This week, we dive deep into the world of data, decision-making, and uncertainty with Dale Nesbitt, a lecturer at Stanford and principal at Arrowhead Economics.

Drawing on his unique upbringing in a mining town, Dale Nesbitt shares how witnessing raw data collection firsthand shaped his perspective on what it really takes to make informed decisions—hint: it's not just about having more data.

Together, we explore the pitfalls of relying solely on data for critical choices, the importance of understanding probability and risk, and why data-gathering itself is often a noisy and imperfect process.

From commodity pricing and speculation in oil markets to the real-world impact of data-driven decisions in healthcare, Dale Nesbitt reveals why true analytic power comes from combining rigorous analysis, sound judgment, and the right kind of data—not just more of it.

Join us as we challenge myths around "data-driven" decisions, unpack lessons from COVID-era data science, and discover why wisdom of the crowd, probability, and a healthy respect for uncertainty are key to navigating our data-rich world.

Links

 * Dale's LinkedIn profile -https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-nesbitt-b574a83a/
 * Watch on YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USOKgv1avHo


Time Stamps

00:00 Growing up in a mining town

05:44 Data as the New Crude Oil

07:31 Estimating and Understanding Stochastic Processes

12:49 Impact of Strait of Hormuz Closure

14:19 Challenges of AI in Economics

17:05 Betting on events and elections

21:43 Bayesian analysis and hydroxychloroquine data

23:28 Understanding data and judgment

26:38 Analyzing data for better decisions

Why ‘Data-Driven Decisions’ Are a Myth

On this episode of Data Driven, hosts Frank La Vigne and Candace Gillhoolley are joined by hardware and open source expert Michael Makowski to discuss the shifting landscape of developer workstations and AI hardware. As Windows usage declines among developers and AI engineers, Linux is experiencing a surge in desktop adoption. Michael takes us inside the latest efforts to make Linux not just accessible, but enterprise-grade—sharing how his team is driving advancements in stability, reliability, and user experience for validated Linux hardware.

We talk about the dramatic improvements in Linux desktop support, the importance of privacy and avoiding surveillance-driven proprietary systems, and the game-changing features coming to market—like automated system rollback and curated app installs. Plus, we explore the current state of gaming on Linux, the technical edge unified memory brings to AI development, and why companies are increasingly opting for supported, Linux-based workstations. Whether you’re Linux-curious, rethinking your hardware choices, or just passionate about the future of developer tools and data engineering, this conversation will equip you for what’s next.

Links

 * Mike's Company Website - https://kfocus.org/
 * Mike's LinkedIn Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-mikowski-7601393/
 * Watch this show on YouTube - https://youtu.be/E03EObEa2lQ


Time Stamps

00:00 Website security concerns and solutions

05:03 Supporting KDE for long-term stability

09:45 Desktop environment compatibility issues

10:46 Conflicts in desktop environments

15:07 AMD vs Intel & Nvidia Performance

18:58 Showing the production site

23:49 Steam's Linux runtime environment

25:43 Running Windows games on Linux

29:47 Concerns about software privacy issues

33:31 Migrating from Windows challenges

37:48 Setting up machine learning hardware

41:31 Resolving system issues efficiently

42:59 Setting up a VPN correctly

47:40 Running VMs on alternative OS

52:49 Upcoming OS Upgrade Details

56:19 Rigorous testing and development process

57:25 Tuning BTRFS for performance

Bulletproof KDE and Why Linux is Winning Over Developers

In this episode of Data Driven, we're diving into the rapidly evolving world of agentic AI—where autonomous AI agents collaborate, communicate, and occasionally collide. Our guest, Vlad Luzin, co-founder and CTO of Band, joins us to explore the technical challenges and real-world implications of building collaboration layers for agents that act like distributed, non-deterministic microservices.

We’ll unpack the myths and realities surrounding orchestration, governance, and security, and discuss how enterprises can operationalize these agent ecosystems safely. Tune in as we share lessons learned, amusing engineering mishaps, and get a glimpse of what the future holds as agents become everyday colleagues in the digital enterprise.

