Silver Creek Insights

What if social media actually helped people feel less alone? In this episode of the Silver Creek Insights Podcast, host Felisa Wiley sits down with Khalil Jezini, Founder of Kornerz Social Network, and Rich Dornisch, Chief Operating Officer at Kornerz, to explore a bold mission: building a mental-health-focused social platform designed to create real connection instead of digital loneliness. Kornerz is rethinking what a social network can be — shifting from attention-driven algorithms to community-driven experiences that prioritize authenticity, mental wellbeing, and meaningful interaction. In this conversation, we explore: • The rise of digital loneliness in modern social media • Why community-driven platforms are the future of online interaction • Building a values-first tech startup in a crowded social media landscape • The challenge of subscription fatigue and sustainable platform models • How founders design technology that supports mental health • The intersection of entrepreneurship, community, and digital wellbeing Khalil shares the entrepreneurial journey that led to Kornerz, while Rich brings perspective on scaling technology, operations, and community platforms. If you're interested in startup innovation, social platforms, mental health technology, or community-focused entrepreneurship, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of social connection. 🚀 Want to turn your data into actionable insight? Explore Silver Creek’s analytics and AI solutions: 👉 https://silvercreek.ai

What does modern CIO leadership look like in an era defined by AI, cloud migration, cybersecurity threats, and enterprise transformation? In Episode 29 of Silver Creek Insights, we sit down with Praveen Kamsetti, CIO and digital transformation leader, to explore how today’s technology executives must balance operational excellence with empathetic leadership. This conversation covers: • CIO digital transformation in complex global enterprises • Cloud migration challenges and hybrid infrastructure lessons • AI governance in enterprise environments • Cybersecurity resilience and disaster recovery leadership • Operational excellence at scale • Breaking down silos through shared support models • The role of empathy and accountability in executive leadership Praveen shares powerful real-world lessons—from leading post-9/11 disaster recovery operations to integrating 20 facilities across nine countries, to driving Oracle ERP modernization at one-third of projected vendor cost. He also discusses his newly published book: “The 4L Framework for Modern Leadership.” Leadership has evolved. Have you? In today’s landscape of rapid disruption, the methods that worked yesterday can cause failure tomorrow. Success is no longer about choosing between people or profits—it requires mastery of both. In The 4L Framework for Modern Leadership, Praveen introduces a practical and human-centered model for tech leaders: • Lead with empathy • Lead for business results • Lead by example • Lead with emotional intelligence The book provides a tangible toolkit to harmonize business growth with human connection—equipping leaders in the boardroom or the breakroom to lead with confidence, agility, vision, and accountability. If you are a CIO, CTO, enterprise architect, IT executive, or aspiring technology leader, this episode is a masterclass in resilient and responsible leadership. 🌐 Learn how Silver Creek supports enterprise digital transformation and AI governance atwww.silvercreek.ai 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on data, AI, and tech leadership.

In Episode 28 of the Silver Creek Insights Podcast, we sit down with Sergio Cuoto, Senior Data Engineer at Adevinta (Spain), to explore what modern data engineering really looks like in practice. Sergio breaks down the realities of building scalable data systems with Apache Spark and Delta Lake, why data governance is no longer optional, and how organizations must rethink culture, education, and career growth to successfully adopt new technologies. We also dive into the human side of data engineering—teaching, mentorship, and the mindset shifts required for teams to evolve alongside rapidly changing tools. This episode is a must-listen for data engineers, analytics leaders, and anyone navigating the intersection of technology, governance, and people in modern data platforms. 🎧 Listen now and explore how we help organizations build reliable, future-ready data systems atwww.silvercreek.ai

Digital transformation in architecture isn’t just about adopting new tools — it’s about aligning people, process, and creativity. In Episode 27 of the Silver Creek Insights Podcast, Yigit Karanfil, Director of Technology at INSTUDIO, joins us to unpack what design technology leadership looks like in the real world. From automating creative workflows to earning leadership buy-in, Yigit shares lessons from working at the intersection of architecture, engineering, and technology. We dive into change management in creative organizations, the importance of soft skills in tech leadership, and how multidisciplinary career paths shape better outcomes for teams navigating digital transformation. This episode is for design leaders, technologists, and anyone trying to bridge creativity and technology without losing either. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube 🌐 Learn how Silver Creek helps organizations lead digital transformation with clarity and confidence atwww.silvercreek.ai

