Making Data Simple
Hosted by Al Martin, IBM VP of Data and A.I. Development, Making Data Simple provides the latest thinking on big data, A.I., and the implications for the enterprise from a range of experts.
Episodes
Big Episode: IBM's AI Operating Model, Death by Powerpoint, and Behavioral Economics
Send us Fan MailThis episode unpacks IBM's ambitious AI Operating Model. We dig into everything from sales training strategies to architecture advantage, drawing on insights gathered through instrumented training programs. 01:44 Meeting The Team 04:17 Architecture Advantage 13:06 Death by PowerPoint 17:08 Behavioral Economics 24:28 Your Biggest Competitor 26:04 Statistics You Should Know 28:2
In case you missed it.... Live Data, Smarter AI with Snow Leopard founder Deepti Srivastava {Replay}
Send us Fan MailWhat 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
Where's the Smart Money Going in AI? Rob May, Co-Founder & CEO of NeuroMetric AI, on Inference, ROI, and the Bets That Matter
Send us Fan MailRob May, Co-Founder & CEO of NeuroMetric AI, who’s revolutionizing how multi-model systems think and run, dramatically reducing expenses while boosting performance. Rob brings decades of experience as a founder, investor, and the creator of the popular ‘Investing in AI’ newsletter.01:05 Meeting Rob May04:22 The Investing in AI Newsletter06:50 Starting Neurometric11:39 Inferenci
⚡In case you missed it....Surviving the AI Data Flood — Ajay Kulkarni, CEO of TigerData, on Time-Series, IoT, and What's Next
Send us Fan MailThis 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 I
When AI Stops Waiting for Instructions — Matt Glickman, Co-Founder and CEO of Genesis Computing, on Autonomous Agents
Send us Fan MailWe dive into the exciting world of autonomous AI agents with Matt Glickman, Co-Founder & CEO of Genesis Computing. Join us as we explore how this technology is shifting the role of the data engineer and redefining what's possible.02:36 Meet Matt Glickman 09:32 Frontier Models 17:14 The Origination of Genesis 18:51 What is an Autonomous Agent 30:25 Machines Have Our Code! 3
Dave Trier, CEO of ModelOp, explores the rapidly evolving world of AI in navigating safely deploying AI and navigating critical governance challenges
Send us Fan MailMaking Data Simple sits down with Dave Trieer, CEO of ModelOp, to explore therapidly evolving world of AI – particularly what happens when it starts actingautonomously. From safely deploying AI in regulated industries to navigatingcritical governance challenges, Dave offers invaluable insights on thistransformative technology.01:22 Meet Dave Trier04:22 The Terminator is Coming10:33
In case you missed it...The Invisible Engineering That Keeps Mission-Critical Hardware From Failing — with Todd VanGilder & Ryan Smith, Genuen
Send us Fan MailIn case you missed it....For the Electrical Engineers in Test out there, this is your episode. Todd VanGilder, CTO and CRO, and Ryan Smith, Tech Fellow, for Genuen join the podcast to talk about achieving reliable performance through Systems Engineering and Custom Test Equipment. And their secret sauce: Replica.02:26 Meet Genuen Leaders08:33 Boeing09:21 Genuen15:11 2-min Pitch16:
Is RAG Dead? The Pioneer Who Invented AI's Memory Layer Answers — with Douwe Kiela, Co-Founder, Contextual AI {ICYMI}
Send us Fan MailIn case you missed it.....RAG didn't just survive the LLM boom — it became the backbone of how enterprises put AI to work. In this replay, we sit down with Douwe Kiela, the AI researcher who led the team that introduced Retrieval-Augmented Generation in 2020 and went on to co-found Contextual AI. Douwe unpacks whether RAG is here to stay, why most enterprise AI dies in the gap
In case you missed it! Stop, Start, Succeed: Jacob Hicks on Time Management & Coaching with Guest Host Katherine Mayne
