The Data Stack Show
Each week we’ll talk to data engineers, analysts, and data scientists about their experience around building and maintaining data infrastructure, delivering data and data products, and driving better outcomes across their businesses with data.
252: What the Heck is Happening in Data Right Now with the Cynical Data Guy
This week on The Data Stack Show, Eric and John welcome back Matt Kelliher-Gibson for another edition of the Cynical Data Guy. The group explores the current state of data engineering and team dynamics while critically examining the evolving landscape of analytics engineering, dissecting the hype around the modern data stack and its tools. The conversation also explores the challenges of data team management, including headcount reductions, rising technology costs, and the struggle to maintain efficiency. Key discussions revolve around the need for open standards, the impact of AI on data roles, the complex hiring practices in tech startups...
The PRQL: Data Engineering in 2025: Tooling, Headcount, and Survival Strategies with the Cynical Data Guy
The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, customer data infrastructure that enables you to deliver real-time customer event data everywhere it’s needed to power smarter decisions and better customer experiences. Each week, we’ll talk to data engineers, analysts, and data scientists about their experience around building and maintaining data infrastructure, delivering data and data products, and driving better outcomes across their businesses with data.
RudderStack helps businesses make the most out of their customer data while ensuring data privacy and security. To learn more about RudderStack visit rudderstack.com.
251: Data Teams at the Crossroads: Proving Value in a Changing Business Landscape with Ben Rogojan
Highlights from this week’s conversation include:
Technical Freelancer Academy & Consulting Community (1:21)Evolution of Data Teams and Technology (2:52)Data Team Growth and Output vs. Outcome (4:47)Internal Optimization vs. Client-Facing Data Work (7:23)Audience, Delivery Mechanisms, and Actionability (12:40)Proving ROI and Prioritizing Work (15:27)Practical Tips for Data Team-Business Alignment (18:31)Dealing with Vanity and Security Blanket Metrics (23:39)AI’s Impact on Data Workflows (27:07)BI Tools, AI Integration, and Dashboards (32:25)Top Skills for Data Professionals (37:27)Career Growth: Technical, Communication, and Business Skills (42:02)Show, Don’t Tell: Prototyping and Feedback (44:37)Taking Initiative and Risk in Data Roles (50:21)Parting Advice and Closing Thoughts (51:16)The Da...
The PRQL: Beyond Dashboards: Selling Data Value to the Business with Ben Rogojan
The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, customer data infrastructure that enables you to deliver real-time customer event data everywhere it’s needed to power smarter decisions and better customer experiences. Each week, we’ll talk to data engineers, analysts, and data scientists about their experience around building and maintaining data infrastructure, delivering data and data products, and driving better outcomes across their businesses with data.
RudderStack helps businesses make the most out of their customer data while ensuring data privacy and security. To learn more about RudderStack visit rudderstack.com.
250: The Chat Interface Debate: Is Text Really the Future?
Highlights from this week’s conversation include:
Dashboard vs. Chatbot Discussion (1:40)The Future of Chat Interfaces (3:03)Vibe Revenue Concept (6:36)AI's Early Days Compared to the Internet (10:14)OpenAI and Hardware Collaboration (13:09)Challenges of Hardware Development (16:20)Productivity in Programming Languages (18:18)Critique of 'Language is Dead' Posts (21:34)Legacy Systems in Use (22:34)Deterministic vs. Non-Deterministic Workflows (23:37)Final Thoughts and Takeaways (23:45)The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, customer data infrastructure that enables you to deliver real-time customer event data everywhere it’s needed to power smarter decisions and better customer experiences. Each week, we’ll talk to data e...
249: Quacking Through Data: Duckdb's Emerging Ecosystem
This week on The Data Stack Show, John Wessel and Matt Kelliher-Gibson dive into the recent Duck Lake announcement, exploring the evolving landscape of data analytics technologies. They discuss DuckDB's role as a lightweight, local analytics database and its potential as a caching layer for open table formats like Iceberg. The conversation also highlights the current state of data storage standards, focusing on agreements around Parquet and Iceberg, while noting the ongoing complexity in catalog management. Key takeaways include the importance of local compute solutions, the early stage of open table formats, and the potential for simplified data infrastructure...
