DataDriven Podcast

DataDriven Thought Leaders

Dive into the DataDriven Podcast, where data meets determination. In collaboration with our sponsor Reltio and leading industry minds, this is your compact, yet comprehensive, guide to thriving in a data-driven era. Each episode is a journey through emerging trends, practical insights, and expert advice, all designed to equip you for the data landscapes of tomorrow. Join us for thought-provoking discussions, stay ahead of the curve, and drive your data destiny. Tune in to the DataDriven Podcast: where data pioneers assemble, innovate, and inspire. Welcome to your data revolution read less
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Episodes

Unleashing AI's Potential: Reltio's Innovative Approach to Data-Driven Solutions
Apr 19 2024
Unleashing AI's Potential: Reltio's Innovative Approach to Data-Driven Solutions
This DataDriven Podcast episode features a conversation between Chris Detzel, Director of Customer Engagement and Community and Sushant Rai, the VP of Product Management at Reltio. The discussion revolves around the intersection of AI, data management, and product development.Sushant provides insights into the primary drivers for businesses adopting AI technologies, such as improving efficiency, enhancing decision-making, personalizing customer experiences, and improving business responsiveness. He shares examples of how AI is being utilized across various industries, including manufacturing, retail, finance, and healthcare.The discussion then turns to Reltio's approach to AI and ML. Sushant explains Reltio's three-part strategy: "built for AI," "built-in AI," and "built with AI." He delves into Reltio's Flexible Entity Resolution Network (FERN), a patented technology that provides instant, automated semantic understanding of entity data, enabling high-quality match recommendations with minimal manual effort.Sushant also highlights Reltio's Intelligent Assistant (RIA), a generative AI capability that allows users to interact with Reltio using natural language queries and receive insights, including dynamic visualizations, based on their data.Additionally, Sushant discusses Reltio's product roadmap, which includes augmented entity resolution, automated data ingestion and modeling, and data governance features like anomaly detection and data quality recommendations.The conversation also covers the importance of having a clear AI strategy, addressing challenges like data silos, lack of standardization, and talent acquisition when scaling AI solutions across operations.Overall, the podcast provides valuable insights into Reltio's innovative AI and ML capabilities and offers a thought-provoking perspective on the role of AI in enterprise data management and product development.
Navigating the Storm: A CFO's Guide to Thriving in Economic Uncertainty
Mar 4 2024
Navigating the Storm: A CFO's Guide to Thriving in Economic Uncertainty
In this insightful episode, we dive into the world of SaaS financial management through the eyes of Gordy Brooks, the CFO of Reltio, a leading data management and unification company with over $100 million in ARR. Amidst the backdrop of economic uncertainty, Gordy shares insights into navigating challenges, leveraging the Rule of 40 and exploring the Rule of X to balance growth with profitability. We discuss the strategies that have propelled the company's success, from innovation and cost management to differentiation in a competitive landscape. This conversation not only sheds light on the intricate dance between financial health and strategic growth but also offers valuable advice for aspiring CFOs, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the dynamics of sustaining growth in the tech industry's ever-evolving economic climate.Bio:Gordon C. (Gordy) Brooks is Reltio's Chief Financial Officer, responsible for overseeing global accounting, finance, tax, IT, Information Security and operations. Prior to Reltio, Gordy was with FinancialForce where he served as CFO . Gordy has more than two decades of senior financial leadership experience at notable companies, serving as CFO of Citrix GetGo, Aerohive Networks and Blue Coat Systems, and holding other senior finance positions at VMware, BEA Systems, and Microsoft/WebTV Networks. Gordy began his career in audit in the Palo Alto office of Ernst & Young. Gordy received a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Notre Dame de Namur University and received his Master in Accounting degree from the University of Southern California Leventhal School of Accounting.
The Role of Interoperable Data in Enhancing the Retail Customer Experience
Feb 19 2024
The Role of Interoperable Data in Enhancing the Retail Customer Experience
In this episode, host Chris Detzel interviews Venki Subramanian, Senior VP of Product at Reltio, about using data to drive growth and efficiency in the retail industry. They discuss the key priorities retail companies are focused on, such as acquiring customers, increasing customer lifetime value, improving operational efficiency, and managing risk and compliance.Venki explains how technologies like master data management help retailers unify data across different systems and touchpoints to deliver superior customer experiences. He shares examples of retailers leveraging data and AI/ML for applications like demand forecasting, inventory optimization, computer vision, and virtual assistants.The discussion covers the importance of real-time, interoperable data in facilitating omni-channel retail experiences. They talk about the role of predictive analytics and emerging capabilities like edge AI in retail decision making. Venki emphasizes the need for composable architectures that allow retailers to integrate different technologies using standard interfaces and interoperable data.Key takeaways include starting with targeted business outcomes, proving value iteratively, and focusing on use cases that provide the best ROI when adopting new data/AI capabilities. Venki concludes that retailers who leverage composable architectures and interoperable data will differentiate themselves and drive growth.