Send us Fan MailIn case you missed it.... Ready 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
In case you missed it.... The Contrarian AI Takes Most People Won't Say Out Loud — with Dr. Sean Falconer, AI Entrepreneur in Residence, Confluent
Send us Fan MailMost people building with AI are working from the same playbook. Dr. Sean Falconer isn't.As AI Entrepreneur in Residence at Confluent, Sean sits at the intersection of real-time data streaming and production AI — where the decisions get hard and the stakes are real. In this episode, he and Al get into what it actually looks like to run multiple LLMs simultaneously, what happen
What If the Data Inside Your Head Could Diagnose What Doctors Miss? — with Dr. Nicholas Dogris, Founder, NeuroField & Dr. Tiff Thompson, PhD, NeuroField Neurotherapy
Send us Fan MailYour Brain Generates Data. Are You Using It? Your brain is producing data every second. The question is whether anyone is actually reading it — and what happens when AI starts to.In this episode, Al sits down with Dr. Nicholas Dogris and Dr. Tiff Thompson, the founders behind the NeuroField ecosystem — a triad of companies applying advanced neuroscience data to brain health, diagno
What Happens to the DBA when AI Agents take over? A conversation with Satya Krishnaswamy, Director, IBM Db2 Genius Hub
Send us Fan MailThe database has always needed a human hand — someone to tune it, protect it, and keep it running. But what if AI could do most of that work autonomously? And if it can, what does that mean for the people who've built careers doing exactly that?In this episode, Al sits down with Satya Krishnaswamy, Director at IBM, to explore IBM's Db2 Genius Hub — a bold step toward auto
AI Deployments: A Practical Guide
Send us Fan MailRaffi Khatchadourian, Account Technical Leader at IBM, shares his expertise - from AI deployments to infrastructure and more. Raffi dives into the latest trends and insights in the field of artificial intelligence and data science. Tune in for practical advice and real-world examples from a leading expert in the industry.01:37 Meet Raffi05:43 Success AI Deployments13:08 Replayabili
{In Case You Missed It} From Sovereign AI to Social Impact: The Big Shifts You Need to Watch with IBM VP and CTO of IBM Canada, Manav Gupta
Send us Fan MailFrom Sovereign AI to Social Impact: The Big Shifts You Need to Watch with IBM VP and CTO of IBM Canada, Manav GuptaManav Gupta, Vice President & CTO at IBM Canada, returns to the podcast to unpack the fast-changing landscape of artificial intelligence. From keeping a technical edge to navigating the rise of sovereign AI, Manav shares insights on how emerging trends are shaping
The Rapidly Evolving World of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)
Send us Fan MailThe rapidly evolving world of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) with Manav Gupta, VP & CTO of IBM Canada! We’re tackling the big questions – is an ‘AGI clock’ ticking? – alongside critical discussions on risk, regulation, and the future of work. Manav and I pull no punches as we explore the surprising realities of AI’s development and its potential impact on our lives.01:
In case you missed it: David Hirschfeld; CEO of Tekyz. What it takes to make a startup successful - is it the founder or the technology?
Send us Fan MailIn case you missed it....🎧 Episode Description:This week on Making Data Simple, we welcome David Hirschfeld, Founder and CEO of Tekyz. With a background spanning major tech firms and startup trenches, David brings grounded, data-backed insight into what makes or breaks a startup. From tackling the #1 reason startups fail to exploring the value of validation and the real meaning of
Chief Operating Officer of IBM Infrastructure, Barry Baker, oversees the world’s most critical systems – including the iconic IBM Z.
