

Making Data Simple
Making Data Simple
Hosted by Al Martin, WW VP of Technical Sales at IBM, Making Data Simple cuts through the hype to reveal how data and AI reshape the modern enterprise.Thought leaders, researchers, and innovators share firsthand lessons on leading teams, scaling analytics, and driving real-world impact—delivered in Al’s signature straightforward, witty style.Tune in to Making Data Simple today. From data and AI breakthroughs to leadership hacks, top experts drop actionable gems that help businesses thrive in a data-driven world. #MakingDataSimple #AI #Leadership
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 1, 2025 • 50min
Anaconda Unleashed: Python Powers the AI Jungle with Peter Wang, Chief AI and Innovation Officer, co-founder of Anaconda {Replay}
Send us a textReplay Episode: Python, Anaconda, and the AI Frontier with Peter WangPeter Wang — Chief AI & Innovation Officer and Co-founder of Anaconda — is back on Making Data Simple! Known for shaping the open-source ecosystem and making Python a powerhouse, Peter dives into Anaconda’s new AI incubator, the future of GenAI, and why Python isn’t just “still a thing”… it’s the thing.From branding and security to leadership and philosophy, this episode is a wild ride through the biggest opportunities (and risks) shaping AI today.Timestamps: 01:27 Meet Peter Wang 05:10 Python or R? 05:51 Anaconda’s Differentiation 07:08 Why the Name Anaconda 08:24 The AI Incubator 11:40 GenAI 14:39 Enter Python 16:08 Anaconda Commercial Services 18:40 Security 20:57 Common Points of Failure 22:53 Branding 24:50 watsonx Partnership 28:40 AI Risks 34:13 Getting Philosophical 36:13 China 44:52 Leadership StyleLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/pzwangWebsite: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anacondainc/, https://www.anaconda.com/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.

Sep 24, 2025 • 46min
⚡ Riding the Data Wave: Surviving (and Thriving) in the AI Flood with Time-Series, AI, and the Future with Ajay Kulkarni, CEO and co-founder of TigerData
Send us a textThis week on Making Data Simple, join Ajay Kulkarni, CEO and co-founder of TigerData, as we dive into the rapidly evolving world of data. Ajay shares his front-row perspective on the challenges and opportunities of building and scaling time-series databases in an era of AI-driven automation.From the mechanics of managing massive data streams to the bold bets shaping the future of IoT, this conversation goes deep into what’s breaking, what’s working, and what’s next. Whether you’re a data engineer, tech leader, or simply fascinated by the speed of AI innovation, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.01:15 Meet AJ Kulkarni04:29 TigerData07:16 Timeseries 09:25 Use Cases 11:03 Why Progress? 11:58 Why TigerData16:05 AI is Everything21:06 The Fastest Postgres 25:45 Advanced Features28:53 Future of IOT36:48 The Future of TigerData38:03 San Francisco38:26 A Big Bet41:06 Good BooksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaykulkarni/Website: https://tigerdata.comWant 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.

Sep 17, 2025 • 39min
Making Data Simple: Live Data, Smarter AI with Snow Leopard founder Deepti Srivastava
Send us a textWhat if AI could tap into live operational data — without ETL or RAG? In this episode, Deepti Srivastava, founder of Snow Leopard, reveals how her company is transforming enterprise data access with intelligent data retrieval, semantic intelligence, and a governance-first approach. Tune in for a fresh perspective on the future of AI and the startup journey behind it.We explore how companies are revolutionizing their data access and AI strategies. Deepti Srivastava, founder of Snow Leopard, shares her insights on bridging the gap between live operational data and generative AI — and how it’s changing the game for enterprises worldwide.We dive into Snow Leopard’s innovative approach to data retrieval, semantic intelligence, and governance-first architecture.04:54 Meeting Deepti Srivastava 14:06 AI with No ETL, no RAG 17:11 Snow Leopard's Intelligent Data Fetching 19:00 Live Query Challenges 21:01 Snow Leopard's Secret Sauce 22:14 Latency 23:48 Schema Changes 25:02 Use Cases 26:06 Snow Leopard's Roadmap 29:16 Getting Started 33:30 The Startup Journey 34:12 A Woman in Technology 36:03 The Contrarian View🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedeepti/🔗 Website: https://www.snowleopard.ai/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.

