Keeping Up With Data

In this dbt-heavy episode of  Keeping Up With Data , Shabbir, Senior Solutions Architect at dbt Labs, joins the show to unpack how dbt is reshaping modern data teams and why it has become one of the most copied tools in the market. He shares his unconventional journey from actuarial studies into data analytics, consulting, Databricks, and now dbt, explaining why pre-sales is the sweet spot between...

Join Polain and guest Tracey Robinson as she traces her unconventional path from policing in country NSW to spearheading digital AI products for giant US enterprises. The episode debates the challenges of implementing AI that genuinely improves customer journeys, the pitfalls of siloed thinking, and how Australian businesses can catch up to global standards. Tracy shares actionable insights for fu...

In this episode of "Keeping Up With Data," Pan Koutlakis , co-founder and CEO of Eat Club, shares how he turned lessons from managing Adelaide nightclubs into building one of Australia’s fastest-growing restaurant tech platforms. He reveals how Eat Club’s dynamic pricing helps venues fill empty tables, boost profitability, and create atmosphere - all powered by machine learning and seamless paymen...

Join us on this special episode of Keeping Up With Data as we dive into the cutting edge of mental health innovation with Dr Jill Newby - clinical psychologist, research lead at the Black Dog Institute, and co-director of CRE Precision. Together with Precision Sourcing's MD’s Simon Hair and Polain from the Data team, we explore how artificial intelligence and big data are changing the way depressi...

In this episode of Keeping Up With Data, Emil Pastore from Neo4j joins the team to unpack how graph databases are transforming industries, from fraud detection in banking to drug discovery in pharma. Emil shares his journey from Teradata to Microsoft to Neo4j, and explains why graph technology is more than just a buzzword—it’s a mindset shift. What Neo4j actually is (and isn’t) Why graphs mimic th...

This week on Keeping Up With Data, Seán and Polain are joined by Tim Armstrong, Director of Data, Technology and Product at Nova Entertainment, for an episode that bridges the gap between rural roots and cutting-edge data strategy. Tim shares his unique journey from growing up on a New Zealand dairy farm to leading data initiatives in the media industry. He reflects on how lessons learned in agric...

In this episode of Keeping Up With Data, we sit down with Michael Peña—one of the few Microsoft MVPs recognised in both Azure and AI. As the Director of Data & AI at Playtime Solutions and a trusted advisor across multiple startups, MJ brings over 15 years of hands-on experience delivering enterprise-scale solutions for Fortune 500 companies and public agencies. We dive deep into Microsoft Fab...

In this episode of Keeping Up With Data, hosts Seán Gray and Polain Byimira welcome data engineering veteran Simon Aubury to the show. With over two decades of experience in the data space, Simon shares valuable insights into his journey from database administrator to data engineering consultant. The conversation covers the fascinating evolution of data technologies - from the days when database i...

In this episode of Keeping Up With Data, hosts Polain and Sean welcome Parul Oberoi, a senior leader at Toyota Finance Australia with extensive experience in data science and AI. Parul shares her fascinating journey from software engineering to strategic consulting and eventually to data leadership, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.  ...

Meet Ethan, lead researcher and co-founder at Leonardo, who shares his journey from pre-med student to AI pioneer. After discovering text-to-image AI generation in 2022, Ethan went from running early models that took an hour per image to helping build a cutting-edge AI research company. He discusses the challenges of working with AI models, shares insights on the future of creative AI tools, and e...

In this episode of Keeping Up With Data, Polain Byimira and Emily Nota sat down with Dr. Julian Seidenberg, Head of AI at both Narrative Ltd and Datch Ltd, to explore his unique journey in artificial intelligence and how he’s shaping AI-driven solutions across industries. Narrative is transforming the way professional photographers work through vision AI software that accelerates their workflow, w...

In this episode of Keeping Up With Data , host Sean Gray sits down with François van Heerdan, the Head of Data and Analytics at Alternaleaf, to explore the pivotal role of data in transforming telehealth experiences. As one of the largest direct-to-patient telehealth service providers in Australia, Alternaleaf, under its parent company Montu, is revolutionizing how patients access healthcare servi...