Send us Fan MailEver wonder how your bank transaction really gets processed without a hitch? Barry Baker, Chief Operating Officer of IBM Infrastructure, oversees the world’s most critical systems – including the iconic IBM Z. Barry has spent over 25 years building mission critical technology. We’ll dive into everything from mainframe modernization and AI acceleration to the future of cloud and ent
In case you missed it — The Way Elite CEOs Actually Think: Dave Martin on Mega Thinking, High-Stakes Decisions & What's Holding You Back
Send us Fan MailWhat separates the leaders who scale from the ones who stall? According to Dave Martin — CEO, tech entrepreneur, investor, and coach to elite executives worldwide — it's not IQ, it's not hustle, and it's definitely not the framework on your whiteboard.It's how they think.In this episode, Al sits down with Dave to unpack Mega Thinking — his simple, powerful proce
Still Essential: Ruchir Puri on AGI, Jensen Huang's Bold Prediction, and Why Reasoning Is the Missing Piece {Replay}
Send us Fan MailLast week we brought back Part 1 of our Ruchir Puri masterclass. This is the episode that completes it.If Part 1 was about how AI works — agentic loops, inference scaling, the death of prompt engineering — Part 2 is about where AI is going. Ruchir takes on the biggest questions in the industry: Is Jensen Huang right that AGI arrives by 2029? What does IBM's bet on open models
The Partner X Factor: What IBM's SVP Kareem Yusuf Knows About Ecosystems That Most Leaders Miss
Send us Fan MailToday we're joined by Kareem Yusuf, SVP at IBM, where he leads Ecosystem and Strategic Partnerships. His career journey spans IoT, sustainability, and product growth — and it's more diverse than you might expect. In this episode, we dig into the critical thinking behind building successful partnerships, navigating complex tech ecosystems, and what it really takes to prior
Making Developers and AI Agents more productive with an Enterprise MCP. An in depth review with Craig McLuckie, Founder and CEO of Stacklok.
Send us Fan MailPart2: Craig McLuckie, Founder and CEO of Stacklok and inventor ofKubernetes, discusses his latest venture: Stacklok, an Enterprise MCPPlatform that makes developers and AI agents more productive.00:12 The 2-min Stacklok Pitch01:47 An Enterprise-grade MCP Platform06:28 The Case for Smaller Models07:09 Are Clients Ready?11:36 The Winners and Losers14:20 Stacklok's Major Competi
The Man Who Built Kubernetes Is Betting Everything on This New Idea: Craig McLuckie Founder and CEO of Stacklok
Send us Fan MailCraig McLuckie is the Founder and CEO of Stacklok and one of the original inventors of Kubernetes — the open-source container orchestration system that became the backbone of modern cloud infrastructure. After leading Kubernetes into the CNCF and navigating VMware's pivot under Broadcom, Craig made a sharp turn and founded Stacklok: an Enterprise MCP Platform designed to make
Still Essential: Ruchir Puri, IBM Chief Scientist, on the Death of Prompt Engineering and the Rise of Agentic AI {Replay}
Send us Fan MailFirst Aired Apr 23, 2025If you've been following the AI space lately, this episode hits differently the second time around.When Al sat down with Ruchir Puri — Chief Scientist of IBM Research, IBM Fellow, and the architect behind Watson and watsonx — the conversation covered ground that's only gotten more relevant since: the death of prompt engineering, the rise of agentic
The Data You Never Collected: Adam Kamor Co-Founder & Head of Engineering, Tonic.ai, on Synthetic Data's AI Revolution
Send us Fan MailMaking Data Simple dives into the exciting world of synthetic data with Adam Kamor, Co-Founder & Head of Engineering at Tonic.ai — a company building a synthetic data platform to power AI and software development. Adam unpacks how synthetic data is revolutionizing the way we build smarter, safer AI systems.01:31 Meet Adam Kamor 08:43 The Road to Software Engineering 11:10 Defin
From Two Phones to Crystal Balls — A CISO's Unfiltered Take on AI and Security with Josh Scott, CISO and VP of Security at Hydrolix
Send us Fan MailMaking Data Simple dives into the world of data security with Josh Scott, CISO and VP of Security at Hydrolix — a real-time data platform built for massive scale. Josh unpacks critical challenges like AI adoption, cybersecurity priorities, and how organizations can harness data to stay ahead, all while keeping performance high and costs down.01:02 Investing 04:25 Meet Josh Scott 10
The Hidden Laws Behind Every Decision You Make — with Princeton's Tom Griffiths and his new book, The Laws of Thought
Send us Fan MailTom Griffiths, Henry R. Luce Professor at Princeton University, joins the show to explore the surprising science behind how we actually think. His new book, The Laws of Thought, bridges computational cognitive science and AI—challenging assumptions about decision-making, neural networks, and the path to artificial general intelligence.Show NotesTimestamps 01:21 – Meet Tom Griffiths
