Keeping Up With Data

Inside Today’s Data Revolution: How dbt Is Changing Data Teams, Platforms and Practice

In this dbt-heavy episode of Keeping Up With Data, Shabbir, Senior Solutions Architect at dbt Labs, joins the show to unpack how dbt is reshaping modern data teams and why it has become one of the most copied tools in the market. He shares his unconventional journey from actuarial studies into data analytics, consulting, Databricks, and now dbt, explaining why pre-sales is the sweet spot between deep technical work and big-picture customer vision.https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/68402355/f8bab1c4-2c02-4432-8bd7-5503657386e2/FULL-POD-TRANSCRIPT.docx?AWSAccessKeyId=ASIA2F3EMEYETIMWDJXB&Signature=fiwI7LdBRYyJQiP0rxQ%2Fen2BMRI%3D&x-amz-security-token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEBAaCXVzLWVhc3QtMSJHMEUCIQDVff9KBcN5GW1VPGGQ%2FkAFRLSt794aU9plZthFJ1hf5gIgAIGJKeXRe1Aj8Da2WBNwDDCj2s2iNu16r65f24FfliQq%2FAQI2f%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FARABGgw2OTk3NTMzMDk3MDUiDEMRakB6YwMQ28icfCrQBL9x8wCxkb8tmtfGq1a0ZKjsQEMFigUby9J%2BOFx5IQg08eJTb4%2BSNTK5h%2FP15au89AgHIIDc36Lp0EiCVFTSpmX4Q0XfsbFmsQXTkuHakjGCY3EOHIfE19wNYJuHEeU6P1SSjDjTA1QmeGxhcEt3k%2BPxa72mNqnOSz%2BbpXSOaJL0aXTptxkOcaMjJu6r2RSS%2FPeogE4%2FIN7uqgEGz9oq%2Fos2eqM8oQPdNfliiVw14u54BCOdKwyi2ApBp%2FUoB9SVUXHQvRB4H4sVKOW1tBZZBFGMyQaf3QVn3iTzlt3MpzKsfC0boK2NaGtGisfY0%2B4Rf1JIFYhF023%2FMo6QpQ%2FJ%2BmMD9r9ElCwmg5K26u7G1bqfJ2JSB9neRgCr85yZlDo0pTiJo5XJsmrq6KgRUmNjgBJmTTtQ7FxEdaL4M%2BoJGJHEyRlZXSO83MCNQCs%2BE9k2hcWzDDajyKrIQAoUH%2BWviGzAFMWrNUmPxLn0bLuKkXcJChU5gbqPynBYCdzbo5FyLcf1S2VlS9JQgJ7AnvIxFNLu4Y4eO4YHU1dnRpq%2BB%2BR6JSmrTu1cvTN5yzM%2BVzzGDZvdBi3AYdmy0blPBvlnsf51SZIZQCmM%2F%2FcznYncaBOrs41LQUmFlltZIUxg8Srm0FSR262iiEdfqlp8ItatSFDsbja2sX9xpFwgij0bAtpH6o0Y%2F0KtOuxcQbLdR%2Fq1FQNRify7rMr8Mmf43Mwjt8tymzjPSOqm42v3%2F0NfPevLNA1Wc99mKzh3sagXFr33Hui%2FBJCBZtqdcgQ%2B9O84me4w7oDRzgY6mAHwSuNrG16miPsNgUQqRta%2FCrvJbT7Zgan5dqLObeGYUtqwS%2FJoMJHLln2b8tcS1qF3u%2BufpE1lgp6%2FaTFgvkoa9fL8zJdx380zXR3i0LWSJXjnQmtAbGbvTfn3pviEd4fF%2FDAU8UokUBlB24q%2BhSWFrekMP975MQjYSWXlstKsxMzQtcUhyVl0Qp%2Bk74VgYtXKWKJGek3RwA%3D%3D&Expires=1775520131 The conversation dives into what dbt actually does in plain language, why ELT replaced traditional ETL, and where dbt is – and isn’t – the right fit, especially in the batch vs real-time debate. Shabbir also lifts the lid on dbt Fusion, showing how AI plus static analysis can convert legacy stored procedures into production-ready dbt models in minutes, and what the 5Tran–dbt merger means for openness, metadata standards, and avoiding vendor lock-in. If you care about analytics engineering, migration-proof data stacks, or making SQL practitioners massively more productive, this one is for you. This podcast is in partnership with The Black Dog Institute which aims to create a mentally healthier world for everyone. If you wish to support the cause please donate via the link Black Dog Institute - Precision Sourcing https://www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundr... [https://www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundr...] Host: Seán Gray & Polain Byimira Guest: Shabbir Khanbha Powered by Precision Sourcing, award-winning Technology, Data & SAP Recruitment Experts.

Global lessons in Customer AI: How is Australia handling the Transition?