248: AI and BI: The Future of Data Analytics with Michael Driscoll of Rill Data
This week on The Data Stack Show, Eric and John welcome Michael Driscoll, Co-Founder and CEO of Rill Data. Mike discusses the transformative impact of AI on business intelligence (BI) and data analytics. He also explores the shift from traditional dashboard-based tools to more dynamic, code-driven, and AI-powered interfaces that provide deeper insights. During the conversation, the group emphasizes the importance of a metrics-first approach, the potential of leapfrog architectures using technologies like data lakes and real-time analytical databases, and how AI agents are increasingly becoming the primary users of data tools. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of...
The PRQL: The Metrics-First Approach: Transforming How We Understand Data with Michael Driscoll of Rill Data
The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, customer data infrastructure that enables you to deliver real-time customer event data everywhere it’s needed to power smarter decisions and better customer experiences. Each week, we’ll talk to data engineers, analysts, and data scientists about their experience around building and maintaining data infrastructure, delivering data and data products, and driving better outcomes across their businesses with data.
RudderStack helps businesses make the most out of their customer data while ensuring data privacy and security. To learn more about RudderStack visit rudderstack.com.
247: Consulting Firms, AI Strategies, and the $100K Question with the Cynical Data Guy
Highlights from this week’s conversation include:
The Cynical Data Guy Returns (1:11)Klarna's AI Shift (2:08)Sensational Headlines in Tech (4:31)Impact of AI on Jobs (8:19)Cost of AI Strategy (10:21)Consulting Strategies and Company Differentiation (12:26)Brand Recognition in Consulting (14:48)Critique of Outsourcing Thought (17:10)Future of Consulting with AI (19:37)The Fragility of Data Systems (21:32)Primitive Data Stacks (24:05)Cynical Data Scientist Epitaph (00:26:06)Rebranding Data Science (27:40)Parting Thoughts and Takeaways (30:14)The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, customer data infrastructure that enables you to deliver real-time customer event data everywhere it’s needed to power smarter decisions and bett...
The PRQL: Cynical Data Guy: Unpacking Tech's Latest Hype Cycles
The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, customer data infrastructure that enables you to deliver real-time customer event data everywhere it’s needed to power smarter decisions and better customer experiences. Each week, we’ll talk to data engineers, analysts, and data scientists about their experience around building and maintaining data infrastructure, delivering data and data products, and driving better outcomes across their businesses with data.
RudderStack helps businesses make the most out of their customer data while ensuring data privacy and security. To learn more about RudderStack visit rudderstack.com.
246: AI, Abstractions, and the Future of Data Engineering with Pete Hunt of Dagster
Highlights from this week’s conversation include:
Pete's Background and Journey in Data (1:36)Evolution of Data Practices (3:02)Integration Challenges with Acquired Companies (5:13)Trust and Safety as a Service (8:12)Transition to Dagster (11:26)Value Creation in Networking (14:42)Observability in Data Pipelines (18:44)The Era of Big Complexity (21:38)Abstraction as a Tool for Complexity (24:41)Composability and Workflow Engines (28:08)The Need for Guardrails (33:13)AI in Development Tools (36:24)Internal Components Marketplace (40:14)Reimagining Data Integration (43:03)Importance of Abstraction in Data Tools (46:17)Parting Advice for Listeners and Closing Thoughts (48:01)The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, customer data infrastructure that enables yo...
The PRQL: Breaking Down Silos: Collaborative Data Engineering in the AI Era with Pete Hunt of Dagster
The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, customer data infrastructure that enables you to deliver real-time customer event data everywhere it’s needed to power smarter decisions and better customer experiences. Each week, we’ll talk to data engineers, analysts, and data scientists about their experience around building and maintaining data infrastructure, delivering data and data products, and driving better outcomes across their businesses with data.
RudderStack helps businesses make the most out of their customer data while ensuring data privacy and security. To learn more about RudderStack visit rudderstack.com.
245: The Future of Data: Postgres, Iceberg, and Operational Analytics with Pranav Aurora of Mooncake Labs
Highlights from this week’s conversation include:
Pranav’s Background and Journey in Data (1:10)Backstory of Mooncake Labs (2:05)PostgreSQL as a Force (4:47)Curiosity in Product Management (7:33)Challenges with Iceberg (11:12)Go-to-Market Strategy (13:52)Building Community Engagement (15:56)Importance of Feedback (18:26)AI Integration in Mooncake Labs (21:29)Innovation in data interaction (23:49)PostgreSQL and startup growth (28:41)Core component of business strategy (31:20)The Origin of the name Mooncake Labs (34:12)Upcoming Product Release (38:40)Connecting with Mooncake Labs and Parting Thoughts (42:49)The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, the CDP for developers. Each week we’ll talk to data engineers, analysts, and data s...
