Welcome back to "Data Driven," the podcast where we explore the cutting edge of data science, AI, and the rapidly evolving world of data governance. 

In this episode, we sit down with Richa Kaul, founder and CEO of Complyance, an AI-driven platform transforming governance, risk, and compliance for enterprises. Drawing on her experience as a data privacy enthusiast and leader in the compliance space, Richa Kaul dives into the pressing challenges of securing sensitive data, the complexities of global compliance frameworks, and how AI both complicates and protects our interconnected world.

We discuss the pivotal role of the Chief Information Security Officer, the importance of proactive, layered security measures, and why compliance is rapidly gaining attention—not just as a regulatory checkbox, but as a central business strategy. With practical advice for both enterprises and individuals on maintaining digital privacy and security, this episode is essential listening for anyone navigating today’s high-stakes data landscape.



Timestamped overview



00:00 Privacy and security frameworks overview

03:54 Impact of Equifax data breach

06:21 Focusing on data security

09:58 Managing complex enterprise security controls

15:53 Focus on AI and information security

18:37 Learning from Fire Safety Education

20:47 Phone security in modern cyber warfare

24:48 Concerns about IoT device security

29:10 Protecting Privacy from Algorithms

30:44 Security and privacy concerns

35:23 GTA's social commentary on privacy

39:11 AI's Role in Cybersecurity Awareness

41:03 Global connectivity and surveillance issues

44:47 Ending on a positive note

How Compliance Became Cool: Richa Kaul on Security, Privacy, and AI

Welcome back to Data Driven, the podcast where we dive deep into the evolving worlds of data science, business intelligence, and artificial intelligence. In this episode, host Frank La Vigne sits down with Rob Collie, CEO of P3 Adaptive and a former Microsoft engineer, to explore the remarkable journey from Excel’s foundational role in data-driven workplaces to the transformative power of Power BI—and now, to the unfolding impact of AI in business.

Rob shares captivating stories from his time on the Excel and Power BI teams at Microsoft, offering insider perspectives on how these tools revolutionized the way organizations work with data. Together, Frank and Rob discuss the critical role of expert stewardship in products like Excel, the complexity hidden beneath familiar interfaces, and the challenges traditional BI faced before the rise of more accessible, user-centric solutions.

The conversation then turns to the cutting edge, unpacking what generative AI and large language models mean for the future of data, and why business intelligence might just be the best starting point for companies aiming to embrace AI. Whether you’re a data engineer, AI enthusiast, or business leader, this episode is packed with insights on how mastering data remains the foundation for all technological progress. Join us as we look backward and forward at what it really means to be data driven.

Links

 * Rob on LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/robcollie/
 * Fair Game: Customizing AI to Your Business Is Easier Than You Think -https://link.amazon/B0bgySLKy
 * Get a free Audiobook on Us -https://www.audible.com/ep/creator?afsrc=1&source_code=PDTGBPD060314004R


Time Stamps

00:00 Interview with Rob Collie

06:38 Managing Excel's core development team

08:28 Learning Excel's Complexity

12:15 Discovering Power BI at Microsoft

15:12 Understanding and using SSAS MDX formula

20:23 Making Power BI user-friendly

23:29 AI exceeding expectations for crafters

26:21 Founding and evolving P3 company

28:05 AI model advancements and business impact

32:34 LLM memory limitations

35:11 Integrating AI into consulting business

40:21 Challenges with training AI chatbots

41:24 Understanding AI without going deep

46:56 AI improves business intelligence

48:34 AI enhancing business intelligence

51:53 Why LLMs succeed where CPUs fail

54:29 Core skills in tech evolution

Why Business Knowledge Beats Tool Complexity in the AI Era

Welcome to another episode of Impact Quantum, where we explore the cutting edge of quantum computing and emerging technologies reshaping our world.

Today, co-hosts Frank La Vigne and Candace Gillhoolley sit down with Vivek Raghunathan, co-founder of Xscape Photonics, to delve into the revolutionary intersection of photonics, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. From comparing the astounding power efficiency of the human brain to today's AI clusters, to discussing how multicolor lasers could unlock massive advancements in data center performance and sustainability, Vivek shares how his company is tackling the growing power demands of AI by reimagining the future of hardware.

