Data Driven

In this episode, Frank La Vigne sits down with his Red Hat colleague Christopher Newland for a deep dive into the evolving challenges and opportunities at the intersection of AI, open source, and enterprise technology.
Fresh off attending both IBM Think and Red Hat Summit, Christopher Newland shares insights from two very different industry perspectives—executive strategy and hands-on engineering. Together, they explore the elusive “last mile” problem in AI adoption, the rise of agentic systems, the critical role of harnesses and runtimes, and why memory management is becoming the next frontier.
Plus, they discuss the practical realities and future potential of tools like OpenShift AI, IBM Bob, and open source alternatives. Whether you’re a developer grappling with implementation details or a leader focused on ROI, this episode has something for everyone navigating today’s fast-changing AI landscape.
Links
Christopher on LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjnuland/
Watch this episode on YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlkPPt5YeY0

Time Stamps
00:00 Comparing IBM Exec and Red Hat Conferences
05:24 Challenges in AI implementation
06:56 Challenges in scaling microservices
11:38 Integrating AI with project management
14:23 Debate on AI model vs. harness
16:54 Discussing model evolution and limitations
22:54 Affordable Power BI Courses Bundle
25:19 Separating and managing runtimes
27:02 Using semantic routing for requests
30:15 Agent memory and compression basics
36:02 New AI approach and vision
38:49 Developing a multi-agent system
40:40 Importance of data chunking

In this episode, hosts Frank La Vigne and Candace Gillhoolley sit down with Angus Nelson—author, podcaster, and expert on leadership and human potential in the age of AI. Together, they dive deep into the rapidly changing landscape of technology and work, exploring how relentless market volatility, AI advancements, and global complexity are putting unprecedented stress on individuals and organizations alike.
Angus Nelson shares insights from his book, "Neuro Resilient Leader: The Internal Operating System for Leading at the Speed of Change," challenging the notion that grinding harder is the key to success. Instead, he argues that true leadership today demands clarity, capacity, and composure—and that our biggest challenges are rooted not in strategy or data, but in our internal operating systems and mindset.
Tune in as they unpack the myths of grind culture, the critical importance of mental well-being in the digital era, and practical ways to protect and elevate our collective "brain capital." Whether you're a leader, an independent contributor, or simply navigating a chaotic world, this episode offers hope, inspiration, and actionable advice on how to stay human—and thrive—in an increasingly automated world.
Links
Angus' LinkedIn Profile -https://www.linkedin.com/in/angusnelson/
Angus' Website -https://angusnelson.com
Angus' Coaching Website-https://neuroresilientleader.com
Get the Book Free -https://freebook.vip
Get the paperbook on Amazon -https://amzn.to/4w1uHIf

Time Stamps
00:00 Challenges of adapting to AI changes
07:15 Finding internal clarity and value
09:54 Influences on self-belief
13:38 Impact of technology on brain health
16:07 AI and creativity debate
20:03 Changing nature of creativity and work
22:30 AI's role in company differentiation
25:24 Embracing a new lifestyle
29:02 Facing self-doubt on success path
31:22 Embracing change and transformation
35:34 Overcoming self-imposed limitations
41:08 Identity shift realization
42:30 Energetic exchange and authenticity
48:14 Living abroad during COVID
49:05 Download free book PDF
54:38 Finding your inner power
55:32 Thanking Frank and Candice

In this week’s show, Frank La Vigne sits down with data and analytics engineer Wasim Rana for a deep dive into the realities of building, managing, and securing data infrastructure in modern businesses.
Together, they explore the critical challenge of preventing data lakes from turning into data swamps, the practical pipeline from raw to curated data—including the increasingly popular bronze, silver, and gold layering approach—and the vital role of governance in today’s data-heavy world. Waseem Rana shares insights from his hands-on experience with AWS, Snowflake, and transforming messy datasets into actionable business intelligence.
The conversation also takes a look at the evolving landscape of data engineering amid AI advancements, what skills data professionals need to stay ahead, and how future architectures may blend data lakes, warehouses, and vector databases for AI-driven analytics. Whether you’re a data engineer, business leader, or just curious about the future of data, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!
Links
Wasim's LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamwasimrana/
Wasim's GitHub -https://github.com/wasimranacse
Watch on YouTube -https://youtu.be/8oGEEN6Bubk
Podcast Episode Mentioned:
The AI Driven Leader: Rethinking Strategy, Decision Making, and Personal Growth -https://datadriven.tv/episodes/the-ai-driven-leader-rethinking-strategy-decision-making-and-personal-growth/
Book mentioned:
The AI-Driven Leader: Harnessing AI to Make Faster, Smarter Decisions
Hardcover -https://amzn.to/4crqshx
Kindle -https://amzn.to/4u8rVPS
Audiobook -https://amzn.to/3Qqsc1X

