In this episode of the Don't Panic, It's Just Data podcast, hosted by EM360Tech's podcast producer, Shubhangi Dua speaks to Donnie Owsley from Snohomish County, and Jeff Burton and Tom Lavery from the University of British Columbia. All of the speakers will be presenting at the upcoming Peak of Data and AI event, organised by Safe Software, the creators of FME.

Scheduled to take place in Seattle from May 5th to 8th, 2025, The Peak is an exciting gathering for data and AI innovators. This conversation offers a preview of some of the practical applications and insights that will be shared at the event.

The podcast also talks about the development of creative solutions for enhancing accessibility in urban environments. The UBC speakers particularly refer to their creation of an accessible university campus navigation system, a project that showcases the power of integrating FME with platforms like ArcGIS. This discussion spotlights the challenges and ingenuity involved in building inclusive wayfinding solutions that cater to the diverse needs of a community.

The conversation sheds light on some tangible ways in which FME is being used across different sectors to tackle specific challenges and boost creative innovations. It provides valuable context for the types of practical knowledge and problem-solving approaches that will be central to The Peak of Data and AI event.

For further information on what we’ve talked about and to register for The Peak of Data and AI event in Seattle, please head over to peakofdataintegration.com.

Key Highlights

• Discover how to use tools like FME for preemptive IT issue resolution.
• Learn the approach to creating inclusive navigation systems with FME and ArcGIS.
• Get practical insights into current industry applications.
• Preview actionable data and AI solutions.
• Explore the versatile application of FME in your organisation.

Founded in 1993, Safe is headquartered in Surrey, BC with over 200 team members and counting. We’re always looking for talented individuals with diverse backgrounds who are determined to learn and grow.

Over 20,000 organisations around the world use FME in industries like AEC, government, utilities, and transportation to maximise the value of their data.

In this episode of "Don't Panic, It's Just Data," host Christina Stathopoulos explores the world of real-time analytics and its impact on financial decision-making. She is joined by Thomas Gore, insightsoftware's Director of Product Management for extended planning and analysis (XP&A), and Cody Riemenschneider, Director of Solutions Engineering, and they discuss the challenges and opportunities of integrating real-time data into finance.

"So you want trusted data, but you want it now? Building this trust really starts with transparency and collaboration. It's not just technology. It's about creating a single governed view of data that is consistent no matter who accesses it, " says Errol Rodericks, Director of Product Marketing at Denodo.

In this episode of the 'Don't Panic, It's Just Data' podcast, Shawn Rogers, CEO at BARC US, speaks with Errol Rodericks from Denodo. They explore the crucial link between trusted data and successful AI initiatives. They discuss key factors such as data orchestration, governance, and cost management within complex cloud environments.

We've all heard the horror stories – AI projects that fail spectacularly, delivering biased or inaccurate results. But what's the root cause of these failures? More often than not, it's a lack of focus on the data itself. Rodericks emphasises that "AI is only as good as the data it's trained on."

This episode explores how organisations can avoid the "garbage in, garbage out" scenario by prioritising data quality, lineage, and responsible AI practices.

Learn how to avoid AI failures and discover strategies for building an AI-ready data foundation that ensures trusted, reliable outcomes. Key topics include overcoming data bias, ETL processes, and improving data sharing practices.

• Bad data leads to bad AI outputs.
• Trust in data is essential for effective AI.
• Organisations must prioritise data quality and orchestration.
• Transparency and collaboration are key to building trust in data.
• Compliance is a responsibility for the entire organisation, not just IT.
• Agility in accessing data is crucial for AI success.

00:00 The Importance of Data Quality in AI

02:57 Building Trust in Data Ecosystems

06:11 Navigating Complex Data Landscapes

09:11 Top-Down Pressure for AI Strategy

11:49 Responsible AI and Data Governance

15:08 Challenges in Personalisation and Compliance

17:47 The Role of Speed in Data Utilisation

20:47 Advice for CFOs on AI Investments

Denodo is a leader in data management. The award-winning Denodo Platform is the leading logical data management platform for transforming data into trustworthy insights and outcomes for all data-related initiatives across the enterprise, including AI and self-service.

