Data Driven

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300

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Sep 2026

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About the show

Data Driven: the podcast where we explore the emerging field of Data Science. We bring the best minds in Data, Software Engineering, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence right to you every Tuesday. The field of data science mashes up the worlds of statistics, database architecture and software engineering. Data Scientist has been labelled by the Harvard Business Review, as "the sexiest job of the 21st century." A quick search of job search sites reveal that this field is in high demand. In a world where Data is the new Oil, Data Science the new Refineries, consider this Car Talk for the Data Age. Every week we bring the best minds in this emerging field straight to you. Our goal is to educate and inspire our listeners so that they can be prepared to thrive in a Data Driven world.

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60 recent

September 29, 202650 min

Beyond Dashboards – How Decision Intelligence Optimizes Industrial Asset Risk

In this episode of Data Driven, host Frank La Vigne sits down with Andy Pruett, co-founder and CEO of Lumiscent, to explore a topic often overlooked in the industrial sector: it’s not a data problem—it’s a decision problem. Andy explains how industrial companies are drowning in sensor data, but struggle to transform that information into actionable decisions that minimize physical asset risk. The conversation dives into how AI-powered decision intelligence can illuminate hidden vulnerabilities, contextualize risk in real-time, and empower industries like mining, manufacturing, and energy to make smarter, faster calls on the shop floor. From the challenges of aging infrastructure to the growing retirement wave of experienced engineers, this episode reveals how the right blend of technology and expertise is shaping a new era of operational resilience and risk management. Links Andy on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andypruett/ Watch on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzpVpgoO5KA Lumicent - https://www.lumicent.com/ Blog Post - https://www.franksworld.com/2026/09/28/navigating-the-data-tsunami-from-iot-sensors-to-smarter-decisions-in-industrial-operations/ Time Stamps 00:00 Focusing on asset risk management 03:56 Managing food plant risks 07:48 Managing information in heavy industries 11:45 Workforce challenges and knowledge loss 16:00 Transforming data into decisions 18:46 Predictive maintenance challenges in plants 22:14 Adoption urgency and house analogy 27:32 Collaborating with Risk Engineers 29:16 Understanding insurance risk strategies 32:31 Insurance industry changes and parametrics 36:46 Managing risk in operations 40:03 Challenges with predictive analytics in cars 43:02 Getting into engineering from Alaska 45:37 Handling a power outage crisis 49:01 Wrapping up and contact info

September 21, 202645 min

How Compliance Became Cool: Richa Kaul on Security, Privacy, and AI

Welcome back to "Data Driven," the podcast where we explore the cutting edge of data science, AI, and the rapidly evolving world of data governance. In this episode, we sit down with Richa Kaul, founder and CEO of Complyance, an AI-driven platform transforming governance, risk, and compliance for enterprises. Drawing on her experience as a data privacy enthusiast and leader in the compliance space, Richa Kaul dives into the pressing challenges of securing sensitive data, the complexities of global compliance frameworks, and how AI both complicates and protects our interconnected world. We discuss the pivotal role of the Chief Information Security Officer, the importance of proactive, layered security measures, and why compliance is rapidly gaining attention—not just as a regulatory checkbox, but as a central business strategy. With practical advice for both enterprises and individuals on maintaining digital privacy and security, this episode is essential listening for anyone navigating today’s high-stakes data landscape. Links Richa on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richa-kaul/ Complyance Web site - https://www.complyance.com/ Complyance on LinkedIn - https:// linkedin.com/company/complyancehq/ Watch on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFsUcm5u4MY Timestamped overview 00:00 Privacy and security frameworks overview 03:54 Impact of Equifax data breach 06:21 Focusing on data security 09:58 Managing complex enterprise security controls 15:53 Focus on AI and information security 18:37 Learning from Fire Safety Education 20:47 Phone security in modern cyber warfare 24:48 Concerns about IoT device security 29:10 Protecting Privacy from Algorithms 30:44 Security and privacy concerns 35:23 GTA's social commentary on privacy 39:11 AI's Role in Cybersecurity Awareness 41:03 Global connectivity and surveillance issues 44:47 Ending on a positive note

