DataFramed

Welcome to DataFramed Industry Roundups! In this series of episodes, we sit down to discuss the latest and greatest in data & AI. 

In this episode, with special guest, DataCamp COO Martijn, we touch upon the hype and reality of AI agents in business, the McKinsey vs. Ethan Mollick debate on simple vs. complex agents, Meta's $15B stake in Scale AI and what it means for data and talent, Apple’s rumored $20B bid for Perplexity amid AI struggles, EU’s push to treat AI skills like reading and math, the first fully AI-generated NBA ad and what it me...

The enterprise adoption of AI agents is accelerating, but significant challenges remain in making them truly reliable and effective. While coding assistants and customer service agents are already delivering value, more complex document-based workflows require sophisticated architectures and data processing capabilities. How do you design agent systems that can handle the complexity of enterprise documents with their tables, charts, and unstructured information? What's the right balance between general reasoning capabilities and constrained architectures for specific business tasks? Should you centralize your agent infrastructure or purchase vertical solutions for each department? The answers lie in understanding the fundamental trade-offs between...

The line between generic AI capabilities and truly transformative business applications often comes down to one thing: your data. While foundation models provide impressive general intelligence, they lack the specialized knowledge needed for domain-specific tasks that drive real business value. But how do you effectively bridge this gap? What's the difference between simply fine-tuning models versus using techniques like retrieval-augmented generation? And with constantly evolving models and technologies, how do you build systems that remain adaptable while still delivering consistent results? Whether you're in retail, healthcare, or transportation, understanding how to properly enrich, annotate, and leverage your proprietary data...

The modern data stack has transformed how organizations work with data, but are our BI tools keeping pace with these changes? As data schemas become increasingly fluid and analysis needs range from quick explorations to production-grade reporting, traditional approaches are being challenged. How can we create analytics experiences that accommodate both casual spreadsheet users and technical data modelers? With semantic layers becoming crucial for AI integration and data governance growing in importance, what skills do today's BI professionals need to master? Finding the balance between flexibility and governance is perhaps the greatest challenge facing data teams today.

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Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) continues to be a foundational approach in AI despite claims of its demise. While some marketing narratives suggest RAG is being replaced by fine-tuning or long context windows, these technologies are actually complementary rather than competitive. But how do you build a truly effective RAG system that delivers accurate results in high-stakes environments? What separates a basic RAG implementation from an enterprise-grade solution that can handle complex queries across disparate data sources? And with the rise of AI agents, how will RAG evolve to support more dynamic reasoning capabilities?

Douwe Kiela is the...

GPU acceleration is transforming how data scientists tackle computationally intensive problems in the AI and materials science fields. When dealing with billions of potential molecular combinations or massive datasets requiring dimensionality reduction, traditional CPU approaches often become prohibitively slow and expensive. How can data professionals determine when GPU acceleration will provide meaningful benefits to their workflows? Understanding the right applications for this technology can mean the difference between waiting hours versus minutes for critical results.

Nick Becker is a Group Product Manager at NVIDIA, focused on building RAPIDS and the broader accelerated data science ecosystem. Nick has...

AI maturity isn't achieved through technology alone—it requires organizational alignment, cultural readiness, and strategic implementation. Companies across industries are working to move beyond experimental AI use toward systematic integration that delivers measurable business value. How do you assess where your organization stands on the AI maturity spectrum? What frameworks can help prioritize your efforts?

Eryn Peters, Co-founder & co-creator at AI Maturity Index, is a future of work evangelist. She is the co-creator of a tool for assessing AI maturity, and regularly advises companies on how to assess and improve their AI maturity. Eryn is also the Ed...

AI tooling continues to expand with specialized solutions for every step of the development process. For data scientists and engineers, this creates a paradox: more options but potentially more complexity and integration challenges. How do you determine which tools actually improve productivity versus adding unnecessary overhead? Should you prioritize flexibility with individual best-of-breed components or streamline with integrated platforms? What's the most effective way to bridge the gap between experimentation and production-ready AI applications?