Denodo's customers in all industries all over the world have delivered trusted AI-ready and business-ready data in a third of the time and with 10x better performance than with lakehouses and other mainstream data platforms alone.

In this episode of our 'Don't Panic, It's Just Data' podcast series, Christina Stathopoulos, Founder at Dare to Data, speaks with Matthew Cawsey and Arnjah Dillard from Stibo Systems. Matthew and Arnjah explain the importance of CMDM and CXDC for maintaining positive customer engagement. Learn how to move from basic personalisation, ethically use data, leverage AI for a better customer experience. Let’s transform your messy data into a competitive advantage.

In the latest episode of the Don’t Panic It’s Just Data podcast, we connected with speakers who provided a preview of their presentations at the upcoming Peak of Data and AI event in Seattle organised by Safe Software from May 5-8, 2025.

This premier gathering, hosted by Safe Software, the creators of FME, will be a hub for data and AI innovators, and this podcast episode offers an exclusive look into what attendees can expect.

Our conversation featured Margaret Smith and Reshma Joy from the West Virginia Department of Transportation. They shared their crucial work in ensuring data integrity through rigorous validations of their Linear Reference System data. This foundational work underpins much of their operational efficiency and decision-making.

They further revealed how they’ve achieved seamless integration between Survey123 and their R&H data, showcasing a strong example of how disparate systems can be harmonized for greater insight. This presentation will provide attendees with actionable strategies for enhancing data quality and interoperability.

We also spoke to Bruno Blanco, a GIS Engineer from Shelby County 9-1-1. Bruno walked us through how FME supports critical aspects of their 911 addressing workflow—particularly data aggregation, QA/QC, and attribution—within a larger automation framework.

This work highlighted the power of automation in critical public safety infrastructure. By streamlining their addressing processes, Shelby County 9-1-1 is improving response times and ensuring more accurate location data, ultimately saving lives. Bruno’s presentation will offer valuable insights into how organisations can leverage FME to automate complex workflows and enhance operational efficiency.

This episode serves as a compelling preview for the main event at The Peak of Data and AI. If you’d like to learn more about Bruno and Shelby County 9-1-1’s story, check out their success story with Safe. For further information on what we’ve talked about and to register for The Peak of Data and AI event in Seattle, please head over to peakofdataintegration.com.

Takeaways

• Data validation is essential for accurate operations.
• FME enables seamless integration of disparate systems.
• Automation of critical processes improves public safety.
• Networking and community learning are key benefits of The Peak.
• Breakout sessions provide valuable hands-on FME knowledge.
• AI is increasingly influencing data integration workflows.

"There's been a lot of wrangling of data, a lot of wrangling of humans as well, which is a big theme for today," says Warwick Leitch, Product Management Director at insightsoftware.

In this episode of the 'Don't Panic, It's Just Data' podcast, Debbie Reynolds, CEO and Chief Data Privacy Officer at Debbie Reynolds Consulting LLC, speaks with Leitch from insightsoftware. They discuss the vital role of financial strategy and collaborative planning, particularly as it pertains to the decisions made by IT executives.

The question they address is: In a world awash with data, how do we transform it into actionable insights? Warwick shares his wealth of experience, offering practical advice and illuminating the path to successful budgeting and forecasting.

One such challenge addressed in the podcast is how organisations are securing executive buy-in. "And 51 percent of people find it difficult to engage senior executives to buy into the process, which is a roadblock. And 57 percent of organisations struggle cross-functionally," Warwick reveals.

It's not just about the numbers. Warwick also emphasises the human element, reminding us that "Without people, we don't have anything." In an era where AI looms large, it's crucial to remember that technology serves to enhance, not replace, human collaboration.

Tune in to the podcast and learn how to navigate the complexities of financial strategy and collaborative planning.