September 16, 202654 min

Why Business Knowledge Beats Tool Complexity in the AI Era

Welcome back to Data Driven, the podcast where we dive deep into the evolving worlds of data science, business intelligence, and artificial intelligence. In this episode, host Frank La Vigne sits down with Rob Collie, CEO of P3 Adaptive and a former Microsoft engineer, to explore the remarkable journey from Excel’s foundational role in data-driven workplaces to the transformative power of Power BI—and now, to the unfolding impact of AI in business. Rob shares captivating stories from his time on the Excel and Power BI teams at Microsoft, offering insider perspectives on how these tools revolutionized the way organizations work with data. Together, Frank and Rob discuss the critical role of expert stewardship in products like Excel, the complexity hidden beneath familiar interfaces, and the challenges traditional BI faced before the rise of more accessible, user-centric solutions. The conversation then turns to the cutting edge, unpacking what generative AI and large language models mean for the future of data, and why business intelligence might just be the best starting point for companies aiming to embrace AI. Whether you’re a data engineer, AI enthusiast, or business leader, this episode is packed with insights on how mastering data remains the foundation for all technological progress. Join us as we look backward and forward at what it really means to be data driven. Links Rob on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robcollie/ Fair Game: Customizing AI to Your Business Is Easier Than You Think - https://link.amazon/B0bgySLKy Get a free Audiobook on Us - https://www.audible.com/ep/creator?afsrc=1&source_code=PDTGBPD060314004R Time Stamps 00:00 Interview with Rob Collie 06:38 Managing Excel's core development team 08:28 Learning Excel's Complexity 12:15 Discovering Power BI at Microsoft 15:12 Understanding and using SSAS MDX formula 20:23 Making Power BI user-friendly 23:29 AI exceeding expectations for crafters 26:21 Founding and evolving P3 company 28:05 AI model advancements and business impact 32:34 LLM memory limitations 35:11 Integrating AI into consulting business 40:21 Challenges with training AI chatbots 41:24 Understanding AI without going deep 46:56 AI improves business intelligence 48:34 AI enhancing business intelligence 51:53 Why LLMs succeed where CPUs fail 54:29 Core skills in tech evolution

September 15, 202654 min

Bridging AI and Human Intelligence – Multicolor Lasers and the Future of Photonic Computing

Welcome to another episode of Impact Quantum, where we explore the cutting edge of quantum computing and emerging technologies reshaping our world. Today, co-hosts Frank La Vigne and Candace Gillhoolley sit down with Vivek Raghunathan, co-founder of Xscape Photonics, to delve into the revolutionary intersection of photonics, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. From comparing the astounding power efficiency of the human brain to today's AI clusters, to discussing how multicolor lasers could unlock massive advancements in data center performance and sustainability, Vivek shares how his company is tackling the growing power demands of AI by reimagining the future of hardware. We’ll hear why the traditional focus on faster processors is giving way to a new era where the speed and efficiency of inter-chip communication—powered by light, not electricity—becomes the key to smarter, greener computing. Tune in as we decode the transformation of data center architecture, explore the practical and philosophical implications of merging photonics and electronics, and peek into how today’s innovations lay the foundation for tomorrow’s quantum breakthroughs. Whether you’re a seasoned technologist or just quantum-curious, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss! Links Vivek on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivek-raghunathan-8228913a/ XScape Photonics - https://www.xscapephotonics.com/ Watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/NcXWZyPuyqE Time Stamps 00:00 Discussing Montreal weather transition 05:04 AI efficiency and power use 10:14 Advancing data transfer on copper wires 11:31 Copper vs. fiber optics limits 17:13 Optical cables replacing copper wires 20:36 Quantum computing and comb lasers 24:32 Integrating electronics and photonics 27:40 AI efficiency and energy consumption 31:54 Photonics on 12-inch wafers 33:39 Analog computation basics 37:50 Transition to photonic computing 42:24 Data center strategy discussions 45:32 NVIDIA's holistic system design approach 47:05 High-bandwidth cluster discussion 51:31 Reducing data center power consumption 53:42 Candace and Frank on podcasts

September 8, 202647 min

Digital Trust in Practice: Compliance, AI, and Human Factors with Sandeep Pauddar