From Hollywood to High-Tech: Marco Rota’s, VP Strategic Technology Alliances at Lumen Technologies, Blueprint for Cultural Transformation {Replay}
Send us Fan MailWelcome back to Making Data Simple, where we explore how data-driven strategies ignite innovation and transform businesses. In this exciting episode, we sit down with Marco Rota, VP of Strategic Technology Alliances at Lumen Technologies, whose incredible journey spans from the glitz of Hollywood to leading-edge telecommunications. Tune in as Marco reveals how embracing a vibrant c
Taming the Messy Data Reality: Turning AI Training Chaos into an $80T IP Asset Class with Andrea Muttoni, President and CPO of Story
Send us Fan MailTackling the messy reality of data fueling artificial intelligence, Andrea Muttoni—President & CPO at Story—joins the show to unpack how Story is building an AI-native infrastructure for intellectual property and training data. We dig into making the $80T IP asset class programmable, traceable, and monetizable, and how Story aims to turn “mysterious training data blobs” into tr
This Episode is Deep into the Tech! From Graph DB Fundamentals to Grid Security: Engineering the Next-Gen Infrastructure
Send us Fan MailPrasad Calyam, Curators’ Distinguished Professor and Center Director at the University of Missouri, joins the show to explore how knowledge graphs, modern data platforms, and AI are reshaping power grids and cybersecurity. He breaks down graph database fundamentals, real-world research projects, and how industry can tap into cutting-edge university work—all in language that enginee
From Sovereign AI to Social Impact: The Big Shifts You Need to Watch with IBM VP and CTO of IBM Canada, Manav Gupta
Send us Fan MailManav Gupta, Vice President & CTO at IBM Canada, returns to the podcast to unpack the fast-changing landscape of artificial intelligence. From keeping a technical edge to navigating the rise of sovereign AI, Manav shares insights on how emerging trends are shaping both industry and society.Timestamps 01:25 – Manav Gupta is back! 02:39 – Maintaining your technical edge 04:38 – S
Say What!? Bad ideas are the key to to better innovation? Dive in for this contrarian take and more on AI for organizational intelligence with Phanish Puranam, Professor of Strategy and Organizational Design {Replay}
Send us Fan MailThis was a fantastic 2 part series on how to design intelligent organizations. Check it out!Part 1 of 2How do we make organizations not just run — but run intelligently?In this episode of Making Data Simple, we welcome Phanish Puranam, Professor of Strategy and Organizational Design at INSEAD, to explore the intersection of AI, organizational science, and intelligent design. From
The End User Advantage: How Smart Software Asset Management Unlocks Performance and Savings with Agnelpoint's Ron Brill and Kris Johnson
Send us Fan MailWe're joined by Ron Brill, President and Chairman of the Board, and Kris Johnson, Chief Product Officer of Anglepoint, a global leader in software asset management. From their startup origins to tackling massive compliance challenges, we'll dive into the world of SAM, licensing, and what the future holds for optimizing IT assets – a conversation essential for anyone in th
AI Power Plays: How IBM’s Clarity Levels Up Every Customer Conversation with Paul Zikopoulos, Matt Bateson, and Kyle Sava
Send us Fan MailUnpack a groundbreaking application of IBM’s AI technology designed to revolutionize training and learning. This episode delves into how IBM’s AI-powered partner – built around IBM training – can sharpen technical knowledge, boost confidence, and help teams master every interaction, from pipeline development to closing critical deals.02:12 Meet Paul Zikopoulos, Matt Bateson, and Ky
Fresh off a high-profile appearance on CNBC! Jure Leskovec, Chief Scientist at Kumo and a Stanford Professor who's fundamentally reshaped how we understand networks {Replay}
Send us Fan MailFresh off a high-profile appearance on CNBC’s Worldwide Exchange discussing how AI will move beyond chatbots to autonomous agents that reshape jobs and productivity! Replay this episode where Jure digs into why structured data is still lagging behind the AI revolution and what comes next for predictive AI on relational data.Data’s everywhere, but so often it feels… stuck. Joining u
Warm Hearts, New Skills! – The Mindful Response with Estela Zuheros {Replay}
Send us Fan MailWhen there’s a need to re-center, stay grounded, and remember that growth is accessible to all of us, this is the episode to revisit. The Mindful Response with Estela Zuheros, Corporate Social Responsibility leader at IBM, explores how social impact, reskilling, and mindfulness come together to create a better, more inclusive world. Come for the global perspective on reskilling, st
From Disengaged to High-Performing: Dave Garrison’s Data-Driven Playbook for Team Buy-In
