In this episode, we're joined by Terry Dorsey, Senior Data Architect & Evangelist at Denodo, to unpack the conceptual differences between terms like data fabrics, vector databases, and knowledge graphs, and remind you not to forget about the importance of structured data in this new AI-native world! What You'll Learn: The difference between data fabrics, vector databases, and knowledge graphs — and the pros and cons Why organizing and managing data is still the hardest part of any AI project (and how process design plays a critical role) Why structured data and schemas are still crucial in the age of LLMs and embeddings   How knowledge graphs help model context, relationships, and "episodic memory" more completely than other approaches   If you've ever wondered about different data and AI terms, here's a great glossary to check out from Denodo: https://www.denodo.com/en/glossary 🤝 Follow Terry on LinkedIn!   Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b   Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter

AI isn't just accelerating productivity, it's reshaping how we structure power, make decisions, and define what "value" means in our organizations. In this episode, Felicia Newhouse — a data leader, AI strategist, and advocate for ethical, human-centered innovation — brings deep insight into how power structures in business are being reimagined in the age of AI. We dive into why so-called soft skills like communication, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence are becoming core differentiators in data and AI teams. With research showing that companies deploying AI without leadership transformation risk ethical blind spots and cultural misalignment, we ask: What kind of leaders do we need now? And how can data professionals step into that shift? What You'll Learn: Why soft skills are no longer optional in data and AI roles How leadership, ethics, and communication shape responsible AI outcomes Real-world examples of companies gaining trust and performance by elevating human-centered skills   🤝 Follow Felicia on LinkedIn!   Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b   Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter

From launching AI products to modernizing legacy data stacks, we're going behind the scenes of data-driven transformation in financial remittance. In this episode, we sit down with Sia Zahedi, former CDO at a global financial remittance company, to get a candid look at the projects, challenges, and decisions that define data leadership in finance. If you've ever wondered what it's like to lead data strategy at a global financial company, this one is for you. What You'll Learn: What the day-to-day of a CDO looks like Real-world use cases for AI in financial services The difference between launching AI prototypes and real products Career advice for aspiring CDOs and senior data leaders   🤝 Follow Sia on LinkedIn!   Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b   Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter

LLMs seem like a hot solution now, until you try deploying one. In this episode, Andriy Burkov, machine learning expert and author of The Hundred-Page Machine Learning Book, joins us for a grounded, sometimes blunt conversation about why many LLM applications fail. We talk about sentiment analysis, difficulty with taxonomy, agents getting tripped up on formatting, and why MCP might not solve your problems. If you're tired of the hype and want to understand the real state of applied LLMs, this episode delivers. What You'll Learn: What is often misunderstood about LLMs The reliability of sentiment analysis How can we make agents more resilient?   📚 Check out Andriy's books on machine learning and LLMs: The Hundred-Page Machine Learning Book The Hundred-Page Language Models Book: hands-on with Pytorch  🤝 Follow Andriy on LinkedIn!   Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b   Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter

AI is moving fast, but are organizations prepared to keep up? In this episode, data professional Laura Madsen joins us to unpack why most companies are lagging behind, how tech debt is holding businesses back, and why knowledge graphs are the way forward. Join us for a bold conversation on why the AI revolution needs better data governance, not just bigger models. What You'll Learn: Who's thriving in disruption, which industries embrace AI, and why others are stuck The hidden cost of tech debt and why most organizations avoid real transformation The power of knowledge graphs, and why they're the key to making AI work at scale  What AI still can't do for us, and the gaps we need to fill with human expertise   Follow Laura on LinkedIn!   Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b   Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter

If you were only going to learn a few statistical techniques as an analyst, where should you focus? Josh Starmer, Founder of StatQuest, shares how learning these skills can boost your career. We dive into why linear regression is the bedrock for advanced statistical tests like the t-test, and why understanding Principal Component Analysis (PCA) can give you an edge in working with complex datasets. But it's not just about the math—we also explore how expanding your skill set beyond the numbers can make you a stronger candidate for promotions and new roles. From building a diverse portfolio of skills to positioning yourself effectively in quarterly reviews, we discuss strategies to ensure you stand out in your organization and the broader job market. Whether you're early in your data career or looking to sharpen your expertise, this episode gives you actionable insights to grow both technically and professionally. What You'll Learn: Core statistical methods every analyst should know, including why linear regression is the foundation for advanced analytics  How learning tangential skills like Principal Component Analysis (PCA) can set you apart in the field  Positioning yourself for success in quarterly reviews and career conversations   Be sure to check out Josh's Illustrated Guide to Machine Learning and his YouTube channel! Follow Josh on LinkedIn!   Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b   Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter

