Best Jack From To Fluency Podcasts (2025)

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AI Readiness Ep 20: Turning AI Hype into Measurable ROI – with Jan Beitner, Director of Data & AI at Inflexion 20:42

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15h ago20:42

20:42

In this episode, Andy Davis sits down with Jan Beitner, Director of Data & AI at Inflexion, to explore how private equity–backed organisations can turn AI ambition into measurable business value. Jan shares a clear, ROI-driven framework for getting “AI ready” — from linking initiatives to value creation plans and embedding accountability at the top…

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English Phrases for Pubs and Bars That You'll Actually Use (Conversational English) 17:28

1d ago17:28

17:28

Learn conversational English phrases that you'll actually use and hear for bars and restaurants. Even if you don’t drink, these phrases will boost your small talk, invitations, ordering, paying, and polite conversation skills. Stick around to the end for UK–US differences and useful idioms. How to learn these words and phrases: ALL PHRASES FROM THE…

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AI Readiness Ep 19: How Regulated Industries Can Embrace AI Safely 32:02

8d ago32:02

32:02

In this episode of The Databricks Diaries: AI Readiness, Andy Davis sits down with Jessica Simons-Boswell, Enterprise Data Officer at Diligenta, to explore how financial services organisations can embrace AI while operating in a highly regulated, risk-averse environment. Jessica shares candid insights on: Why financial services often lag in AI adop…

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Advanced English Listening - Secrets to Understanding Native Speakers and FAST English 17:05

14d ago17:05

17:05

Improving your listening skills is vital if you want to be competent in the English language. In this lesson, you're going to learn how to improve this area in the most efficient and rapid way possible so that you can understand native speakers and fast English. HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR LISTENING SKILLS: Native speakers don't understand everything they …

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AI Readiness Ep 18: Crossing the AI Chasm with Jack Levy at Allvue 18:43

15d ago18:43

18:43

In this episode of The Databricks Diaries, Andy Davis speaks with Jack Levy, Head of Data Strategy at Allvue, about what it really takes to prepare for AI. Jack shares why strong data foundations are non-negotiable, how cross-functional teams accelerate adoption, and why governance and guardrails matter more than ever. From hackathons and prototypi…

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Driving Data Transformation and AI Readiness at Leeds Building Society 51:44

22d ago51:44

51:44

In this episode of The Databricks Diaries, Carole Roberts, Director of Technology and Data at Leeds Building Society, shares her journey to technology leader, and reflects on the pivotal role of data in organisational transformation. Carole provides candid insights into the cultural aspects of change, the importance of executive buy-in, and the com…

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AI Readiness Ep 17: Trust, Transformation and Tangible Impact with Merve Alanyali 26:38

1M ago26:38

26:38

AI's here – but are we actually ready? In this episode, I chat with Merve Alanyali, Head of Data Science at AXA UK, about what real AI readiness looks like. We unpack why solid infrastructure matters (don’t build on a swamp), the myth of “quick wins”, and how to bring your people with you on the journey. We also dive into how AI will reshape the wa…

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English Listening Practice: Learn Key Words and Phrases (Tariffs) 12:14

1M ago12:14

12:14

Learn key words and phrases all about tariffs in this English lesson. Practice your listening and improve your English. Useful Vocabulary and Phrases Tariffs are added to imported goods. 👉 Passive voice for focus. Example: Taxes are collected by the government. Tariffs can protect local jobs. 👉 Use modal verbs (can/might/could) for possibility. Exa…

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AI Readiness Ep 16: Building AI fluency with McKinley Hayden 27:42

1M ago27:42

27:42

Andy Davis speaks with McKinley Hayden, Director of Data Value & Strategy at the Financial Times, about making AI readiness real in a newsroom where trust matters; they unpack the FT’s AI policy and organisation-wide fluency programme, a cross-functional transformation model and impact framework, and practical wins such as AskFT (built with Anthrop…

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Learn Natural English: Talk about AI with Confidence & Get Listening Practice 14:08

1M ago14:08

14:08

In this English lesson, you’ll learn how to talk about AI naturally in English. You’ll get useful phrases, idioms, and real examples so you can confidently join the conversation. How to use AI to learn English: https://youtu.be/pysIoC1bb3I Useful Phrases and Idioms from the Lesson Hear of / Hear about “Barely anyone had heard of ChatGPT a year ago.…

