This week on The Data Stack Show, Barry McCardel, CEO and Co-Founder of Hex, joins Eric Dodds and John Wessel to discuss the transformative impact of AI on data teams and the broader data industry. The conversation explores how AI is reshaping workflows, team structures, and the very definition of data roles, while also addressing the anxieties and opportunities that come with rapid change. Barry shares Hex’s journey from having a dedicated AI team to fully integrating AI across the product, and offers insights on industry consolidation, the infinite demand for data insights, and the importance of embracing change. Key takeaways include the need for data professionals to adapt and focus on problem-solving, the growing value of context and curation, the competitive advantage for organizations that leverage AI-driven tools and foster a culture of innovation, and so much more.

This week on The Data Stack Show, Alexander Patrushev joins John to share his journey from working on mainframes at IBM to leading AI infrastructure innovation at Nebius, with stops at VMware and AWS along the way. The discussion explores the evolution of AI and cloud infrastructure, the five pillars of successful machine learning projects, and the unique challenges of building and operating modern AI data centers—including energy consumption, cooling, and networking. Alexander also delves into the practicalities of infrastructure as code, the importance of data quality, and offers actionable advice for those looking to break into the AI field. Key takeaways include the need for strong data foundations, thoughtful project selection, and the value of leveraging existing skills and tools to succeed in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Don’t miss this great conversation.

This week on The Data Stack Show, AI entrepreneur Alberto Rizzoli shares his journey from early computer vision breakthroughs to leading the automation of back-office workflows at V7. The discussion explores the shift from bespoke model training to configurable AI solutions, the impact of automation on business roles, and emerging best practices for integrating AI into enterprises. Listeners will gain insight into how AI infrastructure is moving from labs to everyday businesses, which roles are most vulnerable or secure amid automation, and why future-proofing your career means focusing on creativity, first principles, and continuous improvement. Don’t miss it!