
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
Latest episodes

Nov 11, 2020 • 42min
This week Al and Lisa discuss the prospects of AI and the data that backs AI
Send us a textWant 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. AbstractHosted by Al Martin, VP, Data and AI Expert Services and Learning at IBM, Making Data Simple provides the latest thinking on big data, A.I., and the implications for the enterprise from a range of experts.This week on Making Data Simple, we have Lisa Palmer. Lisa is currently pursuing her doctorate in Artificial Intelligence, Chief Technical Advisor with Splunk Technologies. Lisa also was a professor at Southern Nazarene University, Tara Data Global Accounts Strategist, and then VP and America’s Regional Manager for Gartner. Show Notes1:30 – Lisa’s background6:16 – What is your Brand10: 06 - Pros and cons of AI Intelligence12:14 – Policing AI15:40 – Does bias worry you20:00 - What is flipping to data leadership23:55 – What are you working on27:07 – Why is pursuing your doctorate important to you28:38 – What’s your advice for other leaders30:37 – Trusted information32:50 – Predication for next yearInvisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for MenLisa Palmer - LinkedIn Connect with the TeamProducer Kate Brown - LinkedIn. Producer Steve Templeton - LinkedIn. Host Al Martin - LinkedIn and Twitter. 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.

Nov 4, 2020 • 46min
Al, Dale, and Hai-Nhu discuss the IBM initiative to modernize IT language to remove racial and cultural bias (aka Words Matter).
Send us a textWant 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. AbstractHosted by Al Martin, VP, Data and AI Expert Services and Learning at IBM, Making Data Simple provides the latest thinking on big data, A.I., and the implications for the enterprise from a range of experts.This week on Making Data Simple, we have Dale Davis Jones, who is an IBM Vice President and Distinguished Engineer in Global Technology Services, where she leads the GTS IT Architect community and Client Innovation. We also have Hai-Nhu Tran, who is the Senior Manager of Content of Design in Data and AI at IBM. Hai-Nhu and her team are responsible for the technical content experience for a large portfolio of products and platforms. Show Notes11:43 - What is the context and how did you get involved?17:10 - How do you define success?19:40 - Are you focused on IT language?25:03 - How do you know you’re doing it right?32:30 - What decision have already been made?37:13 - What other challenges have you faced?40:00 - How do you know when you’re done?41:29 - How can people contribute?Dale Davis Jones - LinkedInHai-Nhu Tran - LinkedInBlog - Words Matter: Driving Thoughtful Change Toward Inclusive Language in Technologyhttps://www.ibm.com/blogs/think/2020/08/words-matter-driving-thoughtful-change-toward-inclusive-language-in-technology/Call for Code for Racial Justice:https://developer.ibm.com/callforcode/racial-justice/Linux Foundation Connect with the TeamProducer Kate Brown - LinkedIn. Producer Steve Templeton - LinkedIn. Host Al Martin - LinkedIn and Twitter. 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.

Oct 28, 2020 • 44min
This week Kathy Parks will be discussing women in Angel Investing, leadership, and the underlying data to making decisions
Send us a textWant 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. AbstractHosted by Al Martin, VP, Data and AI Expert Services and Learning at IBM, Making Data Simple provides the latest thinking on big data, A.I., and the implications for the enterprise from a range of experts.This week on Making Data Simple, we have Kathy Parks. Kathy worked at IBM and is now an owner and independent Angel Investor. Kathy started her career in publishing and then transitioned over to Kurzweil Computer Products working on reading machine for the blind. Kathy then moved to Interleaf working on publishing products, then to QA and Project Management. Kathy then moved to Rational Software and in 2003 Rational was bought by IBM. Show Notes2:10 - How do you go from publishing to project management?3:15 - How did you transition to Angel Investing?5:58 - What’s at the core7:06 - What is Angel Investing12:40 - Is there a formula that you use?17:24 - How are pitches made?18:37 - Other forms of capital22:43 - How many investments have you made?29:21 - What data to you use?30:42 - Why are we not seeing the investments?31:58 - What are the KPIs in a pitch?33:20 - How long does the process take?Angel Capital Association KJParks - LinkedinAngel Investing - Venture DealsAge of Surveillance Capitalism Connect with the TeamProducer Kate Brown - LinkedIn. Producer Steve Templeton - LinkedIn. Host Al Martin - LinkedIn and Twitter. 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.

