the thought-provoking moments, this grab bag episode has a little something for everyone. Whether you're here to explore big questions or just enjoy a good story, this one will keep you hooked from start to finish. As always, if you enjoyed the episode, be sure to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

A little note from Rob to share about this week's episode, and what's coming!

This week on Raw Data, Justin's flying solo and catching up with Brian Julius, a true data veteran with a unique journey from government work to AI exploration. Brian's path has been anything but typical. Starting in high-stakes federal roles, he later moved into management; only to find himself pulled back to his roots in hands-on analytics, just as AI started turning the industry on its head. Brian digs into the moments that shaped his career and how curiosity led him back to data. Now, he's diving into AI, pushing the tools to see how far they can go, and discovering where human intuition still has the edge. In this conversation, he and Justin explore what it means to keep evolving in a field that doesn't stand still, and why staying open and curious might just be the most important skill. With Rob away this week, Justin and Brian take a deeper dive into what it's like to adapt to constant change, and why there's more to data than just knowing the latest tools. It's an honest, down-to-earth look at the power of a lifelong learner's mindset in an era of rapid transformation. Also in this episode: DAX/ChatGPT Ideogram

Rob Collie records his final episode from the cozy, sound-dampened basement studio where over 170 Raw Data conversations have taken place. With moving boxes waiting to be loaded onto a truck bound for Seattle, Rob reflects on his unexpected 15-year journey in the Midwest—an adventure filled with personal challenges, growth, and life lessons that only make sense in hindsight. What started as a sudden and overwhelming shift became a series of hard-earned lessons that shaped not just his career but his entire outlook on life. In this episode, Rob explores the universal nature of those journeys where we step away from the familiar, confront unexpected challenges, and return changed. It's not about grand, heroic feats but about navigating uncertainty, learning as you go, and finding meaning in what's hard. Rob shares candid moments of struggle, success, and everything in between, offering reflections on fear, growth, and the reality of being human. This isn't a story of perfection, it's a journey full of wrong turns, lessons learned the hard way, and the humility that comes from embracing both the light and dark sides along the way. Don't forget, if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform to help new users find us.