The Data Product Mindset

The real cost of data: Optimizing P&L and TCO with Mike Salk

How much does your data actually cost you? Most organizations focus on the price of the contract, but the real expense lies in the complexity of integration, workflow disruption, and manual support. In this episode of Data Product Mindset, Anthony Cosgrove sits down with Mike Salk, a seasoned commercial data executive with decades of experience managing data products at scale. Mike shares hard-won insights from his career — ranging from the high-stakes world of stock data at the Associated Press to the modern challenges of cloud-based AI. In this episode, we explore: * The Utility Trap: Why the best-built data product in the world is worthless if it doesn't solve a specific "job-to-be-done" for the end user. * The Hidden P&L Killer: Why a single customer phone call reporting an error is the most expensive part of your data operation and how to prevent it with built-in quality checks. * Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Mike explains his unique philosophy of obsessing over the customer's TCO to build long-term trust and "free up wallet" for future growth. * Archaic Tech in Modern Markets: Why much of the financial world is still running on mid-1980s FTP standards and the massive opportunity this presents for modernization. * The Generative AI Shift: How AI is acting as the "new calculator," enabling non-technical users to build their own solutions and forcing data product owners to "unlock" their assets. Whether you are a product manager, a data engineer, or a business leader, this conversation offers a masterclass in thinking about data not just as a file, but as a deeply integrated business tool. About Our Guest: Mike Salk is a commercial data executive focused on optimizing P&L and managing data products across diverse functions and industries. He has led major data initiatives at organizations like the Associated Press, Moody's, and now Inveniam, focusing on mass customization and customer-centric delivery.

Why your data warehouse is upside down

In this episode, Sanjiv Kumar shares hard-won lessons from nearly four decades in data at companies like Moody's, Bear Stearns, and Freddie Mac. He challenges the traditional warehouse-first approach to data, arguing that organizations should start with value and work backwards. Sanjiv explains how defining specific data products — rather than piling data into lakes and warehouses — can reduce risk, break down silos, and unlock the data needed for AI. A must-listen for anyone rethinking their data strategy.

Why your CFO might be your secret weapon with Liz Henderson

Join us for a conversation with Liz Henderson, "Data Queen" and executive advisor, as we explore what really matters in data products. In episode 11 of the Data Product Mindset, Liz shares her pragmatic perspective on: - How data products emerged from the hype of data mesh - Learning from past technology initiatives when approaching AI - The critical importance of "why" in any data initiative - How businesses can take meaningful ownership of their data assets - The surprising role CFOs can play in data leadership Drawing from her experience advising FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 companies, Liz offers practical wisdom on avoiding common pitfalls and focusing on business value.

From data-driven to value-driven transformation

This week, we bring you a fun conversation about data product management and portfolio thinking with Nicolas Averseng [https://www.linkedin.com/in/naverseng/], Founder & CEO of Yooi (acquired by DataGalaxy [https://www.datagalaxy.com/en/]). In episode 10 of Data Product Mindset, Nicolas shares practical insights on: - Moving from data-driven to value-driven transformation - Managing data products as a strategic portfolio - Scaling data product capabilities across the enterprise - The evolving relationship between data and AI products Nicolas brings a fresh perspective on how organizations can build fewer, but more impactful data products. Whether you're just starting your data product journey or scaling your existing capabilities, this conversation offers valuable insights for data leaders and practitioners alike. This podcast was produced by Jaspar Casey [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasparcasey/]. Original music by Alistair Welsh.

The difference between data products and solutions

Join us for an insightful discussion between Diego Rodriguez [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodriguezadiego/], Product Management Principal at Cotality [https://www.cotality.com/] (known until 2025 as CoreLogic), and Harbr's Anthony Cosgrove [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-cosgrove-mbe-805901117/] as they explore the evolution of data products and solutions in today's market. In this 23-minute episode, they cover: * The crucial distinction between data products and solutions * Cotality's approach to delivering data — and value — to customers * The journey from raw data assets to refined data products * Innovation mindset and AI opportunities in data * Real-world customer use cases and applications Whether you're a data product manager, business leader, or data professional, you'll gain valuable insights into how industry leaders are thinking about data quality, productization, and the future of data solutions. And if you'd like to learn more about Cotality's innovative use of its Harbr data marketplace [https://www.harbrdata.com/], check out the case study. This podcast was produced by Jaspar Casey. Original music by Alistair Welsh.