204: The Surprising Connection Between Data Foundations and AI's Value Ceiling

In this episode of Alter Everything, we sit down with Fern Halper to discuss how most companies are now hitting a stage where productivity gains plateau because foundational elements like data, governance, and measurement are overlooked. Fern, a seasoned data and AI expert, reveals how organizations often chase quick wins with off-the-shelf tools, only to hit a wall when results stop improving or are unmeasurable.Panelists:Fern Halper, VP of Research @ TDWI -  LinkedInJoshua Burkhow, Chief Evangelist @ Alteryx -  @JoshuaB , LinkedInResources and LinksData Makes the World Go RoundEU AI ActReady to get hands-on with Alteryx One? You can now dive into two brand-new learning paths—Workspace Administrator and Account Administrator—designed to help you build real expertise, fast. Even better, you’ll be able to validate your skills with official certifications launching May 1.Explore these new paths and unlock all of our free learning content today on Alteryx Academy.Start learning now: [Visit Alteryx Academy]Start your 30 day free trial of Alteryx desktop or the Analytics cloud platform at https://www.alteryx.com/AlterEverythingSubscribe to the Alter Everything podcast on your favorite podcast app:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/alter-everything/id1356137854Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/17KLxb23QlvgcbvLiaPck1?si=FWmOQEITRFCQ42smFjOpfAStitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/alteryx/alter-everything0:00 Opening Question2:01 Why 2026 Is a Building Year7:59 The Value Ceiling14:40 Measuring Real AI Progress17:56 Why AI Governance Is Different20:06 Governing Agentic Systems27:34 Original Thought as Competitive Edge32:09 Designing for Augmentation35:36 Predictive Analytics and Agentic AI38:54 Lightning Round42:08 Moving Beyond Productivity Theater44:17 Key Takeaways