Ben Schultz is the Head of AI at Aurizn, an Australian-owned company dedicated to advancing modern digital technologies that enhance, empower, and protect. Originally trained as a biomedical engineer, Ben began his AI career working on Brain-Computer Interfaces for children with disabilities, and now leads major projects, implementing real-world AI solutions across various industries. This podcast...

In this episode of Keeping Up With Data, Dr. Avishkar Misra shares his journey and insights in the field of AI and data science. Avi discusses his career trajectory, including his work with companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Oracle, Teradata, and Tracfone Wireless, and his motivation for pursuing a PhD in AI. Avi highlights the importance of effectively utilizing data and the challenges of balancin...

In this episode of Keeping Up With Data , we welcome Vanessa Hall-Boman, a seasoned technical data manager with over 15 years of experience in the charity sector. Vanessa shares her compelling journey from studying commerce and arts to becoming a leader in data analytics and governance. She delves into her academic background, which includes degrees in commerce and arts, and discusses how these ex...

Join us on this engaging episode as we dive into the fascinating world of data science with our special guest, a Senior Manager of Data Science and Data Modelling at Great Southern Bank. Emily, joined by colleague Polain from the Data team, had the opportunity to chat with Adam Grbac about his career journey. Adam is a data all-rounder who likes to get his hands dirty solving all kinds of data pro...

The following podcast contains discussions about suicide and mental health struggles, which some listeners may find distressing. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, please seek immediate help from a mental health professional. Listener discretion is advised. In our latest episode of Keeping Up With Data, we learn about the crucial role of data in...

In this episode of Keeping Up with Data, Seán and James from the Data team sat down with Andy Sawyer to chat about his journey from hospitality to data -  and how a motorbike accident changed the course of his career!  With a background spanning business intelligence, data engineering, and data consulting, Andy has spearheaded data strategies for major companies across a range of industries. His e...

Join us in this episode of Keeping Up with Data, as our latest guest Chantal Velasque delves deep into the heart of data and analytics, sharing insights from her rich and varied career. From her early days grappling with business objects to her current role leading transformative programs, Chantal offers a candid look at the evolving landscape of data governance, analytics, and the crucial role of...

In this episode of 'Keeping Up With Data', Emily and Seán chat to Denver Naidoo, the CTO and Founder of AI workforce provider, Zeligate. Based in Brisbane, Australia, Denver has a rich history of working in tech with global enterprises, leading and mentoring teams who have developed technology that is currently being used by millions of people across the globe. Emily and Seán loved chatting to Den...

On this week's episode of 'Keeping Up With Data' Emily and James chat to Kate Cook, Head of Analytics at The Lumery.   The KUWD gang were thrilled to sit down with Kate to learn about her journey and how she navigated a career change as a non-technical data professional. They also chatted about coping with imposter syndrome, experiencing burnout and why it’s important to fail!   Kate is a deeply d...

On this week's episode of 'Keeping Up With Data' Emily and James chat to Lisa Garbutt.  Global leader with expertise in data governance, risk consulting, and process excellence, Lisa Garbutt is a well-respected and highly successful leader with a proven track record of championing global digital and process transformation programs across high-risk industries.   With an MBA specialisation and prove...

On this week's episode of 'Keeping Up With Data' Emily and Sean chat to Kadu Anastacio, Head of Data at Finity. Kadu has over 27 years of experience in the IT industry and 18 years of deep experience in data solutions, primarily in consultancy and professional services. Passionate about delivering innovative and scalable data solutions that enable data-driven decision-making and insights and unloc...

On this week's episode of 'Keeping Up With Data' Emily and Sean chat Mark Fazackerley, Country Managaer ANZ at Qlik. Mark has more than 25 years experience in the in the enterprise software space, including stints at Oracle, Microfocus, Microstrategy, Blue Prism and Talend, and a track record of successfully leading sales teams across the APAC and ANZ regions. With a focus on driving growth and co...

On this week's episode of 'Keeping Up With Data' Emily and Sean chat with Malcolm Wanstall, VP of Data at Cochlear. Mal is a technology executive with an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for bringing data & digital to life while keeping the customer experience at the heart of everything. With 15+ years of driving data & digital strategy, data science & engineering, platforms &...