William Falcon is an AI researcher and the CEO of Lightning AI. He is the creator of PyTorch Lightning, a lightweight framework designed...

The like button has transformed how we interact online, becoming a cornerstone of digital engagement with over 7 billion clicks daily. What started as a simple user interface solution has evolved into a powerful data collection tool that companies use to understand customer preferences, predict trends, and build sophisticated recommendation systems. The data behind these interactions forms what experts call the 'like graph' - a valuable network of connections that might be one of your company's most underutilized assets.

Bob Goodson is President and Founder of Quid, a Silicon Valley–based company whose AI models are used by a...

Welcome to DataFramed Industry Roundups! In this series of episodes, Adel & Richie sit down to discuss the latest and greatest in data & AI. In this episode, we touch upon the launch of OpenAI’s O3 and O4-mini models, Meta’s rocky release of Llama 4, Google’s new agent tooling ecosystem, the growing arms race in AI, the latest from the Stanford AI Index report, the plausibility of AGI and superintelligence, how agents might evolve in the enterprise, global attitudes toward AI, and a deep dive into the speculative—but chilling—AI 2027 scenario. All that, Easter rave plans, and much more...

The roles within AI engineering are as diverse as the challenges they tackle. From integrating models into larger systems to ensuring data quality, the day-to-day work of AI professionals is anything but routine. How do you navigate the complexities of deploying AI applications? What are the key steps from prototype to production? For those looking to refine their processes, understanding the full lifecycle of AI development is essential. Let's delve into the intricacies of AI engineering and the strategies that lead to successful implementation.

Maxime Labonne is a Senior Staff Machine Learning Scientist at Liquid AI, serving...

Data-driven turnarounds are transforming how struggling businesses find their path back to profitability. When companies falter, the key to recovery can often lies in understanding which 20% of customers and products generate 80% of profits. But how do you quickly identify these critical assets when time is running out? What metrics should you prioritize when cash flow is tight? For data professionals, the challenge extends beyond analysis to implementation—balancing the need for automation of routine tasks while reskilling employees for higher-value work. The intersection of empathy and analytics becomes crucial as teams navigate the emotional journey of organizational change while ma...

We live in an era where data is abundant, yet making sense of it is harder than ever. The best insights often go unnoticed—not because they lack value, but because they lack a compelling story. Simply presenting numbers isn’t enough; the way we shape and frame data determines whether it sparks action or fades into the background. Crafting a strong data story means knowing your audience, structuring your insights around a clear problem, goal, action, and impact, and ensuring your narrative is not just persuasive, but ethical. So how do we bridge the gap between information and unde...

Misconceptions about AI's capabilities and the role of data are everywhere. Many believe AI is a singular, all-knowing entity, when in reality, it's a collection of algorithms producing intelligence-like outputs. Navigating and understanding the history and evolution of AI, from its origins to today's advanced language models is crucial. How do these developments, and misconceptions, impact your daily work? Are you leveraging the right tools for your needs, or are you caught up in the allure of cutting-edge technology without considering its practical application?

Andriy Burkov is the author of three widely recognized books, The Hundred-Page Machine...

The explosion of content in market research has created a paradox - more information but less time to consume it. Companies are now turning to AI chatbots to solve this problem, transforming how professionals interact with research data. Instead of expecting teams to read everything, these tools allow users to extract precisely what they need when they need it. This approach is proving not just more efficient but actually increases engagement with underlying content. How might your organization benefit from more targeted access to insights? What valuable information might be buried in your existing research that AI could help...

The role of data and AI engineers is more critical than ever. With organizations collecting massive amounts of data, the challenge lies in building efficient data infrastructures that can support AI systems and deliver actionable insights. But what does it take to become a successful data or AI engineer? How do you navigate the complex landscape of data tools and technologies? And what are the key skills and strategies needed to excel in this field? 

