On this episode of Data Driven, we welcome Barr Moses, CEO and co-founder of Monte Carlo, as she delves into the fascinating world of data observability.

Join hosts Frank La Vigne and Andy Leonard as they explore how reliable data is crucial for making sound business decisions in today's tech-driven world. Learn why a simple schema change at Unity resulted in a $100 million loss and how Monte Carlo is developing cutting-edge solutions to prevent similar disasters. From discussions on ensuring data integrity to the intriguing potential of AI in anomaly detection, Barr Moses shares insights that might just redefine your understanding of data's role in business.

Tune in for a podcast that not only uncovers the nuances of data reliability but also touches on the quirky side of tech, like why, according to Google, you should never use superglue to fix slipping cheese on your pizza.

00:00 Monte Carlo: Data Reliability Innovator

05:45 "Data & AI Observability Engineering"

09:42 Data Industry's Growing Importance

12:00 Cereal Supply Chain Data Optimization

16:03 Data Observability and Lineage

19:29 GenAI Uncertainties and Latency Concerns

23:17 "Human Oversight in AI Accuracy"

24:12 Data Observability and Human Role

28:01 Adapting to Customer Language

33:29 Data and Security Management Alignment

35:20 Data Reliability and Observability Challenges

38:17 Automated Code Analysis Tool Launch

42:29 Data-Inspired Childhood

44:12 Passionate About Impactful Work

48:52 LinkedIn Security Concerns Highlighted

53:19 "Data Observability Insights"

In this episode, Sanjay joins Frank for a deep dive into the heart of digital transformation and AI-powered automation. Here are some of the key takeaways:

1. Digital Transformation Evolution: Sanjay reflects on his nearly three-decade journey witnessing the digital shift from infancy to the AI-driven present. He outlines the critical components of digital transformation, including cloud adoption and data prioritization, noting significant changes in business focus over recent years.
2. Microsoft's Role: Sanjay provides insights into Microsoft's strategic investments in digital transformation technologies, emphasizing their pivotal role in influencing market trends and industry-specific capabilities.
3. AI-Powered Enhancements: From the widespread adoption of Copilot to the burgeoning concept of agentic AI, Sanjay discusses how AI tools are not replacing but augmenting the productivity of data engineers, offering a glimpse into the future of business processes.
4. Edge of Innovation: We explore how Microsoft Fabric and other technologies are simplifying complex architectures, allowing businesses to leverage multi-cloud strategies effectively, keeping them at the forefront of innovation.
5. Real-Life Impact: Sanjay shares compelling examples, like reducing sales briefing preparation time from four days to two minutes, showcasing the transformative power of AI in real business scenarios.

Whether you're a data engineer, business leader, or just someone fascinated by the data-driven world, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

00:00 Three Decades of Digital Transformation

05:27 Microsoft's Digital Transformation Dominance

09:37 Microsoft's Cloud Integration Advantage

13:22 Red Hat AI's Open Source Approach

15:33 Microsoft Fabric's Multi-Cloud Integration Strategy

20:01 "Custom Solutions for Complex Queries"

21:39 Content Creation Efficiency Unlocked

26:38 Sales Role Dependency Reduction Tool

30:06 Agentic AI and Workflow Transformation

33:29 "Beyond Basic Automation"

35:05 AI's Impact on Business Expansion

39:58 Data-Driven Problem Solving Impact

41:58 Reading Trends in Data Innovation

In this episode, Andy Leonard and Frank La Vigne are thrilled to be joined by Trevor Schulze, the Chief Information Officer at Alteryx. Trevor brings an unparalleled perspective on digital transformation, drawing from his impressive tenure at industry giants such as Micron, Cisco, and RingCentral.

00:00 "Data Driven: AI & CIO Insights"

04:32 CIO's Role in AI Evolution

06:50 CIO's Evolving Role with AI

11:43 "Embracing Data Democratization"

16:24 Democratizing Data Access

19:33 "AI Investment and Optimization Cycle"

20:55 AI Enhances Tool Configuration Guidance

24:42 Breaking Free from Vendor Lock-In

27:41 "Unleashing Shadow AI and Technical Debt"

31:53 Digital Performance Essential for All Industries

34:01 Data Privacy Concerns in AI Use

37:30 AI Democratization Challenges for Enterprises

42:15 AI Transforming Business Processes

43:55 Data-Driven Career Journey

47:13 "Building Trust in Data Analytics"

52:34 Building Trust in Future Tech