Send us Fan MailAre your teams struggling with disengagement and declining performance? What if the real problem isn’t talent or strategy, but a hidden “buy-in” gap quietly draining energy, innovation, and results? Joining us is Dave Garrison, a seasoned leadership strategist who has seen firsthand how a lack of buy-in fuels these issues – costing businesses billions every year. Dave unpacks the s
How to Choose, Use, and Trust AI Models with Manav Gupta, Vice President and CTO, IBM Canada {Replay}
Send us Fan MailOn this replay of Making Data Simple, Manav Gupta, VP and CTO of IBM Canada, jumps straight into the world of large language models and what they really mean for businesses trying to scale AI. From how today’s models are built and tuned, to where the next generation is headed, Manav translates complex AI concepts into practical guidance for leaders, practitioners, and anyone trying
Bright Ideas, Bold Bets: Entrepreneurship, Agentic AI, and Career Gold with Lighthouse CEO Ben Lowe. {Replay}
Send us Fan MailHit replay on this high-energy conversation with Ben Lowe, Founder and CEO of Lighthouse Technology, as he breaks down what it really takes to build something from scratch in a fast-changing AI world. From finding the right co‑founder and stepping into the CEO role, to navigating the toughest challenges of entrepreneurship, Ben shares practical lessons and hard‑won insights for bui
Replay: Agentic AI and the End of Deterministic Decision Trees with Megan Gallagher from Maven AGI
Send us Fan MailHit replay on one of the most thought-provoking Agentic AI conversations on Making Data Simple. GTM Account Director Megan Gallagher makes the case for Agentic AI from the Maven AGI front lines, where AI agents stop following rigid decision trees and start acting with real autonomy over enterprise workflows.“We’re still living like everything is deterministic,” Megan argues, “but t
How Do You Build AI That Actually Works 99.999999% of the Time? With Tina Tarquinio Chief Product Officer of IBM Z and LinuxONE
Send us Fan MailDive into the powerful world of mainframes! Chief Product Officer of IBM Z and LinuxONE, Tina Tarquinio, reveals the truth behind those eight nines of uptime and explores how mainframes are evolving with AI, hybrid cloud, and future-proofing strategies for mission-critical business decisions. Discover the cutting-edge innovations transforming enterprise computing—from on-chip AIU a
Data Unstuck: Jure Leskovec on Unleashing the Power of Networks
Send us Fan MailData’s everywhere, but so often it feels… stuck. Joining us today is JureLeskovec, Chief Scientist at Kumo and a Stanford Professor who'sfundamentally reshaped how we understand networks—from Pinterest'srecommendations to tracking the spread of disease. We’ll unpack whystructured data is lagging behind the AI revolution, exploring howtechniques like Graph Neural Networks
🎧 Are you successful… but not satisfied? Redefining Success — Kris Kluver on Building a Business and a Life You Love {Replay}
Send us Fan MailGuest: Kris Kluver, Founder of Life on Your Terms — speaker, facilitator, best-selling author, advisor, and coach helping leaders design fulfillment that matches their ambition.Summary: In this powerful replay, Kris Kluver flips the script on success. Too many high performers master their business but neglect their well-being — Kris shows how to align both. From defining what succe
The AI Storyteller Geoff Thatcher, Founder and CCO Creative Principals
Send us Fan MailExploring the intersection of creativity and innovation, Geoff Thatcher, Founder and CCO Creative Principals, shares his insights on how AI is revolutionizing live experiences. From personalized exhibits to universal storytelling, Geoff delves into the possibilities and pitfalls of harnessing AI to elevate our connections with others. 01:39 Introducing Geoff Thatcher 02:48 Thinking
Replay: Writing That Moves the World — Vinca LaFleur of West Wing Writers on Crafting Ideas That Stick
Send us Fan MailThis is one of my favorite episodes - it's all about the story!Part 2 of our conversation with Vinca LaFleur, Founding Partner of West Wing Writers. From the power of ideas to the art of delivery, Vinca shares what it takes to write words that resonate — and why every great message starts with meaning.00:30 Tricks and tips to a presentation04:14 Speech gotchas07:29 Knowing whe
Unlocking the Power of AI & Data: Expert Insights from Douwe Kiela, CEO of Contextual.ai
Send us Fan MailWe're joined by Douwe Kiela, CEO of Contextual.ai and pioneer in RAG research. From deploying AI agents at Fortune 500 companies to shedding light on data privacy and security, Douwe shares his expertise and insights on how to make data simple, effective, and secure.00:46 Introducing Douwe Kiela01:37 RAG - Here to Stay or Go?06:59 LLMs with Context08:20 Making AI Successful10:
Databases That Think: Building AI-Ready Systems with MongoDB’s Richmond Alake {Replay}