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AI Readiness Ep 15: Avoiding “Confidently Wrong” AI – Chris Bick’s Guide to Doing It Right 23:59

2M ago23:59

23:59

In this episode, Andy Davis talks with Chris Bick, Head of Data Product at Equiniti, about what it really takes to get an organisation ready for AI. They discuss why AI success starts with trusted, well-structured data, the cultural shift from tech-led to demand-led adoption, and how to balance governance with enablement. Chris shares practical use…

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AI Readiness Ep 14: It’s Not Just Prompt Engineering: The Real Work Behind AI Readiness 20:28

2M ago20:28

20:28

In this episode, Andy Davis is joined by Elettra Damaggio, Director of Internal Data Science at Visa, to discuss what AI readiness really looks like from the inside. Elettra shares sharp insights on the pressures data teams face, the operational realities of deploying LLMs, and why clean data is still the unsolved challenge behind the AI hype. They…

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AI Readiness Ep 13: Building AI Foundations at NEST: Culture First, Tech Second 15:42

2M ago15:42

15:42

In Episode 13 of our AI Readiness series, Andy Davis is joined by Alex Blyth, Head of Data at NEST (National Employment Savings Trust), for a candid conversation on what it really takes to prepare an organisation for AI. They discuss why cultural readiness matters more than technical capability, how tools like CoPilot are helping drive practical ad…

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20 Common English Phrases to Use in Conversation (Making Plans) 11:22

3M ago11:22

11:22

In this English listening‑practice lesson we’re focusing on how to invite someone, make plans, and set dates — from a quick coffee to a full night out. You’ll master natural phrases for casual and formal invitations, learn how to suggest activities without sounding pushy, and discover polite ways to check someone’s availability. By the end, you’ll …

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AI Readiness Ep 12: From Hype to Impact — Leading AI Change in Financial Services 22:46

3M ago22:46

22:46

In this episode, we speak with Dizem Ozalp Sari Director & Head of Data Services Domain at bnp Paribas bout the real work behind AI readiness in the financial services sector. With years of experience driving data strategy across global institutions, Dizam shares candid insights on: Why mindset and culture matter more than tech The growing disconne…

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AI Readiness Ep 11: Getting AI Done. Engineering, Enablement, and the Execution Gap 29:58

3M ago29:58

29:58

In this episode, Andy Davis is joined by Andy McMahon, Principal Engineer for AI & MLOps at Barclays, to unpack what AI transformation really takes inside large organisations. They dig into the realities behind the GenAI hype, including the tough conversations around data readiness, process redesign, and the cultural ingredients needed to deliver v…

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AI Readiness Ep 10: Beyond the Buzzwords – Getting Practical with AI & Data Culture 18:48

3M ago18:48

18:48

In this episode, we’re joined by Jane Smith, Field Chief Data and AI Officer at ThoughtSpot, to explore what “AI readiness” really means in practice. Jane shares her perspective on how organisations can move beyond the buzzwords and actually embed AI into how they work, starting with stronger data culture, leadership buy-in, and better alignment be…

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AI Readiness Ep 09: Creating the Right Conditions for AI to Stick 25:56

3M ago25:56

25:56

In Episode 09 of the AI Readiness series, Andy Davis is joined by Brian Harkin, Ian Balfour-Church, and George Roffey from Centrus – a financial advisory firm with a strong focus on infrastructure, housing, and sustainability. Together, they explore: Why AI isn’t a silver bullet — and how Centrus is using it as a force multiplier How to strike the …

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Databricks Data+AI Summit 2025 updates explained: Impact for Data Engineers & Businesses - with Máté Gulyás (MVP, CEO of Datapao) 37:51

3M ago37:51

37:51

Join Máté Gulyás (Databricks MVP, CEO of Datapao) and Joe Ingleby as we explore how Unity Catalog, Lakebase, and GenAI are revolutionising data engineering and business operations in this episode of Databricks Diaries! This is a must-listen for modern enterprises looking to empower their teams with seamless data governance, enhanced collaboration, …