The PRQL: Zero to One: Navigating the Challenges of a Data Infrastructure Startup
The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, the CDP for developers. Each week we’ll talk to data engineers, analysts, and data scientists about their experience around building and maintaining data infrastructure, delivering data and data products, and driving better outcomes across their businesses with data.
RudderStack helps businesses make the most out of their customer data while ensuring data privacy and security. To learn more about RudderStack visit rudderstack.com.
244: Postgres to ClickHouse: Simplifying the Modern Data Stack with Aaron Katz & Sai Krishna Srirampur
Highlights from this week’s conversation include:
Background of ClickHouse (1:14)PostgreSQL Data Replication Tool (3:19)Emerging Technologies Observations (7:25)Observability and Market Dynamics (11:26)Product Development Challenges (12:39)Challenges with PostgreSQL Performance (15:30)Philosophy of Open Source (18:01)Open Source Advantages (22:56)Simplified Stack Vision (24:48)End-to-End Use Cases (28:13)Migration Strategies (30:21)Final Thoughts and Takeaways (33:29)The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, the CDP for developers. Each week we’ll talk to data engineers, analysts, and data scientists about their experience around building and maintaining data infrastructure, delivering data and data products, and driving better outcomes across their businesses with data.
The PRQL: Data Migration Made Easy: Postgres, ClickHouse, and the Future of Analytics with Aaron Katz and Sai Krishna Srirampur
The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, the CDP for developers. Each week we’ll talk to data engineers, analysts, and data scientists about their experience around building and maintaining data infrastructure, delivering data and data products, and driving better outcomes across their businesses with data.
RudderStack helps businesses make the most out of their customer data while ensuring data privacy and security. To learn more about RudderStack visit rudderstack.com.
243: The Data Economy: Turning Information into a Tradable Commodity with Viktor Kessler of Vakamo
Highlights from this week’s conversation include:
Viktor's Background and Journey in Data (1:20)Evolution of Data Architecture (4:41)The Lakehouse Concept (7:12)Open Source Innovation (11:05)Data Production and Decentralization (15:06)Governance in Decentralized Systems (18:53)Data Economy and Monetization (21:15)Security Concerns in Data Processing (24:21)Impact on Data Consumers (27:37)Compaction Issues in Data Tables (29:39)Open Source Lake Keeper Tool and Parting Thoughts (33:02)The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, the CDP for developers. Each week we’ll talk to data engineers, analysts, and data scientists about their experience around building and maintaining data infrastructure, delivering data and data prod...
The PRQL: Governance, Flexibility, and the Future of Enterprise Data with Viktor Kessler of Vakamo
The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, the CDP for developers. Each week we’ll talk to data engineers, analysts, and data scientists about their experience around building and maintaining data infrastructure, delivering data and data products, and driving better outcomes across their businesses with data.
RudderStack helps businesses make the most out of their customer data while ensuring data privacy and security. To learn more about RudderStack visit rudderstack.com.
242: The Data Convergence: How Operational and Analytical Data Are Merging with Ruben Burdin of Stacksync
Highlights from this week’s conversation include:
Ruben's Background (1:14)Defining Operational Data (5:20)The Convergence of Operational and Analytical Data (10:53)Evolution from Data Warehousing to Fulfillment Centers (13:19)Challenges of API Integration (18:25)Understanding Data Complexity (22:18)Database vs. API Calls (25:32)Real-Time Database Views (28:15)The Evolution of Data Technology (32:37)Future Topics on PostgreSQL Scaling and Parting Thoughts (34:02)The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, the CDP for developers. Each week we’ll talk to data engineers, analysts, and data scientists about their experience around building and maintaining data infrastructure, delivering data and data products, and driving better outc...
The PRQL: Two-Way Sync: The Future of Database Communication with Ruben Burdin of Stacksync
The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, the CDP for developers. Each week we’ll talk to data engineers, analysts, and data scientists about their experience around building and maintaining data infrastructure, delivering data and data products, and driving better outcomes across their businesses with data.
RudderStack helps businesses make the most out of their customer data while ensuring data privacy and security. To learn more about RudderStack visit rudderstack.com.
