
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

May 1, 2024 • 34min
Next-Level AI Insights: Cody Schneider Part 2. Discover Cutting-Edge Content Creation Techniques with Swell AI & Drafthorse AI Co-founder.
Send us a textCody Schneider Part 2, co-founder of Swell AI and Drafthorse AI : two AI content creation platforms helping businesses scale content production. Consider this an early stage founder discussion. A ton of fun topics in this one.00:12 Short Nvidia? 06:39 THE Platform of Choice13:51 Brain Rot14:43 AI Guidance17:10 Swell AI's Value22:56 It's Ok to Take Kudos!25:47 Business Predictions28:07 Distribution > Product29:27 Finding Cody30:08 Getting OfflineLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/codyxschneiderWebsite: https://www.swellai.com/, https://www.drafthorseai.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. 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.

Apr 24, 2024 • 32min
AI Innovations Unveiled: A Technical Deep Dive with Cody Schneider, Co-founder of Swell AI & Drafthorse AI. Decoding the Algorithms Behind AI Content Creation & Business Scalability. Episode 1: From Marketing Foundations to Advanced AI Applications.
Send us a textPart 1. Getting to know Cody Schneider, co-founder of Swell AI and Drafthorse AI : two AI content creation platforms helping businesses scale content production. Consider this an early stage founder discussion. It starts with Marketing and builds to where AI is being used today.01:31 Meet Cody Schneider05:27 Differentiating a 2x406:52 Avid Skier10:41 Early Stage Startups?13:27 Swell AI15:00 Differentiation using AI18:35 Monetization Strategy21:42 The Billion $ Company of One24:22 Marking AI Tools26:30 Foundational Models27:26 AI Training AffordabilityLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/codyxschneiderWebsite: https://www.swellai.com/, https://www.drafthorseai.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. 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.

Apr 17, 2024 • 40min
Tech Meets Mind: CPO at Phrasee Toby Coulthard on Bridging Human Psychology with AI in Marketing
Send us a textToby Coulthard, CPO at Phrasee talks to Marketing Tech as the interface between human psychology and technology. Phrasee is a marketing platform that leverages generative AI for natural language generation, optimizing content at scale for enterprise clients such as Walgreens, Macy’s, Currys, and more.01:21 Meet Toby Coulthard05:46 MarTech06:43 Chief Product Officer at Phrasee10:02 LLMs in MarTech10:56 Tools at Phrasee12:21 Client References 17:00 The Marketing Journey 20:50 What Model Then???22:22 "Winning a Campaign"29:54 Phrasee Differentiation32:43 Marketing of the Future39:29 For FunLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toocou/Website: https://phrasee.co/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.

Apr 10, 2024 • 45min
Reskilling Impact and the Mindful Response for a Better World with Estela Zuheros
Send us a textWhen I need to re-center and remind myself to stay grounded and that growth is accessible to all of us (that's the reskill part) I'm reminded of this episode. The Mindful Response with Estela Zuheros, Corporate Social Responsibility, IBM. Come for social responsibility in reskilling the world, stay for lessons in being mindful and being kind to yourself.· 02:06 Meet Estela Zuheros · 05:21 Your personal why?· 07:16 Reskilling· 11:41 The skills problem to solve· 18:44 Measuring success· 20:07 Primary areas of reskilling 23:02 Program selection criteria· 26:31 The Mindful Response· 37:30 Avoiding burnoutLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/estelaquesadazuherosWebsite: https://estelaquesadazuheros.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. 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.

4 snips
Apr 3, 2024 • 57min
"The Brain Behind IBM's WatsonX: Ruchir Puri Unveils the Secrets of Artificial Intelligence - Dare to Ask!" #MakingDataSimple #AIUnleashedWithRuchirPuri
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.