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AI Readiness Ep 08: Building Trust, Data Foundations & Culture 11:21

4M ago11:21

11:21

In this episode of AI Readiness, Andy Davis speaks with Laura Alexander, Head of Data Services at Hodge, about what it really takes to get an organisation ready for AI. From data governance and culture to regulation and imposter syndrome, they explore why readiness is more human than technical. Laura shares insights on how Hodge is approaching its …

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AI Readiness Ep 07: If AI Feels Rubbish, You’re Probably Using It Wrong 16:27

4M ago16:27

16:27

In this episode of AI Readiness, Andy Davis is joined by James Garner, Head of AI & Data at Gleeds, to explore why so many AI rollouts underdeliver—and what to do about it. James pulls no punches as he shares real-world lessons from organisations misfiring with tools like Microsoft Copilot. From wasted licences to cultural resistance, he explains w…

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AI Readiness Ep 05: Scaling AI Without the Hype – Lessons in Culture, Governance & Delivery 16:18

4M ago16:18

16:18

In this episode, Andy Davis chats with Ako Sabir, a seasoned data and transformation leader in the insurance sector, about what really holds organisations back from embedding AI at scale. Ako unpacks why technical challenges are rarely the true blockers, and why structural complexity, poor early decisions, and cultural resistance often derail even …

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AI Readiness Ep 06: Data, Ethics, and Innovation with Thor from Databricks 34:38

4M ago34:38

34:38

Join Thor, Director of Field Engineering at Databricks, and Dan from Primus as they dive into the exciting future of artificial intelligence. In this episode, we unpack what it takes for organisations to get AI-ready, from mastering data governance to promoting ethical AI. With real-world examples, Thor explains how AI can transform businesses, emp…

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AI Readiness Ep 04: Why Culture, Not Code, Determines AI Success 13:24

4M ago13:24

13:24

In this episode, Andy Davis speaks with Iñigo Antolín, Head of Data Management and Governance at the British Council, about the deep-rooted organisational barriers to AI adoption. From the risks of “shiny tool syndrome” to the vital role of incentives, Iñigo shares why successful AI initiatives depend far more on cultural readiness than technical c…

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AI Readiness Ep 03: From Governance to Culture – Driving Practical AI Adoption in FS 20:58

4M ago20:58

20:58

In this episode, Andy Davis is joined by Shani Reynolds, Head of Data Governance at First Sentier Investors, to explore the real-world journey of AI adoption in financial services. They dive into the cultural and behavioural shifts needed to make AI stick, from experimenting with chatbots to building trust through transparent prompt engineering and…

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AI Readiness Ep 02: Lessons in Data, Culture & Quick Wins with Daniel Tibble 14:36

5M ago14:36

14:36

In this episode, Andy Davis sits down with Daniel Tibble, Data Product Director at Mobilize (Renault), to unpack what it really means for organisations to be "AI ready." From building a data-driven culture to leveraging GenAI for operational efficiency and natural language querying, Daniel shares grounded insights and real-world examples from his t…

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AI Readiness Ep 01: Foundations, Governance & Delivery with James Hickey (esure Group) 16:02

5M ago16:02

16:02

Join James Hickey, Head of Data Science and AI at esure Group, as he explores AI readiness and the challenges of deploying AI into production. From data governance and risk management to model updates and fairness in AI, James shares insights into creating responsible, user-focused AI. Learn how cross-functional collaboration and tools like Databri…

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Learn Natural English: Talking about Food in the USA and UK (+ Learn New Phrases) 18:59

7M ago18:59

18:59

In this English listening practice lesson, we’re talking about food, meal times, grocery shopping, and dining out in the UK and the USA. You’ll learn natural phrases, cultural differences, and interesting facts about how people eat in both countries. By the end of this episode, you’ll have new vocabulary, better listening skills, and a deeper under…

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Natural English for Your Ears: Talking about Housing in the UK and USA (Can You Understand?) 22:56

7M ago22:56

22:56

In this English listening practice, you'll learn real phrases and natural English expressions while discovering the key differences between houses in the UK and the USA! 🏠🇬🇧🇺🇸 From house sizes and layouts to renting, buying, and home design, this lesson is packed with essential vocabulary, cultural insights, and idioms to help you speak and underst…

