Send us a text From Elephant Butts to Ethical AI — Duncan Curtis on De-Risking GenAI at Sama Episode 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 can ship production-ready GenAI—without the lurking model risk. Sama’s newest release, Sama Automate...
Jun 25, 2025•47 min•Season 9Ep. 26
Send us a text 🎧 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 episode is a no-fluff masterclass in entrepreneurial strategy. David’s message is clear: "Don’t...
Jun 18, 2025•46 min•Season 9Ep. 25
Send us a text This 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 the affordability of LLMs, this episode hits both the business brain and the tech heart. 00:52 Meet Ra...
Jun 11, 2025•49 min•Season 9Ep. 24
Send us a text 🎧 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 platform is shaking up risk strategies with automation, innovation, and global reach. 🌍 Why does ris...
Jun 04, 2025•35 min•Season 9Ep. 23
Send us a text We’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 Highlights 00:12 Observability – why seeing everything is half the battle 04:17 IBM Concert – orchestrating dev, ops & business in one score 07:42 Tech vs. Culture – the million-dolla...
May 28, 2025•20 min•Season 9Ep. 22
Send us a text Buckle 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 inside 00:53 Meet Sarah McAndrew VP WW Automation, Technical Sales 01:29 Meet Vikram Murali VP App Mod & IT Automation, Development 03:25 A crisp, b...
May 21, 2025•26 min•Season 9Ep. 21
Send us a text In 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 clarity, and unlock their full leadership potential. Whether you’re scaling a startup or leading a Fort...
May 14, 2025•40 min•Season 9Ep. 20
Send us a text What 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 more than just an event — it's an experience that continues all year long. From strategic content design to ...
May 07, 2025•38 min•Season 9Ep. 19
Send us a text 👤 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 AI — from Jensen Huang’s bold prediction to IBM’s leadership in open-model ecosystems and the emer...
Apr 30, 2025•27 min•Season 9Ep. 18
Send us a text 🎙️ 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. With over 70 patents and a lead architect behind IBM’s AI breakthroughs including Watson and wats...
Apr 23, 2025•30 min•Season 9Ep. 17
Send us a text Part 2 of 2 We’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 , Phanish offers a provocative look at how organizations can—and should—adopt AI in a human-cen...
Apr 16, 2025•22 min•Season 9Ep. 16
Send us a text Part 1 of 2 How 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 relationship between humans, algorithms, and the systems we build. We dive into real-world use c...
Apr 09, 2025•32 min•Season 9Ep. 15
Send us a text ✨ Updated April 1, 2025 What 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 Canyon University, Columbia Business School, and Wharton , and author of The Power of Scarcity . We dig in...
Apr 02, 2025•29 min•Season 9Ep. 14
Send us a text 🎙️ 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 to miss this one! 🕒 Episode Highlights 00:52 – How Making Data Simple got started 06:11 – IBM ...
Mar 26, 2025•50 min•Season 9Ep. 13
Send us a text 🚀 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, and mindset needed to scale a creator-powered brand in today’s digital economy. 🔹 Key Topics:...
Mar 19, 2025•41 min•Season 9Ep. 12
Send us a text Innovating 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 the world’s largest financial institutions to drive innovation, accelerate time to value, and imple...
Mar 12, 2025•42 min•Season 9Ep. 11
Send us a text 🚀 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 Planning ⏱️ 07:02 – Finding a Coach ⏱️ 13:34 – A Silly Coaching Example 🤔 ⏱️ 21:10 – The Coaching Folder ...
Mar 05, 2025•34 min•Season 9Ep. 10
Send us a text In 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 with valuable takeaways for businesses and individuals navigating the data-driven world. Show Not...
Feb 26, 2025•46 min•Season 9Ep. 9
Send us a text The 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 #watsonx Welcome 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 curi...
Feb 19, 2025•57 min•Season 8Ep. 31
Send us a text In 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 transformations. If you’re eager to see how culture, leadership, and advanced tech come together to reshape in...
Feb 12, 2025•25 min
Send us a text Welcome 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 culture, drawing on lessons from the entertainment industry, and championing new technologies can p...
Feb 05, 2025•32 min•Season 9Ep. 5
Send us a text 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 Pressbox Linkedin: https:/...