What happens when AI becomes your coworker, not your replacement? In this episode, we sit down with Sadie St. Lawrence, founder of HMCI, to explore the rapidly evolving future of work, where AI isn't just a tool, but a teammate. We dig into how blue-collar and white-collar jobs will be shifting as AI and automation move from the periphery into our daily workflows. From analysts to factory floors, from dashboards to shop floors, what will it actually feel like to work alongside intelligent machines? Sadie also shares the deeply personal story of her 18-month journey exiting Women in Data, what she learned in building a global community, and how she's now thinking about the next wave of human + AI collaboration. If you're wondering what your job will look like in 5 years, this one's for you. What You'll Learn: What it really means to work with AI as a teammate How analysts can stay relevant in the age of automation The different futures ahead for blue- vs. white-collar roles How Sadie built, scaled, and thoughtfully exited Women in Data What makes a career resilient in an AI-driven economy   Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b   Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter

As AI agents become more powerful and widely adopted, enterprises face a new challenge: how to build them on a foundation of trustworthy, AI-ready data that includes both structured and unstructured data. Unstructured data introduces new complexity for organizations already contending with large and growing volumes of data that is often distributed and disconnected, and from more information sources. In this episode, Stephanie Valarezo, Program Director, Product, from IBM Data Integration, shares how organizations can simplify and scale the integration, access and governance of unstructured and structured data. Explore how IBM is simplifying the enterprise data stack by empowering teams to integrate structured and unstructured data, using batch, real-time streaming, or replication techniques, while extending governance beyond the data layer to the AI agents themselves. Whether you're modernizing legacy infrastructure, accelerating agent development, or building robust governance strategies, this session will give you a blueprint to: Unlock the value of unstructured data for enterprise-grade AI Accelerate data intelligence through built-in observability and governance Simplify your tech stack while improving trust and traceability in AI outputs Learn more about watsonx #sponsored   Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b   Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter

Data professionals often excel at technical skills but struggle to connect their work to broader business goals. In this show, we're joined by Jordan Morrow, Senior VP of Data and AI Transformation at AgileOne and author of Business 101 for the Data Professional, to discuss bridging the gap between data and strategy. Jordan offers practical advice on developing business acumen, aligning data work with organizational goals, and communicating effectively with stakeholders. Whether you're a data scientist, analyst, or aspiring leader, this conversation will help you unlock the full potential of your data career. What You'll Learn: The essential business skills every data professional needs How to align data projects with organizational goals Strategies for effective communication with non-technical stakeholders Common pitfalls data professionals face when navigating business challenges—and how to avoid them Actionable tips to become a more strategic, business-savvy data professional   Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b   Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter

What happens when a passion for data science meets the fast-paced world of stock trading? In this episode, we're joined by Matt Dancho, Founder of Business Science, Quant Science, and the creator of the popular tidyquant package, who shares his journey from data scientist to launching Business Science and the projects and packages he's built along the way. We explore how he leverages Python and R to trade stocks, as well as the lessons he's learned from building a business in the data. Whether you're a data professional, a stock market enthusiast, or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable insights to level up your skills and strategies. What You'll Learn: Taking your data skills and furthering your career to make money. Tips for working with stock data. How AI is changing analytics   Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b   Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter

Agentic AI is here, but what is it? What are the differences between the traditional LLMs and this new agentic AI we're hearing about? With AI systems making autonomous decisions, driving analytics, and reshaping data strategies, what does this mean for analysts? We're joined by Vin Vashishta, CEO at V Squared and an expert in AI strategy and data science. Vin's book, From Data to Profit, lays out a roadmap for turning AI and analytics into real business value.  AI isn't just a tool anymore; it's becoming a collaborator. How should we think about adapting? Don't miss his insights in this show! What You'll Learn: How Agentic AI will redefine the role of analysts in analytics. What makes an AI 'agent' different from a traditional LLM? Why knowledge graphs are the key to AI's next leap forward. How to future-proof your career in analytics.   Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b   Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the world of analytics, but how much of the job is changing? In this episode, we explore the AI-powered future of analytics: real-time insights, smarter Business Intelligence (BI) tools, and how Excel is turning heads with ChatGPT integration. Will AI replace analysts or supercharge what they already do best? Ravit Jain, Founder of the Ravit Show, will dive into what's staying the same, what's evolving, and what you need to know to keep up. Discover how AI is revolutionizing analytics, from real-time insights to the future of BI tools and Excel's new ChatGPT capabilities. Stay ahead of the curve— uncover how you can thrive in the AI-powered future of analytics! What You'll Learn: How AI-powered Excel is simplifying data wrangling and reporting. What parts of an analyst's role are evolving, and what core skills will always matter. How you can future-proof your analytics career in an AI-driven world.   Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b   Interested in learning more from Ravit? Check out The Ravit Show!    Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter

