Data Driven

In this exciting episode, Frank La Vigne and Andy Leonard sit down with Aviad Harell, managing partner at Team 8, to explore the transformative power of technology in today's business landscape. Aviad shares his mission to eliminate day-to-day bureaucracy and leverages technology to automate processes, drawing from his vast experience in the tech industry. Beyond business, Aviad reveals his passion for traveling in South America and his book recommendation, "The Mom Test," which acts as a guide for proper idea validation.As the conversation unfolds, we explore how venture capital has evolved from a hobby to a disciplined, professional field, much like the maturity models in software development. Aviad details Team 8's innovative approach to venture capital, partnering with founders early in their journey, sometimes before even fully forming ideas. This unique model includes building a robust support system of 85 professionals to ensure the success of the startups they invest in.Discover the importance of crit

In this episode, Frank La Vigne and Andy Leonard dive deep into the world of developer advocacy and data observability with special guest Chris Cooney from CoreLogix. From discussing the evolution of Microsoft Evangelism to the intricacies of data retention and real-time decision-making, this conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the impact of AI technology, the importance of community in software engineering, and the challenges of connecting with engineers at trade shows.Join us as we explore the intersection of technology, advocacy, and data engineering in this insightful episode featuring Chris Cooney on "Data Driven".New Season Means a New Theme SongLet us know what you think! Don't worry, we will use a shortened version for future shows. We were just so excited to get to Season 8!Show Notes03:54 Experienced engineer transitioned into leadership in technology.07:40 Dan delivers insightful speech on tracking activity.12:33 Developers must adapt to new technology continually.13:45 Conference

In today’s episode of the Data Driven podcast, we delve into the intricate dance of the human brain with uncertainty, guided by the insightful and optimistic Dr. Julia DiGangi. Dr. DiGangi’s work transcends traditional academic boundaries, focusing on the neuropsychological underpinnings that shape our responses to the ever-shifting sands of our times. With a blend of deep scientific knowledge and a hopeful outlook, she sheds light on how understanding our brain's mechanics can enhance our navigation through life's complexities. Join us as Dr. DiGangi illuminates the pathways of our cognitive landscapes, offering clarity and guidance through the fog of uncertainty.Show Notes00:00 Neuropsychologist studies brain domains, human vs. machines.05:06 Technology layoffs causing career uncertainty, sparking concern.08:54 Brain is allergic to uncertainty, scientific study.10:24 People choose painful shocks over uncertainty in lab.15:44 Lead life wisely, brain is most powerful.19:21 Jordan Belfort, inspiration for Wolf

In this landmark 360th episode of Data Driven, we take a full-circle journey back through the past seven seasons, exploring the highs, lows, and everything in-between. Frank and Andy, in their signature style, veer off the beaten path, offering listeners not just a trip down memory lane, but an off-road adventure filled with insights, laughter, and a few unexpected detours. Join us as we reflect on where we’ve been and, more importantly, where we’re headed next in the ever-evolving landscape of data and technology. It’s an episode you won’t want to miss, complete with the wisdom and whimsy that only Frank and Andy can provide.Moments00:00 Simpsons celebrates 360 episodes, announces new shows.06:48 Struggling with impostor syndrome, sibling dynamics, and survival.14:37 Experiments with AI feedback, brief show intros.20:19 Challenging start, surprised by success in audio.25:17 Uneven distribution; learned from former Microsoft colleague.29:47 Struggle with communication, engineer writes terse responses.35:47 De

In this episode Frank and Andy welcome Jennifer Swanson explains how businesses can reinvent themselves for the data driven age of AI. From recognizing the importance of defining clear strategies and outcomes to the struggles of change management, Jennifer reveals that the heart of digital transformation lies in aligning individuals to the company's objectives, and significantly, that it's less about the technology itself and more about the people and processes. Whether you're a leader in your organization, part of a cross-functional team, or simply intrigued by the intersections of technology and business, this episode is a rich exploration of what it really means to be digitally transformed.Show Notes05:31 Technology now integral to every business operation.07:07 Offline businesses integrating technology for improved experience.10:04 First wave of digital transformation: applying technology.14:09 Data governance key to organization's predictable success.16:54 Organizational governance ensures strategy, prio

