

"World of DaaS"
Word of DaaS with Auren Hoffman
deep dive into Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) businesses. World of DaaS is a podcast for data enthusiasts, by data enthusiasts, where Auren Hoffman talks to business and technology leaders about all things data - building it, acquiring it, analyzing it, and everything in between.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 7, 2025 • 48min
Beniamin Mincu CEO, MultiversX - building the trust layer for AI
Beniamin Mincu, CEO of MultiversX and blockchain visionary, dives into the crucial intersection of AI and trust layers. He discusses how blockchain can provide accountability in AI interactions, ensuring transparency amid rising AI-generated content. The conversation covers AI sovereign chains, the implications of the geopolitical AI arms race, and why global tech development is shifting outside Silicon Valley. Mincu also highlights the everyday use of blockchain and challenges traditional work-life balance norms, advocating for focused ambition in tech.

Oct 3, 2025 • 14min
The LM Brief: How to Actually Look for a Job (Without Wasting Everyone’s Time)
Discover how to turn job hunting into a disciplined, full-time endeavor. The hosts emphasize shifting from begging for favors to proactively solving company issues. They advocate for quitting to focus your energy and offer a five-step strategy: achieve radical clarity, define your value, provide tangible work before outreach, craft concise emails, and exit gracefully. The key takeaway? Helping is far more effective than begging—reframe your approach by understanding company needs and showcasing your value!

Sep 30, 2025 • 46min
OpenGov CEO Zac Bookman - GovTech, data access, and AI transformation
Zac Bookman, the co-founder and CEO of OpenGov, leads a company delivering cloud software and AI solutions to U.S. government agencies. In this discussion, he explores the challenges of making public data accessible and the importance of partnerships in GovTech. Zac highlights the transformative impact of COVID on government digitization and expresses the need for startups and academics to leverage public data. He shares insights on the balance between data access and privacy, all while maintaining a focus on authentic company culture and efficient hiring.

Sep 26, 2025 • 14min
The LM Brief: AI Overviews and the Future of Publishing
A lawsuit from Penske Media against Google over AI-generated summaries raises concerns about copyright and the future of publishing. The discussion highlights how these summaries can harm publisher revenue by reducing traffic. The hosts explore the potential risks to journalism and the reputation of brands when nuances are lost. They also consider whether platforms should compensate publishers amidst a decline in web traffic. Lastly, there are reflections on how to ensure fair compensation for creators as AI continues to evolve.

30 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 48min
OpenAI CSO Jason Kwon - power, policy and the race to scale
Jason Kwon, Chief Strategy Officer at OpenAI, dives into the pressing issues of compute bottlenecks and power infrastructure challenges in the AI sector. He discusses user expectations versus actual AI capabilities, exploring the complexities of training versus inference energy demands. The conversation touches on the geopolitical stakes of AI, particularly in relation to talent acquisition. Kwon also highlights the importance of policy in driving AI adoption and the need for organizations to adapt for effective integration.

Sep 19, 2025 • 16min
The LM Brief: The Only Right Way to Ask for an Intro (Everything Else Is Wrong)
Discover the essential art of asking for introductions in this enlightening discussion. Learn why warm intros are more effective than cold outreach and the importance of clarity and respect. Auren Hoffman shares a five-step double opt-in process to craft the perfect introduction request, along with email etiquette tips to ensure seamless connections. Explore common mistakes that derail requests and the importance of a single, polite follow-up to enhance your networking game.

38 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 39min
beehiiv CEO Tyler Denk - why email beats social media
Tyler Denk, co-founder and CEO of beehiiv, a newsletter platform boasting over $20 million in annual revenue, discusses why email reigns supreme over social media. He dives into the ongoing relevance of email as a top communication tool amid fierce algorithmic competition. Tyler also explores innovative strategies in email marketing and advertising, emphasizing personalized approaches and the development of a scalable ad network. He reflects on the evolution of digital engagement and the fundamental shifts in how audiences interact with content.

Sep 12, 2025 • 16min
The LM Brief: Navigating GDPR Compliance Outside the EU and UK
This discussion dives into the complexities of GDPR compliance for businesses outside of the EU and UK. It emphasizes the necessity of appointing local representatives to manage data rights inquiries and regulatory communications. The podcast also outlines the operational hurdles these companies face, stressing the importance of clear contracts and workflows. Furthermore, it provides guidance on selecting the right representatives and underscores how effective communication of privacy policies can enhance customer trust and improve company reputation.

122 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 48min
Gokul Rajaram of Marathon - How AI Will Reinvent Ad Platforms
Gokul Rajaram, a founding partner at Marathon Management Partners and a key figure behind Google AdSense and Facebook's ad platform, shares his insights on the future of advertising. He discusses how AI is revolutionizing content recommendations and ad systems, creating a more seamless user experience. The conversation delves into the balancing act between user engagement and effective advertising, along with the challenges advertisers face in a subscription-heavy landscape. Gokul also reflects on leadership dynamics in the evolving tech world, emphasizing the need for adaptability.

23 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 11min
The LM Brief: Synthetic Data in AI
The discussion highlights the surprising benefits of synthetic data in AI, including privacy protection and cost efficiency. Listeners learn about the fascinating interplay between generative models and the need for validation to ensure data reliability. Challenges such as bias amplification and trust issues are also explored. Real-world applications, from e-commerce to fraud detection, illustrate the transformative potential of synthetic datasets. Ultimately, the conversation urges careful consideration in leveraging synthetic data for accurate decision-making.