The Data Coffee Break Podcast: Recent Episodes
Christian Silva & Marc Montanari
Marc and Christian invite you to join them in their coffee break with guests to discuss their experience in the always-growing data field. From technical discussions to tangible impacts made by data, this podcast guides you in your journey to thrive as a data sales engineer, solution architect, or data analyst/consultant. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-data-coffee-break-podcast/ Website - https://www.thedatacoffeebreakpodcast.com/
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Ever wondered how cycling from London to Paris could inspire an in-depth discussion aboutAI? Join us as Marc shares his scenic adventure along the charming Avenue Vert, setting the stage for a captivating exploration into the world of open-source large language models (LLMs). Christian and Marc delve into the heart of AI, examining the strengths and limitations of open models like Mistral, Meta's Llama, and Google's Gemma compared to closed systems such as GPT, Gemini or Claude. Discover the power of open weights and how they provide users with the flexibility to harness pre-trained parameters for a myriad of applications, shedding light on the architecture and performance of these rapidly evolving models.
As we navigate the nuanced landscape of AI, we compare the practicalities and strategic advantages of open versus closed LLMs. While open-source models may require a steeper learning curve and higher initial investment in technical expertise, they offer unparalleled customisation for specialised tasks and niche programming languages. Conversely, closed models like GPT-4 and Gemini shine in delivering cost-effective solutions for more general applications. We also delve into the strategic deployment of LLMs for on-device applications and the critical importance of data sovereignty in fields like healthcare. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of how these developments might impact your projects and reshape your industry.
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Music by Skilsel.
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Grab your mug, it's Data Coffee Break time with Christian and Marc! ☕️
This episode, we're brewing up a hot topic: RAG vs. Giant Context Windows. You might be wondering, what in the world is RAG and why should I care? Well, settle in because we're about to break it down for you, no matter if you're an AI rockstar or just dipping your toes into the data pool.
We'll be chatting about the latest news in the wild world of AI, then diving deep into this whole RAG situation. Is the future all about these Large Context Window models with millions of tokens, or will RAG still be the king of the castle? We'll explore the pros and cons of each approach, so you can see which one might be the better fit for your next project.
Plus, we won't just leave you hanging with theory! We'll also be uncovering the real-world uses for both RAG and LCLs. Think of it like peeking into the future and seeing how these technologies will change the game!
So, grab your favourite drink, hit play, and get ready for a stimulating conversation that will leave you hyped about the future of AI,
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Music by Skilsel.
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One year after our first attempt to predict the data trends of 2023, we look back into our prediction and reflect on how this year was transformative.
Then, we gear back into 2024 with a heated debate with Ivan Coelho, our infamous guest, to dissect what could be a transformative year for the Data and AI space.
Tune in and listen to our take for 2024 and some tips along the way.
Some interesting reading:
https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/five-key-trends-in-ai-and-data-science-for-2024/
https://towardsdatascience.com/trends-that-will-shape-the-modern-data-stack-in-2024-6b7de28335c2
https://www.datacamp.com/blog/the-top-5-vector-databases
https://towardsdatascience.com/navigating-the-ai-landscape-of-2024-trends-predictions-and-possibilities-41e0ac83d68f#b80d
https://blog.eliassen.com/projecting-the-top-trends-in-data-in-motion
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Music by Skilsel.
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Join Marc and Christian in our first episode of 2024 as we dive into an exhilarating discussion exploring the nuances between two groundbreaking frameworks - LangChain and LlamaIndex. ☕📊
In this episode, we've brewed up the perfect blend of insight and clarity for all levels of familiarity with frameworks for GenAI. Whether you're a seasoned data wizard or just dipping your toes into the vast ocean of data science, this episode promises to serve up a stimulating exploration!
📈 Understanding LangChain and LlamaIndex:
We'll unravel the intricacies, demystify the functionalities, and decode the practical applications of these cutting-edge frameworks. Marc and Christian will be your guides, leading you through the labyrinth of technical jargon, making sure every sip of information is comprehensible and enriching.