Deepak Goyal is a globally recognized authority in Cloud Data Engineering and AI. As the Founder & CEO of Azurelib Academy, he has b...

As data professionals, mastering the technical aspects of AI and data is only half the battle. The real challenge lies in effectively communicating insights to drive action and influence decisions. How do you ensure your data stories resonate with diverse audiences? It's not just about the numbers—it's about crafting a narrative that speaks to stakeholders. What strategies can you employ to make your insights not only heard but impactful?

Abhijit Bhaduri advises organizations on talent and leadership development. As the former Partner and GM Global L&D of Microsoft, Abhijit led their onboarding and skilling strategy es...

The integration of AI into everyday business operations raises questions about the future of work and human agency. With AI's potential to automate and optimize, how do we ensure that it complements rather than competes with human capabilities? What measures can be taken to prevent AI from overshadowing human input and creativity? How do we strike a balance between embracing AI's benefits and preserving the essence of human contribution?

Faisal Hoque is the founder and CEO of SHADOKA, NextChapter, and other companies. He also serves as a transformation and an innovation partner for CACI, an $8B company...

In the retail industry, data science is not just about crunching numbers—it's about driving business impact through well-designed experiments. A-B testing in a physical store setting presents unique challenges that require careful planning and execution. How do you balance the need for statistical rigor with the practicalities of store operations? What role does data science play in ensuring that test results lead to actionable insights? 

Philipp Paraguya is the Chapter Lead for Data Science at Aldi DX. Previously, Philipp studied applied mathematics and computer science and has worked as a BI and advanced analytics consultant in var...

The integration of speech AI into everyday business operations is reshaping how we communicate and process information. With applications ranging from customer service to quality control, understanding the nuances of speech AI is crucial for professionals. How do you tackle the complexities of different languages and accents? What are the best practices for implementing speech AI in your organization? Explore the transformative power of speech AI and learn how to overcome the challenges it presents in your professional landscape.

Alon Peleg serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at aiOla, a position he assumed in May 2024. With...

The rise of AI tools has democratized access to technology, but with it comes the responsibility to use these tools ethically. How do organizations ensure their employees are not only aware of AI's capabilities but also its risks? What does it mean to have a responsible AI strategy that is both comprehensive and adaptable to future advancements? As companies strive to align their AI initiatives with ethical standards, what are the best practices for training and upskilling teams to meet these challenges head-on?

Uthman Ali is the Global Head of Responsible AI at BP and is an...

The rise of A-B testing has transformed decision-making in tech, yet its application isn't without challenges. As professionals, how do you navigate the balance between short-term gains and long-term sustainability? What strategies can you employ to ensure your testing methods enhance rather than hinder user experience? And how do you effectively communicate the insights gained from testing to drive meaningful change within your organization?

Vanessa Larco is a former partner at NEA where she led Series A and Series B investment rounds and worked with major consumer companies like DTC jewelry giant Mejuri, menopause symptom relief treatment...

Generative AI has transformed the financial services sector, sparking interest at all organizational levels. As AI becomes more accessible, professionals are exploring its potential to enhance their work. How can AI tools improve personalization and fraud detection? What efficiencies can be gained in product development and internal processes? These are the questions driving the adoption of AI as companies strive to innovate responsibly while maximizing value.

Andrew serves as the Chief Data Officer for Mastercard, leading the organization’s data strategy and innovation efforts while navigating current and future data risks. Andrews's prior roles at Mastercard include Se...

As businesses collect more data than ever, the question arises: is bigger always better? Companies are beginning to question whether massive datasets and complex infrastructures are truly delivering results or just adding unnecessary costs. How can you align your data strategy with your actual needs? Could focusing on smaller, more manageable datasets improve efficiency and save resources while still delivering valuable insights?

Dr. Madelaine Daianu is the Head of Data & AI at Credit Karma, Inc. Before joining the company in June 2023, she served as Head of Data and Pricing at Belong Home, Inc. Earlier in her career...