We’ll hear why the traditional focus on faster processors is giving way to a new era where the speed and efficiency of inter-chip communication—powered by light, not electricity—becomes the key to smarter, greener computing.

Tune in as we decode the transformation of data center architecture, explore the practical and philosophical implications of merging photonics and electronics, and peek into how today’s innovations lay the foundation for tomorrow’s quantum breakthroughs.

Whether you’re a seasoned technologist or just quantum-curious, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!

Links

 * Vivek on LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivek-raghunathan-8228913a/
 * XScape Photonics -https://www.xscapephotonics.com/
 * Watch on YouTube -https://youtu.be/NcXWZyPuyqE


Time Stamps

00:00 Discussing Montreal weather transition

05:04 AI efficiency and power use

10:14 Advancing data transfer on copper wires

11:31 Copper vs. fiber optics limits

17:13 Optical cables replacing copper wires

20:36 Quantum computing and comb lasers

24:32 Integrating electronics and photonics

27:40 AI efficiency and energy consumption

31:54 Photonics on 12-inch wafers

33:39 Analog computation basics

37:50 Transition to photonic computing

42:24 Data center strategy discussions

45:32 NVIDIA's holistic system design approach

47:05 High-bandwidth cluster discussion

51:31 Reducing data center power consumption

53:42 Candace and Frank on podcasts

Bridging AI and Human Intelligence – Multicolor Lasers and the Future of Photonic Computing

In this episode, Frank La Vigne sits down with Sandeep Pauddar, Head of Digital Trust at DQS, to explore the fast-evolving world of digital trust, compliance, and data security. From the growing complexities of global regulations, to the increasing intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and enterprise risk, Sandeep Pauddar shares real-world stories—including personal experiences with AI-driven phishing—and breaks down how organizations can foster a security-aware culture. Whether you're leading a startup or a global enterprise, tune in for actionable insights on building digital trust, navigating the compliance landscape, and why organizational leadership plays a crucial role in keeping data secure.

Links

 * Sandeep on LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandeep-pauddar/
 * DQS Global -https://www.dqsglobal.com/
 * Extreme Ownership -https://amzn.to/4zZRiH8
 * Get a Free Audible Book -https://www.audible.com/ep/creator?afsrc=1&source_code=PDTGBPD060314004R
 * Watch on YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dF4D5hYM7Yw


Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction and guest welcome

05:00 AI data security in various industries

06:44 Department collaboration on AI and compliance

10:58 Information security standards overview

14:23 Balancing Innovation and Standardization

18:14 Navigating global AI regulations

22:14 Regulatory advice for startup founders

25:33 Discussing common patterns in failures

28:24 Discussing link metadata in apps

33:09 Security threats and personal story

37:11 Challenges in adopting security systems

38:32 Insurance and breach response policies

43:21 Promoting Extreme Ownership on Audible

45:01 Finding more about Claude Academy

Digital Trust in Practice: Compliance, AI, and Human Factors with Sandeep Pauddar

Welcome back to another episode of Data Driven!

This time, hosts Andy Leonard and Frank La Vigne sit down with Jim Spignardo, Director of Cloud Strategy and AI Enablement at ProArch, to explore the transformative role of AI and data engineering in critical industries. From the challenges of bringing modern AI solutions into traditional sectors like power generation and manufacturing, to the real-world impact of tools like Copilot, this episode dives deep into automation, return on investment, and the importance of outcome-driven technology adoption.

Along the way, Jim Spignardo shares hands-on stories and key lessons learned, such as how modernization happens gradually in high-stakes environments, and why ROI modeling and project management are crucial to successful innovation. Whether you’re curious about Azure AI Foundry or the future of workplace automation, this is an episode packed with practical insights and tales from the cutting edge of AI implementation.