Join Polain and guest Tracey Robinson as she traces her unconventional path from policing in country NSW to spearheading digital AI products for giant US enterprises. The episode debates the challenges of implementing AI that genuinely improves customer journeys, the pitfalls of siloed thinking, and how Australian businesses can catch up to global standards. Tracy shares actionable insights for future AI leaders - focusing on adaptability, building capability in-house, and always designing from the customer's perspective. Whether you're a tech exec, product manager or aspiring data professional, this episode delivers a punchy, authentic look at navigating the complex world of AI-powered experiences This podcast is in partnership with The Black Dog Institute which aims to create a mentally healthier world for everyone. If you wish to support the cause please donate via the link Black Dog Institute - Precision Sourcing https://www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundr... [https://www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundr...] Host: Polain Byimira Guest: Tracey Robinson Powered by Precision Sourcing, award-winning Technology, Data & SAP Recruitment Experts.

Turning Empty Tables into Profit: Pan Koutlakis on Building Eat Club and Surviving COVID

In this episode of "Keeping Up With Data," Pan Koutlakis, co-founder and CEO of Eat Club, shares how he turned lessons from managing Adelaide nightclubs into building one of Australia’s fastest-growing restaurant tech platforms. He reveals how Eat Club’s dynamic pricing helps venues fill empty tables, boost profitability, and create atmosphere - all powered by machine learning and seamless payment tech. Pan opens up about surviving COVID’s impact, scaling into London, and why transparency, adaptability, and smart data use have been key to their success. A must-listen for anyone interested in startups, hospitality innovation, or building businesses that last. This podcast is in partnership with The Black Dog Institute which aims to create a mentally healthier world for everyone. If you wish to support the cause please donate via the link Black Dog Institute - Precision Sourcing https://www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundr... [https://www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundr...] Host: Seán Gray & Polain Byimira Guest: Pan Koutlakis Powered by Precision Sourcing, award-winning Technology, Data & SAP Recruitment Experts.

Young Minds, Big Data: AI’s Impact on Mental Health

Join us on this special episode of Keeping Up With Data as we dive into the cutting edge of mental health innovation with Dr Jill Newby - clinical psychologist, research lead at the Black Dog Institute, and co-director of CRE Precision. Together with Precision Sourcing's MD’s Simon Hair and Polain from the Data team, we explore how artificial intelligence and big data are changing the way depression and anxiety are understood and treated. From digital phenotyping and personalised treatment to the impact of the pandemic on young people’s mental health, this conversation unpacks the latest findings, real-world challenges, and ethical questions facing digital mental health tools. Discover how action takes centre stage through Climb4Lives - the 14 Peaks Challenge raising vital funds for the Black Dog Institute. Over 75 hours, Precision Sourcing’s team will climb the equivalent of all 14 world peaks using stair climbers to support better mental health outcomes for all Australians. If you’d like to play your part and support this life-saving work, donations can be made directly here via the link - https://www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundraisers/climbforlives2025 [https://www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundraisers/climbforlives2025]    This podcast is in partnership with The Black Dog Institute which aims to create a mentally healthier world for everyone.  Host: Polain Byimira & Simon Hair  Guest: Dr Jill Newby Powered by Precision Sourcing, award-winning Technology, Data & SAP Recruitment Experts.

Graph Databases & AI: What Most Companies Still Don’t Understand - Emil Pastor

In this episode of Keeping Up With Data, Emil Pastore from Neo4j joins the team to unpack how graph databases are transforming industries, from fraud detection in banking to drug discovery in pharma. Emil shares his journey from Teradata to Microsoft to Neo4j, and explains why graph technology is more than just a buzzword—it’s a mindset shift. What Neo4j actually is (and isn’t) Why graphs mimic the human brain better than spreadsheets How Neo4j helps fintechs like Prospa detect fraud in hours, not days The difference between GraphRAG and traditional AI search Why most companies don’t need more tools - they need better questions   Whether you're deep in data architecture or just curious about graph tech, this episode breaks it down with clarity, real-world use cases, and a few spicy misconceptions. This podcast is in partnership with The Black Dog Institute which aims to create a mentally healthier world for everyone. If you wish to support the cause please donate via the link Black Dog Institute - Precision Sourcing https://www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundr.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVl5dkh1WFlSdUNEZEdlc1hsT19YME5mY3lSZ3xBQ3Jtc0tsaUJMT0RLZkxSeWt0MjRVSmZ0SVVicXFBczNyeFd3NEhfUWZLelNkMXBZSVlEMlN2RzR1Unk5MWF3WlpkdlNFYUdTdEdlV01JZUtiVDRVS05xd3V6Q3A5WjU4Y1loWEVhMVZNQUxVZnI4eDZ0SElLTQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.teamblackdog.org.au%2Ffundr..&v=fY81lqinPlQ]. Host: Seán Gray & Polain Byimira Guest: Emil Pastor Powered by Precision Sourcing, award-winning Technology, Data & SAP Recruitment Experts.