With AI agents and GPU acceleration at the forefront, data science is entering a new era of efficiency and innovation. How are AI copilots transforming the way data scientists code and solve problems? Are they a reliable partner or a source of new complexities? On the other hand, the move to GPU-accelerated data science tools is revolutionizing model training and experimentation. What does this mean for the future of data science workflows? Explore these cutting-edge developments and their impact on the industry.

Jean-Francois got a PhD in machine learning in the previous millennium. Given the AI winter...

Dashboards are everywhere in the data industry, but are they being used effectively? Many professionals find themselves creating dashboards that end up underutilized or misunderstood. The key is not just in the data presented, but in how it's communicated and used. How can you rethink your approach to dashboarding to ensure it aligns with business goals? What methods can you employ to engage users and drive meaningful actions?

Lee is the President at DecisionViz, who provides training and consulting to organizations to improve their people, process, and culture around visualization and storytelling. He's a course creator for...

Welcome to DataFramed Industry Roundups! In this series of episodes, Adel & Richie sit down to discuss the latest and greatest in data & AI. In this episode, we discuss the rise of reasoning LLMs like DeepSeek R1 and the competition shaping the AI space, OpenAI’s Operator and the broader push for AI agents to control computers, and the implications of massive AI infrastructure investments like Project Stargate. We also touch on Google’s overlooked AI advancements, the challenges of AI adoption, the potential of Replit’s mobile app for building apps with natural language, and much more.

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Optimization and decision intelligence are reshaping industries, from logistics to finance. But what does this mean for professionals navigating daily challenges? Whether you're scheduling employees or managing power grids, finding the optimal solution can mean the difference between success and failure. How do you leverage optimization to make smarter, data-driven decisions? And how do you ensure these solutions are embraced by your team? Join us as we delve into the practical applications of optimization in the workplace.

Duke Perrucci is the CEO at Gurobi Optimization. Prior to being appointed CEO, Duke served as CRO and COO since 2018...

Thought leadership is more than just a buzzword—it's a strategic tool that can significantly influence business decisions and relationships. But what makes thought leadership effective? How do you ensure your insights are not only heard but also trusted and acted upon? What role does generative AI play in enhancing the storytelling process, and how can it be leveraged to create compelling narratives that resonate with your audience?

Cindy Anderson is the Chief Marketing Officer/Global Lead for Engagement & Eminence at the IBM Institute for Business Value (IBV).  She has co-authored research reports, published numerous articles, and delive...

As the software landscape becomes more fragmented, the importance of product integrations continues to rise. For those working in data and engineering roles, this presents both challenges and opportunities. How do you efficiently manage and scale integrations across diverse systems? What tools and strategies can help you maintain data integrity and streamline workflows? And how can you ensure that your integration strategy aligns with broader business goals and customer expectations?

Gil Feig is the Co-Founder and CTO of Merge, the leading unified API platform. Previously, Gil was the Head of Engineering at Untapped and worked as a...

As AI continues to dominate industry conversations, the notion of AI readiness becomes a focal point for organizations. It's a multifaceted challenge that goes beyond technology, encompassing business processes and cultural shifts. For professionals, this means grappling with questions like: How do you choose the right AI projects that align with business goals? What skills and team structures are necessary to support AI initiatives? And how do you manage the change that comes with integrating AI into your operations?

Venky Veeraraghavan is the Chief Product Officer at DataRobot. As CPO, Venky drives the definition and delivery of...

The rise of AI agents in the workplace is transforming how businesses operate, tackling repetitive tasks and freeing up human employees for more creative endeavors. But what does this mean for the future of work, and how can professionals leverage these tools effectively? As AI agents become more sophisticated, capable of reasoning and decision-making, how do you ensure they align with your business goals? What are the implications for data privacy and security, and how do you manage the transition to a more automated workforce while maintaining human oversight?

Surojit Chatterjee is the founder and CEO of...