🌟 Highlights of the Episode:
Discover the key differences, strengths, and unique applications of LangChain and LlamaIndex. Delve into real-world scenarios,, and use cases that illuminate how these frameworks can revolutionise the way build GenAI applications grounded with our data.
🤝 For Everyone, Everywhere:
No matter your background or familiarity with data frameworks, this episode is tailored for all. Sit back, sip your favorite brew, and immerse yourself in this engaging conversation. Who knows? You might just find your new favorite data tool or gain a fresh perspective on familiar concepts!
So, grab your mug, settle into your favourite nook, and join Marc and Christian for a captivating discussion that promises to energise your curiosity and caffeinate your understanding of LangChain and LlamaIndex. Don't miss out - tune in for an eye-opening start to 2024 on "The Data Coffee Break"! ☕
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Music by Skilsel.
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Buckle up for a caffeinated conversation as we dive deeply into the fascinating world of AI with our AI expert guest, Natalia Koupanu! A seasoned AI practitioner and director.
In this episode, Marc and Christian switch on their curiosity engines and get Natalia to share her AI wisdom. We kick things off with MLOps – yes, we'll break down the tech jargon for you! Then, we move on to the exciting universe of Generative AI, where Natalia paints a picture of how AI sparks creativity and content generation like never before.
But wait, it's not all tech talk! We also get honest about the quirks and challenges of the AI territory, and Natalia serves up some practical advice for engineers in the field. Plus, we dive into the fun stuff – discussing AI's wild, weird, and maybe risky side.
So, grab your favourite coffee mug, settle in, and prepare to be inspired by Natalia's AI adventures. This episode is your backstage pass to the world of AI engineering. Whether you're coding AI algorithms in your sleep or just starting to tinker, this is your kind of coffee break!
Follow Natalia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalia-koupanou/
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Music by Skilsel.
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Demos, you see, are more than just showing off cool stuff. They're your secret weapon for getting your message across, winning hearts, and nailing your goals. So, whether you're in pre-sales, consultancy, or want to level up your presentation game, this episode is for you!
Ivan, our recurrent guest and a demo legend, spills the beans on why having good discovery and a purpose behind your demo is the game-changer. Sometimes, it's not about flashy graphics; it's about saying the right stuff at the right time.
We're diving into actual stories and examples, revealing how to grab your audience's attention, keep them hooked, and, most importantly, get results with killer demos.
Ready to up your demo game or want to appreciate the art of communication? Well, buckle up and join us for a laid-back chat about turning your demos into something great but something that counts.
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Music by Skilsel.
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Hey there, coffee lovers! Ready for another awesome episode of the Data Coffee Break Podcast? Get excited because Marc and Christian are back with a data talk on "Mastering Storytelling."
Brew a fresh cup, kick back, and join us as we dive into the world of storytelling – the secret sauce that turns bland data into gripping tales.
Prepare to amp up your storytelling skills with tips and tricks that Marc and Christian will provide. And guess what? It's not all about numbers and graphs; it's about infusing life into data!
Frameworks, anyone? You got it! We've got storytelling frameworks out of our sleeves that'll transform your data jargon into stories that'll have people on the edge of their seats.
But hold on, it's not all theory here. We're spicing things up with real-world examples where storytelling took data from 'meh' to 'wow.' Think it's impossible? Tune in, and we'll prove you wrong.
Don't worry if you're not a data guru; whether you're knee-deep in spreadsheets or just curious about storytelling's magic, this episode has something special for you.
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Music by Skilsel.
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In this episode, Marc and Christian are joined by David Sigerson to explore the critical role of asking the right questions in data-driven decision-making and data literacy, the evolution of Machine Learning models, and the importance of focusing on business problems rather than technology.
Are you looking to hone your data-driven skills become more data literate. and understand the difference between statistics and machine learning models? Then this episode is for you!
David Sigerson is a seasoned Sales Engineer with 20+ years of experience in the data space and a Machine Learning and Statistics background.
Follow David:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsigerson/
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Music by Skilsel.
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As the demand for data professionals continues to skyrocket, organisations need to find the right individuals with the skills, knowledge, and mindset to excel in the field. In this episode, Marc and Christian share their insights and discuss the key factors to consider and best practices when interviewing for data roles.
