Data Driven

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

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

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

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

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