How can data teams use Generative AI with Shaun McGirr - AgileData #43

In this episode of the Agile Data N' Info Podcast, host Shane Gibson sits down with Shaun McGirr, a generalist data professional with over 20 years of experience who currently works at Dataiku.

In this episode, the conversation explores the impact of generative AI and large language models (LLMs) on the data value stream. Shane and Shaun explain how LLMs represent an "iPhone moment" in technology, offering powerful conversational interfaces that can grasp context better than previous systems. By focusing on automating and augmenting their own workflows first—such as reading complex database schemas or writing board proposals—data professionals can find immediate value before rolling out these technologies to business stakeholders.

The discussion also dives deep into the complexities of requirements gathering and stakeholder engagement, clarifying the crucial differences between automated AI outputs and the necessity of human interaction. Shaun and Shane break down how over-automating requirements through AI risks cutting out the vital human-to-human collaboration that drives real strategic differentiation, while highlighting how LLMs can serve as excellent "rubber ducks" to identify blind spots in enterprise documentation.

Whether you are curious about tech waves like Big Data or the Modern Data Stack, how LLMs are revitalizing semantic layers and metadata, or how the role of the business analyst is making a comeback in the AI era, this episode is packed with valuable insights for data professionals.

You can get in touch with Shaun via LinkedIn

If you want want to read a summary generated with GenAI, head over to:

https://agiledata.substack.com/i/214159336/google-notebooklm-briefing

If you want to download the transcript for the podcast, head over to:

https://agiledata.substack.com/i/214159336/transcript

Listen to more podcasts on applying Agile Data patterns over at https://podcast.agiledata.io/ Read more on the Agile Data Way of Working over at https://AgileDataGuides.com/

If you just want to talk about making magic happen with agile and data you can connect with Shane @shagility on LinkedIn.

Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Spotify | Google Podcast | Amazon Audible | TuneIn | iHeartRadio | PlayerFM | Listen Notes | Podchaser | Deezer | Podcast Addict |

<-OO-> Information Product Canvas Workshop

“That’s not what I wanted.” “But that’s what you asked for.”

Shane runs a one-day workshop on the Information Product Canvas, a repeatable way to gather data requirements in 30 minutes. The approach he actually uses with his stakeholders, not a textbook version that falls apart on contact with messy data and vague stakeholder requirements.

Latest dates: Gather data requirements in 30 minutes using a shared language.

Simply Magical Data Ways of Working