AI isn’t just a technical challenge — it’s a societal one. In Episode 26 of the Silver Creek Insights Podcast, Julian Plotnick, Founder of 4 Day Philly, joins us to unpack what it really takes to deploy AI responsibly in the real world. From agentic AI models and data infrastructure to public policy, governance, and workforce impact, this conversation explores how technology decisions ripple far beyond engineering teams. We dig into how organizations can balance innovation with regulation, why human-centered design matters more than ever, and what leaders need to understand as AI moves from experimentation to production. This episode is for builders, policymakers, and executives thinking seriously about the future of AI and the people it affects. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube 🌐 Learn more about our work atwww.silvercreek.ai

AI doesn’t live in a vacuum — it lives inside systems, policies, and real people’s lives. In this episode of the Silver Creek Insights Podcast, we sit down with Oren Gruber, a technology leader with over 20 years of experience driving digital transformation across transportation and federal sectors. Oren shares a grounded perspective on what it really takes to move AI from strategy decks into production environments. We explore agentic AI models, the realities of data infrastructure at scale, and why governance, regulation, and public policy are inseparable from modern AI deployment. Oren also breaks down what human-centered technology actually means when systems affect safety, mobility, and public trust. This conversation is for leaders, builders, and policymakers navigating the intersection of AI innovation and societal impact. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube 🌐 Learn more about how we help organizations deploy AI responsibly at www.silvercreek.ai

What happens when artificial intelligence leaves the lab and enters real products? In this episode of the Silver Creek Insights Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Ross Turner, former academic and founder in the AI space, to unpack how AI actually gets built, deployed, and trusted in business environments. We explore the real differences between Natural Language Generation and modern LLMs, why AI hallucinations remain a serious challenge, and how teams are thinking about agentic AI and automation beyond the hype. Ross also shares practical insights on applying machine learning in products, the trade-offs leaders face, and how reliability becomes a business problem — not just a technical one. If you’re building, buying, or leading with AI, this conversation offers clarity where there’s usually noise. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube 🌐 Learn more atwww.silvercreek.ai

Can you scale trust if you can’t see what’s breaking underneath? In this episode of the Silver Creek Insights Podcast, Barr Moses, Co-Founder and CEO of Monte Carlo, joins us to talk about data reliability, observability frameworks, and what infrastructure at scale really demands from modern data leaders. Barr breaks down how AI is changing the future of BI, why observability must span the full data lifecycle, and how monitoring agents can accelerate data stewardship without replacing human judgment. We also explore how organizations can move beyond dashboards and toward conversational, trustworthy data experiences. Whether you’re building analytics platforms, AI products, or enterprise data systems, this episode offers practical insights into designing infrastructure that lasts. 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on data, AI, and leadership 🌐 Discover how Silver Creek helps teams build reliable data systems atwww.silvercreek.ai

Jake Blair has built IoT systems that don’t just live in the cloud, they touch the real world. From his early days in industrial settings to building smart hardware at Bastille Networks and other companies, Jake has lived the full spectrum of what "Made in America" tech means today. In this episode, he shares hard-won lessons on hardware, data pipelines, and designing for environments where things must work. Listen for insights on engineering resilience, navigating failure, and why empathy matters even in firmware. 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube 🌐 Explore more at www.silvercreek.ai

In this episode of the Silver Creek Insights Podcast, we sit down with Brian Green, chief AI ethics officer at Health Vision AI and founding CEO of Envision Health AI. From building tools that assist clinicians to designing data systems that prioritize empathy, Brian shares what it really takes to design the future of medicine—responsibly. 🔍 In this episode, we explore: How AI is being integrated into healthcare workflows The importance of empathy-driven design in medical tools Challenges of AI implementation in high-stakes clinical environments The role of cross-functional collaboration between data teams and medical professionals Why ethical AI development in healthcare must balance innovation and trust Whether you're a health tech founder, data scientist, or clinician exploring AI in medicine, this conversation offers real insights into designing AI systems that improve care, not just efficiency. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube 🌐 Dive deeper into our work at www.silvercreek.ai