Whether you're a hiring manager seeking guidance on identifying top-notch data talent or an aspiring data professional looking to ace your next interview, this episode equips you with knowledge and strategies to make informed decisions and optimise your chances of success.
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Music by Skilsel.
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Andrea joins Marc & Christian to explore the qualities and attributes that make a startup stand out from the crowd, discussing the essential ingredients for creating a unicorn in the data space.
In this episode, they touch upon the importance of a strong team, effective leadership, and a clear vision, as well as the significance of timing and market dynamics in determining the trajectory of a startup. From product-market fit and scalability to company culture, they dive into the challenges startups face and what makes them successful in this ever-changing data space.
Andrea has worked for many successful startups in different roles - founder, operational leader, and technical lead. In addition, he has spent the better part of his career helping the biggest organisations in the World reinvent their business, turn data into actionable insights and drive revenue by managing, end-to-end, dozens of complex IT programs to completion.
Follow Andrea:https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreavasco/
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Music by Skilsel.
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Data Mesh and Data Fabric are gaining popularity in the industry, but many people still need to decide which one to choose.
In this episode, Marc and Christian will explore the key differences, similarities, pros and cons of these two approaches to managing data within the organisation.
Both aim to improve data accessibility and collaboration but take different paths to achieve this goal. For example, data Mesh emphasises the importance of decentralisation and distributed ownership, whereas Data Fabric emphasises centralisation and consistency. Overall, this promises to be an insightful and informative episode, so be sure to tune in and join the discussion on Data Mesh vs Data Fabric.
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Music by Skilsel.
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Data Contracts have become an increasingly important concept in the world of data management, but the term itself is still relatively new for many people. In this episode, Christian and Marc examine the term's origins and explore why this trend has become such a critical concept for data-driven organisations.
They discuss the different types of Data Contracts and how they work together to ensure your data is reliable and trustworthy. They also explore the use cases for Data Contracts, including their role in ensuring data interoperability and facilitating data sharing between different teams and departments.
Whether you're new to this topic or just looking to learn more about this critical concept, join us for an informative and engaging discussion as we explore the rise of the term and the importance of Data Contracts for data-driven organisations.
Episode Materials
https://dataproducts.substack.com/p/the-rise-of-data-contracts
https://www.striim.com/blog/a-guide-to-data-contracts
https://dataproducts.substack.com/p/an-engineers-guide-to-data-contracts
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Music by Skilsel.
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As companies sit on mountains of data, the insights and value generated are reaching new heights for most. But the next level is to take advantage of this private data and monetise it to service clients, partners and customers.
Data monetisation is the perfect next step for an organisation to generate substantial insights and new revenue streams. But this comes at the cost of implementation and requires strong leadership to make such an endeavour successful.
In this episode, Christian & Marc invite Alex, who has a strong track record of advising companies to monetise their data.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandreeskinasy/
https://alexeskinasy.medium.com/
https://twitter.com/alexeskinasy
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Music by Skilsel.
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Data Observability is an essential practice for anyone working with data, but many people still need to become familiar with it.
In this episode, Marc and Christian introduce the topic and explore what sets Data Observability apart from Data Quality.
They discuss the pillars of Data Observability and examine how they work together to ensure your data is always reliable and trustworthy. Finally, Marc shares some best practices for getting started with Data Observability.
So whether you're new to Data Observability or just looking to learn more about this critical practice, join us for an informative and engaging discussion.
Want to explore more?
https://www.techtarget.com/searchdatamanagement/definition/data-observability
https://amzn.eu/d/hb9RIHZ
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Music by Skilsel.
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Marc and Christian explore the exciting world of data engineering. In this episode, we'll introduce data engineering and discuss data engineers' tasks, including data ingestion, transformation, storage, and analysis, with tools such as Apache Spark and other data processing and analysis tools.
Data engineering is critical to the data lifecycle, transforming raw data into usable insights and intelligence. As data becomes increasingly important in business and technology, the role of data engineers is becoming increasingly vital.
So if you're interested in learning more about data engineering and its essential role in the data world, this episode is for you.
So let's begin.
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Music by Skilsel.
