Making Data Simple

Send us Fan MailIn this Part 2 of our conversation with Marco Rota, VP of Strategic Technology Alliances at Lumen Technologies, we dive headfirst into the technical side of Lumen’s mission. From fiber-optics and edge computing to quantum breakthroughs—all propelled by powerful industry partnerships—Marco sheds light on how Lumen is enabling cutting-edge solutions and driving technology transformations. If you’re eager to see how culture, leadership, and advanced tech come together to reshape industries, this episode is for you!00:31 Lumen's Technology02:37 Transformational Use Cases04:46 Edge Computing06:20 Quantum10:35 Wrapping Up Technology13:25 Supercharged Partnerships15:55 THE Leadership Principle18:16 For Fun23:01 A World-class ChefLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/marcorotapixWebsite: https://www.lumen.com/en-us/home.htmlWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple?  Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next.  The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun. #MakingDataSimple #LumenTechnologies #FiberOptics #EdgeComputing #Quantum #TechInnovation #Partnerships #BusinessTransformation #LeadershipWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple?  Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next.  The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun. 

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to Making Data Simple, where we explore how data-driven strategies ignite innovation and transform businesses. In this exciting episode, we sit down with Marco Rota, VP of Strategic Technology Alliances at Lumen Technologies, whose incredible journey spans from the glitz of Hollywood to leading-edge telecommunications. Tune in as Marco reveals how embracing a vibrant culture, drawing on lessons from the entertainment industry, and championing new technologies can propel teams and organizations to new heights of success. Get ready for an inspiring, behind-the-scenes look at how “culture eats strategy for breakfast”—and why that’s a game-changer for your organization, too!01:47 – Meet Marco RotaMarco shares his background and how his career path took him from the dynamic world of Hollywood to a leadership role at Lumen Technologies. He underscores his passion for storytelling, collaboration, and innovation—elements that continue to shape his work in tech.03:35 – Learnings from HollywoodDrawing on Hollywood’s fast-paced environment, Marco highlights the importance of creative thinking and adaptability. He explains how these traits help push organizations to stay ahead of disruption and continually evolve, just like the film industry does to meet audience demands.10:56 – Transitioning to Lumen TechnologiesMarco describes his shift from entertainment into the telecommunications and technology space. He emphasizes the parallels between Hollywood and tech—both thrive on communication, audience engagement, and cutting-edge production processes.15:55 – What IS Lumen TechnologiesMarco explains Lumen’s core mission: powering next-generation connectivity, cloud, edge computing, and security solutions. By marrying technology services with an innovative culture, Lumen seeks to help organizations accelerate data-driven transformation.18:29 – Culture versus TechnologyAn organization’s culture can be its greatest asset—or its biggest hurdle. Culture “eats strategy for breakfast” because fostering collaboration, trust, and continuous learning is what truly drives successful technology initiatives forward.24:20 – The Management SystemMarco talks about the framework for leadership and team alignment at Lumen, which integrates vision, purpose, and measurable goals. This system ensures that cultural values and strategic objectives reinforce each other—resulting in cohesive, energized teams ready to tackle the biggest challenges in tech.Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/marcorotapixWebsite: https://www.lumen.com/en-us/home.htmlWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple?  Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next.  The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun. #MakingDataSimple #CultureEatsStrategy #DataInnovation #DigitalTransformation #TechLeadership #PodcastEpisode #HollywoodToTech #LumenTechnologies #BusinessInsights #InspirationWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple?  Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next.  The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun. 

Send us Fan MailMoney Ball is back! Nancy Hensley, Chief Marketing Officer for Stats Perform, gives us the latest on data analytics in sports. If you like sports don't listen unless you have time to be entertained.Show Notes04:09 What does Money Ball look like now?07:30 Mrs Chicago's personal update08:40 Fan website: The Analyst11:16 Stats Perform for the rest of us17:25 Sports tech competitors18:34 Monetizing data. $115M for NFL data! What?27:44 Broadcaster and PressboxLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyhensley/Website: https://statsperform.com/Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.#MakingDataSimple #MoneyBall #DataAnalytics #StatsPerform #SportsTech #MakingData SimpleWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple?  Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next.  The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun. 

Send us Fan MailLet's talk business leadership coaching with Kate Mayne, Director of Partner andDigital Technical Sales, IBM. For Kate coaching is a practice. Mission and values.How to map out your 2025 plan.02:13 Meet Kate Mayne08:16 Business Coaching16:00 Mission and Values22:41 Starting the New Year26:41 Define the Characteristics you Desire28:57 Mapping Out Your Plan40:35 How Do You Stay Present45:15 Coaching in Summary47:43 Rapid Fire50:53 The Self-help BookLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/katemayneWebsite: https://www.ibm.com/partnerplusCrucial Conversations book: https://cruciallearning.com/books/Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.#LeadershipCoaching #BusinessLeadership #MissionAndValues #2025Planning #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipDevelopment #CoachingTips #StayPresent #SelfHelpBooks #MakingDataSimple #KateMayne #IBMLeadership #BusinessInnovationWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple?  Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next.  The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun. 

