Data is Gold in AI's Wild West: Insights from Salesforce's State of Data & Analytics Report

Data is Gold in AI's Wild West: Insights from Salesforce's State of Data & Analytics Report

Author: Brick Thompson, Jon Thompson, Caleb Ochs, Landon Ochs December 27, 2023 Duration: 15:04
In this episode, hosts Brick Thompson and Caleb Ochs discuss the current state of data and AI, inspired by a recent report from Salesforce. They discuss the importance of a strong data foundation (and what constitutes one) for effective use of generative AI, emphasizing the need for high-quality, consolidated, and secure data. They also cover some of the challenges of advancing data initiatives (e.g. keeping data projects aligned to business goals, differing perceptions of data quality and us...

Every other Thursday, The Dashboard Effect cuts through the noise around business data. Host Brick Thompson of Blue Margin sits down with operators and leaders who are actually using analytics to steer their companies, moving beyond theory to the tangible realities of implementation. This isn't about abstract concepts; it's a focused discussion on building clarity and accountability through dashboards and reporting that people actually use. You'll hear specific stories about the hurdles mid-market and private equity-backed firms face when trying to make data-driven decisions a daily habit, not just an aspiration. The conversations in this podcast are built for leaders who need practical frameworks, whether it's about selecting the right metrics, fostering a data culture, or justifying the investment in business intelligence tools. Each episode aims to simplify a complex landscape, providing listeners with a clearer path to turning their information into a strategic advantage. Tune in for grounded advice that translates data from a potential asset into a genuine driver of business performance.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

The Dashboard Effect
Podcast Episodes
Preparing Your Data for AI: What Most Companies Get Wrong [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:14
In this episode of The Dashboard Effect, host Brick is joined by Blue Margin account executive Greg to demystify what it really means to “prepare your data for AI.” Rather than focusing on flashy tools and hype, they dig…
Inside Microsoft Build: The Rise of AI Agents [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:56
This episode dives into the biggest theme from the 2025 Microsoft Build conference: AI agents. Brick and Landon unpack what Microsoft unveiled, from Copilot Studio to Azure AI Foundry, and what it all means for businesse…
Breaking Down the Latest Fabric Updates from Microsoft Build [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:12
Landon and Brick unpack the biggest announcements about Microsoft Fabric from the 2025 Microsoft Build Conference. From long-awaited features like Power BI write-back and built-in CICD, to major shifts like Cosmos DB mov…
5 Key Metrics for Middle Market Companies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:35
In this episode, Brick and Kate break down the five most impactful metrics for middle-market companies to focus on when implementing Business Intelligence (BI). These metrics help businesses not only measure performance,…
If You Build It, Will They Use It? Culture’s Role in BI Success [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:38
Rolling out a new BI system or dashboard? It's not just about the data; it's about the people. In this episode of The Dashboard Effect, Brick and Landon dive into the hidden influence of company culture on BI adoption. F…
Vanity Isn’t Strategy: Smarter Metrics for Smarter Teams [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:55
Are you chasing metrics that look good but don’t do good? In this episode of The Dashboard Effect, Brick Thompson and Landon Oaks dive into the common trap of vanity metrics, those flashy numbers that don’t actually move…
Safe, Smart, and Internal: Our Experimental Leap with AI [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:03
In this episode of The Dashboard Effect, host Landon Oaks sits down with Azure Data Architect Mark Bender to discuss Blue Margin’s first internal leap into AI: Project Celeste. Still in its early stages, Celeste is desig…
The Future of Microsoft Fabric: Will It Replace Synapse? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:04
Are you trying to decide between Microsoft Synapse and Microsoft Fabric for your data architecture? In this episode of The Dashboard Effect Podcast, we break down the key differences, pros, and cons of each platform to h…