Links

 * Vlad's LinkedIn Profile -https://www.linkedin.com/in/luzin/
 * Watch this episode on YouTube -https://youtu.be/MZztFagEX_E
 * Band Website -https://www.band.ai/
 * Band Docs -https://docs.band.ai/


Time Stamps

00:00 Explaining orchestration in tech

03:42 Understanding models and harnesses

09:38 Misconceptions about A2A communication

10:41 Understanding multi-agent systems

16:18 Observability for distributed systems

18:54 Agent communication and collaboration

24:28 Unauthorized agent interactions

25:49 Remote agent collaboration ideas

28:54 How foundational AI models communicate

33:20 Agent communication protocols overview

35:39 Discussing tech standards and AI velocity

40:53 Learning to Work with AI Agents

42:41 Using Band AI tools

Connectivity and Trust in Agentic AI -Overcoming Distributed Challenges with Band

Imagine waking up to find a thousand AI agents silently making decisions across your company—and no one knows exactly what they're accessing.

In this episode of Data Driven, hosts Frank La Vigne and Andy Leonard sit down with Ron Longo, CEO of Trustlogix, to explore the evolving landscape of AI governance, security, and data engineering. As enterprises race to integrate AI at unprecedented speed, the noise and confusion have never been greater. Ron Longo unveils the concept of the AI control plane with a "kill switch," discusses the real-world challenges of securing both human and non-human agents, and explains why classic best practices—like least privilege and prompt engineering—are more important than ever in an era where machines operate at breakneck pace.

Join us as we dive into how Trustlogix keeps enterprise data safe, why innovation must balance with protection, and what it takes to build systems resilient enough for the next wave of AI-driven change. Whether you’re a data engineer, business leader, or just AI-curious, this episode brings practical insights and lively stories from the front lines of AI governance.

Links

 * Ron's LinkedIn profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronlongo/
 * TrustLogix Web site - https://www.trustlogix.ai/
 * TheDingo - https://www.thedingo.ai/


Time Stamps

00:00 Managing data security threats

05:08 Developing the kill switch concept

07:20 Enforcing least privilege access

12:43 AI communication challenges and best practices

15:40 Revoking agents and data access

19:25 AI kill switch for security

22:00 Managing data access with control plane

25:59 Applying AI to complex environments

29:45 Discussing data engineering basics

32:16 Language experts' unique advantage

33:49 Creating an app with Claude AI

37:09 Balancing AI and security in enterprises

43:43 AI's impact on job roles

44:51 Learning from Air Force RFP

Wrangling a Thousand AI Agents: Control, Auditability, and Emergency Shutdowns

As we launch season 10, your favorite semi-sentient British AI co-host returns to the microphone alongside Frank La Vigne for a compelling exploration of what it truly means to be a data-driven organization.

In this episode, Frank sits down with Sebastian Wernicke, author of "Data Inspired" and renowned expert in data and AI strategy, to discuss why turning data into action remains a formidable challenge for so many organizations.

Together, they dive into the enduring gap between data insights and meaningful change, the crucial role of leaders in fostering cultures of evidence and inquiry, and why technology alone won’t move the needle without the buy-in—and sometimes the irrationality—of humans.

From the evolution of data culture and the pitfalls of management by numbers, to the psychological barriers that lead to "data frustration," this episode offers a candid, nuanced look at the real obstacles standing in the way of better decisions.

Links

Sebastian Wernicke on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wernicke/

Watch this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/2qP4p0YKxI8

Data Inspired (affiliate link) - https://amzn.to/4xkCuBV

Time Stamps

Why Data Driven Cultures Succeed and Technology Alone Falls Short

In this episode, we dive into the rapidly evolving world of AI in the financial sector.

Frank La Vigne and Candace Gillhoolley are joined by Daniel Yoo, founder and CEO of Finmate AI, a company at the forefront of custom agentic AI solutions for financial advisors.

Together, they explore how artificial intelligence is transforming internal operations for advisors, the surprising openness of the finance industry to new data practices, and the commodification of once elite services thanks to advanced automation. The conversation also unpacks industry challenges, from regulatory hurdles to the shifting pipeline of talent in both engineering and finance.

Whether you're interested in the technical underpinnings of agentic AI, policy changes in fintech, or the broader societal implications of AI-driven automation, this episode is packed with insights for data and finance professionals alike.