In this episode of the Silver Creek Insights Podcast, we’re joined by Jasper Croome, a seasoned data visualization engineer who’s worked across industries—from Amazon and Nike to Carbon Direct and climate tech. Jasper’s career is a masterclass in building data experiences that are not just functional, but impactful. We talk about: His journey from support ops to leading data design How AI is changing the way we prototype, build, and tell stories with data What it takes to bring empathy into analytics Why visualization is more than aesthetics—it’s strategy 🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube 💻 Learn more at www.silvercreek.ai

In this episode of Silver Creek Insights, Isaac Strain shares how systems thinking has guided him from building rockets at SpaceX to tackling sustainability in agtech. He breaks down how to grow your own “skill tree,” design for real-world constraints, and build ideas that don’t just launch — but last. 🌱 Whether you’re an engineer, a founder, or just curious how big ideas take root, Isaac’s story is a blueprint for resilient, purpose-driven growth. 🎙️ Now streaming on Spotify and Apple Music — just search Silver Creek Insights. ✨ And if you want to see how we help teams align people, data, and AI with purpose, visit us at www.silvercreek.ai. #SilverCreekInsights #SystemsThinking #IsaacStrain #Leadership #Reinvention

What happens when companies stop treating data like an afterthought—and start treating it like a product? In this episode of Fee’s Fresh Takes, host Fee Wiley talks with Daniel Pham, Co-Founder of Silver Creek, about how the “data-as-a-product” approach helps organizations move faster, align better, and unlock real business value. 💡 They explore: How clear ownership and shared goals eliminate confusion and silos Why data engineers need to think like product managers The cultural shift needed to turn data from tech debt to growth engine Simple steps to identify your highest-value data use case ✅ When data is owned, discoverable, and tied to outcomes—it stops being a burden and starts becoming your advantage. Ready to treat your data like a product? Start your transformation with Silver Creek: SilverCreek.ai

Is your company treating data like a thermometer, reporting after the fact, or a thermostat that sets the future? Nachiket Mehta,  Head of Data & Analytics Engineering at Wayfair, joins Fee to unpack how integrating AI in business processes requires more than shiny tools. We cover: Why artificial intelligence integration services fail without people/process alignment How embedded data engineers turn silos into purpose-driven teams Real-world wins from decentralizing architecture and embedding AI integration within tools The shift-left mindset that makes “data as product” more than a slogan If you’re serious about AI, culture, and measurable impact, this episode is for you. 👉 Learn how Silver Creek helps companies build purposeful, AI-ready systems at www.silvercreek.ai

Are you drowning in point‑solutions, muddled tech stacks, and “AI magic button” promises? 🌀 In this Fee’s Fresh Takes episode, host Fee Wiley sits down with Daniel Pham, Co‑Founder of Silver Creek Insights, to unpack the partnership ecosystem—the human‑first network of vendors, integrators, and champions that turns fragmented tools into real business value. They dive into: Why trust, relationships, and shared values beat feature checklists every time How to simplify an over‑engineered data architecture without sacrificing scale or ROI The role of a “team captain” consultancy in coordinating Snowflake, dbt, Omni Analytics & other top partners Rapid‑fire “Do This, Not That” tips for activating partners, following up, and avoiding one‑size‑fits‑all pitches Ready to turn chaos into a coordinated win? Visit SilverCreek.ai to discover how our tech‑agnostic experts streamline your data & AI journey—so your ecosystem plays (and wins) as one. 🚀

What is a modern data stack—and is yours working for you or against you? Tristan Handy, founder and CEO of dbt Labs, joins us to explore the next evolution of analytics engineering, dbt Fusion, and the rise of AI in analytics workflows. 📌 Highlights: dbt Fusion explained: faster compile times, SQL comprehension, cost savings What makes a data lake technology stack valuable in the age of open standards The impact of AI data visualization tools on insight delivery How AI is being used in sports analytics today and what business leaders can learn from it The real opportunity of predictive analytics AI This is a must-watch for data leaders, engineers, and anyone building or maintaining a modern stack. #SilverCreekInsights #dbtFusion #ModernDataStack #AIAnalytics #DataEngineering #PredictiveAnalyticsAI

What is real-time data—and does your business really need it? In this episode Dr. Josh Simmons (Director of Engineering ) breaks down the real-world value of real-time data analytics, including where it matters—like in finance, defense tech, or trading—and where it’s overkill. We also talk about: How to scale engineering teams without losing quality How AI really integrates with legacy systems What makes a great tech leader (and a terrible one) Wondering how to get real-time futures data on TradingView? Curious if there’s any charting service that includes real-time data? Josh shares the trade-offs, myths, and why less is often more. 🔥 One of our sharpest episodes yet. Dr. Josh's views are his own and don't reflect the views of any employer past or present.