Oct 21, 2020 • 20min
This week Oliver Claude discusses Data Governance and Data Ops
Send us a textWant 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. AbstractHosted by Al Martin, VP, Data and AI Expert Services and Learning at IBM, Making Data Simple provides the latest thinking on big data, A.I., and the implications for the enterprise from a range of experts.This week on Making Data Simple, we have Oliver Claude Portfolio Offering Manager for Data and AI and Oliver is a Data Governance expert. Oliver also worked as a Chief Marketing Officer, VP and Chief Solution Owner, Solution Management, and Consulting, Al and Oliver discuss Data Governance and Data Ops and how it all fits into your business. Show Notes2:50 - What is the definition of Data Governance?4:06 - What is Data Ops?4:40 - What is IBM doing with Data Ops?5:16 - How have we automated our tools?6:58 - What is better red or white wine?7:33 - What is the future of Data Governance?9:37 - How is Data Governance and Data Ops related to AI?11:06 - What are the pitfalls for customers implementing Data Governance?12:10 - How do companies get started?Oliver Claude - LinkedInIBM DataOps Connect with the TeamProducer Kate Brown - LinkedIn. Producer Steve Templeton - LinkedIn. Host Al Martin - LinkedIn and Twitter. 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.

Oct 14, 2020 • 33min
[Part 2] Lynne Snead discusses leadership, coaching and being your best self and mixing that in with data
Send us a textWant 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. AbstractHosted by Al Martin, VP, Data and AI Expert Services and Learning at IBM, Making Data Simple provides the latest thinking on big data, A.I., and the implications for the enterprise from a range of experts.This week on Making Data Simple, we have Lynne Snead. Lynne is the founder of Talent Evolution Systems, a behavioral analyst, consultant, training specialist, speaker, coach, Lynne has a back ground in Educational Psychology, and has specialized in organizational performance for over 20 years. Lynne is one of the original Franklin Covey co-authors, has a best seller, she created Franklin Covey’s signature Project Development process and programs, worked directly with Stephen Covey.Show Notes2:25 – Can data define behavior in someone?7:19 – How do you complete an assessment?9:46 – Attributes of assessments20:25 – Coaching advice Lynne Snead - LinkedInTalent Evolution SystemsLynne’s email: lsnead@talentevolutionsystems.comLeadership and self deception How will you measure your life?Lynne’s List of Recommended Leadership BooksLeadership and Self Deception, Arbinger Institute7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey (Senior)5 Levels of Leadership, John Maxwell. What Got You Here Won’t Get You There, Marshall GoldsmithConversational Intelligence, Judith GlaserThe Speed of Trust, Stephen M.R. Covey (Junior) Emotional Intelligence, Daniel GolemanThe New Art of Managing People, Tony Alessandra and Phil HunsakerHow to Influence People, John MaxwellHumble Inquiry, Edgar H. Schein Humble Leadership, Edgar H. Schein and Peter ScheinLeadership is an Art, Max De PreeThe Secrets to Winning at Office Politics, Marie G. McIntyreThe Power of Focus, Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Les HewittThe Power of Self-Confidence, Brian Tracy Connect with the TeamProducer Kate Brown - LinkedIn. Producer Steve Templeton - LinkedIn. Host Al Martin - LinkedIn and Twitter. 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.