Send us Fan MailThis week, we’re rewinding one of our most talked-about episodes! Richmond Alake, Developer Advocate at MongoDB, joins us to explore how databases power the future of AI. From RAG best practices to the truth behind AGI hype, Richmond breaks down what it takes to build systems that scale — and think.Show Notes02:05 Meet Rich Alake 03:57 A Developer Advocate at MongoDB 05:57 Passions
Anaconda Unleashed: Python Powers the AI Jungle with Peter Wang, Chief AI and Innovation Officer, co-founder of Anaconda {Replay}
Send us Fan MailReplay 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 br
⚡ 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 Fan MailThis 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 I
Making Data Simple: Live Data, Smarter AI with Snow Leopard founder Deepti Srivastava
Send us Fan MailWhat 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
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 Fan Mail🎙️ 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
🎙️ Talking Data with Dima Spivak, Director of Product Management, StreamSets {Replay}
Send us Fan MailGet 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 abo
Stop, Start, Succeed: Jacob Hicks on Time Management & Coaching with Guest Host Katherine Mayne
Send us Fan MailReady 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 t
In case you missed it.... Master the 3 Circles – Focus, Influence & True Leadership with Executive and Leadership Coach, Lynne Snead
Send us Fan MailEpisode Description: Taking a break doesn’t mean you miss the good stuff. Last year, while I was on a much-needed vacation, I invited one of my favorite coaches back on the mic — Lynne Snead, Principal & Owner of Talent Evolution Systems.Lynne walks us through the Three Circles Model — a powerful framework for maintaining focus, expanding influence, and leading with intention.
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 Fan MailEpisode 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 comp
🎙 Symbolic AI, QLattice, and Mind-Bending Ideas with Casper Wilstrup CEO of Abzu {Replay}
Send us Fan Mail🎙 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 p
Streaming the Future: Dr. Sean Falconer, AI Entrepreneur in Residence at Confluent on AI, LLMs, and the Contrarian View
Send us Fan MailDeep 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 he
{Replay} AI Risks, Ethics & Law — with Christina Montgomery Chief Privacy Officer, General Motors and former IBMer
Send us Fan MailShe’s the legal powerhouse behind IBM’s AI ethics strategy — and she makes law fun. In this encore episode, we revisit a fan favorite: Christina Montgomery, formerly IBM’s Chief Privacy and Trust Officer, now Chief Privacy and Trust Officer, GM. From guarding the gates of generative AI risk to advising on global regulation, Christina gives us a front-row seat to what’s now, what’s
Beyond the Buzz: Mastering Prompts & Agents with Jonathan Mast
Send us Fan MailThe AI Advantage: Get Better Results from LLMs with the Perfect Prompt On this episode of Making Data Simple, we’re joined by Jonathan Mast, AI consultant and coach at Whitebeard Strategies and creator of the Perfect Prompting Framework™. Jonathan’s not just riding the AI wave—he’s teaching business leaders and everyday users how to surf it, with simple, actionable tools that unloc
From Burnout to Breakthrough: Dave Garrison on the Science of Motivation (Part 2)
Send us Fan MailWe’re back with Part 2 of our must-listen conversation with Dave Garrison, leadership strategist and veteran CEO, on what it really takes to unlock performance through engagement.In this episode, we go deeper into the psychological drivers of motivation — autonomy, mastery, and purpose — and explore how to stop employee churn, combat burnout, and lead with clarity (not just charism
🎙️ The Hidden Cost of Disengagement: Dave Garrison on Leadership That Sparks Innovation
Send us Fan Mail📝 Show Notes: What if the biggest barrier to your company’s growth isn’t your strategy — but your people’s belief in it?In Part 1 of this powerful two-part episode, we welcome Dave Garrison, seasoned CEO, board member, and leadership strategist with over 25 years of experience driving real-world results. Dave pulls back the curtain on what employee engagement really means — and why
From 9× Safer Cars to Hallucination-Free LLMs: Inside Sama with Duncan Curtis SVP for GenAI & AI Product + Technology
Send us Fan MailFrom Elephant Butts to Ethical AI — Duncan Curtis on De-Risking GenAI at SamaEpisode intro Duncan Curtis, SVP for GenAI & AI Product + Technology at Sama, has shipped everything from autonomous-vehicle platforms at Zoox to game-changing data products at Google. Today he leads a 160-person team that’s reinventing how training data is curated, labeled, and audited so enterprises
CEO David Hirschfeld of Tekyz on the Startup Lie That’s Killing Your Company. Hint: It’s not about the tech — it’s about the problem you're solving.