Links

 * Jim on LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/spignardo/
 * Watch on YouTube -https://youtu.be/XBDpsi4f0YY


Time Stamps

00:00 ROI Journey with Copilot

04:57 Building with Azure AI Foundry

08:23 Implementing AI for Power Plants

12:22 Discussing 19.2K networks in power plants

14:00 Ensuring data security in devices

17:59 Cloud integration for IT operations

23:30 Discussing RPO, RTO, and ROI modeling

24:48 Switching from hobbyist to manufacturing

30:15 Introducing our AI platform Vector

34:34 AI Spend and ROI Dashboard

36:47 Improving meeting notes integration

40:48 AI in Manufacturing for Troubleshooting

45:41 Managing AI Tool Adoption

47:51 Tracking ROI and user intensity

52:03 Consulting firms spotting product chances

55:17 Increasing delivery speed with AI

56:55 Automating the house routine

AI Adoption in Power Plants and Beyond – Trends, Challenges, and ROI Insights

In this episode, hosts Frank La Vigne and Andy Leonard sit down with Lawrence Snapp, CEO and board member of TrustScale, an innovative AI trust and verification platform. Together, they explore the crucial topic of trust in artificial intelligence—how hallucinations from AI models can spiral out of control and why it’s essential to catch them early.

Lawrence Snapp pulls back the curtain on TrustScale’s journey from early AI and translation work in the 1980s and call center solutions, to its modern-day mission: empowering humans to verify and trust AI outputs with products like Argus.

You’ll hear about real-world impacts in fields like healthcare, legal, and research, learn how TrustScale’s deterministic engine outpaces humans in hallucination detection, and dive into debates around truth, trustworthiness, and the future of configuring AI values. Whether you’re an industry veteran or just curious about how we build trustworthy AI, this episode is packed with insights on technology, responsibility, and the power of rigorous engineering.

Links

 * Watch on YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjM7lxn3Qk8
 * Lawrence on LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-snapp-408339/


Time Stamps

00:00 Funny AI-generated story

03:37 Company's Evolution from Translation to AI

07:32 Developing the TrustScale engine

11:35 Using AI for collaboration

13:39 Building a trust scoring system

18:12 Working at BASF and AI testing

19:32 New developments in voice assistants

23:41 Trust scale and company confidence

26:13 AI mishap in medical drama

32:48 Overcoming AI recency and cost challenges

36:54 AI's impact on career growth

38:50 Interviewing and developing talent

43:31 Starting with Polaroids and AI goals

46:54 Discussing TrustScale and AI interactions

50:42 Empowering AI customization for users

51:45 AI ethics discussion in Los Altos

Building Trust in AI – Lawrence Snap on Hallucination Detection and the Future of TrustScale

In this episode, host Andy Leonard sits down with Ilan Man, founder and CEO of Paradox Machines, a full-stack data and AI company based in Brooklyn. Ilan shares his fascinating journey from an actuarial career to the dynamic field of data science, exploring the rise of big data, the art of translating complex mathematics into code, and the importance of numeracy in society.

Together, they discuss the paradoxes at the heart of data and AI, the challenges of decision-making under uncertainty, and why intuition, risk management, and storytelling remain critical in a world driven by data. Whether you're a data enthusiast, decision-maker, or just curious about how numbers shape our lives, this conversation delivers valuable insights and a healthy dose of skepticism about the limits, and possibilities, of analytics.

Links

 * https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanman/


Time Stamps

00:00 Starting a career in data science

03:34 Discovering a career in actuarial science

08:17 Learning coding and joining Squarespace

11:40 Understanding Probability in Code

15:36 Questioning Confidence in Decision-Making

20:06 Discussing COVID vaccine effectiveness

21:09 Understanding vaccine effectiveness

24:41 Consumers interacting with unpredictable AI

29:35 Discussing disease perception and interpretation

33:01 Casino audiobook and extra details

35:41 Balancing data-driven decisions

40:07 Career journey to founding Paradox

40:49 Building a data platform with AI

46:41 Data's Role in Decision Making

47:30 Value and limits of data-driven decisions

Numeracy, Probability, and Business – Embracing Randomness for Better Decisions

In this episode, Frank La Vigne sits down with Pradnesh Patil, co-founder and CEO of Altima AI, to explore how AI is revolutionizing the world of data engineering. Together, they dive into the challenges of modern data stacks, the explosion of tools and technologies, and how AI-powered agents are transforming the way data teams build and maintain complex systems. From automating data pipeline management to optimizing infrastructure and safeguarding governance, Pradnesh Patil shares insights on the next wave of data engineering and what the future holds for professionals in the field. Whether you’re a veteran data engineer or a student curious about the evolving landscape, this episode offers practical advice, industry trends, and an optimistic look at how embracing AI can supercharge your career and your organization’s capabilities.