Mar 27, 2024 • 34min
It's March Madness so we are revisiting a favorite topic with Nancy Hensley, founding member and advisor of Mercury/13 {Replay}
Send us a textThis is one of my favorite episodes with Nancy Hensley, when she was CMO at Stats Perform. I've got to get back to my bracket!Money Ball is back! Nancy Hensley, Chief Marketing Officer for Stats Perform, gives us the latest on data analytics in sports. If you like sports don't listen unless you have time to be entertained. Show Notes · 04:09 What does Money Ball look like now?· 07:30 Mrs Chicago's personal update· 08:40 Fan website: The Analyst· 11:16 Stats Perform for the rest of us· 17:25 Sports tech competitors· 18:34 Monetizing data. $115M for NFL data! What?· 27:44 Broadcaster and PressboxLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyhensley/ Website: https://statsperform.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. 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.

Mar 20, 2024 • 40min
The Maverick CEO: Don Finley's Unconventional Approach to Product Development and AI
Send us a textMore AI with Don Finley, Founder of FINdustres, a leading product development agency. Don talks about fusing science, art, and technology into one. Not your conventional CEO. 01:30 Meet Don Finley03:50 The Midlife Crisis06:36 FINdustries07:02 Kilimanjaro Break09:40 Work/Life Integration10:30 Client Profiles12:00 FINdustries Differentiation13:43 The 2-min Pitch14:58 Science, Art, plus Technology16:34 Good to Great18:18 Predominate Use Cases20:06 When to Seek Help22:20 The Role of the Developer26:37 AI Risks28:17 Big Bets31:22 Methodology and Scale34:41 Top Learnings36:23 The Next Kilimanjaro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dfinleyWebsite: https://findustries.co/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. 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.

Mar 13, 2024 • 21min
Live Impromptu Show! Several topics: AI, shorting NVIDIA stock, and partners. At the IBM Canada Partner event.
Send us a textA live, impromptu podcast with Kevin Nugent, Data & AI Global Partner Sales @ IBM with the IBM partner community in Toronto. A quick and fun discussion on the state of AI in the industry.01:04 Kansas City Chiefs01:93 Meet Kevin Nugent02:25 Shorting Nvidia 03:25 State of the AI Business 05:520 What is watsonx07:22 IBM's Differentiation 08:39 Again, Why IBM?14:13 Making Money with AI 16:37 AI Skills20:06 Go IBM Partners!LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kevinrnugentWebsite: https://www.ibm.com/partnerplusWant 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.

Mar 6, 2024 • 37min
Automating data transformation and bonus! What makes a great seller, with CEO of Coalesce, Armon Petrossian {Replay}
Send us a textLet's talk data transformation and what makes a greatseller with Co-founder and CEO of Coalesce, ArmonPetrossian. As more companies move to the cloud theweakness in data transformation is becoming profound.01:15 Meet Armon Petrossian02:21 The problem in being data driven04:28 Introducing Coalesce07:53 Automation defined09:56 The ETL to ELT shift11:54 Typical customer use case12:55 The Coalesce differentiator16:18 Proof of value24:39 Column metadata25:40 Data transformation inhibitors28:17 The future31:52 What makes a great sellerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/armonpetrossian/Website:https://coalesce.io/Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple?Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tellus why you should be next. The Making Data SimplePodcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales,IBM, where we explore trending technologies, businessinnovation, 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.

Feb 28, 2024 • 44min
Deep Tech Episode: Understanding Search, GenAI, RAG methodology, and vector databases with Nixon Cheaz, Engineering Lead at IBM's Experience Engine.
Send us a textUnderstanding Search, GenAI, RAG methodology, and vector databases with Nixon Cheaz, Engineering Lead at IBM's Experience Engine. 02:24 Meet Nixon Cheaz04:32 Search without Google06:35 Experience Engine08:30 Elements of Good Search12:46 Search Data Source15:36 GenAI Use Cases and Vector DBs 19:40 Foundational Models?22:07 Impact of Vector DBs25:38 IBM Public Content DB28:02 Use Cases29:58 IBM Technologies32:54 RAG40:12 Health is WealthLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nixon-cheazWant 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.