Welcome back to another episode of Fee’s Fresh Takes. Today’s topic: real-time data. And here’s my hot take—not every company needs it. So we’re breaking it down: What is real-time data, really? Where it’s critical Where it’s overkill And how to know if your team is even ready So Daniel—let’s jump in. What are the top two industries where real-time isn’t just helpful, but absolutely critical? Daniel Pham: Yeah, let’s get into it. The classic answers are finance, logistics, and healthcare. But even then—what is real-time data analytics if the insights don’t drive decisions? It’s not just about speed. It’s about relevance. For example, in finance—yes, you need real-time alerts for fraud detection or when a card is swiped. You need those systems to react instantly. Same with real-time futures data on platforms like TradingView—people want second-by-second data to make trading decisions. But that’s for very specific use cases. Fee: Exactly. How to get real-time data on TradingView is a hot question because people think faster always means better. But it’s not universal. Like credit scoring? That doesn’t need to be instant. That can be a weekly batch. GPA in education? That’s semester by semester. We don’t need a live GPA dashboard. Daniel: Totally agree. And let’s be honest—is there any charting service that includes real time data? Yes, but it comes at a cost. Many teams chase real-time because of FOMO or buzzwords—AI, real-time, automation—but don’t assess the ROI. And those cloud compute bills add up fast. Fee: Right. I see it all the time—teams obsessing over data dashboards. Real-time dashboards. Executive alerts. All day. But if you’re not acting on it? What’s the point? Daniel: Exactly. We need to zoom out. What is real-time data analytics if you’re just reacting instead of making smart, aligned decisions? Sometimes, less is more. Instead of obsessing, get a consistent system. It’s like working out—you don’t need to do CrossFit twice a day. You need the right plan that works for your body. Same with data. Fee: So real-time does matter—for things like sports betting, finance, or anything where users make split-second decisions based on data. But for most orgs? Batch is still strategic. Weekly or daily refreshes still count. It’s not outdated—it’s efficient. Daniel: Exactly. Think: “What decisions are we driving? Who needs this data—and when?” That’s how you figure out if real-time is a necessity or a distraction. Fee: Couldn’t agree more. Final recap? ✔ Not all fast data = better decisions ✔ Real-time is expensive—use it wisely ✔ Align your stack to value, not just hype ✔ Batch is still powerful ✔ And a common data language beats 20 dashboards Thanks for tuning in! Catch you next week on #FeesFreshTakes.

In the first episode of Fee’s Fresh Takes, Fee W chats with Daniel Pham, CEO of Silver Creek Insights, about the undeniable power of relationships in tech and data consulting. From breaking into leadership circles to delivering standout client value, they unpack why trust, timing, and team chemistry matter more than ever in a world overloaded with automation and AI. It’s a fresh, honest look at how human connection still reigns supreme in the business of data.

In this episode of the Silver Creek Insights podcast, Joe Luchs, former Amazon leader and startup veteran joins Fee to talk about building AI-driven businesses, fixing broken data systems, and why culture still trumps code. From agentic automation to the future of data engineering, Joe shares the real story behind launching a new venture and what it takes to stay ahead in the age of AI.

In this episode of The SciPod, host Jack welcomes back a fan-favorite—Felisa "Fee" Wiley, returning to the Silver Creek Insights team! Fee shares the latest on PausePoint, her mindfulness app designed to help people reclaim their time in a chaotic world. She dives into the intersection of AI, emotional regulation, and productivity, plus her unique journey as a self-taught technologist.