Send us Fan Mail🎧 Episode Description: This week on Making Data Simple, we welcome David Hirschfeld, Founder and CEO of Tekyz. With a background spanning major tech firms and startup trenches, David brings grounded, data-backed insight into what makes or breaks a startup. From tackling the #1 reason startups fail to exploring the value of validation and the real meaning of product-market fit, this
🎯 Strategic Sales, AI Smarts & Pixar Roots: Ralph Gootee CTO of TigerEye Tells All
Send us Fan MailThis week on Making Data Simple, we welcome Ralph Gootee, CTO and co-founder of TigerEye, a company reshaping strategic sales intelligence with a data-driven edge. Ralph’s journey spans Pixar, Sony, and PlanGrid — and now he’s building tools to help sales leaders see around corners. From the secrets behind TigerEye's intuitive reporting to the realities of entrepreneurship and
In case you missed it....The Future of Risk, Powered by AI with Kathy Stares, EVP of North America at Provenir
Send us Fan Mail🎧 REPLAY ALERT: The Future of Risk, Powered by AI In case you missed it the first time — we’re bringing back this incredible conversation with Kathy Stares, EVP of North America at Provenir.Kathy dives into how Provenir’s AI-powered risk decisioning software processes over 4 billion transactions annually across 50+ countries. From fintech to traditional banking, learn how this plat
Part 2: Automation Remix: Observability, IBM Concert & the Next Wave of IT Ops
Send us Fan MailWe’re back for Part 2 of our Automation deep-dive—and the hits just keep coming! Host Al Martin reunites with IBM automation aces Sarah McAndrew (WW Automation Technical Sales) and Vikram Murali (App Mod & IT Automation Development) to push past the hype and map out the road ahead.🎬 Episode Highlights00:12 Observability – why seeing everything is half the battle04:17 IBM Concer
Automation Unleashed: IBM’s Sarah McAndrew, VP & Vikram Murali, VP Chart the Future
Send us Fan MailBuckle up—automation is shifting into high gear! In Part 1 of our Automation mini-series, host Al Martin VP WW Technical Sales sits down with IBM insiders Sarah McAndrew (VP WW Automation, Technical Sales) and Vikram Murali (VP App Mod & IT Automation, Development) to decode the now and next of enterprise automation.🔑 What’s inside00:53 Meet Sarah McAndrew VP WW Automation, Tec
Unlock Mega Thinking: The CEO Mindset for Smarter, Faster Leadership Decisions with Dave Martin—CEO, tech entrepreneur, investor coach to elite CEOs
Send us Fan MailIn this powerhouse episode of Making Data Simple, we welcome Dave Martin—CEO, tech entrepreneur, investor coach to elite CEOs, and bestselling author of Mega Thinking: A Simple, Powerful Process to Think Smarter and Make Better Leadership Decisions.From Silicon Valley to boardrooms worldwide, Dave breaks down how top leaders think differently, make high-stakes decisions with clarit
Inside IBM’s TechXchange: The AI-Fueled Conference Techies Can’t Afford to Miss, with Amy Tennison, VP of IBM TechXchange and Client Advocacy and Graeme Noseworthy, TechXchange Content & Experiences
Send us Fan MailWhat makes IBM TechXchange different — and why is it a must-attend for techies? In this episode, we’re joined by two powerhouses behind the scenes: Amy Tennison, VP of IBM TechXchange & Client Advocacy, and Graeme Noseworthy, TechXchange Content & Experiences. We explore the ethos of TechXchange, how it's curated for technologists of all skill levels, and why it's
🧠 Dr. Ruchir Puri on the Next Frontier: Open Models, Smarter AI, and Human-Level Reasoning (Part 2)
