Ep35: How to Build a Business Intelligence AI Chatbot
Are you overwhelmed by ad-hoc data questions? Ever wondered how to automate business intelligence with AI? Join us as we sit down with Lohitaksh Yogi, a seasoned AI product leader from companies like ServiceNow and Adobe, to explore the exciting world of AI data agents and Natural Language Business Intelligence (NLBI). Lohit shares his journey from early machine learning chatbots to cutting-edge LLM-powered conversational AI, offering invaluable insights into building and deploying these transformative systems.In this episode, you will learn:- The evolution of chatbots: Understanding the limitations of early rule-based systems vs. the powerful context-awareness of LLMs.- The vision for Natural Language Business Intelligence (NLBI): How close we are to asking a chatbot natural language questions and getting instant insights from our data.- Key challenges in AI deployment: Navigating schema ambiguities, data inconsistencies, and the critical issue of AI hallucinations.- Strategies for building an effective AI data agent: From designing intuitive user experiences (UX) to implementing robust error handling and feedback loops.- The paramount importance of data governance: Protecting sensitive information and ensuring data privacy when leveraging AI for internal data analysis.- Why internal beta testing is crucial: Breaking your system internally before exposing it to external stakeholders to build trust and ensure accuracy.- The right mindset for AI adoption: Viewing AI as an investment for long-term productivity gains, not a quick fix, and understanding its rapid evolution.Whether you're a data professional looking to boost productivity, a business leader seeking to automate data requests, or just curious about the future of AI in the enterprise, this episode provides actionable strategies and a realistic outlook on deploying AI data agents.Connect with Lohitaksh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lohitakshyogi/Connect with Hai, Sravya, and Shane (let us know YouTube sent you!):- Hai: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hai-guan-6b58a7a/- Sravya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sravyamadipalli/- Shane: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaneausleybutler/#Chatbots #ConversationalAI #AIDataAgents #NaturalLanguageBI #LLM #LargeLanguageModels #DataGovernance #AIHallucination #DataAnalytics #DataScience #MachineLearning #ProductLeadership #AIStrategy #UserExperience #DataWorkflow #AIPodcast #TechInsights #DataProduct #EnterpriseAI
--------
1:00:00
--------
1:00:00
Ep34: "Stop Being the Person Who Answers Questions" - MSFT Data Science Director
What truly defines a good data scientist, and how can you excel in this rapidly evolving field? Join us as we sit down with Siddharth Ranganathan, Director of Data Science at Microsoft, to uncover practical insights on navigating data science careers, balancing rigor with business needs, and the transformative impact of AI. Siddharth shares invaluable lessons from his extensive experience, emphasizing impact over complexity and strategy over execution.In this episode, we cover:- What constitutes good data science: Focusing on decisions, impact, scientific rigor, and practicality.- Balancing speed and rigor in analysis: Strategies for delivering timely insights without compromising integrity.- Common misunderstandings about product data science: It's more than just building ML models; it's a strategic, cross-functional role.- How to become a strategic data scientist: Shifting focus from outputs to outcomes and asking better questions.- The evolving landscape of data science with AI and Gen AI: Anticipating the rise of role-based agents and the convergence of tech and business.- Identifying and avoiding common career traps for data scientists, such as staying in execution mode or over-indexing on technical depth.- Key factors directors look for in promotions: Driving impact beyond your current level, securing patrons, and clearly communicating your contributions.- The most underrated skill for a data scientist: The ability to break down complex problems and deal with ambiguity.Whether you're an aspiring data scientist, a mid-level professional looking to grow, or a leader shaping data teams, this episode offers a wealth of actionable advice to elevate your data science career and impact.Connect with Hai, Sravya, and Shane (let us know which platform sent you!):- Hai: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hai-guan-6b58a7a/- Sravya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sravyamadipalli/- Shane: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaneausleybutler/#DataScience #ProductDataScience #AI #GenAI #LLMs #CareerGrowth #StrategicDataScientist #Microsoft #DataScienceCareer #DataSciencePromotions #DataScienceAdvice #DataScienceLeadership #ImpactOverComplexity #TradeOffs #DataNeighborPodcast
--------
52:00
--------
52:00
Ep33: What AI Product Development Will Look Like in 5 Years
