Send us a text✨ Updated April 1, 2025What do Tickle Me Elmo, bourbon, and Taylor Swift tickets have in common? Scarcity. And in the world of marketing, it's one of the most powerful forces you can harness.This week, we’re throwing it back to one of our most insightful interviews — a conversation with Dr. Mindy Weinstein, Founder and CEO of Market MindShift, marketing professor at Grand Canyon University, Columbia Business School, and Wharton, and author of The Power of Scarcity.We dig into:The psychology behind scarcity and why it drives us to act nowThe four types of scarcity (you’ll want to write these down!)How top brands — and yes, bourbon sellers — use scarcity to spark actionWhy "reaching humans" in digital marketing is more nuanced than everHow you can ethically and effectively use scarcity to boost business results📚 About the Book: In The Power of Scarcity, Dr. Weinstein combines her background in marketing and psychology to break down how scarcity messaging influences decision-making — and how you can leverage it to drive revenue, deepen loyalty, and create urgency without manipulation. With research, real-world examples, and interviews from brands like McDonald’s and 1-800-Flowers, it’s a must-read for anyone looking to up their marketing game.📌 Timestamps: 01:41 Meet "Marketer" Mindy Weinstein 04:42 Technology in Marketing 07:50 One of the top women in digital marketing 09:12 The Power of Scarcity 19:16 The Four Types of Scarcity 20:41 Bourbon Scarcity 21:47 Businesses Leveraging Scarcity🧠 Connect with Dr. Weinstein: 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mindydweinstein 📘 Book: persuasioninbusiness.com 🌐 Website: marketmindshift.com🎧 Originally aired: Season 7, Episode 5Want to be featured on Making Data Simple? Drop us a note at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next! Hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales at IBM — where we explore cutting-edge tech, business innovation, and the human side of leadership... all while keeping it simple & fun.Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.

Send us a text🎙️ From Host to Hot Seat! This week on Making Data Simple, Al Martin flips the mic and becomes the guest as Ian Smith, co-founder of Lighthouse Technology, steps in to host a fast-paced, thought-provoking episode of the Baseline Podcast.It’s a casual convo with some serious zingers—think startup energy, AI honesty, automation truths, and even a little NFL shoutout. You won’t want to miss this one!🕒 Episode Highlights 00:52 – How Making Data Simple got started 06:11 – IBM as a Startup?! 08:38 – Why IBM, really 11:49 – Competing with “Real-time” AI 23:20 – How to get clients to truly embrace automation 32:12 – The test AI flunked… but still got a B 🤖 33:06 – GO CHIEFS! 🏈 37:54 – The real IBM use case 47:06 – “Nothing went wrong” (famous last words?)🔗 Connect with Ian: linkedin.com/in/ian-smith-a803701 🌐 Learn more: baselinepodcast.com💡 Want to be featured on Making Data Simple? Pitch us your story at almartintalksdata@gmail.com—we’re always on the lookout for brilliant minds in tech, data, leadership, and innovation.🎧 Hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM. LinkedIn. Executive Producer, Katherine Mayne LinkedIn. We talk trending tech, bold ideas, and big leadership—all with a focus on keeping it simple and fun. #MakingDataSimple #BaselinePodcast #TechLeadership #AIConversations #StartupTalk #AutomationInnovation #IBMTech #DataDriven #PodcastGuest #BusinessInnovation #LighthouseTechnology #AlMartin #IanSmith #GoChiefsWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.

Send us a text🚀 What’s the secret to building a world-class influencer marketing program? Ryan Debenham, CEO of GRIN, joins Making Data Simple to break down the future of creator-driven marketing, AI’s role in the space, and how GRIN is reshaping brand-influencer partnerships.💡 From Red Bull’s marketing playbook to a key conversation about the “Secret Sauce”, Ryan shares the insights, technology, and mindset needed to scale a creator-powered brand in today’s digital economy.🔹 Key Topics: ✅ What makes a great influencer? ✅ How GRIN is redefining the industry ✅ AI’s impact on marketing ✅ The future of remote companies⌛️Minute Markers02:11 Meet Ryan Debenham 07:54 Running a Startup 08:46 Modeled after Red Bull 12:01 GRIN 15:44 Influencer Marketing 17:52 Who are the Influencers 18:45 Secret Sauce 22:51 The Technology 24:51 The 2-Min GRIN Pitch 31:16 AI in Marketing 34:32 GRIN's Future 36:06 A Remote Company 38:35 In Closing📢 Listen now!🎧 Guest: Ryan Debenham | LinkedIn | Website 🌍 Host: Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM | LinkedIn📩 Want to be a guest? Email us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com🔗 Hashtags: #MakingDataSimple #InfluencerMarketing #CreatorEconomy #AIinMarketing #BrandGrowth #MarketingTech #Leadership #GRIN #RyanDebenhamWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.