AI and Data Dynamics: Navigating Tomorrow's Terrain
Feb 12 2024
AI and Data Dynamics: Navigating Tomorrow's Terrain
Joining us is Ansh Kanwar, the Senior Vice President of Technology at Reltio, known for his expertise and leadership in the tech industry. Alongside him, we have the pleasure of welcoming Asha Saxena, a strategic and innovative leader with a wealth of experience in technology businesses. Stay tuned as we embark on a journey of discovery and learning in the realm of data technology. Asha Saxena's Background:Asha has a distinguished career, including being the Founder and CEO of Women Leaders in Data and AI (WLDA). She is also the CEO of Coaching International, a board advisor, an adjunct professor at Columbia University, a published author, and a columnist at Entrepreneur Magazine.Her journey in technology started with a degree in computer science engineering and a job as a mainframe programmer in New York City. She quickly advanced in her career, starting her own consulting company in her early twenties, growing it significantly, and later founding other successful companies.Asha's experience as an educator and author led her to write a book, inspired during the COVID-19 pandemic. This period also led to the creation of WLDA, focusing on responsible and ethical AI and promoting diversity in leadership roles in the field.Women Leaders in Data and AI (WLDA):WLDA was conceived as a response to the lack of diversity in senior AI roles and the potential biases in AI models. The organization aims to bring consciousness to leaders in the industry and includes both women and men. It focuses on ethical AI and creating a positive impact in the technology world.WLDA's activities include peer-to-peer community building, events, tech talks, leadership summits, and awards to recognize contributions in the field.Asha Saxena's Book on The AI Factor:The book discusses bridging the gap between business users and technologists, emphasizing the value of technology and practical frameworks for implementing AI in businesses.It provides use cases of successful companies, a four-step process for data readiness, and strategies to ensure that technology projects deliver real business value.Advice for Companies Approaching AI:Companies should not shy away from AI but start with small steps and create small wins to build momentum.The approach should be methodical, focusing on data readiness and ensuring that AI investments align with strategic business goals.Challenges in Data Management and Governance:Common issues include unclear ownership of data, priority conflicts, and the tendency of data initiatives to become more focused on infrastructure than on delivering business value.Proper data governance and strategic focus are crucial for successful data and AI initiatives.Asha's story and insights offer a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities in the data and AI space, especially emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations and diversity in leadership roles.
Why Flawless Foundational Data is the key to AI long term success and sustainability
Jan 15 2024
Why Flawless Foundational Data is the key to AI long term success and sustainability
This podcast episode features a discussion between Chris Detzel, Director of Customer Engagement and Community at Reltio,  Manish Sood, the CEO and founder of Reltio, and Sharath Katipally, a former chief data officer at J.P. Morgan who previously worked at Amazon and SoftBank.Sharath's Career Path:Started in data due to visa limitations, but found passion in the field.Worked in consulting, boutique firms, and large organizations like HSBC, Brightstar, Amazon, and J.P. Morgan.Gained diverse experience in financial services, retail, and tech.Key Differences Between Companies:Amazon: High-touch, low-margin B2C business with rapid iteration and tech focus.J.P. Morgan: High-touch, high-value B2B business with slower pace and focus on regulatory compliance.Data Structure: Tech companies tend to be decentralized, while traditional institutions are more centralized.Challenges as a Data Leader:Balancing regulatory compliance with innovation, especially in AI.Bridging the gap between tech-savvy and data-savvy leaders.Ensuring the quality and accuracy of foundational data for reliable AI outcomes.Predictions for the Future:Data and AI will become inseparable functions.The focus will shift from the "four V's" (volume, variety, velocity, veracity) to the "four P's" (prediction, precision, productivity, personalization).AI success will depend heavily on accurate and well-curated foundational data.Continuous improvement, experimentation, and a culture of innovation will be crucial.Sharath's Advice:Combine data and AI strategies for optimal results.Invest in modern data compliance and tool stack companies.Focus on data product innovation and rapid prototyping.Foster a culture of experimentation and justify its importance to stakeholders.Overall in this podcast Sharath's career, leveraging data and AI strategically, issues to expect with AI adoption, and an AI startup he is advising. The key theme is the critical importance of high quality, trustworthy data as a foundation.