Send us Fan Mail👤 About the Guest Dr. Ruchir Puri is IBM Fellow and Chief Scientist at IBM Research. He’s a master inventor with 70+ patents and decades of leadership in scalable AI, chip innovation, and open-source contributions. From Watson to watsonx, he’s been shaping the AI landscape for decades — and he’s not slowing down.Inside This Episode In Part 2, Ruchir unpacks the macro forces shaping
A Masterclass on AI with Ruchir Puri, Chief Scientist IBM: From Prompt Engineering to Agentic AI (Part 1)
Send us Fan Mail🎙️ Ruchir Puri (Part 1): From Prompt Engineering to Agentic AI Guest: Ruchir Puri, Chief Scientist at IBM Research 📍 Website: ibm.com/watsonx 🎧 Host: Al Martin, Worldwide VP, Technical Sales, IBM 📨 Want to be a guest? Email us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com👤 About the Guest Dr. Ruchir Puri is IBM Fellow, Chief Scientist of IBM Research, and one of IBM’s most prolific inventors. Wi
🧐 Beyond the Buzz: AI, Ethics & the Future of Organizational Intelligence with Phanish Puranam (Part 2)
Send us Fan MailPart 2 of 2We’re back with Part 2 of our fascinating conversation with Phanish Puranam, Professor of Strategy and Organizational Design at INSEAD.In this episode, we explore the next frontier: how intelligent algorithms don’t just support organizations—they shape them. From AI ethics and algorithmic bureaucracy to the future of human-AI teams, universal income, and debunking myths,
🧠 Designing Smarter Organizations: AI, Algorithms & the Future of Work with Phanish Puranam, Professor of Strategy and Organizational Design at INSEAD
Send us Fan MailPart 1 of 2How do we make organizations not just run — but run intelligently?In this episode of Making Data Simple, we welcome Phanish Puranam, Professor of Strategy and Organizational Design at INSEAD, to explore the intersection of AI, organizational science, and intelligent design. From tools and teammates to blockchain and the metaverse, Phanish walks us through the evolving re
🎙️ Marketing to the Human Brain: Scarcity, Psychology & Taylor Swift Tickets with Dr. Mindy Weinstein {Replay}
Send us Fan Mail✨ 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 Cany
🤖 This week, I'm the guest! Flipping the Script: Al Martin, VP WW Technical Sales IBM Talks Tech, Trust & Transformation, this time as a guest, with Ian Smith
Send us Fan Mail🎙️ 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 t
🎙️ The GRIN Factor: Ryan Debenham on Scaling Influencer Marketing with AI
Send us Fan Mail🚀 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
Wall Street, AI, and Data Science: The Future of Financial Innovation with Kristen McGarry IBM Technical Sales Leader {Replay}
Send us Fan MailInnovating 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 t
🚀 The Coaching Discussion Reprise with Katie McLuckie and a special guest! The Value of a Business Coach
Send us Fan Mail🚀 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 Pla
🎙️ Mastering Data Literacy with Matt Cowell, CEO of QuantHub, now with InRule {Replay} 🎧
Send us Fan MailIn 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
Ruchir Puri, IBM Fellow: AI questions you were afraid to ask, from hallucinations to watsonx. #makingdatasimple #watsonx {Replay}
Send us Fan MailThe 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 a
Accelerating Transformation: Fiber, Edge, and Quantum with Marco Rota, VP Strategic Technology Alliances, Lumen Technologies
Send us Fan MailIn 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 transformat
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