In this episode, Danny Maloney is going to lead you on a journey to explore how artificial intelligence is not just a fleeting novelty but a tool of immense utility that's changing the playing field for individuals and small businesses alike. Danny brings his passion for algorithmic innovation from his experiences as a data-loving youth to his leadership role at Tailwind, where they leverage AI to level the marketing playing field for small businesses.Show Notes06:16 Early days of prevalent AI models, feedback loop.08:37 Small businesses struggle with limited resources for marketing.12:31 AI guides marketing decisions for faster success.16:34 AI leader initiating internal discussions on AI's impact.19:18 Experts experimenting, varying responses to AI capabilities.23:43 Early phase of tech development and impact.26:35 Tool Dingo ported from C# to Python.29:47 Making prompt engineering unnecessary for average users.31:39 Requested a specific image prompt and tested.35:03 OpenAI developing GPT-5, creating intern

Welcome to show 357 of the Data Driven podcast! This week, we welcome Luke Diaz to the show.Luke has an impressive track record of scaling startups to staggering annual recurring revenues, and today, he's here to shed light on the pivotal role of customer success in growing a business. We'll dive deep into the intricacies of customer success management, its impact on subscription models, and the measurements that underpin it. Luke also shares personal insights into his daily habit tracking and the data-driven approach to setting quarterly goals.But that's not all – Luke opens up about his journey from being a hedge fund manager to making a name in the software industry, cultivating unyielding ambition, and the significance of customer feedback in lieu of venture capital insights.Show Moments05:27 Marketing function has evolved, delivering value.09:15 Companies need high retention to be successful.13:34 Emphasizing the challenge of defining success in startups.17:07 Analyze customer success, product strength,

Today, we're thrilled to welcome a special guest, Jeremy Utley, an academic marvel from Stanford, whose work on AI and idea flows is altering the landscape of business and innovation. In this episode, titled “Jeremy Utley on Getting the Most out of LLMs”, we dive into Jeremy's FIXIT approach for leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT.Jeremy will unpack the nuances of FIXIT, showing us the importance of providing context, iterative interaction, and team incubation while using AI. We'll reminisce about how technology has evolved from cell phone minutes to AI, which is becoming as ubiquitous as smartphones once were.Frank will voice concerns about the technical aspects, like token length, while agreeing with Jeremy's method. We'll examine why AI needs to be seen as a collaborative partner rather than a magical solution. Jeremy will shine a light on his book "IdeaFlow" and share his insights on the psychological barriers hindering the effective use of AI in practice.Expect to hear anecdotal wisdo

In this episode, we delve into the profound enablement of large language models like ChatCPT and how they stand to revolutionize personalized learning. Rene gives us a glimpse of a future where robots and AI can liberate us from mundane chores and reshape the workforce, as seen with robots now flipping burgers at McDonald's.Imagine the world of quantum computing, where current strategies are reimagined to solve gargantuan optimization problems, a realm of technological advancement that Rene is no stranger to, and one which he assures holds the keys to the future, especially with security.The conversation takes a personal turn as Rene reflects on his origins in former East Germany and how peaceful protests carved the path to a united nation and consequently, his journey into AI. Show Notes06:05 Digital humans are embodied AI in a digital realm, replicating human appearance and emotion.09:51 AI approximating language and emotions' impact debated.13:14 Warning about irresponsible use of deepfake technology.

