Lights On Data Show

Most organizations treat "human in the loop" like a solved design pattern. Dr. Fern Halper, VP of Research at TDWI and author of Data Makes the World Go 'Round, says it's often just a checkbox — and that the real risk isn't agents replacing us, it's losing the judgment we'd need to supervise them. In this episode, George Firican talks with Fern about why organizations...

Join George Firican on the Light On Data Show as he discusses the concept of Data Governance 2.0 with Nagim Ashufta, founder and CEO of Driva. They explore the shift from traditional data governance to a collaborative, AI-powered model. Learn about the importance of stewardship, connecting data creators and consumers, ethical AI interactions, and practical steps for successful data governance impl...

Join George Firican in this insightful episode of the Lights On Data Show as he interviews Matthew Le Merle, Silicon Valley investor and co-founder of Fifth Era Partners. They discuss how blockchain technology is revolutionizing banking, payments, and asset management. La Merrill shares his perspective on blockchain's ability to enhance speed, transparency, and cost-efficiency in financial tra...

In this episode of the Lights On Data Show, host George Firican and guest Scott Eganhouse, Salesforce Address Data Evangelist, discuss the critical role of National Change of Address (NCOA) in data governance, compliance, and AI readiness. They delve into how NCOA updates can significantly improve CRM accuracy, reduce costs from return mail, and enhance trust and analytics. Scott also shares insig...

In this episode of the Lights On Data Show, host George welcomes Josie Haines, an Emmy-winning technical leader famous for her contributions at Apple. They discuss the complex issues of career burnout, imposter syndrome, and the critical need for tech professionals to redefine their roles in the face of AI advancements. Josie shares personal experiences from her career, including her transition fr...

Career growth in data analytics is often misunderstood. In this episode of The Lights On Data Show , George Firican and Albert Bellamy explore what actually influences career progression, from resumes and LinkedIn profiles to interviews, impact, and mindset. A practical, experience based conversation for data analytics professionals thinking about their next move.

As organizations deploy AI, how should master data management and data governance programs evolve, or be reinvented, to stay relevant? Join George Firican and Bruno Billy, President of APGAR North America, and Ken Brown, Head of Customer Success as they will explore how MDM and Data Governance are being redefined for a world shaped by machine learning, generative models, and data products. Drawing...

In this episode of The Lights On Data Show, George Firican speaks with Vinay Samuel, CEO and Founder of Zetaris, about how organizations can build AI systems that are cost-efficient, sovereign, and trusted. They explore what it really means to own your AI: from keeping intellectual property and data within your control, to reducing cloud and lakehouse costs by up to 40% using Zetaris’ Query Direct...

Join George Firican as he discusses with Emily Chase Coleman, CEO of HAI Analytics, about the convergence of EdTech and AI in transforming higher education. Learn how predictive modeling and AI are enhancing recruitment and retention strategies, identifying at-risk students, and optimizing financial aid packages. Discover the importance of human oversight in using AI models to make recruitment and...

In this episode of the Lights On Data Show, George Firican interviews Ollie Hughes, CEO and co-founder of Count, to explore the challenge every data team faces: showing real Return on Investment (ROI). Ollie shares a clear framework built on four principles that help data teams break free from the 'service trap' and make a measurable business impact. Get ready to dive into strategies for driving o...

Join host George Firican on the Lights On Data Show as he interviews John Kucera, Senior Vice President of Salesforce AI, to explore the transformative power of Agentforce. Learn how this technology is reshaping enterprise AI by automating digital labor, offering powerful new capabilities like observability and interoperability, and seamlessly integrating with the broader Salesforce ecosystem. Dis...

In this episode of the Lights On Data Show, host George Firican discusses effective KPI management with veteran tech entrepreneur and product leader Lior Gerson, co-founder and CEO of Target Board. Lior shares his insights on overcoming common data challenges facing executives, the importance of a cohesive data strategy, and how Target Board simplifies KPI tracking and improves operational efficie...

In this episode of the Lights On Data Show, host George Firican discusses the rapidly evolving landscape of data management with Kamal Hathi, Senior Vice President and GM at Splunk, a Cisco company. They explore the challenges organizations face as they scale and adopt AI, emphasizing the importance of digital resilience, security, and observability. Kamal shares insights from Splunk's latest repo...