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Human-Centric Leadership in Data 52:45

7M ago52:45

52:45

Nik Walker, a creative and resilient leader of people in the data space, shares his knowledge on how he creates high-performing, psychologically safe teams working with Agile Methodologies by taking a human-centric approach to leadership. If you are recruiting your team of data professionals, tune in for advice on how to approach this! Want to take…

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Learn English through TV: Listen to this Before Watching TV in English 15:27

7M ago15:27

15:27

Learning English through TV is possible. But a lot of learners don't do it the right way. Have you ever watched a TV show in English but struggled to understand what was happening? Do fast conversations, slang, and accents make it difficult to follow along? This lesson will give you the tools, strategies, and methods you need to learn English throu…

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Learn English through Story: The Last Seat (+ Language Analysis) 9:58

7M ago9:58

9:58

Want to improve your English naturally while enjoying a great short story? 📚 This lesson is perfect for practicing listening, reading, and vocabulary! You’ll learn real-life expressions used in everyday conversations, so you can speak more fluently and understand native speakers better. ✅ Listen & Read at the same time ✅ Learn useful phrasal verbs …

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Advanced English Listening Practice | Can YOU Understand? | Hobbies (with Subtitles) 21:12

8M ago21:12

21:12

Get English fluency training here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC32mYgIHS-e3C3Eyd2tRw6g/join Want to describe your free time naturally and confidently? Whether it’s hobbies, weekends, or relaxing, this lesson will help you understand native speakers better and talk about your free time fluently! 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 Watch all podcast episodes here: https://ww…

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63 Learn English through the BEST Listening Practice | Talking about RESTAURANTS & EATING OUT 15:28

8M ago15:28

15:28

Eating out in an English-speaking country? Want to sound more natural when talking about restaurants? This lesson is for you! Learn useful restaurant phrases, understand cultural differences between the UK and the US, and get real listening practice to boost your fluency.🗣️ What You'll Learn in This Lesson• How to ask where to eat • Ordering food a…

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62: Learn Conversational English & Get the BEST Listening Practice (Weddings) 10:36

9M ago10:36

10:36

Welcome to this English lesson, where you'll improve your vocabulary, listening skills, and conversational English by exploring everything related to weddings. From wedding preparations to the ceremony and reception, this lesson covers key phrases, expressions, and differences between weddings in the UK and the US. Whether you're attending a weddin…

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61: LEARN ENGLISH FAST through Short Stories | The Cafe Reunion | English Listening Skills 12:54

9M ago12:54

12:54

This English lesson helps you improve your listening skills through a heartwarming short story, “The Cafe Reunion.” Alongside enjoying the story, you’ll learn 10 phrasal verbs and three idioms used in everyday English. To make the most of this lesson, listen to the story with subtitles, then revisit it after reviewing the language analysis. Repetit…

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60: To Speak English FLUENTLY You MUST KNOW These 15 Phrasal Verbs 12:40

9M ago12:40

12:40

In this lesson, we’re going to explore 15 phrasal verbs commonly used in everyday English. These phrasal verbs will help you improve your conversational skills and understand native speakers better. RESOURCES FOR LEARNING ENGLISH Affiliate Disclosure Some links in this description may be affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you …

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59: START TO UNDERSTAND English with a Simple Story: | The Wrong Suitcase (+ Words and Phrases) 12:29

9M ago12:29

12:29

Listen to the short story The Wrong Suitcase to practice your English listening skills. This story is about Lena, who mistakenly takes the wrong suitcase after a flight to Florence. Inside, she finds a series of mysterious clues that lead her on an adventure through the city, where she ultimately reconnects with her boyfriend, Alex, in a heartwarmi…

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58: One Hour of English fluency tips you MUST know to get fluent 1:11:32

9M ago1:11:32

1:11:32

Welcome to this special English lesson where we dive into the four essential skills you need to master: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Pronunciation. This comprehensive lesson is packed with strategies, tips, and examples to help you improve step by step. Each skill is crucial for fluency, and by mastering them, you’ll boost your confidence in sp…

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57: Learn English through Story: The Garage Sale (Amazing Listening Practice) 12:07

