83: Data Lake or Data Fake? w/ David Dadoun

09/29/21 • 51 min

This week we are joined by AoF alumni, David Dadoun to talk about data lakes, data oceans, data puddles, and data platforms, and why so many are confused about the topic. David is a leader, professor, global speaker, and recently transitioned to an exciting new role as Head of Enterprise Data and BI at BRP in Canada.

If you feel unsure about the definition of a data lake vs a data platform, you’re not alone. The concept continues to evolve, to where we are today which is a data platform. As the owner and creators of multiple data platforms, David shared breaks down the key steps to transform your data lake into a data platform. Whether you’re migrating to a more sophisticated data cloud or building a platform from scratch, the rapid pace of change means there’s always something new to be learned. Tune in today for this fascinating conversation on how to master your data platform!

In this episode, you'll learn:

[0:07:35] What the ‘data lake’ was and how it has evolved over time.
[0:08:35] What is a data fake and how data lakes have evolved into data platforms.
[0:12:51] Who needs to own the data platforms and who it’s for.
[0:14:41] How to run a data platform depending on the size and structure of your organization.
[0:16:05] The different ways that companies can structure their data platform(s).
[0:18:02] Why data literacy is crucial for any company with a data culture and how data lakes form part of the core strategy.
[0:21:03] How to balance analytics and data goals within your company and teams.
[0:24:20] The important steps a company can take towards creating a data lake.
[0:28:13] Why it’s necessary to be mindful of the rapid rate of change within data and how it will affect your data platforms.

For full show notes, and the links mentioned visit: https://bibrainz.com/podcast/83

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Please leave us a review on iTunes.

In this episode, you'll learn:

[0:07:35] What the ‘data lake’ was and how it has evolved over time.
[0:08:35] What is a data fake and how data lakes have evolved into data platforms.
[0:12:51] Who needs to own the data platforms and who it’s for.
[0:14:41] How to run a data platform depending on the size and structure of your organization.
[0:16:05] The different ways that companies can structure their data platform(s).
[0:18:02] Why data literacy is crucial for any company with a data culture and how data lakes form part of the core strategy.
[0:21:03] How to balance analytics and data goals within your company and teams.
[0:24:20] The important steps a company can take towards creating a data lake.
[0:28:13] Why it’s necessary to be mindful of the rapid rate of change within data and how it will affect your data platforms.

For full show notes, and the links mentioned visit: https://bibrainz.com/podcast/83

Enjoyed the Show?

Please leave us a review on iTunes.

Previous Episode

82: How to Get Started with Advanced Analytics w/ Ryan Wade

Ryan Wade joins us on AOF today to talk about how to use advanced analytics in your organization! Ryan has been in the analytics game for the last 20 years and is now a Senior Solution Consultant at Blue Granite, based in Indianapolis, Indiana. He recently authored the amazing must-read book, Advanced Analytics in Power BI with R and Python, and in today's chat, we get to hear all about why he wrote the book, who it is for and how you can use it to accelerate your data journey!

I met Ryan while speaking at a few conferences and was always impressed with his knowledge and great sense of humor! A professional football player turned data scientist, Ryan has a passion for breaking down advanced analytics in a way anyone can understand. Whether you’re already using advanced analytics or researching how to get started Ryan’s knowledge on the topic will help you. Tune in with a pencil and paper in hand!

In this episode, you'll learn:

[0:09:22] The rise of the R and Python programming languages in the data world.
[0:16:44] The necessary, well-thought-out preparatory steps for a project utilizing advanced analytics.
[0:19:39] Why attention-grabbing visuals are not the most important part of data storytelling!
[0:23:13] Creating a sufficient team for data analytics and the vital roles of the database administrator, active directory administrator, and more!
[0:39:07] Client conversations around shortcomings and hurdles in advanced analytics.

For full show notes, and the links mentioned visit: https://bibrainz.com/podcast/82

Enjoyed the Show?

Please leave us a review on iTunes.

Next Episode

84: How to Transform your Analytics Dept into a Profit Center w/ Derrick Louis

Data is a company’s most important asset, so why aren’t more companies turning their analytics departments into profit centers? In today’s episode, my guest took this concept to the next level by bringing a dedicated accountant on staff to manage their analytics profit center. When Derrick Louis says he is focused on the bottom line, he means it! Previously the Executive Director of IT at RaceTrac Petroleum, Derrick currently heads up IT at Cumberland Farms/EG America. As a business-driven IT leader, he harnesses the power of technology, people, and innovation to combat rising costs, create nimble organizations, and drive scalable growth.

In today’s conversation, Derrick shares some practical tips and advice that will inspire you to think differently about how you work with your customers, especially when it comes to being financially responsible. We touch on why you should be quantifying how your analytics teamwork adds to your bottom line, how to know when it’s time to become a profit center, and the value of keeping track of every dollar you save your org by bringing an accountant in, and so much more! For data leaders that are struggling to show their value to their org or aren’t sure where to start on creating a profit center, this episode is for you!

In this episode, you'll learn:

[0:15:49] How to convince your company to shift from a cost center to a profit center.
[0:22:40] How effective data leaders deal with pushback from their leadership.
[0:27:20] Derrick’s advice for departments that want to become profit centers, but don’t know where to start.
[0:33:32] What led Derrick to bring an accountant into his analytics team.
[0:35:28] Some of the specialized skills that an accountant brings to the table.
[0:42:56] Different types of reporting that you need, including the value of user spend.
[0:44:03] Why Derrick says that the accountant ultimately “paid for himself.”

For full show notes, and the links mentioned visit: https://bibrainz.com/podcast/84

Enjoyed the Show?

Please leave us a review on iTunes.