Oct 7, 2020 • 29min
[Part 1] Lynne Snead discusses leadership, coaching and being your best self and mixing that in with data
Send us a textWant 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. AbstractHosted by Al Martin, VP, Data and AI Expert Services and Learning at IBM, Making Data Simple provides the latest thinking on big data, A.I., and the implications for the enterprise from a range of experts.This week on Making Data Simple, we have Lynne Snead. Lynne is the founder of Talent Evolution Systems, a behavioral analyst, consultant, training specialist, speaker, coach, Lynne has a back ground in Educational Psychology, and has specialized in organizational performance for over 20 years. Lynne is one of the original Franklin Covey co-authors, has a best seller, she created Franklin Covey’s signature Project Development process and programs, worked directly with Stephen Covey.1:30 – Lynne talks about her background5:40 – Lynne’s coaching specialty and mission statement10:30 – Why don’t all leaders have coaches?12:08 – Why do you differentiate corporate coaching from life coaching?16:27 - Do you believe in the element of natural state? 18:32 – How many individuals have you coached?19:49 – What constitutes a great leader?20:55 – What are the common mistakes in a leader?24:44 – Steer them back on track Lynne Snead - LinkedInTalent Evolution SystemsLynne’s email: lsnead@talentevolutionsystems.comLeadership and self deception How will you measure your life? Connect with the TeamProducer Kate Brown - LinkedIn. Producer Steve Templeton - LinkedIn. Host Al Martin - LinkedIn and Twitter. 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 30, 2020 • 38min
Amy discusses data analysis and models used in the science of fires
Send us a textWant 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. AbstractHosted by Al Martin, VP, Data and AI Expert Services and Learning at IBM, Making Data Simple provides the latest thinking on big data, A.I., and the implications for the enterprise from a range of experts.This week on Making Data Simple, we have Amy McDermott. Amy is a science journalist at Front Matter, the magazine section of PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences), where she covers new and emerging research. Her background spans ecology and journalism: she has an MA in conservation biology from Columbia University and a graduate certificate from the UC Santa Cruz Science Communication Program. Show Notes4:20 - Amy’s background7:25 – Amy summaries the stories on fires11:21 – What does the data suggest about fires?12:04 – Are there computer models on fires? 17:35 – Real world example of how models are used19:44 – How accurate is the data?24:25 - Examining the data28:35 - How do you define success? 29:55 – Amy’s passion Amy McDermott - LinkenInFront Matter Connect with the TeamProducer Kate Brown - LinkedIn. Producer Steve Templeton - LinkedIn. Host Al Martin - LinkedIn and Twitter. 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 23, 2020 • 43min
Dr. Lee helps us understand Quantum Computing as a new technology
Send us a textWant 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. AbstractHosted by Al Martin, VP, Data and AI Expert Services and Learning at IBM, Making Data Simple provides the latest thinking on big data, A.I., and the implications for the enterprise from a range of experts.This week on Making Data Simple, we have Dr. Kayla Lee Growth Product Manager, Community Partnerships at IBM Quantum & Qiskit. Dr. Kayla Lee works with innovation teams across industries to understand how they can using new and emerging technologies to solve their business challenges. In her role, she serves as a bridge between business and science to help drive value for enterprise clients. Her primary focus is the new model of computation, quantum computing, working with clients to understand potential applications, prioritize use cases, and build a business strategy to prepare for the future of computing. Al and Dr. Lee try and help us understand Quantum Computing as a new technology. Show Notes3:03 - Dr. Lee talks about her day to day job4:40 – The challenge 6:12 - Dr. Lee describes quantum 8:03 – What is quantum computing going to do for us that we can’t do today?9:30 – How does this work?17:50 – What kind of problem is quantum computing suited to answer?19:40 – Will quantum computing replace traditional computing?23:36 – Who can use quantum computing?32:30 – Security and quantum33:50 – Dr. Lee’s teamDr. Kayla Lee - LinkedInIBM Quantum Computing QiskitHBCU Center Driving Diversity and Inclusion in Quantum ComputingIBM’s Roadmap For Scaling Quantum TechnologyConnect with the TeamProducer Kate Brown - LinkedIn. Producer Steve Templeton - LinkedIn. Host Al Martin - LinkedIn and Twitter. 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 16, 2020 • 33min
[Replay] - Covid-19 interview with Dr. Kyu Rhee
Send us a textHosted by Al Martin, VP, Data and AI Expert Services and Learning at IBM, Making Data Simple provides the latest thinking on big data, A.I., and the implications for the enterprise from a range of experts. 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. Abstract This week on Making Data Simple, we have a returning guest Dr. Kyu Rhee VP & Chief Health Officer IBM and IBM Watson Health, discussing the Covid-19 pandemic and how we prepare and react individually and as a country. What can we do for ourselves and how this pandemic affects the economy. And when do we see a light at the end of the tunnel.Show Notes1. https://www.ibm.com/blogs/watson-health/author/kyurhee/2. https://www.ibm.com/impact/covid-19/Connect with the TeamProducer Kate Brown - LinkedIn.Producer Michael Sestak - LinkedIn. Producer Meighann Helene - LinkedIn. Host Al Martin - LinkedIn and Twitter.Additional resources: IBM Watson Health COVID-19 Resources: https://www.ibm.com/watson-health/covid-19IBM Watson Health: Micromedex with Watson: https://www.ibm.com/products/dynamed-and-micromedex-with-watsonHow governments are rising to the challenge of COVID-19: https://www.ibm.com/blogs/watson-health/governments-agencies-rising-challenge-of-covid-19/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 9, 2020 • 35min
[Replay] - Finding New A.I. Use Cases with Paul Zikopoulos
Send us a textWant 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. AbstractThis week, Paul Zikopolous, IBM VP Big Data Cognitive Systems, makes a highly anticipated return to Making Data Simple. Paul gives an update to what he's been working on, including his A.I. tracking app which saw an interesting use case at a recent Luke Bryan concert. We are also given some insight to the state of data and the rest of the industry. Host Al Martin then finishes things off by discussing what it means to lead a team, and tips for growing your career. Connect with PaulLinkedIn TwitterIBM BlogsShow Notes07:02 - Read more about Watson Anywhere here. 20:20 - Check out Auto AI here.Connect with the TeamProducer Liam Seston - LinkedIn.Producer Lana Cosic - LinkedIn.Producer Meighann Helene - LinkedIn. Host Al Martin - LinkedIn and Twitter.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.