10M ago12:07

12:07

Welcome to this English lesson, where you'll improve your listening skills with the story "The Community Garage Sale." This touching tale follows Anna and her son Max as they participate in their neighborhood garage sale. What starts as a mundane task turns into a heartfelt moment when an elderly man finds an old record player that brings back prec…

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56: Learn Essential English Words and Phrases so You Can Talk about Technology in Fluently (Podcast) 16:08

10M ago16:08

16:08

In this English lesson, you'll learn how to confidently talk about your devices, apps, tech problems, social media habits, and even the future of technology. We'll explore useful phrases, common idioms, and fun conversational topics to help you sound natural when discussing technology in English. Whether you're excited about a new phone or trying t…

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55: English Short Story: Unexpected Guest - Practice Your English Listening 12:28

10M ago12:28

12:28

In this English lesson, you're going to practice your listening skills with the story The Uninvited Guest. After the story, we'll explore seven key phrases that will help you understand how to convey suspense, tension, and emotional depth in English. Whether you're here to improve your vocabulary, comprehension, or overall fluency, this lesson will…

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54: Learn English You NEED to Know: Key Phrases & Easy Listening Practice (Money) 21:47

10M ago21:47

21:47

Money makes the world go round, but how well do you understand the phrases we use to talk about it? In this lesson, we explore key English phrases about money, from saving and spending to investing and everyday idioms. Whether you're discussing finances, planning a budget, or chatting about inflation, these phrases will help you sound more natural …

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53: One Simple Trick to Become More Confident and Fluent in English (Most Don't Do This) 13:19

10M ago13:19

13:19

In this episode, you’re going to learn one of the most effective ways to build confidence in English conversations. This simple and practical method is often overlooked by English learners but can transform how you approach speaking English. By the end of this lesson, you’ll know how to create personalized sentences that will prepare you for most c…

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The AI Bubble or Boom Dilemma! 1:12:09

11M ago1:12:09

1:12:09

Artificial Intelligence or AI has reached dizzying heights recently. The rise of the General Pre-trained Transformer, or GPT, has taken the world by storm. In this episode of the Databricks Diaries, we’re joined by Strategic Data and AI Advisor at Databricks, Franco Patano, for an eye-opening conversation on the latest in AI. Tune in to discover hi…

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52: The NEW WAY to Get Fluent in English – AI Changes Everything! 16:37

11M ago16:37

16:37

In this episode, you’re going to learn how AI tools like ChatGPT can revolutionize the way you learn English. With four key methods, two bonus tips, and exciting predictions for the future of AI in language learning, this podcast provides a roadmap to faster, more effective English fluency. RESOURCES FOR LEARNING ENGLISH Affiliate Disclosure Some l…

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51: 10 Idioms about Time that You Must Know (We're Back!) 11:27

11M ago11:27

11:27

We're back! Learn English by taking this fun and useful English lesson that explores 10 idioms all related to time. Use these idioms to sound more natural in English when speaking. RESOURCES FOR LEARNING ENGLISH (Note: more coming soon!) Speaking method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7PGRbvJBkQ Writing method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDk…

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Why I Bet My Career on Databricks! 46:51

11M ago46:51

46:51

Whether you're an entry-level data engineer, analyst, or BI developer, mastering Databricks could significantly boost your career. Tune in to the second episode of the Databricks diaries, with special guest, Holly Smith - Staff Developer Advocate at Databricks! Learn why she bet her career on Databricks and how you can get started. Want to take par…

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Databricks vs Microsoft Fabric! 1:06:09

12M ago1:06:09

1:06:09

Hosted by Daniel Thornton, this episode features industry professionals Michael Amadi and Giles Middleton as they delve into the world of data platforms. Join us as we compare Databricks and Microsoft Fabric, sharing their insights and preferences. Discover which platform is the best fit for different data needs and learn about the key factors to c…

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The Databricks Diaries: Trailer 0:51

1y ago0:51

0:51

Welcome to The Databricks Diaries. Have you ever wondered how top companies are harnessing the power of data to drive innovation and stay ahead of the competition? In this podcast, we’ll be speaking to some of the best industry minds and unlocking the secrets to leveraging data like never before. In each episode of the Databricks diaries, we’re ope…