Takeaways

• Executive buy-in is crucial for successful budgeting.
• A clear vision helps guide the budgeting process.
• Thoughtful execution is key to effective planning.
• Fostering a culture of collaboration enhances participation.
• Data accuracy is vital in today's fast-paced environment.
• Avoid overcomplicating the budgeting process.
• Gamification can improve engagement in budgeting.
• AI can significantly streamline forecasting and reporting.
• Regularly updating forecasts leads to better accuracy.
• Understanding business measures is essential for effective planning.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Collaborative Financial Planning

05:01 The Importance of Executive Buy-In

10:09 Thoughtful Execution in Budgeting

15:01 Fostering a Culture of Collaboration

19:48 Defining Business Measures and Data Accuracy

24:52 Common Pitfalls in Collaborative Budgeting

29:52 The Future of Collaborative Planning with AI

The digital age is fueled by data, and the engines powering that data are data centres. However, this growth comes at a significant energy cost. In the latest episode of the EM360Tech Don’t Panic It’s Just Data podcast, Shubhangi Dua speaks with Rolf Bienert, Technical & Managing Director of the OpenADR Alliance, to shed light on the urgent need for sustainable energy practices within the data centres industry.

In this episode, we discuss the stark reality of escalating energy consumption, driven by factors like the rise of AI, and the critical importance of moving beyond superficial "green" initiatives to implement genuine, impactful solutions.

From talking about the historical context of data centres energy usage, the evolution of energy demands and the challenges of achieving net-zero goals, Rolf provides valuable insights into innovative solutions such as smart grids, microgrids, and virtual power plants. These hold immense potential for managing energy distribution efficiently and sustainably.

Beyond technological solutions, the podcast addresses the critical role of regulatory frameworks and industry standards in fostering sustainable practices. The frameworks are necessary to adapt to modern energy consumption patterns, ensuring interoperability and reducing costs. It spotlights the importance of collaboration between IT and utility sectors, as well as open communication with the public, to address concerns about energy consumption and build trust.

Takeaways

• Data centres are increasingly becoming significant consumers of energy.
• Sustainability in data centre is often perceived as branding rather than genuine effort.
• AI's demand for processing power is escalating energy needs.
• Smart grids are essential for managing energy distribution effectively.
• Microgrids and virtual power plants offer promising solutions for energy sustainability.
• Enterprises can leverage renewable energy to become energy providers.
• Regulatory frameworks need to adapt to modern energy consumption patterns.
• Standards are crucial for ensuring interoperability and reducing costs.
• Collaboration between IT and utility sectors is vital for sustainable energy management.
• Open communication is key to addressing public concerns about energy consumption.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Data Centres Sustainability

03:22 Historical Perspective on Data centres Energy Consumption

08:32 The Role of Smart Grids in Energy Management

12:40 Understanding Microgrids and Virtual Power Plants

21:30 Enterprise Strategies for Sustainable Data Centres

29:51 Regulatory Challenges and Opportunities

32:34 The Importance of Standards in Data Centres Growth

As organisations strive to stay competitive in the age of AI, data trust has become a critical factor for success. Without it, even the most advanced AI initiatives are bound to fall short.

With the rapid advancement of technology, prioritising trust in data is essential for unlocking AI's full potential and driving meaningful results. Conversely, a lack of data trust can undermine decision-making, operational efficiency, and the success of AI initiatives.

In this episode, Christina Stathopoulos, Founder at Dare to Data, speaks to Jay Limburn, Chief Product Officer at Ataccama, to explore these pressing topics. Together, they share actionable insights, real-world examples, and innovative strategies to help businesses harness the power of trusted data.

Key Takeaways

• Data trust is essential for confident decision-making.
• AI can significantly reduce mundane tasks.
• Organizations must focus on their data strategy.
• Customer experience is a key area for AI application.
• Data teams are crucial for successful AI initiatives.
• Proactive data management is becoming the norm.
• The chief data officer's influence is growing.
• Data quality and security are critical challenges.
• AI can enhance regulatory reporting processes.
• Trust in data is vital for successful AI projects.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Data Trust and AI Integration

09:36 - The Role of AI in Operational Efficiency

12:47 - Balancing Short-term and Long-term Data Priorities

15:00 - Enhancing Customer Experience through AI

19:08 - Aligning Workforce and Culture for AI Success

21:03 - Innovative Strategies for Data Quality and Security

24:35 - Final Thoughts on Data Trust and AI Success