In this episode, our Andy Leonard and Frank La Vigne sit down with Ronen Dar, the co-founder and CTO of Run AI, to explore the world of artificial intelligence and GPU orchestration for machine learning models.Ronen shares insights into the challenges of utilizing GPUs in AI research and how Run AI's platform addresses these issues by optimizing GPU usage and providing tools for easier and faster model training and deployment. The conversation delves into the concept of fractional GPU usage, allowing multiple workloads to run on a single GPU, making expensive GPUs more accessible and cost-effective for organizations.LinksRun AI https://www.run.ai/Acquired Podcast Episode on Nvidia https://www.acquired.fm/episodes/nvidia-the-machine-learning-company-2006-2022Show Notes04:40 GPU technology enabled for cloud AI workloads.07:00 RunAI enables sharing expensive GPU resources for all.11:59 As enterprise AI matures, organizations become more savvy.15:35 Deep learning, GPUs for speed, CPUs backup.16:54 LLMs running on

In this episode, Frank sits down and talks with Devvret Rishi on powering real-world AI projects with declarative ML and the importance of open source.Andy was not able to attend this recording, but will be back next week!Show Notes04:36 Build, train, serve, deploy; critical data engineering link.07:24 Model configuration for input output prediction summaries.11:05 Saw spike and heavy churn after rollout.16:21 Advancements in AI: use pre-trained deep learning models.19:38 Trends for Gen AI: creative use cases, specialized APIs.21:31 Questioning a sales tactic and legal concerns.25:58 People can introspect, edit, and change models.30:02 Early data science projects led to passion.31:24 Cybersecurity and AI partnership driving industry innovation.33:58 Understanding randomness as a valuable model feature.39:39 Technology provides accessible, shared experiences in AI.41:51 Technology as a companion for psychological support.44:06 Immigration experience from India to Silicon Valley.47:59 Unexpected culture shock f

In this episode, the Frank and Andy are joined by special guest Blake Reichenbach, a product manager at HubSpot and the owner of Howdy Curiosity, an online nonfiction bookstore and learning community. The conversation dives into the intersection of data, AI, and the love of books, as they discuss the next steps in managing and mitigating the hallucination part of AI technology, the importance of human interaction with AI tools, and finding the right balance in user experience. Blake shares his insights on integrating AI into HubSpot's platform, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach, and the pitfalls of solely relying on generative AI tools in marketing. Stay tuned as they also touch on personal matters, career transitions, and the rapid evolution of technology. This episode is packed with valuable insights and engaging conversations - you won't want to miss it!Show Notes00:00 HubSpot is a leading CRM platform.05:44 New AI features for CMS and websites.09:33 Gen AI tools need to prioritize meaningful da

In today's episode, the hosts Frank La Vigne and Andy Leonard are joined by the expert in location data and machine learning, Max Sklar. Max shares insights from his decade-long tenure at Foursquare, delving into the company's evolution, gamification features, the challenges faced in the local search space, and his early interest in location data. The conversation explores the enduring relevance of foundational tech concepts, the cyclical nature of technology trends, and Max's personal journey into data and machine learning. Max also discusses his podcast, "The Local Maximum," and his diverse interests, including abstract math papers and a project rewriting the US Constitution. Join us as we dive into a thought-provoking discussion about AI, data science, and the ever-evolving world of technology with Max Sklar.Show Notes00:00 Foursquare split, confused but loved the concept.04:29 Rewards program failed due to lack of scalability.08:44 Early career in New York City's tech boom.13:05 Foursquare uses phone data

In this episode of Data Driven, our Andy Leonard and Frank La Vigne are joined by Chris McDermott, VP of Engineering at Wallaroo.AI. Together, they explore the challenges and advancements in the ever-evolving world of machine learning and artificial intelligence.From the importance of ongoing care for machine learning models to the rise of edge computing and decentralized networks, they touch on the critical need for flexibility and data privacy. Chris shares his insights on the technical challenges of AI and ML adoption, as well as his unique career journey. They also discuss the evolution of technology and the potential future impact of these innovations.Join us for a deep dive into the world of AI, technology, and the future of machine learning with Chris McDermott on this episode of Data Driven.Show Notes00:00 Exploring AI, data science, and data engineering.06:20 Training and inferring are different stages.08:12 Legacy AI doesn't require neural networks or GPUs.12:09 Machine learning models require consi