In this episode of the Lights on Data Show, host George Firican dives deep into the evolving world of data observability with guest Salma Bakouk, co-founder and CEO of Sifflet. They explore how modern data strategies are shifting, especially with the rapid advancement of AI, and discuss the increasing complexity and demand for intelligent, contextual, and scalable data observability solutions. Sal...

George Firican interviews Dr. Chris Kulp, Professor of Physics specializing in non-linear dynamics and machine learning. The discussion delves into how machine learning is revolutionizing both natural and social sciences by identifying patterns in massive data sets that humans might overlook. Dr. Kulp also shares his insights on applying mathematical analysis to social systems, the challenges and...

In this episode of the Lights On Data Show, host George Firican discusses AI compliance and risk management with Santosh Kaveti, the founder and CEO of ProArch. As AI technology advances rapidly, Santosh shares valuable insights on securing and operationalizing AI in organizations, understanding data and model risks, and integrating AI securely within regulated industries like healthcare and power...

Join George Firican as he hosts Cory O'Daniel, CEO and co-founder of Massdriver, in an engaging episode of the Lights On Data Show. They delve into the complexities of cloud operations, DevOps, and infrastructure management. Cory discusses his controversial article 'DevOps is Bull(bleep)' and shares insights on why traditional DevOps practices are failing modern businesses. They explor...

In this episode of the Light On Data Show, host George Firican dives into the critical yet often overlooked aspect of data management: data lineage. Special guest Caitlyn Truong, co-founder and CEO of Zengines, shares her expertise from over 20 years in financial services, telecommunications, and energy. Caitlyn discusses the importance of data lineage for operational efficiency and regulatory com...

In this episode of the Lights On Data Show, host George welcomes back Dimitri Visnadi, a successful freelance data scientist. Dimitri shares his journey into freelancing, emphasizing the mindset shifts and practical steps necessary to build a sustainable freelancing business in the data science field. The discussion covers Dimitri's strategies for finding clients, the impact of AI tools on fre...

In this episode of the Lights On Data Show, host George Firican explores the innovative integration of AI, creativity, and immersive experiences with guest Geoff Thatcher, Executive Creative Director for the Game On AI experience at the College Football Hall of Fame. Geoff discusses how AI is transforming visitor engagement by personalizing and enhancing museum and exhibition experiences. They del...

Join George Firican in the latest episode of the Lights on Data show as he interviews Dr. Joan Bajorek, an AI expert who has navigated two AI layoffs and built 22 income streams while closing six and seven-figure contracts. Learn actionable insights from her new book, 'Your AI Roadmap,' (https://yourairoadmap.com/) which offers strategies to future-proof your career in the rapidly evolving...

In this episode of the Light on Data Show, hosts George and Diana explore the transformative potential of AI in the manufacturing and industrial sectors. Their guest, Bryan DeBois, Director of Industrial AI at RoviSys, shares insights from his 25 years of experience. They discuss the primary drivers for AI adoption, including the critical loss of expertise due to the 'silver tsunami', and the need...

In this episode of the Lights on Data show, hosts George and Diana welcome Jordan Morrow, often called the 'Godfather of Data Literacy,' for an insightful discussion. Jordan, a bestselling author and pioneer in data literacy programs, shares key insights from his latest book, Business 101 for the Data Professional. The episode explores the critical importance of data professionals understanding bu...

In this enlightening episode of the Lights on Data Show, co-hosts George and Diana delve into the vital topic of how organizational culture impacts data governance success. Joined by Joyce Myers, Chief Data Officer at Modern Technology Solutions, they explore the importance of culture, its effects on data governance, and how data governance initiatives can also influence culture. Joyce shares her...

Join George and Diana on this exciting episode of the Lights on Data show as they dive into the transformative, yet often confusing, world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). They are joined by Sumedha Rai, an AI strategist and thought leader with over a decade of experience, who simplifies complex AI concepts for non-technical leaders. This episode covers the basics of AI, its different categories l...