In this episode, Frank La Vigne sits down with Sandeep Pauddar, Head of Digital Trust at DQS, to explore the fast-evolving world of digital trust, compliance, and data security. From the growing complexities of global regulations, to the increasing intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and enterprise risk, Sandeep Pauddar shares real-world stories—including personal experiences with AI-driven phishing—and breaks down how organizations can foster a security-aware culture. Whether you're leading a startup or a global enterprise, tune in for actionable insights on building digital trust, navigating the compliance landscape, and why organizational leadership plays a crucial role in keeping data secure. Links Sandeep on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandeep-pauddar/ DQS Global - https://www.dqsglobal.com/ Extreme Ownership - https://amzn.to/4zZRiH8 Get a Free Audible Book - https://www.audible.com/ep/creator?afsrc=1&source_code=PDTGBPD060314004R Watch on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dF4D5hYM7Yw Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction and guest welcome 05:00 AI data security in various industries 06:44 Department collaboration on AI and compliance 10:58 Information security standards overview 14:23 Balancing Innovation and Standardization 18:14 Navigating global AI regulations 22:14 Regulatory advice for startup founders 25:33 Discussing common patterns in failures 28:24 Discussing link metadata in apps 33:09 Security threats and personal story 37:11 Challenges in adopting security systems 38:32 Insurance and breach response policies 43:21 Promoting Extreme Ownership on Audible 45:01 Finding more about Claude Academy

September 1, 202659 min

AI Adoption in Power Plants and Beyond – Trends, Challenges, and ROI Insights

Welcome back to another episode of Data Driven! This time, hosts Andy Leonard and Frank La Vigne sit down with Jim Spignardo, Director of Cloud Strategy and AI Enablement at ProArch, to explore the transformative role of AI and data engineering in critical industries. From the challenges of bringing modern AI solutions into traditional sectors like power generation and manufacturing, to the real-world impact of tools like Copilot, this episode dives deep into automation, return on investment, and the importance of outcome-driven technology adoption. Along the way, Jim Spignardo shares hands-on stories and key lessons learned, such as how modernization happens gradually in high-stakes environments, and why ROI modeling and project management are crucial to successful innovation. Whether you’re curious about Azure AI Foundry or the future of workplace automation, this is an episode packed with practical insights and tales from the cutting edge of AI implementation. Links Jim on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spignardo/ Watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/XBDpsi4f0YY Time Stamps 00:00 ROI Journey with Copilot 04:57 Building with Azure AI Foundry 08:23 Implementing AI for Power Plants 12:22 Discussing 19.2K networks in power plants 14:00 Ensuring data security in devices 17:59 Cloud integration for IT operations 23:30 Discussing RPO, RTO, and ROI modeling 24:48 Switching from hobbyist to manufacturing 30:15 Introducing our AI platform Vector 34:34 AI Spend and ROI Dashboard 36:47 Improving meeting notes integration 40:48 AI in Manufacturing for Troubleshooting 45:41 Managing AI Tool Adoption 47:51 Tracking ROI and user intensity 52:03 Consulting firms spotting product chances 55:17 Increasing delivery speed with AI 56:55 Automating the house routine

August 27, 202653 min

Building Trust in AI – Lawrence Snap on Hallucination Detection and the Future of TrustScale

In this episode, hosts Frank La Vigne and Andy Leonard sit down with Lawrence Snapp, CEO and board member of TrustScale, an innovative AI trust and verification platform. Together, they explore the crucial topic of trust in artificial intelligence—how hallucinations from AI models can spiral out of control and why it’s essential to catch them early. Lawrence Snapp pulls back the curtain on TrustScale’s journey from early AI and translation work in the 1980s and call center solutions, to its modern-day mission: empowering humans to verify and trust AI outputs with products like Argus. You’ll hear about real-world impacts in fields like healthcare, legal, and research, learn how TrustScale’s deterministic engine outpaces humans in hallucination detection, and dive into debates around truth, trustworthiness, and the future of configuring AI values. Whether you’re an industry veteran or just curious about how we build trustworthy AI, this episode is packed with insights on technology, responsibility, and the power of rigorous engineering. Links Watch on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjM7lxn3Qk8 Lawrence on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-snapp-408339/ Time Stamps 00:00 Funny AI-generated story 03:37 Company's Evolution from Translation to AI 07:32 Developing the TrustScale engine 11:35 Using AI for collaboration 13:39 Building a trust scoring system 18:12 Working at BASF and AI testing 19:32 New developments in voice assistants 23:41 Trust scale and company confidence 26:13 AI mishap in medical drama 32:48 Overcoming AI recency and cost challenges 36:54 AI's impact on career growth 38:50 Interviewing and developing talent 43:31 Starting with Polaroids and AI goals 46:54 Discussing TrustScale and AI interactions 50:42 Empowering AI customization for users 51:45 AI ethics discussion in Los Altos