Personalization is more than a buzzword—it's a powerful tool for businesses to connect with customers on a deeper level. As data and AI technologies evolve, the ability to deliver personalized experiences becomes more accessible. But what does this mean for professionals tasked with implementing these strategies? How do you ensure that personalization efforts are both effective and respectful of customer privacy?

David Edelman is a Digital and Marketing Transformation Executive Advisor, working with executives on digital and marketing transformation. He has been working in marketing and personalization since the '80s. In addition to his consultancy bu...

As multimodal AI continues to grow, professionals are exploring new skills to harness its potential. From understanding real-time APIs to navigating new application architectures, the landscape is shifting. How can developers stay ahead in this evolving field? What opportunities do AI agents present for automating tasks and enhancing productivity? And how can businesses ensure they're ready for the future of AI-driven interactions?

Russ D'Sa is the CEO & Co-founder at Livekit. Russ is building the transport layer for AI computing. He founded Livekit, the company that powers voice chat for OpenAI and Character.ai. Previously, he was a...

Leadership is facing unprecedented challenges in today's socio-political and economic climate. As the lines between work and personal life blur, professionals are seeking workplaces that prioritize humanity and purpose. How can leaders create environments that support employee well-being and connection? With AI's growing presence, how do we balance technological integration with maintaining a human-centered approach?

Dr. Christie Smith is a renowned leadership expert, visionary thinker, and founder of The Humanity Studio, a pioneering research and advisory institute dedicated to improving the way we live by revolutionizing the way we work. With over 35 years of experience advising Fortune 500...

As AI advances at breakneck speed, the conversation around its potential risks and ethical implications grows louder. For professionals in the field, this raises important questions about responsibility and foresight. How do you ensure that AI systems align with human values? What role do ethics play in the development and deployment of these technologies? Let's delve into the pressing issues that could define the future of AI and its role in society.

Dr. Christopher DiCarlo is a philosopher, educator, and author. He teaches philosophy at the University of Toronto. He also founded Critical Thinking Solutions, a business...

As AI continues to advance, natural language processing (NLP) is at the forefront, transforming how businesses interact with data. From chatbots to document analysis, NLP offers numerous applications. But with the advent of generative AI, professionals face new challenges: When is it appropriate to use traditional NLP techniques versus more advanced models? How do you balance the costs and benefits of these technologies? Explore the strategic decisions and practical applications of NLP in the modern business world.

Meri Nova is the founder of Break Into Data, a data careers company. Her work focuses on helping people switch...

2025 promises to be another transformative year for data and AI. From groundbreaking advancements in reasoning models to the rise of new challengers in generative AI, the field shows no signs of slowing down. Last week Jonathan and Martijn scored their 2024 predictions, and scored highly, but what's in store for 2025? 

Building on the insights from their 2024 predictions, we'll assess the future of generative AI, the evolving role of AI in education, the growing importance of synthetic data, and much more.

In the episode, Richie, Jo, and Martijn discuss whether OpenAI and Google will maintain their dominance o...

2024 was another huge year for data and AI. Generative AI continued to shape the way we work and interact with technology, with companies of all sizes racing to integrate AI into their products. We saw strides in tools like AI-enhanced data science notebooks, rapid adoption of generative image AI, and a steady march toward video generation AI. At the same time, foundational skills like AI literacy and data governance gained traction as critical areas for individuals and organizations to master.

This time last year, DataCamp Co-Founders Jonathan and Martijn made a series of predictions and data and...

AI is not just about writing code; it's about improving the entire software development process. From generating documentation to automating code reviews, AI tools are becoming indispensable. But how do you ensure the quality of AI-generated code? What strategies can you employ to maintain high standards while leveraging AI's capabilities? These are the questions developers must consider as they incorporate AI into their workflows.

Eran Yahav is an associate professor at the Computer Science Department at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology and co-founder and CTO of Tabnine (formerly Codota). Prior to that, he was a research st...