Send us Fan MailThe AI Patent Attorney, Robert Plotkin is back!  Founding partner of Blueshift IP and author of AI Armor and The Genie in the Machine.  Robert outlines the new gold rush and how to take advantage of it.02:59 Meet Robert Plotkin Again06:56 Robert's Brand 09:21 Why do Another Book11:33 What Can be Patented?14:18 Patent Attorneys19:10 Coca-Cola23:19 Patent Litigation26:23 Ignoring Copyrights2847 Open Source vs Patents30:32 4 Stages for IP Protection37:45 The Best Tech Patent40:38 The New Gold Rush 43:10 Is AI Liable49:20 Who Should Read the Book?50:52 Where to Reach Robert51:25 Wrap UpLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/robertplotkinWebsite: https://www.blueshiftip.comWant to be featured on Making Data Simple? Reach out at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and share why you should be our next guest. Hosted by Al Martin, AI Enthusiast, Trusted Advisor, and Curious Technologist, the Making Data Simple podcast brings you actionable insights from the leaders shaping AI, data, and innovation.#MakingDataSimple #AIInnovation #PatentLaw #RobertPlotkin #BlueshiftIP #AIArmor #TheGenieInTheMachine #TechLeadership #IntellectualProperty #FutureOfAI #AITrends #InnovationStrategyWant to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple?  Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next.  The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun. 

Join Manav Gupta, VP and CTO of IBM Canada with 25 years in tech, as he dives into the world of large language models. He discusses the evolution of AI models, the key differences between open and closed models, and their practical implications for businesses. Gupta also reveals insights on innovations like Instruct Lab and the importance of trust in model selection. He emphasizes hands-on learning in tech and highlights the ethical challenges and accountability in autonomous AI. A thought-provoking conversation for anyone interested in the future of AI!

Send us Fan MailThis week, we’re talking to Jon Darbyshire, CEO of SmartSuite, who’s making waves in work management from Kansas to Newport Beach. Learn how he's reshaping business operations with an all-in-one platform that’s turning process management on its head.#Entrepreneurship #WorkplaceAutomation #SmartSuite #TechInnovation #BusinessLeadership #MillennialFocus #GenZ #FamilyBusiness #MakingDataSimple  #DataDriven #Startups #JonDarbyshire #ProcessManagement #BusinessSuccessShow Notes03:28 From Haysville to Newport Beach07:18 Why start a business in a pandemic?08:48 Who needs venture funding. Not Jon.09:26 Workplace automation defined14:12 SmartSuite capabilities19:30 Targeting Millennials and Gen Z20:45 Slack built in21:54 SmartSuite differentiation23:07 Sharing data25:28 The sales pitch28:56 All in. all the time31:00 Passion with preparation is king34:04 Running a family business41:26 Target client profiles44:15 Definition of success46:25 Building a culture49:00 Vision or Grinders?Find Jon : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondarbyshire/Find SmartSuite : https://www.smartsuite.com/Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple?  Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next.  The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun. 

Send us Fan Mail"Ready to dive deep into the future of intelligent systems? Meet Peter Voss, Founder and CEO of Aigo.ai, who coined the term 'Artificial General Intelligence' and is pioneering hyper-personalized chatbots WITH a brain. Join us as we explore his revolutionary ideas and why Aigo.ai is leading the charge in AI innovation."#AIInnovation #PeterVoss #FutureOfAI #HyperPersonalization #BeyondChatGPT #TechPodcast #ArtificialIntelligence #MachineLearning #PersonalizedTech01:56 Meet Peter Voss08:23 Passion for Intelligent Systems12:54 Why only Aigo16:31 ChatGPT? A Different View22:03 A Use Case by Example30:53 What is Included, What is Not34:08 Who are your Clients36:10 The Engagement38:57 The Business Case41:59 AI that Reasons44:26 The Definition of AGI46:51 For FunLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vosspeterTwitter: @peterevossWebsite: aigo.ai/Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple?  Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next.  The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun. 

Send us Fan MailRichmond Alake, Developer Advocate at MongoDB, is an AI/ML practitioner with an academic background in computer vision, robotics, and machine learning.  If databases that scale for AI are your thing, this one is for you.02:05 Meet Rich Alake03:57 A Developer Advocate at MongoDB05:57 Passions and Fate!08:52 AI Hype13:14 Oh No.  AGI Again…17:30 What Makes and AI Database?20:42 Use Cases25:41 RAG Best Practices27:40 The Role of Database30:05 Why is MongoDB Better At?32:43 What's Next36:13 Advice on Contious Learning38:44 Where to Find Rich?Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/richmondalakeWebsite: https://www.mongodb.com/Register For MongoDB: https://mdb.link/register_make_data_simpleAI Agents Article: https://mdb.link/ai_agents_making_data_simple Best Repo for AI Developers: https://mdb.link/ai_developer_resource Richmond's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richmondalake/Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple?  Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next.  The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun. 

Send us Fan MailChatGPT might be a scrape of the internet, but Personal AI is something entirely different—AI that’s personally yours. Join us as we meet Suman Kanuganti, CEO of Personal AI, a visionary on a mission to empower individuals by creating AI extensions of their memory. Get ready to explore how this groundbreaking innovation can transform how we remember, connect, and thrive in a digital world. Let's get started!"#ArtificialIntelligence #PersonalAI #AIInnovation #MemoryExtension #EmpowermentThroughAI #SumanKanuganti #TechTalk #FutureOfAI #PodcastingAI #AIForEveryone01:35 Meet Suman Kanuganti05:57 Starting Aira, addressing needs of the blind 11:41 Bigger dreams - what would Larry do?16:27 ChatGPT… ok we've said it17:57 Introducing Personal.ai26:34 Using Personal.ai31:23 Innovative use cases33:57 Now it gets crazy38:43 It's FREE… to start42:02 Keeping your data safe44:41 Predicting the future of AI48:15 The scary part51:12 For funLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kanugantisuman Website: https://www.personal.ai/Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple?  Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next.  The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun. Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple?  Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next.  The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.