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Denis Zaboronsky shares his insights on some of the critical challenges data engineers face in their day-to-day work.
In this episode, we discuss the intricacies of data quality, the real value of real-time analytics and the critical importance of data security and data opps, particularly in the age of big data and cloud computing.
Denis is a senior data engineer interested in working towards greener technologies.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denis-zaboronsky-777690a0/
Other resources:
https://hbr.org/2016/09/bad-data-costs-the-u-s-3-trillion-per-year
This podcast represents our views and not the ones of our employers.
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Music by Skilsel.
This podcast represents our views and not the ones of our employers.
A technical sale involves selling products or services that require a high level of technical expertise or knowledge. But how do we stay away from the feature comparison and cost conversation?
In this episode, hosts Marc and Christian dive into the world of technical sales to discuss the importance of understanding customer pain points, the role of storytelling in conveying the value of a product or service and the importance of knowing how to handle objections.
So let's begin...
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Music by Skilsel.
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In this episode, we explore the emerging trend of data products and why they matter in today's business world. Many companies are shifting their focus from traditional data analytics to creating data products that provide tangible value to their customers.
We delve into the differences between data products and Data as a Product (DaaP), their key characteristics and how you can start building data products, including the importance of data governance, user-centric design, and team collaboration.
Whether you are a business leader looking to leverage data to drive growth or a data professional looking to expand your skill set, this episode provides valuable insights into the exciting world of data products.
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Music by Skilsel.
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Amber shares her insights and expertise on the importance of biotech analytics and how it helps drive progress in the medical industry.
In this episode, we discuss the importance of biotech and how it differs from Medtech. We also delve into the process of collecting and regulating data in the biotech industry and the skill set needed for data professionals looking to get into the biotech analytics field.
Join Marc and Christian to learn more about biotech analytics's role and how it shapes healthcare's future.
Amber is a master's degree holder in bioinformatics and has extensive experience in the biotech and Presales Engineering fields.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberhilton/
SomX: https://www.somx.health/
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Music by Skilsel.
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Happy New Year, data community! We wish you a successful and data-driven year in 2023.
For this episode, we sit in person with Ivan Coelho (Solution Consultant in the data and work management industry) to discuss some data trends for 2023. As you will discover, not all topics, we are discussing receive the stamp of data trend from our point of view.
Potential data trends we discussed in this episode:
- Data Mesh and Data Fabric
- Real-time analytics
- Data as a Service (DaaS)
- Semantic Layer and Metric Layer
- NLP (Natural Language Processing)
- Data Contracts
- TinyML and small data
- BI (Business Intelligence)
- Data Observability
- Edge Computing
- Augmented Analytics
Follow Ivan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivancoelho/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ijcoelho
Some of the articles we used for this episode:
https://www.knowledgehut.com/blog/data-science/data-science-trends
https://www.datasciencecentral.com/top-10-future-data-analytics-trends-in-in-2023/
https://bernardmarr.com/the-top-5-data-science-and-analytics-trends-in-2023/
https://www.cyberclick.net/numericalblogen/trends-in-data-and-analytics-for-2023
https://tomtunguz.com/9-predictions-for-data-2023/
We also mentioned the following:
Chad Sanderson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-sanderson
The Analytics Engineering Podcast - https://roundup.getdbt.com/s/the-analytics-engineering-podcast
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Music by Skilsel.
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It's the end of the year, and as we reflect on the past 12 months, it's important to consider data's role in our daily lives. From the apps we use on our phones to the websites we visit and the products we purchase, data is constantly being collected and analyzed to shape our experiences and decisions.
In this episode, Marc & Christian explore how data influences our daily lives, the potential consequences of this influence, and what we can do to protect ourselves and promote the value of creating a data community!
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Music by Skilsel.
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Rachel Costa shares her experience as a Data Journalist and Sales Engineer. In this episode, we speak about the importance of cross-checking and cleaning data in journalism, how to lie with statistics and the latest trends in Data Storytelling!
Rachel is a journalist turned into an information designer, data consultant, sales engineer and a global leader of Data + Woman:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/costarachel/
Tableau Public: https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/keucosta
Data + Woman: https://usergroups.tableau.com/datawomen1
The pudding: https://pudding.cool/
Flourish: https://flourish.studio/
D3: https://d3js.org/
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Music by Skilsel.