Time Stamp
00:00 Working as a data engineer
03:22 Using AWS for infrastructure
06:31 Transforming raw data for use
11:14 Discussing data sources and ingestion
15:51 Discussing data analysis with AI models
16:33 The future of data analytics
21:58 Importance of data governance
24:44 Evolution of data storage solutions
29:34 AI's impact on data jobs
31:20 Understanding data architecture importance
35:49 Understanding AI creativity and context
37:14 Understanding AI's lack of context
40:43 Difficulty finding meaningful connections
45:14 Using storytelling to drive change
47:44 Connecting pipelines to WooCommerce

Today, we journey into the fast-evolving world of prediction markets, KPI trading, and the new frontiers of retail finance. Joining us is Candace, alongside our guest from Benzinga, a fintech innovator working to democratize financial data once reserved for Wall Street elites.
We delve into how platforms like Benzinga are leveling the playing field, making actionable market information accessible for everyone—from individual retail investors to advanced quant traders. Get ready as we unpack the rise of alternative data, the intersection of finance and AI, and whether prediction markets are the next big tool in forecasting—or just another signal to question in an increasingly complex landscape. Strap in for insights on regulation, market dynamics, and the sometimes wild personalities driving innovation in finance today!
Links
Andrew's LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/lebbosandrew/
Benzinga -https://www.benzinga.com/
Benzinga APIS -https://www.benzinga.com/apis/
Watch on YouTube -https://youtu.be/xY6mIRP1L2c

Time Stamps
00:00 Starting Benzinga to democratize info
03:22 Building financial data services
08:10 Growth through niche news coverage
12:57 Hedging with company performance
15:00 Early quant experiences at Merrill Lynch
20:07 Explaining Polymarket betting mechanics
23:34 Discussing market prediction tools
26:39 CFTC regulations on trading limits
28:04 Discussing crowdsourcing and wisdom
34:14 Exploring unique data sources
35:35 Discussing the vinyl resurgence
41:40 Finding an edge in investing
43:42 Wondering about the future of betting
47:42 Brokerage purchase options explained
50:20 Building ideas with AI tools

this episode, Frank sits down with Andy Boettcher, the Chief Innovation Officer at DoubleTrack, for a candid conversation about embracing the power (and chaos!) of modern AI tools.
Together, they dive into how neurodiversity and "chaotic brains" are thriving in this new era, where ideas can be rapidly tested, refined, and built with the aid of tools like Claude code. From the practical realities of using AI for software development and troubleshooting (even in classic cars and household appliances) to the shifting landscape of business innovation, they discuss the opportunities and challenges facing individuals and companies alike.
You'll hear first-hand stories about building podcast production tools, leveraging AI agents as virtual team members, the importance of critical thinking in an age of instant information, and why data security and adaptability are more crucial than ever. Whether you're a technologist, business leader, or simply curious about what it means to innovate today, this episode promises insight, humor, and a healthy dose of chaos.
Let's get data driven.

Links
Andy's LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyboettcher/
ShowDog -https://www.showdog.studio/

Time Stamps
00:00 What a Chief Innovation Officer does
06:18 The age of chaotic creativity
09:56 Using AI for planning discussions
11:31 Choosing the name Show Dog
15:22 Brainstorming and organizing ideas
18:43 Using tech for learning
20:47 Companies adopting AI strategies
25:10 Classic car ownership struggles
28:41 Taking time to rethink plans
31:34 Using AI to solve problems
37:25 Challenges in commercializing academic concepts
39:18 Adapting to evolving AI technology
43:36 AI tools and problem-solving in coding
45:23 Limitations of AI and data security
47:33 Data security and CRM setup
51:22 Challenging assumptions and blind spots