In this episode, Lucas Thelosen, founder of the Gravity Foundation and former Looker exec, shares his journey from small-town Germany to Silicon Valley, fueled by his passion for data, analytics, and economics. Discover how the Gravity Foundation is transforming how businesses access and use AI-driven insights, empowering companies of all sizes to compete in a data-driven world. Tune in to explore how AI is leveling the playing field and opening new doors in today’s competitive landscape. Contact the Gravity Foundation: [email protected] LinkedIn: (30) Gravity Foundation: Overview | LinkedIn

In this episode, sustainability expert Marilyn Johnson delves into the vital role of sustainability in corporate strategy. Drawing from her experience with companies like Walmart, she discusses how businesses can leverage good data to drive sustainability metrics and make informed decisions. Marilyn emphasizes the power of collaboration in solving sustainability challenges and explores the opportunities AI presents in accelerating innovation for a more sustainable future. Tune in to learn how corporations can align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and make a lasting impact.

In this episode our host Jack chats with Dave Aaron, founder of Boston Data Company, a BI-focused firm helping startups and small businesses harness their data. Dave shares insights on when to invest in BI, the importance of understanding key business metrics, and how to build a strong data foundation. They also discuss the impact of the cloud data revolution, remote work, and the role of AI in business intelligence. Whether you're a startup founder or interested in data analytics, this episode offers practical tips for making better data-driven decisions.

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Mary Beth Ottley, the COO of Excess Telecom, as she shares her remarkable career journey from the hospitality industry to the dynamic world of telecommunications. Mary Beth offers invaluable advice on career growth, emphasizing the importance of understanding the entire organization and gaining expertise across different areas.

Colin Zima, founder of Omni, shares the backstory of the corporation and their mission to build the next great BI company. Discover how Omni is blending centralized data modeling with decentralized self-service analytics to empower users and streamline insights.

Join Jack as he dives deep into the world of tech and innovation with Hung Dang, founder and CEO of Y42. Hung shares his incredible journey from Vietnam to Germany, and how his experiences shaped his resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. Discover the groundbreaking data orchestration platform, Y42, and how it's revolutionizing the way companies handle data. From personal struggles to professional triumphs, this episode is packed with insights on overcoming adversity, the importance of data quality, and the future of tech. Perfect for tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and anyone inspired by stories of grit and innovation.

In this episode, Jack interviews Jay Mays, founder of PitchLab and former stand-up comedian. Discover how comedy principles can revolutionize your sales pitch, the importance of delivery, authenticity, and building trust in both in-person and virtual settings. Learn how AI can enhance sales productivity, and explore the evolving nature of sales

Join Aram Taghavi, an entrepreneur and private equity professional, as he shares his journey and insights into private equity and acquisition entrepreneurship. Discover the importance of building strong relationships, his thoughts on AI and technology, and his personal reflections on fatherhood. Embrace challenges and learn how loving the pain can lead to personal growth and success.

Discover how Zalak's experiences at Oracle, startups like Boomtown and Acquire, shaped his passion for solving real-world business problems with data. From migrating BI reports to building SaaS products, Zalak's journey is a testament to innovation and resilience. Explore the transformative impact of Sigma's embedded analytics platform on businesses across industries, from Greenwich HR to PrismHR. Learn how Sigma is empowering organizations to harness the power of data and drive growth like never before.

Dive into the world of data analytics with expert Gordon Wong, data analytics expert. In this episode, Gordon shares his journey and passion for data, highlighting the social impact of his work and the importance of accurate knowledge in decision-making. He explores being decision-driven over data-driven, the role of data analytics in AI, and the future of the field.

Join Jack and Giovanni Leoni in a brief yet insightful conversation on the crossroads of artificial intelligence, business, and ethics. Explore how AI accelerates insights, the need for governance, and potential EU regulations. Giovanni highlights AI's role in resource optimization and abundance creation, touching on challenges posed by deepfakes and the evolving dynamics of truth in the AI era.

Discover the essence of Silver Creek Insights, a global company breaking borders with its diverse team from around the globe. Founders Jack Langworthy and Daniel Pham share insights into the company's unique approach to team-building, creating a SWAT team of data professionals united by passion and skill.

In this episode, Daniel Yu, CEO and founder of Wasoko, takes us on a captivating journey, sharing insights into Wasoko's mission to increase access to vital products in food-insecure regions. From his college dropout days to the recent news of Wasoko's merger with MaxApp in Egypt, Daniel recounts the unexpected twists that led to the company's success.