AI is fundamentally changing how we build and manage products—but agentic AI takes things to an entirely new level. In this episode of the Data Neighbor Podcast, we’re joined by Mahesh Yadav, who has built and launched AI-driven products at leading FAANG companies including Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, and Google. He’s also the creator of the popular Maven course on Agentic AI Product Management: https://maven.com/mahesh-yadav/genaipmMahesh shares firsthand insights into how the product lifecycle for AI-driven features differs from traditional development, the critical importance of robust evaluations, and how teams can practically adapt to the rapidly evolving landscape of AI. Whether you're a product manager, data scientist, engineer, or executive navigating the complexities of integrating AI into your products, this episode is your practical guide to thriving in the AI-first world.In this episode, you'll learn:- How the product lifecycle for agentic AI products differs from traditional software.- Practical frameworks for effectively evaluating AI performance and quality.- The role of subject matter experts and evaluation scientists in scaling AI products.- Strategies for staying ahead as AI reshapes traditional roles and team structures.Connect with Mahesh Yadav:🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/initmahesh/🎓 Maven Course on Agentic AI Product Management: https://maven.com/mahesh-yadav/genaipmConnect with Shane, Sravya, and Hai (let us know which platform sent you!):👉 Shane Butler: https://linkedin.openinapp.co/b02fe👉 Sravya Madipalli: https://linkedin.openinapp.co/9be8c👉 Hai Guan: https://linkedin.openinapp.co/4qi1r#ai #agenticai #productmanagement #productdevelopment #llms #aiproductmanagement #aiagents #aieval #evaluationmetrics #machinelearning #datascience #faang #productstrategy #dataanalytics #dataneighbor #businessintelligence #productleadership
--------
1:07:56
--------
1:07:56
Ep32: Will AI Take Your Job? A Chief Data Officer Explains
Ercan Kamber, former Chief Data Officer at Angi and seasoned leader from Twitter and Microsoft, joins the Data Neighbor Podcast for a masterclass on scaling data organizations, embracing AI, and navigating C-suite challenges. As the first CXO to appear on the show, Ercan opens up about what it really means to be a CDO, the mindset shift from tech contributor to enterprise-wide leader, and how to build AI-empowered data teams that matter.In this episode, we cover:🏗️ How Ercan built Angi’s first centralized data org after multiple mergers.📈 The real meaning of “data strategy” in complex business environments.🧭 Transitioning from big tech to startup C-suite: lessons in ownership and context switching.🧠 The rise of AI agents: What AI-first and AI-forward really mean - and why it matters.⚖️ Balancing speed, cost, and precision in ML systems.📊 How to create a scalable operating system for modern data teams using Agile.👁️ Communication secrets for working with executive teams.💡 What the future of AI agents might mean for labor, startups, and society.This episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom and actionable advice, whether you’re a rising data scientist or leading data for a global enterprise. Ercan brings both vision and pragmatism - don’t miss this conversation!Connect with Hai, Sravya, and Shane:Hai: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hai-guan-6b58a7a/Sravya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sravyamadipalli/Shane: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaneausleybutler/#datascience #aiagents #chiefdataofficer #dataleadership #cdorole #bigtechcareer #dataorganization #mlops #datateams #aifuture #agenticai #datastrategy #dataneighborpodcast #aiinbusiness #cdoinsights
--------
49:39
--------
49:39
Ep31: 5 Steps to Master Effective Visualization
Your data insights are worthless if no one understands them. In this episode of the Data Neighbor Podcast, we’re joined by Matt Harrison, author of Effective Pandas, Effective Visualization, and many more bestselling technical books. Matt joins us to uncover the secrets behind impactful, professional data storytelling.Learn how to transform complex data into clear, compelling narratives that resonate with stakeholders and drive action. Whether you're a data scientist, analyst, product manager, or anyone who deals with data visualization, Matt’s proven 5-step CLEAR framework will help you craft visuals that communicate with clarity, simplicity, and effectiveness.In this episode, you'll learn:* How to avoid common mistakes data professionals make when visualizing data.* Why "fancy" charts often fail and how to master simple visuals that tell better stories.* Practical tips for using color, annotations, and design principles like a pro.* How top media outlets (New York Times, The Economist) use these exact methods to captivate their audiences.Connect with Matt Harrison:📚 Website: https://www.metasnake.com🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/panelaConnect with Shane, Sravya, and Hai (let us know YouTube sent you!):👉 Shane Butler: https://linkedin.openinapp.co/b02fe👉 Sravya Madipalli: https://linkedin.openinapp.co/9be8c👉 Hai Guan: https://linkedin.openinapp.co/4qi1r#datastorytelling #datavisualization #datascience #analytics #python #matplotlib #effectivevisualization #pandas #storytellingwithdata #visualcommunication #machinelearning #datastrategy #dataskills #dataneighbor #dataanalytics #datascientist #dataengineering #businessintelligence
Welcome to the Data Neighbor Podcast with Hai, Sravya, and Shane! We’re your friendly guides to the ever-evolving world of data. Whether you’re an aspiring data scientist, a data professional looking to grow your career, or just curious about how data shapes the world, you’re in the right place.
Our mission? To help you break in or thrive in the field of data. We dive into:
- Personal career journeys and how luck, opportunity, and grit play a role
- How to break into the data field even with a non-traditional background
- Industry insights through engaging conversations and expert interviews
Ireland