241: Marketing Meets Data: Measuring Impact and Driving Results with Pedram Navid of Dagster Labs
Highlights from this week’s conversation include:
Pedram’s Background and Journey in Data (1:13)Marketing vs. Data Engineering (2:30)Understanding Marketing Pressures (4:16)Attribution Models and Accountability (8:13)Balancing Marketing and Team Management (12:25)Introduction to Dagster Components (15:00)AI Integration with Data Engineering (19:05)Challenges in Data Support (22:05)Self-Service Data Access (26:07)AI in Data Management (28:25)Organizing Data in Technical Teams (31:25)Challenges in Real-Time Data (33:28)Final Thoughts and Takeaways (37:01)The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, the CDP for developers. Each week we’ll talk to data engineers, analysts, and data scientists about their experience around building and maintaining data i...
The PRQL: Shifting Gears: From Code to Marketing in the Data World with Pedram Navid of Dagster Labs
The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, the CDP for developers. Each week we’ll talk to data engineers, analysts, and data scientists about their experience around building and maintaining data infrastructure, delivering data and data products, and driving better outcomes across their businesses with data.
RudderStack helps businesses make the most out of their customer data while ensuring data privacy and security. To learn more about RudderStack visit rudderstack.com.
240: Data Council Insights from a Waymo: Postgres and the Future of the Data Stack
Highlights from this week’s conversation include:
Recording from a Waymo (0:54)Future of Data Technology (2:45)AI Integration in Data Work (4:20)Speeding Up Data Experiences (5:29)Snapshot Conversations with Founders (9:52)Diversity of Perspectives on Postgres (12:37)Cultural Significance of Database Mascots (14:09)Incubation and Success of Open Source Projects (16:43)Final Thoughts and Takeaways (17:34)The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, the CDP for developers. Each week we’ll talk to data engineers, analysts, and data scientists about their experience around building and maintaining data infrastructure, delivering data and data products, and driving better outcomes across their businesses with...
The PRQL: Data Council Debrief
The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, the CDP for developers. Each week we’ll talk to data engineers, analysts, and data scientists about their experience around building and maintaining data infrastructure, delivering data and data products, and driving better outcomes across their businesses with data.
RudderStack helps businesses make the most out of their customer data while ensuring data privacy and security. To learn more about RudderStack visit rudderstack.com.
239: How AI is Transforming Product Development with Thomas Kuckoff, Senior Product Manager at Omron Automation
Highlights from this week’s conversation include:
Introduction of Panelists (2:15)Understanding Product Development (4:42)Three Stages of Product Development (7:53)Collaboration Across Teams (11:20)Understanding Customer Pain Points (12:31)Designers, Explainers, and Sustainers Framework (15:17)AI in Product Development (18:09)Using AI Responsibly (22:53)AI in Sustaining Product Development (24:57)Brand Storytelling with AI (27:40)Tooling and AI Implementation (29:29)Pressure for AI Integration (34:05)The Importance of AI in Product Development (38:28)Contextual Advantage of AI (42:52)Evolution of Prototyping (46:11)The Balance of Speed and Critical Thinking (48:16)Understanding AI in Product Development (51:08)Navigating the Messy Process of Product Development (53:14)Final thoughts and Advice (56:32)The Data Stack Show is a we...
238: What Every Developer Needs to Know About Microservices in 2025 with Mark Fussell, Founder & CEO at Diagrid
Highlights from this week’s conversation include:
Mark’s Background and Journey in Data (1:08)Mark’s Time at Microsoft (5:33)Internal Adoption of Azure (9:20)Understanding Pain Points (11:06)Complexity in Software Development (13:15)Microservices Architecture Overview (17:15)Microservices vs. Monolith (22:08)Modernizing Legacy Applications (24:39)Dependency Management with Dapr (29:43)Infrastructure as Code (33:04)AI's Rapid Evolution and Vendor Changes (37:27)Language Models in Application Development (39:05)AI in Creative Applications (42:59)The Future of Backend Development (47:22)Streamlining Development Processes (49:29)Dapr as an Open Source Solution (51:11)Getting Started with Dapr and Parting Thoughts (51:39)The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, the CDP for developers. Each w...
The PRQL: From Monoliths to Microservices with Mark Fussell, Founder & CEO at Diagrid
The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, the CDP for developers. Each week we’ll talk to data engineers, analysts, and data scientists about their experience around building and maintaining data infrastructure, delivering data and data products, and driving better outcomes across their businesses with data.
RudderStack helps businesses make the most out of their customer data while ensuring data privacy and security. To learn more about RudderStack visit rudderstack.com.