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In this episode, Marc and Christian discuss their tips on managing time effectively to increase productivity, reduce stress, and achieve your goals more effectively.
From common time management pitfalls to real-life experiences on how to overcome them. The episode will help you improve your time management skills and become more productive in your personal and professional lives.
So let's begin.
Episode Resources:
https://todoist.com/productivity-methods/eisenhower-matrix
https://www.briantracy.com/blog/time-management/the-truth-about-frogs/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planning_fallacy
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Music by Skilsel.
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In our last episode, we did a deep dive into the role of pre-sales in a technology company. This time, we go a step further to understand the relationship that is created between a pre-sale and a sales professional.
Our guest Adi Pasharel has many years of experience working as an Account Executive and shares his perspective on how symbiosis can lead to great success.
Let’s begin.
Follow Adi:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adi-pasharel-a7a79933/
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Music by Skilsel.
This podcast represents our views and not the ones of our employers.
Marc and Christian do a deep dive into the role of pre-sales in a technology or product company. Often called Solution Engineer, Sales Engineer; Pre-Sales is a relatively new role in the industry. But how is it different from other functions such as Consultancy or Support Engineering, and what are the unique skills needed to be a Pre-Sales superstar?
If you are considering moving into a Pre-Sales role or want to know what to expect from working as a Pre-Sales professional. Then this episode is for you!
So let’s begin.
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Music by Skilsel.
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Alternative Data is a rising trend in the data industry. But what is the Alternative Data? What are the use cases? And perhaps most importantly, can anyone leverage this Data within their organisation?
Alex Lokhov joins Marc and Christian to answer these questions and demystify the Alternative Data.
So let’s begin.
Follow Alex:
LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-lokhov-7608161/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/alexlokhov
Episode Assets
Alternative data podcast:https://shows.acast.com/the-alternative-data-podcast
Steve jobs speech at Standord:youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc
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Music by Skilsel.
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The world is changing at a very fast pace, and most of us are facing the need to learn regularly in our roles. So how can you make sure you stay in the game? And what should you consider as part of your learning plan?
Let’s uncover the top hacks from Christian and Marc in this episode. And those tips are relevant even if you are not working with data.
Sharing for all!
Episode resources:
The Presales Collective: https://www.presalescollective.com/
Data Skeptic: https://dataskeptic.com/
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Music by Skilsel.
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Martin Staniforth discusses the challenges of dealing with Natural Language Processing (NLP) in Enterprise Software: from small data problems to the power of MLOps.
In this episode, you will learn about living in a multimodal NLP world, why adopting an MLOps strategy is a no-brainer for organisations and more!
So let's begin.
Follow Martin on:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mstaniforth/
Blog: https://www.bolognesebolognese.com/
Tennis 365: https://www.tennisbets365.com/
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Music by Skilsel.
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We have all been there. We are about to present our slides, do a demo, or show a product feature when suddenly... something unexpected happens. Your audience interrupts: “this is not relevant to me”, “I don’t understand what the point is?” or even “I cannot see your screen!”
So how can we prepare and prevent this from happening? Marc & Christian share their top 10 tips to become a presentation master.
So let's begin!
Hans Rosling’s 200 Countries, 200 Years, 4 minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbkSRLYSojo&ab_channel=BBC
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Peter Jönsson shares his experience in enabling organisations to become data-driven. In this podcast, we speak about what should be understood behind “data democratisation”, the importance of building a data culture and developing data literacy among the workforce.
Don’t be fooled. This is a long process, and successful organisations that raised to a certain level of data democratisation went on a multi-year journey where executive and employee buy-in was paramount. However, comprehensive programs to develop a data literacy & a data culture should be prioritised by companies before considering any technology.
Follow Peter
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterjonsson71
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tableau_jonsson
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Music by Skilsel.
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Kick-off time! Marc and Christian invite you to join them in their coffee break to discuss all things data.
But what is it about? Let’s find out.
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Music by Skilsel.
This podcast represents our views and not the ones of our employers.