If you're interested in AI but not sure if you're leveraging it to its full potential, this show is for you. Michael Tiffany, Founder and CEO of Fulcra Dynamics, is here to help you get your head around AI, its best use cases today, and where things are heading in the future. You'll leave the show with a better understanding of AI, trends to keep an eye on, and how you can take full advantage of exciting new technology in your work and your personal life. What You'll Learn: AI use cases you should have on your radar at work How to leverage AI effectively to augment your personal life Where AI is headed and how you can make sure you're not falling behind   Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b   Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter

If you're early in your data career or still trying to break in, you've probably got questions about the path ahead and how you can advance to more senior roles.

In this episode, you'll hear from industry veteran Andrew Madson who will share his best advice to help you navigate your career path. 

You'll leave with a better understanding of the road that lies ahead, and some concrete and actionable tips you can use to help accelerate your career. What You'll Learn: What you can expect from a career in data How promotion decisions are made and how you can position yourself well Strategies for building your brand, network, and skills to accelerate your career   This session was part of our OPEN CAMPUS week in October, which included 6 days of live expert sessions.   Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b   About our guest: Andrew Madson is a Data Analytics, Data Science, and AI Evangelist at Dremio, with deep expertise in leveraging data to drive innovation. With a strong background in analytics, machine learning, and education, he empowers organizations and individuals to unlock the full potential of their data. Insights x Design Podcast Follow Andrew on LinkedIn

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Will AI completely revolutionize the way we work as data professionals? Or is it overhyped? In this episode, Lindsay Murphy and Colleen Tartow will take opposing viewpoints and help us understand whether or not AI can really live up to all the hype. You'll leave with a deeper understanding of the current state of AI in data, the tech stack needed to run AI, and where things are heading in the future.   What You'll Learn: The tech stack required to run AI and how it differs from prior "big data" stacks Will AI change everything in data? Or is it overhyped? How you should be thinking about AI and its impact on your career   Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b   About our guests: Lindsay Murphy is the host of the Women Lead Data podcast as well as the Head of Data at Hiive. Follow Lindsay on LinkedIn  

Colleen Tartow is an engineering and data leader, author, speaker, advisor, mentor, and DEI Advocate. Data Mesh for Dummies E-Book Follow Colleen on LinkedIn   Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter

If you're working on or trying to break into a career in Data Science or Data Engineering, this one is for you. In this episode, Data Engineering expert and recovering Data Scientist Joe Reis shares some of his best tips and strategies for folks looking to launch or accelerate their data careers. You'll leave with practical and actionable advice that you can use to take your career to the next level.   What You'll Learn: Key differences between Analytics, Data Science, and Data Engineering The top skills and tools to focus on for each of these career paths How rapidly changing technology like AI is impacting the future of data jobs   Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b   About our guest: Joe Reis is a "recovering data scientist" and the co-founder & CEO of Ternary Data. Joe's newest course Fundamentals of Data Engineering Book Follow Joe on LinkedIn

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In this episode you'll hear best practices for building and leading analytics teams, the impact AI is already making on the industry, and how data teams should be thinking about the future.   Director of Analytics & Data Science Joe Squire will share practical tips for data leaders looking to build effective teams and navigate through today's rapidly changing environment, and give his thoughts on where things are headed.   What You'll Learn: Best practices for building and leading strong analytics teams The ways AI is changing analytics and where the data industry is headed How leaders need to be thinking AI and the long-term impact on their teams   Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b   About our guest: Joe Squire is a Director of Analytics & Data Science in the healthcare industry. Joe helps companies like UPMC manage and use their data in a meaningful way to improve their healthcare outcomes. Follow Joe on LinkedIn

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Megan Bowers has had a fascinating career path. She studied Industrial Engineering before landing in data where she's held roles as an Analyst, Senior Analyst, Data Journalist, and is now the host of the Alter Everything podcast by Alteryx.  In this episode, Megan shares practical tips and useful anecdotes from her journey, and talks about some of the best lessons she's learned as a Data Journalist and from hosting a data-focused podcast.    What You'll Learn: How data professionals need to be thinking about AI and considerations for building trust in the technology Takeaways from thought leaders on the podcast on AI strategy, analytics excellence, and data storytelling How building your professional brand can change your career trajectory and create opportunities   Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b   About our guest: Megan Bowers is the Senior Content Manager at Alteryx and host of the Alter Everything podcast by Alteryx Alter Everything Podcast Building Your Professional Brand Megan's Medium Blog Follow Megan on LinkedIn