237: Startups, Sales, and Spreadsheets: How a Real Estate Developer Built an AI Company
Highlights from this week’s conversation include:
Willz’s Background and Journey (1:25)Discussing Real Estate Data Challenges (2:58)Inspiration for Software Creation (4:05)From Spreadsheet to Software (9:04)Challenges in Ownership Identification (12:24)Company Acquisition (16:00)Pitching Investors with Data Tools (18:46)Lessons Learned from Selling the Company (21:45)The Journey to Ready (26:55)Sales Development Representatives Explained (29:22)Role of Data in Sales (33:30)Real-Time Dashboards (36:54)Human-AI Collaboration (39:53)Human Touch in Data Compilation (44:02)Paradigm Shift in Data Access (46:19)Frustrations with Sales Cycles (48:22)Value of Genuine Conversations (55:23)Optimizing Internal Tools (56:23)Future of Data Interfaces and Parting Thoughts (57:21)The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by Rudd...
The PRQL: Willz Tolbert’s Journey Through Real Estate and AI
The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, the CDP for developers. Each week we’ll talk to data engineers, analysts, and data scientists about their experience around building and maintaining data infrastructure, delivering data and data products, and driving better outcomes across their businesses with data.
RudderStack helps businesses make the most out of their customer data while ensuring data privacy and security. To learn more about RudderStack visit rudderstack.com.
236: Ringing Out the Old: AI's Role in Redefining Data Teams, Tools, and Business Models
Highlights from this week’s conversation include:
The Impact of AI (1:25)Historical Context of Technology (2:31)Pre-existing Infrastructure for Change (4:42)AI as a Personal Assistant (7:10)Future of Company Roles (9:13)Managing Teams in a Dystopian AI Future (12:31)Business Architecture Choices (15:52)Integration Tool Usage (18:07)AI's Impact on Data Roles (21:53)AI as an Interface (24:04)Trust in AI vs. SQL (27:12)Snowflake's Acquisition of Dataflow (29:54)Regression to the Mean Concept (33:49)AI's Role in Data Platforms (37:04)User Experience in Data Tools (44:41)Future of Data Tools (46:57)Environment Variable Setup (51:10)Future of Software Implementation and Parting Thoughts (52:10)The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by...
The PRQL: AI, SaaS, and the End of Job Titles with Eric Dodds and John Wessel
The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, the CDP for developers. Each week we’ll talk to data engineers, analysts, and data scientists about their experience around building and maintaining data infrastructure, delivering data and data products, and driving better outcomes across their businesses with data.
RudderStack helps businesses make the most out of their customer data while ensuring data privacy and security. To learn more about RudderStack visit rudderstack.com.
235: Pete Soderling on the Evolution of Data Engineering
Highlights from this week’s conversation include:
Pete's Career Overview (1:00)AI and Data Engineering Discussion (2:05)Themes of Data Council (4:19)High-Frequency Trading Insights (8:04)San Francisco's Unique Advantages (10:27)Data Council Conference Preview (13:23)The Magic of In-Person Events (15:45)Collapsing Batch and Streaming Systems (19:47)Leveraging Local Hardware for Data Processing (22:07)Future of Blockchain in Computing (23:57)Intersection of AI and Data Management (26:47)Advice for AI Startup Founders (28:44)Blurring Lines Between Data Roles (32:46)The Evolving Role of Engineers (36:56)Discount Code for Data Council and Parting Thoughts (38:23)The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, the CDP for developers. Each week we...
The PRQL: What AI Founders Need to Know About Data (Before It’s Too Late) with Pete Soderling of Zero Prime Ventures
The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, the CDP for developers. Each week we’ll talk to data engineers, analysts, and data scientists about their experience around building and maintaining data infrastructure, delivering data and data products, and driving better outcomes across their businesses with data.
RudderStack helps businesses make the most out of their customer data while ensuring data privacy and security. To learn more about RudderStack visit rudderstack.com.
234: The Cynical Data Guy on AI, Data Tools, and the Future of Coding
Highlights from this week’s conversation include:
AI in Transcription Services (1:11)The Future of AI Companies (5:09)Potential Risks of AI Tools (8:57)Learning vs. Dependency in Programming (10:17)The Journey of a Data Analyst (12:07)AI and Coding Skills (14:06)Abstraction in Data Tools (16:59)Data Design and AI (19:07)User Experience vs. AI Automation (22:10)AGI and Data Mesh (24:36)Blank Screen Interaction Challenges (27:10)Understanding User Value in Data Platforms (32:22)AI's Role in Simplifying Data Interaction (34:04)Final Thought and Takeaways (35:05)The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, the CDP for developers. Each week we’ll talk to data engineers, analysts, and...