Links

 * Daniel on LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/smyoo/
 * FinMate's Websitehttps://finmate.ai/
 * Watch this episode on YouTube -https://youtu.be/NV5zOiOXhI0


Time Stamps

00:00 Industry's response to data policies

03:28 The closure of White's Ferry

09:14 Improving AI for form filling

11:19 Releasing new Notetaker features

14:49 Different approaches to technology integration

18:33 Comparing tool to movie exo suit

23:04 Human capital in financial industry

24:34 AI assisting financial advisors

28:58 AI automating podcast tasks

30:20 Challenges in AI development costs

35:15 Son opting out of computer class

39:47 Early computing and gaming memories

41:03 Convincing parents about computer science

44:10 Finding Finmate AI online

Navigating the Wild West of AI in Finance: Policies, Pitfalls, and Opportunities

In this episode, Frank La Vigne sits down with his Red Hat colleague Christopher Newland for a deep dive into the evolving challenges and opportunities at the intersection of AI, open source, and enterprise technology.

Fresh off attending both IBM Think and Red Hat Summit, Christopher Newland shares insights from two very different industry perspectives—executive strategy and hands-on engineering. Together, they explore the elusive “last mile” problem in AI adoption, the rise of agentic systems, the critical role of harnesses and runtimes, and why memory management is becoming the next frontier.

Plus, they discuss the practical realities and future potential of tools like OpenShift AI, IBM Bob, and open source alternatives. Whether you’re a developer grappling with implementation details or a leader focused on ROI, this episode has something for everyone navigating today’s fast-changing AI landscape.

Links

 * Christopher on LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjnuland/
 * Watch this episode on YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlkPPt5YeY0


Time Stamps

00:00 Comparing IBM Exec and Red Hat Conferences

05:24 Challenges in AI implementation

06:56 Challenges in scaling microservices

11:38 Integrating AI with project management

14:23 Debate on AI model vs. harness

16:54 Discussing model evolution and limitations

22:54 Affordable Power BI Courses Bundle

25:19 Separating and managing runtimes

27:02 Using semantic routing for requests

30:15 Agent memory and compression basics

36:02 New AI approach and vision

38:49 Developing a multi-agent system

40:40 Importance of data chunking

Token Economy and AI Agents: The Final Hurdles in Enterprise Deployment

In this episode, hosts Frank La Vigne and Candace Gillhoolley sit down with Angus Nelson—author, podcaster, and expert on leadership and human potential in the age of AI. Together, they dive deep into the rapidly changing landscape of technology and work, exploring how relentless market volatility, AI advancements, and global complexity are putting unprecedented stress on individuals and organizations alike.

Angus Nelson shares insights from his book, "Neuro Resilient Leader: The Internal Operating System for Leading at the Speed of Change," challenging the notion that grinding harder is the key to success. Instead, he argues that true leadership today demands clarity, capacity, and composure—and that our biggest challenges are rooted not in strategy or data, but in our internal operating systems and mindset.

Tune in as they unpack the myths of grind culture, the critical importance of mental well-being in the digital era, and practical ways to protect and elevate our collective "brain capital." Whether you're a leader, an independent contributor, or simply navigating a chaotic world, this episode offers hope, inspiration, and actionable advice on how to stay human—and thrive—in an increasingly automated world.

Links

 * Angus' LinkedIn Profile -https://www.linkedin.com/in/angusnelson/
 * Angus' Website -https://angusnelson.com
 * Angus' Coaching Website-https://neuroresilientleader.com
 * Get the Book Free -https://freebook.vip
 * Get the paperbook on Amazon -https://amzn.to/4w1uHIf


Time Stamps

00:00 Challenges of adapting to AI changes

07:15 Finding internal clarity and value

09:54 Influences on self-belief

13:38 Impact of technology on brain health

16:07 AI and creativity debate

20:03 Changing nature of creativity and work

22:30 AI's role in company differentiation

25:24 Embracing a new lifestyle

29:02 Facing self-doubt on success path

31:22 Embracing change and transformation

35:34 Overcoming self-imposed limitations

41:08 Identity shift realization

42:30 Energetic exchange and authenticity

48:14 Living abroad during COVID

49:05 Download free book PDF

54:38 Finding your inner power

55:32 Thanking Frank and Candice

The Neuroresilient Leader - Staying Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

 In this week’s show, Frank La Vigne sits down with data and analytics engineer Wasim Rana for a deep dive into the realities of building, managing, and securing data infrastructure in modern businesses.