Links

 * Pradnesh's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pradneshpatil/
 * Watch on YouTube -https://youtu.be/vxQrjE-U3gw


Time Stamps

00:00 Evolution of data technology tools

04:11 Managing tool stack complexity

09:09 Discussion on AI guardrails and future

10:55 Managing MCB server outputs

14:32 Streamlining Data Pipeline Efficiency

18:48 Managing and Deleting Memories

21:12 AI security and virtual employees

27:16 AI transforming jobs and automation

30:43 Impact of AI on IT Industry

32:32 Upgrading legacy systems with AI

37:10 Importance of Data Engineering

39:10 Changing role of data managers

42:45 Home lab challenges and data management

Tackling Data Engineering Challenges with Autonomous AI Agents

In this episode, hosts Candace Gillhoolley and Frank La Vigne are joined by Neil Katz, Chief Product Officer at Valantor AI—a four-time Emmy winner whose unconventional journey spans from technology startups to award-winning journalism, and now to the forefront of enterprise AI innovation.

Neil shares his unique perspective on the evolution of AI, from the early days of digital design and machine learning, to building large-scale AI and document intelligence platforms for major organizations. The conversation explores the critical challenges of knowledge extraction, document comprehension, and securing sensitive data in today's era of sovereign AI. Together, they uncover the hidden complexities behind Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), discuss the importance of hybrid search strategies, and reflect on where the field is heading as enterprise needs push the boundaries of what AI can do.

Whether you're a data professional, an AI enthusiast, or just curious about how language models are transforming how we understand information, you won’t want to miss this candid and thought-provoking deep dive into the future of AI and data integrity.

Links

 * Neil on LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilkatz/
 * Watch on YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf8qifz_RL8


Time Stamps

00:00 Early career in tech and journalism

04:01 Early consumer AI experiences

06:49 Early AI and machine learning developments

11:43 Anthropic's new findings on AI models

16:15 Data sovereignty in AI systems

19:27 Implementing open source AI models

22:49 Breaking down documents for models

25:45 Understanding the RAG system process

28:47 Challenges in AI data processing

31:22 Challenges in RAG with Insurance Data

36:35 Understanding and managing data security

39:35 Early days with OpenAI GPT

40:48 Explaining vector and similarity search

46:57 The evolution of computing models

47:29 Computing evolution to cloud and edge

Unlocking Enterprise Knowledge – AI, Document Comprehension, and the Future of RAG

In this episode, Frank sits down with Devansh Devansh, founder and head of AI at Iris, whose journey spans from building a thriving tech community of over 10,000 on Substack to developing advanced legal AI tools that revolutionize how lawyers work through complex reasoning.

The conversation explores Devansh Devanche's unconventional path into AI, his experiences navigating the evolving landscape of machine learning, and the unique challenges of creating transparent, trustworthy agentic systems in legal tech. Along the way, we uncover the story behind his distinctive "chocolate milk cult leader" branding, his philosophy on startup building, and why he believes that innovation in AI is more accessible than it may seem.

Whether you’re a technologist, a lawyer, or just curious about the future of AI, this is an episode packed with insight, optimism, and actionable advice.

Links

 * Devansh on LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/devansh-devansh-516004168/
 * Devansh on SubStack -https://substack.com/@chocolatemilkcultleader


Time Stamps

00:00 Transitioning to Substack and AI Journey

05:32 Starting to publish research insights

07:37 Connecting with Senior Leaders

13:27 Issues with Legal AI Systems

16:55 Challenges with current AI systems

19:49 Demand for AI in legal and non-legal sectors

23:29 Challenges with AI system state management

24:51 Compounding AI returns over time

30:50 Meeting the CEO of Iris

34:20 Tailoring Startup Strategy to Strengths

36:26 Insights on Cluli's Market Presence

40:27 Opportunities in AI Innovation

42:57 Reflecting on market evolutions

Demystifying State in AI: Smarter Reasoning and Real-World Legal Applications

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 Tu

Data Driven · Zencastr

Data Driven

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.