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Data quality is the foundation of everything we do as Data Analysts and Data Scientists. So why do so many organizations suffer from dirty data? And what can you do to clean it up? In this session, we'll share some of the best data cleaning strategies and real actionable advice from The Classification Guru, Susan Walsh. You'll leave with a solid plan to start identifying problems with your data, and most importantly, to start fixing them on the path to clean data. What You'll Learn: Why dirty data is such a big problem, and the benefits of cleaning it up The most common types of dirty data you should be on the lookout for Where you should focus your data cleaning efforts to make the biggest impact   Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b   About our guest: Susan Walsh is a specialist in data classification, taxonomy customisation and data cleansing. She also created the COAT philosophy, which is at the core of The Classification Guru's work. By bringing clarity and accuracy to data and procurement, Susan helps teams work more effectively and efficiently More than a numbers gal, Susan's also an industry thought leader, TEDx speaker and author of the published 'Between the Spreadsheets: Classifying and Fixing Dirty Data'. She's also spoken globally at events such as ProcureCon, Big Data LDN, Big Data & AI World and she cuts through the jargon to address the issues of dirty data and its consequences in an entertaining and engaging way. Fix your dirty data now: www.theclassificationguru.co   Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter

A lot of Data Analysts and Data Scientists are worried about how AI will impact their careers and the future of the industry. Is AI coming for our jobs? Or is this just another example of new technology that can make us more effective? In this episode, YouTube's Alex The Analyst will walk you through the state of AI in data, some of the most interesting AI tools, and share his predictions about where this is all headed and what it means for the future of your data career. You'll leave this session with a much better understanding of the current state of AI, likely future trends, and how you should be thinking about AI and its impact on your career.

What You'll Learn Which AI tools you should have on your radar How AI is impacting the future of data careers The best ways to keep your skills up to date as the industry evolves   Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b   About our guest: Alex Freberg, better known as Alex The Analyst started his journey as a Data Analyst 5 years ago and has come a long way since then. He is currently an Analytics Manager at a Fortune 10 company and uses his platform to help people build skills to launch and accelerate their careers in data.  Check out Alex's YouTube channel for free resources and Analyst Builder for his full learning platform.    Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter  

Having a strong personal brand is one of the best things you can do to stand out from your competition in today's difficult job market.    In this episode, you'll learn why brand building should be at the top of your list, and more importantly, hear actionable tips that you can use to make progress right away.    We'll be sharing some of the best strategies, actionable advice, and personal anecdotes from two of the best personal brand builders in data, Kate Strachnyi and Kristen Kehrer.

You'll leave with a concrete path to building your brand and accelerating your career, starting today. What You'll Learn: Why personal brands matter more than ever in 2024 What a strong personal brand looks like How to start building your personal brand online   Register for free to be part of the next live session: https://bit.ly/3XB3A8b   About our guests: As the founder of DATAcated, Kate Strachnyi helps companies amplify their brand and expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. Kate is a content creator with over 200k followers across LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and other platforms. She also runs a DATAcated Plus program with 25+ influencers that can be hired to 'make a spash' on social media.  As a marketing and branding expert, Kate has been recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Data Science and Analytics for 2018 and 2019, and as a DataIQ USA100 for 2022. Kate is also the author of ColorWise: A Data Storyteller's Guide to the Intentional Use of Color.  https://www.datacated.com/brand-builder     Kristen Kehrer has been providing innovative & practical statistical modeling solutions in the utilities, healthcare, and eCommerce sectors since 2010. Alongside her professional accomplishments, she achieved recognition as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Data Science & Analytics in 2018. Kristen is also the founder of Data Moves Me, LLC, and has previously served as a faculty member and subject matter expert at the Emeritus Institute of Management and UC Berkeley Ext.

 Kristen lights up on stage and has spoken at conferences like ODSC, DataScienceGO, BI+Analytics Conference, Boye Conference, and Big Data LDN, etc.

She holds a Master of Science degree in Applied Statistics from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics.

https://www.datamovesme.com/   Follow us on Socials: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram (Mavens of Data) Instagram (Maven Analytics) TikTok Facebook Medium X/Twitter