Send us a textInnovating on Wall Street: Kristen McGarry on Data, AI, and Technical Sales🎧 Tune in for an insider’s look at the technical strategies shaping the future of finance.Kristen McGarry, Principal Account Technical Lead for IBM’s Financial Services Market, returns to Making Data Simple to dive deeper into the intersection of technology and Wall Street. Based in NYC, Kristen works with the world’s largest financial institutions to drive innovation, accelerate time to value, and implement cutting-edge solutions across software, hardware, and services.In this episode, we break down the realities of technical sales, the evolving role of data science in finance, and what Wall Street is getting right (or wrong) about AI. Kristen also shares key insights on the challenges of working with financial giants and predictions for the future of tech in banking.⏱ Episode Highlights: 📍 02:57 – An Intro to Kristen McGarry 📍 04:36 – Why IBM? 📍 09:25 – The Attraction of Data Science 📍 11:51 – A Day in the Life of an Account Technical Leader 📍 13:30 – Technical Sales versus Sales 📍 15:05 – Continuing to Innovate 📍 19:09 – Dealing with Wall Street 📍 20:17 – The Methodology 📍 22:23 – The How of Technical Sales 📍 23:05 – Continuous Learning 📍 28:03 – Management System 📍 30:34 – Wall Street Learnings 📍 32:20 – Biggest Challenge 📍 33:08 – The Data Challenge 📍 34:22 – Best Data Science Use Cases in Finance 📍 36:14 – What Do Clients Miss on AI? 📍 38:09 – PredictionsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-mcgarry/Website: https://www.ibm.com/#MakingDataSimple #DataScience #AIinFinance #TechSales #WallStreet #IBM #Innovation #FinancialServices #Leadership #ContinuousLearning #AIWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.

Send us a text🚀 The Coaching Discussion Reprise with Katie McLuckie and a special guest!In this episode, we dive into the value of coaching—what it takes to find the right coach, the ups and downs of the journey, and what to watch out for. If you're considering a business coach, this one's for you!🎧 Episode Breakdown:⏱️ 01:33 – Meet Katie McLuckie⏱️ 04:11 – Transitioning from Urban Planning⏱️ 07:02 – Finding a Coach⏱️ 13:34 – A Silly Coaching Example 🤔⏱️ 21:10 – The Coaching Folder 📂⏱️ 23:33 – The Show After the Show 🎭⏱️ 27:05 – Corporate vs. Individual Coaching⏱️ 29:17 – Red Flags 🚩⏱️ 30:50 – The Echo Chamber 🔄🔗 Connect with Katie: linkedin.com/in/katiemcluckie🎙️ Want to be a guest on Making Data Simple?📩 Email us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next!🔥 Hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership—all while keeping it simple & fun.Al's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/al-martin-ku Katherine the "Special Guest"  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katemayne#MakingDataSimple #Podcast #Coaching #BusinessCoaching #Leadership #CareerGrowth #Innovation #CorporateCoaching #CoachingJourney #TechAndLeadershipWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.