The PRQL: From Code to No-Code: How AI is Reshaping Data Work with the Cynical Data Guy
The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, the CDP for developers. Each week we’ll talk to data engineers, analysts, and data scientists about their experience around building and maintaining data infrastructure, delivering data and data products, and driving better outcomes across their businesses with data.
RudderStack helps businesses make the most out of their customer data while ensuring data privacy and security. To learn more about RudderStack visit rudderstack.com.
233: The Power of a Triple Threat in Data: Business, Engineering, and Strategy with Solomon Kahn of Delivery Layer and Top Data People
Highlights from this week’s conversation include:
Solomon’s Background and Journey in Data (0:38)The Importance of a Triple Threat Data Person (5:14)Sports Sponsorship Analysis at Nielsen (7:31)Challenges of Implementing AI in Business (11:09)Understanding Data Delivery Models (14:18)Innovating Data Delivery (17:38)Modern Data Sharing Framework (19:09)Account Management in Data Sharing (23:43)Data Delivery Systems and Skill Sets (26:08)Practical Steps for Monetizing Data (29:02)Building Trust Through Branding (36:51)LinkedIn Personal Branding Tips (40:54)Mastering the Basics (44:16)Professional Development in Data (48:18)Deep Technical Skills (53:18)Active and Outcome-Focused Approach (55:25)Finding Top Data People and Parting Thoughts (56:44)The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powe...
The PRQL: From Data Engineer to Data Entrepreneur with Solomon Kahn of Delivery Layer and Top Data People
The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, the CDP for developers. Each week we’ll talk to data engineers, analysts, and data scientists about their experience around building and maintaining data infrastructure, delivering data and data products, and driving better outcomes across their businesses with data.
RudderStack helps businesses make the most out of their customer data while ensuring data privacy and security. To learn more about RudderStack visit rudderstack.com.
232: Building a Business Solo: Streaming Data, Synthetic Testing, and Startup Lessons with Michael Drogalis of ShadowTraffic.io
Highlights from this week’s conversation include:
Michael's Background and Journey in Data (0:24)Synthetic Data Challenges (1:49)Open Source Project Development (4:20)Founding Distributed Masonry (5:56)Acquisition by Confluent (7:27)Introduction to Shadow Traffic (10:57)Observations on Streaming Data (12:33)Importance of Timestamps in Testing (16:22)Customer Workflows with Shadow Traffic (19:09)Artificial Intelligence in Data Generation (22:13)Advantages of Domain-Specific Language (DSL) (25:14)Solopreneurship Insights (26:53)Exit Criteria for Startup Focus (30:12)The Feedback Loop (33:51)Balancing Customer Needs and Vision (35:02)Navigating Administrative Tasks (38:15)Expected Value Mindset (41:00)Solopreneur Efficiency (43:01)Maximizing Velocity (46:06)Final Thoughts and Takeaways (47:34)The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, the CDP for de...
The PRQL: Solopreneurship, Streaming Data, and Synthetic Testing with Michael Drogalis of ShadowTraffic.io
The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, the CDP for developers. Each week we’ll talk to data engineers, analysts, and data scientists about their experience around building and maintaining data infrastructure, delivering data and data products, and driving better outcomes across their businesses with data.
RudderStack helps businesses make the most out of their customer data while ensuring data privacy and security. To learn more about RudderStack visit rudderstack.com.
231: From Pre-Med to Product Strategy: Eric Dodds’ Journey in Data and Startups
Highlights from this week’s conversation include:
Early Aspirations: Becoming a Doctor (1:09)The Shift to Business Studies (3:54)Father's Influence on Career Path (4:39)Interest in Statistics and Psychology (6:47)Networking and Early Career (10:24)Developing a Passion for Data (12:09)Joining a Startup Accelerator (17:30)Data and Engagement Metrics (21:39)Lessons on Data Fidelity (23:40)Entrepreneurial Journey in a VC-Backed Incubator (26:15)Software Engineering School Initiative (30:21)Growth and Market Timing (35:08)Post-Exit Consultancy Experience (36:36)Finding RudderStack (38:53) Behavioral Data Revolution (40:44)Advice for Aspiring Product Managers (44:20)Understanding Customer Pain Points (46:29)Final Thoughts and Takeaways (47:03)The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, the CDP for deve...