In this episode, Andy and Frank sit down with Pavel Goldman-Kalaydin, head of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at Sumsub, a global company specializing in KYC, AML, and anti-fraud technologies.They explore the challenges in verifying identities remotely, the rise of deep fakes for fraud, and the use of AI and machine learning to combat these threats. From discussing the impact of technology on security measures to Pavel's journey in the field of computer science and AI, this episode offers insights into the evolving landscape of fraud detection and the intersection of technology, AI, and security.Join us as we delve into the complexities of anti-fraud measures and the fascinating world of AI and machine learning.Show Notes00:00 Securing customer journey from onboarding to verification.04:44 2 years ago, typical attack to open account.06:58 German video identification process prolongs account opening.12:16 Analyze data patterns to make informed decisions.13:34 Questioning deep fake implications for

In this jam-packed episode, hosts Frank and Andy delve into a wide range of topics, from the chaos of podcast scheduling and the allure of Cyber Week deals, to the behind-the-scenes world of data engineering and AI professionals. Join us as we journey through the challenges of podcasting, the important roles of data engineers, and the potential open sourcing of Dingo, an innovative blogging automation tool. Along the way, the hosts share personal anecdotes, discuss legislative impacts, and even touch on cult-followed gas stations. You won't want to miss this delightful, informative, and always data-driven episode!Show Notes00:00 Glamorous world of podcasting and Microsoft Bookings.13:48 Privacy laws are spreading globally, impacting data sovereignty.27:14 Funny moment at Dunkin' Donuts sparks creativity.32:27 Importance of data engineering in AI projects.49:38 Struggling with hearing loss, amplifiers magnify all sounds.01:02:45 Emotions on camera, times sidetrack, sarcastic leadership.01:07:32 Excited to hang

In this episode, your hosts Andy Leonard and Frank La Vigne dive headfirst into the world of open source, decision making, and the unfolding drama surrounding OpenAI. From sarcastic responses to holographic displays, we've got it all covered! Join us as we discuss the potential consequences of dependencies, community protests leading to change, and the recent issues with OpenAI. We'll also explore the importance of open source in AI and share some intriguing insights on Sam Altman's return to the company. With a sprinkle of tech industry gossip and even a potential Netflix adaptation, this episode is a must-listen. So sit back, relax, and get ready to be data driven!Show Notes02:42 OpenAI, Thanksgiving break, intense year, household name.10:35 3-day conference with nightly events, pre-conference presentations.14:09 NVIDIA, OpenAI, Elon Musk, open source.21:07 "Doubts arise about OpenAI's dependence and transparency."24:55 Regulations and transparency warranted for research.29:57 OpenAI lacked options to prot

Andy is speaking at PASS Summit in Seattle and Frank is speaking at the Red Hat Government Symposium in Washtington, DC.Two hosts. Two Coasts. One Podcast!

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Data Driven! In this show, we delve into the fascinating world of Web 3 and decentralized databases. Join us as we explore the insights and experiences of our guest, Brennan Lamey, the founder of Kwil - a revolutionary company that builds decentralized databases for Web 3 applications.Throughout this episode, Brennan shares his journey and the inspiration behind Kwil, as well as the cutting-edge technology that powers their database solutions. From complex access control rules to collaboration between competitors, we uncover how Kwil is transforming the way companies approach data storage, privacy, and sharing.But it's not just about the technology - we also dive into Brennan's personal story, from their humble beginnings in Idaho to their entrepreneurial success and passion for data engineering. Plus, don't miss their recommendations for AI programming and an intriguing sci-fi audiobook they're currently enthralled by.So, whether you're a tech enthusiast, a data-dr

BAILeY recites the V laden introductory speed from V for Vendetta.Just for fun.TranscriptVoilà!In view, a humble vaudevillian veteran, cast vicariously as both victim and villain by the vicissitudes of Fate. This visage, no mere veneer of vanity, is a vestige of the vox populi, now vacant, vanished. However, this valorous visitation of a by-gone vexation stands vivified, and has vowed to vanquish these venal and virulent vermin vanguarding vice and vouchsafing the violently vicious and voracious violation of volition.The only verdict is vengeance; a vendetta, held as a votive, not in vain, for the value and veracity of such shall one day vindicate the vigilant and the virtuous.Verily, this vichyssoise of verbiage veers most verbose, so let me simply add that