Sep 10, 2025 • 51min
The BOLD Advantage: Show Up (hint, this will make sense after you listen) and hear Fred Joyal’s Guide to Confidence, Networking & Growth {Replay}
Send us a text🎙️ This week on Making Data Simple: Fred Joyal — you may know him from the iconic 1-800-DENTIST commercials. Today, Fred takes us beyond marketing genius into the art of being BOLD.Show Notes02:20 – Brand Fred Joyal19:20 – Monetization Strategy20:58 – Boldness as a Superpower23:18 – Just Show Up26:15 – Step Up with Exercises27:00 – Failures are Steps Up: Take Another Swing38:50 – 5 Steps to Lowering Anxiety41:50 – How to Better Network💡 Boldness, resilience, and practical strategies you can use today — this episode is packed with insights that will help you step up in work, leadership, and life.Find Fred Joyal @ https://fredjoyal.com/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/fredjoyalTwitter: fredjoyal 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.

Sep 3, 2025 • 37min
🎙️ Talking Data with Dima Spivak, Director of Product Management, StreamSets {Replay}
Send us a textGet ready for an insightful conversation on the future of data integration and real-time decision making with Dima Spivak, Director of Product Management at StreamSets.We cover everything from the “why StreamSets” story to its secret sauce, how it plays in regulated industries, and what makes it a powerful player in data fabric, AI, and streaming use cases. If you’re passionate about the future of data pipelines, governance, and AI-driven insights, this one’s for you!⏱️ Episode Guide:02:02 | Meet Dima Spivak04:19 | Why StreamSets?06:00 | What is StreamSets?09:48 | On-Demand Expense11:34 | Regulated Industries12:36 | The Secret Sauce14:41 | A Competitive View15:50 | Data Fabric + StreamSets18:25 | StreamSets + AI21:12 | Use Cases That Matter24:02 | The Future of Streaming25:48 | Quality + Testing31:19 | For Fun 🎉🔗 Connect with Dima: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dmitryspivakWebsite: https://www.ibm.com/blog/announcement/ibm-acquires-streamSets/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.

Aug 27, 2025 • 34min
Stop, Start, Succeed: Jacob Hicks on Time Management & Coaching with Guest Host Katherine Mayne
Send us a textReady to reclaim your time and live with intention? In this episode, Katherine Mayne sits down with Jacob Hicks, Coach and Speaker, to explore the intersection of productivity and intentional living. We dive into the tools, habits, and strategies that can help you master time management, optimize your workflow, and unlock your full potential.From the Four Disciplines of Execution to Atomic Habits and the role of AI in coaching, Jacob shares practical, real-world insights you can put into action today. Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or simply looking to get more out of your day, this conversation will give you the frameworks and mindset shifts you need.🕒 Episode Timestamps01:34 Meet Jacob Hicks 04:12 Mastering Time Management via WPRI 14:01 Four Disciplines of Execution 15:12 Time Management Misconceptions 21:30 What Stops People from Managing Time 23:32 Tools and Giving AI a Role 26:31 Atomic Habits 28:11 What to Stop 29:36 Coaching and AI 31:05 Jacob's Coaching Business🔗 Connect with Jacob HicksLinkedIn: Jacob HicksWebsite: jacobhickscoach.comPodcast: Purpose Driven Progress#MakingDataSimple #TimeManagement #IntentionalLiving #AtomicHabits #AIandCoaching #ProductivityHacks #Leadership #WorkflowOptimization #JacobHicksWant 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.

12 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 42min
In case you missed it.... Master the 3 Circles – Focus, Influence & True Leadership with Executive and Leadership Coach, Lynne Snead
Lynne Snead, Principal & Owner of Talent Evolution Systems, shares her wealth of knowledge as a consultant and coach with over 20 years in organizational performance. She introduces the Three Circles Model, explaining how focus, influence, and leadership intertwine. Lynne emphasizes the importance of mindset and self-talk, revealing how they impact our effectiveness. The discussion highlights what separates managers from true leaders and the role of emotional intelligence in fostering collaboration and personal growth in both personal and professional spheres.