Send us a textIn this special replay episode of Making Data Simple, Al Martin sits down with Matt Cowell, CEO of QuantHub, to dive deep into data literacy, upskilling, and solving learning challenges. Matt shares his expertise on defining data fluency, the best ways to learn, and how organizations can close the data skill gap. From client use cases to leadership insights, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways for businesses and individuals navigating the data-driven world.Show Notes & Chapter Markers:⏳ 2:25 – From SVP of Products to Data Learning Business📊 3:48 – Defining Data Literacy🎓 5:50 – Teaching the Products🚧 7:36 – What’s Out of Scope?🏢 12:50 – Client Use Case💡 18:07 – Solving Learning Problems📖 21:14 – What Does a Learning Plan Look Like?🔍 25:08 – Defining Micro🧠 30:20 – Best Ways to Learn📈 33:14 – Measuring Success💰 34:47 – Venture Capital Funding🌟 36:10 – Fundamental Leadership Belief🔑 38:24 – The Most Valuable Leadership Skill🔗 Connect & Resources:QuantHubMatt Cowell on LinkedInBooks Mentioned: Monetizing Innovation, Ultra LearningConnect with the Team:🎤 Host: Al Martin🎬 Producers: Kate Mayne📩 Want to be a guest?Reach out to almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next!📢 Hashtags:#MakingDataSimple #DataLiteracy #Upskilling #AI #BigData #TechPodcast #Leadership #LearnData #QuantHubWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.

Send us a textThe master of Artificial Intelligence: Ruchir Puri, Chief Scientist of IBM Research, an IBM Fellow, and Vice-President of IBM Corporate Technology.  AI questions you were afraid to ask, from hallucinations to watsonx. #makingdatasimple #watsonxWelcome to the enlightening world of AI with Ruchir Puri, the Master of Artificial Intelligence and esteemed guest on our podcast. Join us as we embark on a captivating journey, delving deep into the realms of AI that you've always been curious about but hesitant to ask. From hallucinations to WatsonX, we leave no stone unturned in our quest for knowledge. Ruchir Puri, Chief Scientist of IBM Research and IBM Fellow, as well as Vice-President of IBM Corporate Technology, shares his expertise and insights, unraveling the complexities and potential of AI. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of AI's capabilities and its impact on our lives. Prepare to have your questions answered and be amazed by the wonders of AI.02:17 Meet Ruchir Puri the "Maker"09:24 A day in the life 14:22 The AI hype 24:21 Why now?27:36 The AI triangle35:57 Why IBM 40:58 Deciding factors43:57 Is bigger better?47:59 Hallucinations 49:53 watsonx52:33 Who are you betting on?54:23 First stepsLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ruchir-puri-b117021aWebsite: https://www.ibm.com/watsonxWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple?  Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next.  The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun. Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.

Send us a textIn this Part 2 of our conversation with Marco Rota, VP of Strategic Technology Alliances at Lumen Technologies, we dive headfirst into the technical side of Lumen’s mission. From fiber-optics and edge computing to quantum breakthroughs—all propelled by powerful industry partnerships—Marco sheds light on how Lumen is enabling cutting-edge solutions and driving technology transformations. If you’re eager to see how culture, leadership, and advanced tech come together to reshape industries, this episode is for you!00:31 Lumen's Technology02:37 Transformational Use Cases04:46 Edge Computing06:20 Quantum10:35 Wrapping Up Technology13:25 Supercharged Partnerships15:55 THE Leadership Principle18:16 For Fun23:01 A World-class ChefLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/marcorotapixWebsite: https://www.lumen.com/en-us/home.htmlWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple?  Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next.  The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun. #MakingDataSimple #LumenTechnologies #FiberOptics #EdgeComputing #Quantum #TechInnovation #Partnerships #BusinessTransformation #LeadershipWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.

Marco Rota, VP at Lumen Technologies, transitioned from Hollywood to tech, bringing a flair for storytelling and creativity. He discusses the vital role of cultural transformation in enhancing strategic effectiveness. Drawing parallels between film and tech, he emphasizes adaptability and innovative thinking in navigating disruptions. Marco also delves into the significance of accountability partners in professional growth and addresses the impact of AI and remote work on organizational culture. His insights highlight how creativity can drive success across industries.

Nancy Hensley, Chief Marketing and Product Officer at Stats Perform, shares her expertise in sports analytics. She dives into how the Moneyball approach has evolved, revealing the groundbreaking role of AI in live game analysis and enhancing fan engagement. The conversation highlights the monetization of sports data, with the staggering $115 million price tag for NFL data. Hensley also discusses innovative tools like PressBox Live, which revolutionize sports broadcasting by integrating advanced analytics and visualizations.