Raw Data with Rob Collie

In this episode, Rob Collie and Justin break down life lessons learned from a simple tool: the Green Biscuit puck. It's a perfect example of how resilience sometimes beats prevention—because you can't avoid every bump in the road, but you can adapt and keep moving forward. That same idea applies to AI and Power BI, where working with messy, real-world data is part of the process. Rob and Justin draw easy parallels between solving problems on the ice and in business, making complex topics feel less stuffy and refreshingly practical. When it comes to adopting AI, Rob and Justin talk about how it's not a magic fix but a friendly co-pilot, ready to help with everything from writing tasks to brainstorming. The goal isn't necessarily perfection. Sometimes it's simply getting off the starting line. Their advice? Don't overthink it. Take that first step, see where it leads, and let AI surprise you. Tools like ChatGPT can boost productivity, helping you overcome the blank-page syndrome. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform for more great episodes on data, tech, and the unexpected lessons hiding in everyday experiences.

This week Rob shares his disdain for CFL light bulbs, but it's not necessarily about light bulbs here! It's more of an analogy as to why the status quo weighs absolutely nothing. Something better and disruptive came along, and now it's everywhere. We barely even remember the transition, because the new "light bulb" is far superior to what was previously the standard!

In this episode, Rob Collie and Justin Mannhardt step onto the data gridiron to test if AI can tackle the complexities of fantasy football data. Rob starts with a Power Query puzzle, full of messy stats, player names, and tricky injury codes—solving it manually in over 30 steps. But can ChatGPT, with Justin's guidance, run the same play and simplify fantasy football data management? Justin and ChatGPT take their shot at transforming the chaos into organized data. While ChatGPT makes some impressive moves, there are a few fumbles that leave us wondering—can AI truly handle the ever-changing landscape of fantasy football stats? Want to know how this battle played out? Tune in to find out if AI has what it takes to streamline your fantasy football data or if human instincts still win the day. Here is the companion Blog Post to follow along - Can AI Write an M Script When it Requires Inspiration? Rob Collie Squares Off Versus ChatGPT

Explore the provocative phrase 'Dashboards Are Dead' and its emotional impact in the world of data visualization. Delve into the psychology behind viral statements and their manipulative tactics. Discover how generative AI is set to transform the way we interact with dashboards, making them more accessible and user-friendly. Far from being obsolete, dashboards are evolving, offering insights that AI can’t fully replicate, thus shaping the future of data interaction.

In this episode, Rob Collie talks about how anyone can learn to "predict the future"—not with superpowers, but with a normal ability we all have. Rob shares his own stories of seeing big changes coming, like the rise of Power Pivot and the early signs of COVID-19. It's not about being right all the time, but about recognizing when something big is shifting and knowing how to act on it. One of the biggest lessons here? The status quo isn't permanent. Rob's decision to start P3 Adaptive came from trusting what he was seeing, even when others didn't. His story is proof that when you're willing to trust your gut and take action, amazing things can happen. With AI on the rise, that same approach matters more than ever. The world is changing fast, and those who can adapt will thrive. Tune in to hear how you can tap into your own ability to spot shifts and make smart decisions with confidence. And, as always, if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform to help new users find us!

In this episode, Rob and Justin explore how AI is making waves not just in tech-heavy industries but in everyday businesses like construction and manufacturing. They talk about how AI tools can help streamline processes, create custom solutions, and make even the most hands-on industries run smoother and more efficiently. They dive into the common worry that AI will replace jobs, but they quickly turn that idea around. Instead of taking jobs away, AI is stepping in to handle repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on the big-picture work that sparks innovation and growth. It's not about replacing people—it's about enhancing what they do best. Rob and Justin also make the case that AI isn't out of reach, even for companies that don't see themselves as tech-savvy. With tools like Power BI and the rise of generative AI, businesses of all sizes can use AI to improve their operations without a major overhaul. AI is becoming more accessible, and it's something that can make a real difference no matter your industry. Be sure to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform to help new listeners find us!

Ever think about how data can solve real-world problems? Rob and Justin are here to break it down! They're diving into how data analytics is changing the game in industries like manufacturing, agriculture, and construction—where the work is hands-on, and the results matter. From managing logistics to cutting downtime and optimizing inventory, they show how data is becoming the go-to tool for getting things done. Justin shares a personal "aha!" moment from his days in manufacturing, where stepping out of the office and onto the floor opened his eyes to data gaps you just can't catch from behind a desk. Rob also reflects on his time in construction and how those real-world experiences shaped his view of business today. Rob and Justin keep it real, cutting through the noise to show how understanding the world behind the numbers is the key to solving real problems. Enjoyed the conversation? Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more listeners!

Think farming and data don't mix? Think again! In this episode, Paul Grissom from Pacific Ag Rentals (PAR) brings the heat, showing how data is shaking things up in agriculture. From slashing manual work to making on-the-spot decisions with real-time insights, Paul shares how technology is helping PAR not just keep up, but thrive. Whether you're a data geek or just curious about how tech is fueling growth in unexpected ways, this episode is a fun, eye-opening ride into the future of farming. Paul doesn't hold back—he shares an honest take on what it's like to bring data into a hands-on industry like agriculture. You'll hear how PAR is using data to optimize equipment, streamline their operations, and seriously level up their business. And the best part? It's not just about crunching numbers; it's about seeing real growth and making smarter moves every day. If you think data is only for tech companies, Paul's story will change your mind—and maybe even get you excited about what data can do for your business. What makes this episode a must-listen? Paul's down-to-earth vibe and no-fluff approach. He breaks it all down so anyone can understand how data is making a real-world impact, even in an industry as hands-on as farming. It's the kind of story that shows how a little tech can go a long way, no matter what field you're in. If you're looking for inspiration on how data can fuel growth in your own world, this is the episode for you! Loved what you heard? Let us know! Leave a review and tell us what you think—your feedback helps us bring you more awesome stories like Paul's, packed with insights you can use right now.

Is the Midmarket Secretly Winning with the Microsoft Data Platform? In this episode, host Rob Collie explores a surprising quirk in how Microsoft's powerful data tools like Power BI and Fabric are being used. It turns out that midsize companies - not big enterprises - are actually getting the most bang for their buck from these game-changing data platforms. The episode explains how the speed and affordability of the new Microsoft tools give smaller organizations a real advantage. Rob also shares an unexpected lesson he's recently uncovered through his own personal analytics projects. Even with just two basic data points per player, he was able to unlock a crazy amount of useful insights and stories. It just goes to show the hidden richness that can be found in even the most simple datasets. Check out the Hockey Dashboard referenced! So tune in to find out how a "bathtub" of data can hold an "ocean" of information - plus hear about the midmarket's secret winning strategy. It's an episode you won't want to miss! Subscribe now for new episodes every week, packed with practical data insights!

In this discussion, Scott Sewell, a Principal Program Manager at Microsoft’s Fabric Cat team, sheds light on the power of empathy in tech. Scott shares how understanding human motivations enhances product development and customer engagement. He emphasizes the decline of tedious tasks as AI takes the stage, freeing us to focus on impactful work. With captivating stories, he illustrates how embracing AI not only streamlines operations but also transforms business strategies. Dive into the future of work where empathy meets innovation!