Aug 13, 2025 • 39min
Powering the Future: Leadership, AI, and the Next Era of IBM Power with Tom McPherson, GM of IBM Z and LinuxONE and former GM of IBM Power
Send us a textEpisode Description (Show Notes): Step into the world of IBM Power Systems with insider insights from Tom McPherson, former GM of IBM Power. In this conversation, Tom shares leadership lessons, debunks common misconceptions, and dives deep into the innovations shaping the future of Power infrastructure. From AI integration to hybrid cloud strategies, competitive positioning to compelling client use cases — it’s a powerhouse discussion you won’t want to miss.Timestamps: 00:49 Meet Tom McPherson 03:00 Leadership Advice 04:58 Hobbies 07:53 IBM Power 10:24 Power 11 13:53 Common Misconception 14:39 Favorite Power Features 21:51 Promise to Profits of AI 25:28 Hybrid Cloud 27:34 Power Competitors 28:36 Compelling Use Cases 29:51 The Future of Power 31:20 Rapid Fire 33:51 Business Partners in Power 35:16 LeadershipGuest Links: 🔗 Tom McPherson on LinkedIn 🌐 IBM Power SystemsSocial: #IBMPower #Leadership #HybridCloud #AI #EnterpriseTech #TechInnovation #MakingDataSimple #PowerSystems #BusinessStrategy #DigitalTransformation #CloudComputing #AIinBusinessWant 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.

Aug 6, 2025 • 45min
🎙 Symbolic AI, QLattice, and Mind-Bending Ideas with Casper Wilstrup CEO of Abzu {Replay}
Send us a text🎙 Replay Alert: Symbolic AI, QLattice, and Mind-Bending Ideas with Casper WilstrupWe’re bringing back one of our most thought-provoking episodes! Join us for a replay with Casper Skern Wilstrup, CEO of Abzu and the mind behind QLattice. We dive into Symbolic AI, the why behind Abzu, and Casper’s wild take on consciousness, simulation theory, and panpsychism. It’s science, AI, and philosophy in one unforgettable conversation. Grab a drink, sit back, and prepare to have your mind blown — again.🔹 Timestamps: • 01:39 Introducing Casper Wilstrup • 06:34 Abzu the Name • 09:09 Abzu the Mission • 12:32 Symbolic AI • 22:20 Foundational Models? • 24:42 The QLattice Explanation • 26:33 Abzu Use Cases • 30:57 More on QLattice • 32:52 The Abzu Pitch • 34:56 Reaching Abzu • 36:10 Are We in a Simulation? • 38:03 Panpsychism 🤯 • 43:03 For Fun🔗 LinkedIn: Casper Wilstrup 🌐 Website: abzu.aiHashtags: #ReplayEpisode #MakingDataSimple #SymbolicAI #QLattice #AbzuAI #ArtificialIntelligence #AIPhilosophy #Panpsychism #SimulationTheory #AIandScience #DataPodcastWant 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.

Jul 30, 2025 • 46min
Streaming the Future: Dr. Sean Falconer, AI Entrepreneur in Residence at Confluent on AI, LLMs, and the Contrarian View
Send us a textDeep Diving into the future of AI: Join Dr. Sean Falconer — AI Entrepreneur in Residence at Confluent, software engineering leader, and developer relations expert — for a deep dive into the future of AI, data streaming, and what it really means to build at the edge of innovation. From managing multiple LLMs to testing autonomous agents and sharing his bold contrarian takes, Sean helps us simplify the complexity of today's tech.📌 Timestamps 04:38 – Meet Sean Falconer 11:11 – Lifelong Learning 12:31 – AI Entrepreneur in Residence 16:28 – Multiple LLMs in Action 21:07 – The Tech Behind Confluent 25:51 – Why Sean Chose Confluent 28:40 – Invest or Short? 36:58 – Testing Agents IRL 40:51 – The Contrarian AI Take 42:27 – Looking Ahead: The Future of AI🔗 Connect with Sean:LinkedInSubstackMediumWant 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.