Data Unification & Management in the Modern Enterprise
Dec 4 2023
Data Unification & Management in the Modern Enterprise
Dive into the Data Deep End and join us for an enlightening expedition with Manish, Chris, and Joe DosSantos, where data isn't just digits and charts—it's a journey, a community, and the future unfolding before us. In this episode, we're not just discussing data; we're discovering its power to connect, transform, and lead the way in business and beyond.Joe DosSantos' Data Saga: Journey through Joe's storied career, tracing his steps from the foundational era of data warehouses to the cutting edge of big data. It's a narrative that's not just about personal growth but about the evolving story of data itself.Data Strategy Reimagined: Delve into a discussion that rethinks data from a static element to a dynamic business accelerator. Joe enlightens us on aligning data strategy with overarching business goals, crafting a blueprint for a resilient and impactful data architecture.Building Data Communities: An intriguing facet of the conversation is Joe's emphasis on community in the data sphere. Learn how fostering a collaborative data community can lead to innovative solutions, greater efficiency, and a shared sense of purpose in leveraging data for business success.Revolution of Data Products: Explore the transformative concept of data products with Joe. Understand how data, when treated as a product, can transcend traditional use-cases to become a reusable and versatile asset, integral to the fabric of an organization.AI as a Strategic Ally: Uncover the synergies between AI and data strategy. Joe shares his expertise on employing AI not just as a tool but as a driving force, underscoring the crucial role of data in maximizing AI's transformative power.Visions of a Data-Driven Future: Confront the challenges of aligning technology, data, and business needs. Joe offers his foresight on trends like the advent of data marketplaces and the critical role of data product managers in the near future.Crafting Tomorrow's Data Leaders: The episode wraps up with Joe imparting valuable advice for the next generation of data professionals. It's a blend of business acumen, cloud technology understanding, governance skills, and a touch of design thinking, all essential for navigating the data-driven world of tomorrow.It is a journey through the evolving landscape of data, AI, and community building. Manish, Chris, and Joe DosSantos guide us through an enlightening exploration, revealing how data strategy is not just about technology, but about people, collaboration, and shared vision. Tune in for an episode that's as educational as it is inspiring, perfect for anyone keen to understand the true potential of data in shaping our future.
Data Mesh Diaries: Chronicles of a Data Revolution
Nov 27 2023
Data Mesh Diaries: Chronicles of a Data Revolution
The Evolution of Data ManagementThe podcast begins with an engaging retrospective on the evolution of data management. From the early days of simple relational databases to the era of data warehouses, and the advent of cloud technologies and Hadoop systems, the discussion sets the stage for understanding the progression and sophistication of data systems over time.The hosts do a stellar job demystifying these often-confused terms, outlining how each framework is designed to address the unique challenges faced by organizations in managing vast, varied data sets. This segment is crucial for anyone looking to grasp the nuances of these contemporary data management approaches.The Socio-Technical ChallengeA fascinating aspect of the podcast is its focus on the socio-technical challenges in data management. It’s a reminder that effective data management is not just about the technology but also about the people, processes, and cultural shifts required. The episode dives into the dynamics between data producers and consumers and the cultural transformation necessary for integrated data management.Data as a ProductA key paradigm shift discussed is the concept of treating data as a product. This approach, the podcast explains, can significantly enhance data quality, understanding, and usability. The idea of a data product lifecycle paves the way for more structured, efficient data management practices.Master Data Management (MDM) in Data MeshThe podcast also sheds light on the role of Master Data Management (MDM) within the data mesh framework. The hosts discuss how MDM can improve data quality and provide a unified view of entity data, which is essential for effective analytics and reporting. This insight is particularly valuable for organizations aiming to optimize their data processes.Discoverability and GovernanceTouching on the importance of discoverability and governance within a data mesh architecture, the podcast emphasizes how data should be easily discoverable and accessible within a governance framework. This ensures authorized access and use, maintaining data integrity and security.Real-World Examples and Implementation ChallengesThroughout the episode, real-world examples, particularly from the retail sector, are used to illustrate the discussed concepts. The hosts also address the challenges of implementing a data mesh framework, offering valuable insights for organizations embarking on this journey.The "Data Mesh - Ansh & Chris" podcast episode is more than just a discussion; it's a comprehensive guide through the intricacies of modern data management. For anyone involved in data architecture, this episode is a treasure trove of insights, shedding light on the practicalities and philosophies of data mesh in today's data-driven world.