Data and Confused

Why Founders Fail at Raising Money (It’s Not What You Think) with VC and PR Expert Liana Zavo - Ep23

What if the reason your startup isn’t getting funded… has nothing to do with your product?In this episode of Data and Confused, we sit down with venture capital advisor Liana Zavo to uncover what actually drives investment decisions in today’s AI-driven world. While most founders focus on building better technology and stronger metrics, Liana breaks down why those things alone aren’t enough. The real differentiator? Your story. We explore how investor psychology really works, why emotional connection matters more than logic, and how founders can position themselves to stand out in an increasingly crowded and AI-saturated market. From the importance of data and AI readiness to the role of PR, branding, and credibility, this conversation reveals the hidden factors that separate funded startups from the ones that get overlooked. If you're building a company, raising capital, or trying to understand where the future of venture capital is headed, this episode will completely change how you think about growth, funding, and storytelling. More from Liana - https://zavoventures.com/

Psychology of Cybercrime and the “Human Blind Spot” with expert Robert Siciliano CSP, CSI, CITRMS - Ep22

To learn more from Robert head to: https://protectnowllc.com/ Cybersecurity conversations usually focus on tools, firewalls, and technology. But according to cybersecurity expert Robert Siciliano, the real battle isn’t technical. It’s human. In this episode of Data and Confused, Glen sits down with Robert Siciliano, a cybersecurity expert and former private investigator who has spent decades studying social engineering and human behavior. Robert shares how his early experiences shaped his understanding of predators, risk, and the psychology behind scams. From identity theft in the early internet days to today’s AI-powered fraud and deepfakes, he explains why most cybersecurity training fails to change behavior. His solution? A shift from security awareness to security appreciation. Instead of treating cybersecurity as a compliance exercise, Robert argues that organizations must make security personal. When employees understand how security protects their families, finances, and identities, they begin to care. If cybersecurity is ultimately about people, then protecting organizations starts by helping individuals protect themselves.

What Does it Mean to Become Data Independent- Special Episode

What if your company could own its software again? In this solo episode of Data and Confused, Glen explores the concept of data independence and why it may be the next major shift in enterprise technology strategy. From the mainframe era to SaaS lock-in to the rise of AI, businesses have slowly traded ownership for convenience. But now, with open data formats like Apache Iceberg and modern AI development tools, organizations may have the opportunity to reclaim control of their data, infrastructure, and applications. Is it time to rethink build vs buy? Is AI the tool that could finally break vendor dependency? Join the conversation and let us know how your organization is thinking about data ownership. Join our Discord community- https://discord.gg/HjNTFkw7CH Like, subscribe, and follow Data and Confused for more conversations at the intersection of data, AI, and business strategy.

CMMC, NIST, and FedRAMP: What You’re Really Signing Up For with Cybersecurity Expert Lori Crooks -Ep21`

In this episode, cybersecurity auditing expert Lori Crooks joins Glen to break down CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) and why it’s about to become unavoidable for thousands of organizations connected to the Defense Industrial Base. They explore what CMMC actually requires, how Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) drives compliance scope, and why small subcontractors and “subs of subs” are often the most at risk. Lori walks through readiness assessments, audits, incident response requirements, and the real costs of getting compliant, including tooling, documentation, and third-party auditors. The conversation also covers FedRAMP, NIST frameworks, AI governance risks, cloud security, and why even printers, mobile devices, and ticketing systems can become cybersecurity liabilities. If your organization works with the DoD, government agencies, or sensitive data, this episode offers a clear, real-world look at what compliance actually takes and why waiting may cost you future contracts.

The Case for Digital Twins in an AI-First World with AI expert Manuj Aggarwal - Ep20

In this episode of Data and Confused, Manuj Aggarwal joins Glen Kendell for a wide-ranging conversation on why AI adoption feels chaotic, dangerous, and transformative all at once. Manuj, a 30-year technology veteran with multiple AI patents, explains why artificial intelligence is fundamentally different from every technology that came before it. Unlike tools that enhanced physical labor, AI enhances human cognition, and that changes everything. They explore why most organizations are deploying AI without strategy or oversight, how uncontrolled AI agents create data chaos, and why traditional software systems like CRMs and ERPs may not survive the next five years. The conversation dives deep into Manuj’s concept of a “digital twin” an AI reflection of the human mind that helps individuals and teams use AI safely, purposefully, and at scale. This episode goes beyond prompts and productivity hacks to ask bigger questions about identity, purpose, data ownership, and what it means to stay human in an AI-driven world.