August 18, 202650 min

Numeracy, Probability, and Business – Embracing Randomness for Better Decisions

In this episode, host Andy Leonard sits down with Ilan Man, founder and CEO of Paradox Machines, a full-stack data and AI company based in Brooklyn. Ilan shares his fascinating journey from an actuarial career to the dynamic field of data science, exploring the rise of big data, the art of translating complex mathematics into code, and the importance of numeracy in society. Together, they discuss the paradoxes at the heart of data and AI, the challenges of decision-making under uncertainty, and why intuition, risk management, and storytelling remain critical in a world driven by data. Whether you're a data enthusiast, decision-maker, or just curious about how numbers shape our lives, this conversation delivers valuable insights and a healthy dose of skepticism about the limits, and possibilities, of analytics. Links https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanman/ Time Stamps 00:00 Starting a career in data science 03:34 Discovering a career in actuarial science 08:17 Learning coding and joining Squarespace 11:40 Understanding Probability in Code 15:36 Questioning Confidence in Decision-Making 20:06 Discussing COVID vaccine effectiveness 21:09 Understanding vaccine effectiveness 24:41 Consumers interacting with unpredictable AI 29:35 Discussing disease perception and interpretation 33:01 Casino audiobook and extra details 35:41 Balancing data-driven decisions 40:07 Career journey to founding Paradox 40:49 Building a data platform with AI 46:41 Data's Role in Decision Making 47:30 Value and limits of data-driven decisions

July 28, 202643 min

Tackling Data Engineering Challenges with Autonomous AI Agents

In this episode, Frank La Vigne sits down with Pradnesh Patil, co-founder and CEO of Altima AI, to explore how AI is revolutionizing the world of data engineering. Together, they dive into the challenges of modern data stacks, the explosion of tools and technologies, and how AI-powered agents are transforming the way data teams build and maintain complex systems. From automating data pipeline management to optimizing infrastructure and safeguarding governance, Pradnesh Patil shares insights on the next wave of data engineering and what the future holds for professionals in the field. Whether you’re a veteran data engineer or a student curious about the evolving landscape, this episode offers practical advice, industry trends, and an optimistic look at how embracing AI can supercharge your career and your organization’s capabilities. Links Pradnesh's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pradneshpatil/ Watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/vxQrjE-U3gw Time Stamps 00:00 Evolution of data technology tools 04:11 Managing tool stack complexity 09:09 Discussion on AI guardrails and future 10:55 Managing MCB server outputs 14:32 Streamlining Data Pipeline Efficiency 18:48 Managing and Deleting Memories 21:12 AI security and virtual employees 27:16 AI transforming jobs and automation 30:43 Impact of AI on IT Industry 32:32 Upgrading legacy systems with AI 37:10 Importance of Data Engineering 39:10 Changing role of data managers 42:45 Home lab challenges and data management

July 20, 202649 min

Unlocking Enterprise Knowledge – AI, Document Comprehension, and the Future of RAG

In this episode, hosts Candace Gillhoolley and Frank La Vigne are joined by Neil Katz, Chief Product Officer at Valantor AI—a four-time Emmy winner whose unconventional journey spans from technology startups to award-winning journalism, and now to the forefront of enterprise AI innovation. Neil shares his unique perspective on the evolution of AI, from the early days of digital design and machine learning, to building large-scale AI and document intelligence platforms for major organizations. The conversation explores the critical challenges of knowledge extraction, document comprehension, and securing sensitive data in today's era of sovereign AI. Together, they uncover the hidden complexities behind Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), discuss the importance of hybrid search strategies, and reflect on where the field is heading as enterprise needs push the boundaries of what AI can do. Whether you're a data professional, an AI enthusiast, or just curious about how language models are transforming how we understand information, you won’t want to miss this candid and thought-provoking deep dive into the future of AI and data integrity. Links Neil on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilkatz/ Watch on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf8qifz_RL8 Time Stamps 00:00 Early career in tech and journalism 04:01 Early consumer AI experiences 06:49 Early AI and machine learning developments 11:43 Anthropic's new findings on AI models 16:15 Data sovereignty in AI systems 19:27 Implementing open source AI models 22:49 Breaking down documents for models 25:45 Understanding the RAG system process 28:47 Challenges in AI data processing 31:22 Challenges in RAG with Insurance Data 36:35 Understanding and managing data security 39:35 Early days with OpenAI GPT 40:48 Explaining vector and similarity search 46:57 The evolution of computing models 47:29 Computing evolution to cloud and edge