Jan 29, 2025•34 min•Season 9Ep. 4
Send us a text Let's talk business leadership coaching with Kate Mayne, Director of Partner and Digital Technical Sales, IBM. For Kate coaching is a practice. Mission and values. How to map out your 2025 plan. 02:13 Meet Kate Mayne 08:16 Business Coaching 16:00 Mission and Values 22:41 Starting the New Year 26:41 Define the Characteristics you Desire 28:57 Mapping Out Your Plan 40:35 How Do You Stay Present 45:15 Coaching in Summary 47:43 Rapid Fire 50:53 The Self-help Book Linkedin: linkedin.co...
Jan 22, 2025•54 min•Season 9Ep. 3
Send us a text The AI Patent Attorney, Robert Plotkin is back! Founding partner of Blueshift IP and author of AI Armor and The Genie in the Machine. Robert outlines the new gold rush and how to take advantage of it. 02:59 Meet Robert Plotkin Again 06:56 Robert's Brand 09:21 Why do Another Book 11:33 What Can be Patented? 14:18 Patent Attorneys 19:10 Coca-Cola 23:19 Patent Litigation 26:23 Ignoring Copyrights 2847 Open Source vs Patents 30:32 4 Stages for IP Protection 37:45 The Best Tech Patent ...
Jan 15, 2025•53 min•Season 9Ep. 2
Send us a text The podcast welcomes Manav Gupta, VP and CTO of IBM Canada. As a frequent collaborator on client visits, we discuss various aspects of large language models. So all things AI models. 02:04 Jumping Right into AI! 02:59 Meet Manav Gupta 08:17 Let's Talk All Things Models 27:20 How to Choose the Right Models 31:48 Where are the Models Going??? 46:01 How to Learn AI Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/mgupta76 Website: https://www.ibm.com/granite Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Si...
Jan 08, 2025•49 min•Season 9Ep. 1
Send us a text This week, we’re talking to Jon Darbyshire, CEO of SmartSuite, who’s making waves in work management from Kansas to Newport Beach. Learn how he's reshaping business operations with an all-in-one platform that’s turning process management on its head. #Entrepreneurship #WorkplaceAutomation #SmartSuite #TechInnovation #BusinessLeadership #MillennialFocus #GenZ #FamilyBusiness #MakingDataSimple #DataDriven #Startups #JonDarbyshire #ProcessManagement #BusinessSuccess Show Notes 03:28 ...
Jan 02, 2025•54 min•Season 8Ep. 52
Send us a text "Ready to dive deep into the future of intelligent systems? Meet Peter Voss, Founder and CEO of Aigo.ai, who coined the term 'Artificial General Intelligence' and is pioneering hyper-personalized chatbots WITH a brain. Join us as we explore his revolutionary ideas and why Aigo.ai is leading the charge in AI innovation." #AIInnovation #PeterVoss #FutureOfAI #HyperPersonalization #BeyondChatGPT #TechPodcast #ArtificialIntelligence #MachineLearning #PersonalizedTech 01:56 Meet Peter ...
Dec 25, 2024•51 min
Send us a text Richmond Alake, Developer Advocate at MongoDB, is an AI/ML practitioner with an academic background in computer vision, robotics, and machine learning. If databases that scale for AI are your thing, this one is for you. 02:05 Meet Rich Alake 03:57 A Developer Advocate at MongoDB 05:57 Passions and Fate! 08:52 AI Hype 13:14 Oh No. AGI Again… 17:30 What Makes and AI Database? 20:42 Use Cases 25:41 RAG Best Practices 27:40 The Role of Database 30:05 Why is MongoDB Better At? 32:43 Wh...
Dec 18, 2024•41 min•Season 8Ep. 51
Send us a text ChatGPT might be a scrape of the internet, but Personal AI is something entirely different—AI that’s personally yours. Join us as we meet Suman Kanuganti, CEO of Personal AI, a visionary on a mission to empower individuals by creating AI extensions of their memory. Get ready to explore how this groundbreaking innovation can transform how we remember, connect, and thrive in a digital world. Let's get started!" #ArtificialIntelligence #PersonalAI #AIInnovation #MemoryExtension #Empo...
Dec 11, 2024•54 min•Season 8Ep. 50
Send us a text Megan Gallagher outlines the case for Agentic AI from the seat of GTM Account Director at Maven AGI. "We are living in times where we're still underneath this construct that things are going to be deterministic and that there are certain decision trees that are followed." "What we have to acknowledge in this new world is that these agents are generative and predictive in nature." #AgenticAI #FutureOfAI #MakingDataSimple 01:30 All Great Podcasts start with Drinks 05:27 Maven AGI 09...
Dec 04, 2024•55 min