Together, they explore the critical challenge of preventing data lakes from turning into data swamps, the practical pipeline from raw to curated data—including the increasingly popular bronze, silver, and gold layering approach—and the vital role of governance in today’s data-heavy world. Waseem Rana shares insights from his hands-on experience with AWS, Snowflake, and transforming messy datasets into actionable business intelligence.

The conversation also takes a look at the evolving landscape of data engineering amid AI advancements, what skills data professionals need to stay ahead, and how future architectures may blend data lakes, warehouses, and vector databases for AI-driven analytics. Whether you’re a data engineer, business leader, or just curious about the future of data, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Links

 * Wasim's LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamwasimrana/
 * Wasim's GitHub -https://github.com/wasimranacse
 * Watch on YouTube -https://youtu.be/8oGEEN6Bubk
 * Podcast Episode Mentioned:
 * The AI Driven Leader: Rethinking Strategy, Decision Making, and Personal Growth -https://datadriven.tv/episodes/the-ai-driven-leader-rethinking-strategy-decision-making-and-personal-growth/
 * Book mentioned:
 * The AI-Driven Leader: Harnessing AI to Make Faster, Smarter Decisions
 * Hardcover -https://amzn.to/4crqshx
 * Kindle -https://amzn.to/4u8rVPS
 * Audiobook -https://amzn.to/3Qqsc1X


Time Stamp

00:00 Working as a data engineer

03:22 Using AWS for infrastructure

06:31 Transforming raw data for use

11:14 Discussing data sources and ingestion

15:51 Discussing data analysis with AI models

16:33 The future of data analytics

21:58 Importance of data governance

24:44 Evolution of data storage solutions

29:34 AI's impact on data jobs

31:20 Understanding data architecture importance

35:49 Understanding AI creativity and context

37:14 Understanding AI's lack of context

40:43 Difficulty finding meaningful connections

45:14 Using storytelling to drive change

47:44 Connecting pipelines to WooCommerce





Governance, Architecture, and the Evolving Role of Data Engineers in the AI Age

Today, we journey into the fast-evolving world of prediction markets, KPI trading, and the new frontiers of retail finance. Joining us is Candace, alongside our guest from Benzinga, a fintech innovator working to democratize financial data once reserved for Wall Street elites.

We delve into how platforms like Benzinga are leveling the playing field, making actionable market information accessible for everyone—from individual retail investors to advanced quant traders. Get ready as we unpack the rise of alternative data, the intersection of finance and AI, and whether prediction markets are the next big tool in forecasting—or just another signal to question in an increasingly complex landscape. Strap in for insights on regulation, market dynamics, and the sometimes wild personalities driving innovation in finance today!

Links

 * Andrew's LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/lebbosandrew/
 * Benzinga -https://www.benzinga.com/
 * Benzinga APIS -https://www.benzinga.com/apis/
 * Watch on YouTube -https://youtu.be/xY6mIRP1L2c


Time Stamps

00:00 Starting Benzinga to democratize info

03:22 Building financial data services

08:10 Growth through niche news coverage

12:57 Hedging with company performance

15:00 Early quant experiences at Merrill Lynch

20:07 Explaining Polymarket betting mechanics

23:34 Discussing market prediction tools

26:39 CFTC regulations on trading limits

28:04 Discussing crowdsourcing and wisdom

34:14 Exploring unique data sources

35:35 Discussing the vinyl resurgence

41:40 Finding an edge in investing

43:42 Wondering about the future of betting

47:42 Brokerage purchase options explained

50:20 Building ideas with AI tools

Alternative Data and Its Impact on Modern Investing

Data Driven: the podcast where we explore the emerging field of Data Science. We
bring the best minds in Data, Software Engineering, Machine Learning, and
Artificial Intelligence right to you every Tuesday. The field of data science
mashes up the worlds of statistics, database architecture and software
engineering. Data Scientist has been labelled by the Harvard Business Review, as
"the sexiest job of the 21st century." A quick search of job search sites reveal
that this field is in high demand. In a world where Data is the new Oil, Data
Science the new Refineries, consider this Car Talk for the Data Age. Every week
we bring the best minds in this emerging field straight to you. Our goal is to
educate and inspire our listeners so that they can be prepared to thrive in a
Data Driven world.

franklavigne

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