Insights Tomorrow: A podcast for data enthusiasts 

Data is everywhere, but how do we use it effectively? How do we collect, analyze, visualize, and communicate data in a way that is meaningful and impactful? How do we avoid common pitfalls and biases that can distort our understanding of data? And how do we develop the skills and mindset to become data literate and data savvy? 

These are some of the questions that we explore in Insights Tomorrow, a podcast for data enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you are a student, a professional, a hobbyist, or just curious about data, this podcast is for you. In each episode, we interview experts and practitioners from different fields and domains, who share their insights and experiences with data. We also discuss the latest trends and developments in data science, data journalism, data visualization, data ethics, and more. 

Our goal is to help you learn something new, get inspired, and have fun with data. We believe that data matters, and that everyone can benefit from learning how to use data effectively. So, join us as we dive into the world of data and discover how data can make a difference in our lives and society. 

Insights Tomorrow podcast

Unlocking value from data

About the host

Insights Tomorrow is hosted by Patrick LeBlanc, Principal Program Manager at Microsoft and contributing partner to Guy in a Cube. Along with his over 15 years of experience in IT, he holds a Master of Science degree from Louisiana State University. He is the author and co-author of five SQL Server books. Before joining Microsoft, he was awarded the Microsoft MVP award for his contributions to the community. Patrick is a regular speaker at many SQL Server conferences and community events. 

How to listen and subscribe 

You can find Insights Tomorrow on our website, where you can listen to the episodes online or you can also subscribe to Insights Tomorrow on your favorite podcast app, such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music. 

Why should you listen and subscribe 

  • You will learn from experts and practitioners who have real-world experience and knowledge with data. 
  • You will discover new tools, techniques, methods, and resources that can help you improve your data skills and projects. 
  • You will get inspired by the stories and examples of how data can be used for good, for innovation, for creativity, and for social change. 
  • You will have fun and enjoy the conversations and discussions that we have with our guests and hosts. 
  • You will become part of a community of data enthusiasts who share your passion and curiosity for data. 

Listen to Insights Tomorrow

Hear us on Spotify

So, what are you waiting for? Start listening and subscribe to Insights Tomorrow today and join us on our journey to explore the world of data. Here are episodes that you can tune into from our respected guests on the podcast and stay tuned for more episodes soon! 

Episodes

Episode #1: Reframing Data Strategy Alignment 

Organizational alignment on a data strategy is essential to realizing the transformative impact of applying an organization’s data to its fullest potential. This is easier said than done, despite there being a general alignment amongst an organization’s leaders on the transformative opportunities to apply their data. Why is it hard for an organization to align a data strategy? What is the top-line considerations for an organization’s leadership to avoid or break out of the deadlock states that hinder the acceleration of data value creation? What is the breakthrough path for the Data Strategy Alignment Conundrum? 

Guest: Karthik Ravindran, General Manager of Enterprise Data at Microsoft. 

Episode #2: Demystifying Data Modernization Patterns 

Data modernization refers to the process of upgrading and transforming data systems, infrastructure, and processes to meet the demands of modern data-driven organizations. It involves the adoption of new technologies and techniques to increase data quality, speed, scalability, and agility. To help organizations navigate this complex process, several data modernization patterns have emerged that provide a framework for modernizing data systems. 

Guest: Jeeva AKR, Leads the Cloud Scale Analytics go-to-market for Microsoft. 

Episode #3: What’s Governance Got to Do with It? 

Every data and analytics leader knows a simple but critical fact: your data is only as good as your governance. It’s essential to have data stewards and well-defined guidelines to keep your data clean, secure, organized, and compliant. But what does good governance look like in a world where data lives everywhere and is constantly changing? 

Guests: Erik Zwiefel, Chief Data and Analytics Officer for the Americas, Cumarran Kaliyaperumal, Chief Data and AI Officer for APAC. 

Epsiode #4: The Health of Data 

Having real-time access to secure, accurate data is critical in the healthcare industry. From storage and data integration to enabling governance across all of the systems that rely on sensitive patient information, every aspect of data management must be carefully considered when implementing a cloud strategy. Advancements in technology have made it easier than ever for healthcare professionals to access up-to-date information and gain new insights that can improve patient care. 

Guest: Anders Reinhardt, Senior Director of Business Intelligence and Global IT at Coloplast. 

Epsiode #5: The Blooming of AI Spring 

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is a term that’s synonymous with the world of data. From data inputs that have driven the growth of AI, to the modern applications that can be applied to data models to accelerate time to insights, AI is at the forefront of innovation. But that hasn’t always been the case. Today we’re in the midst of a renewed “AI Spring” where we’re seeing a resurgence in development and new possibilities we never thought imaginable. 

Guest: Buck Woody, Applied Data Scientist on the Azure Data Services team at Microsoft. 

Episode #6: Microsoft’s Next Evolution 

From Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) to Vertipaq to Power BI, Microsoft has a rich history of innovation and evolution in business intelligence. As data becomes an ever-increasing priority for organizations around the globe, Microsoft is now focused on the future with the launch of Microsoft Fabric, a unified software as a service (SaaS) solution which integrates all your data in one place. Fabric makes data management easier and more accessible for every user who works with data. 

Guest: Amir Netz, CTO of Microsoft’s Intelligence Platform, including Power BI, Synapse, and more. 

Episode #7: What Happened to Data Marts 

Accessing data faster, more easily, and in a format of their choice is an increasing priority for business users. In the new Microsoft Fabric unified ecosystem, data warehousing, data lakehouse, and data marts coexist to enable users to choose how they analyze and work with data at scale. Priya Sathy shares insights into the future of data marts, the role data warehouses play, and what you can expect from Microsoft Fabric in the coming years. 

Guest: Priya Sathy, Leads Microsoft’s Azure Synapse SQL and Synapse Data Warehouse in Microsoft Fabric.

Episode #8: The Changing Faces of Data and Analytics 

Through actively incorporating the feedback of internal field sellers, engineers, and customers, Microsoft has been able to make huge strides in the development and success of the Power BI solution. Now with the introduction of Microsoft Fabric, another exciting shift is happening in the world of analytics. In this episode of Insights Tomorrow, Arun Ulag discusses his journey from being a field seller, through evolutions in Power BI, to the recent launch of the unified analytics solution, Microsoft Fabric. Arun also shares his insight and predictions for what lies ahead in this ever-evolving data and analytics landscape. 

Guest: Arun Ulag, Corporate Vice President of Azure Data. 

Epsiode #9: Patrick Takes the Hot Seat 

The data landscape is changing constantly, and as an expert in the space, our host Patrick LeBlanc is helping to document these changes and keep global data leaders updated on the latest developments and technologies. In this special episode of Insights Tomorrow, Product Marketing Manager Swetha Mannepalli interviews the interviewer, asking Patrick about his favorite moments from the podcast series and his predictions for what’s coming in data and AI. 

Guest: Swetha Mannepalli, Senior Product Marketing Manager. 

Episode #10: Finding Balance in Progress 

In today’s episode of Insights Tomorrow, Patrick LeBlanc and guest Kim Manis discuss the importance of balance and prioritization in both personal and professional lives. As the Director of Product, Microsoft Fabric & Power BI, Kim shares her experience in leading global teams, inspiring interns, driving success for innovative solutions, and saving space for the things she loves. 

Guest: Kim Manis, Microsoft’s Partner Director of Product Management, Azure Synapse Analytics, and Power BI. 

Learn more about the data landscape and Microsoft Fabric