Shows
Data MatasS3E5 - Building Data Platforms That Actually Solve Business ProblemsStop Coding, Start Diagramming: How to Build Data Platforms That DeliverIf you're rushing to hire a data engineer before you have a clear business question, you’re doing it backwards.I'm joined by Teddy Bernays (Freelance Data Engineer) to unpack his "business first" approach. Teddy shares his journey and explains why simplicity and a solid plan always beat the latest tech stack.His top advice: "Find the problem you want to solve first. Is data the answer? Only then should you start building."In this episode, we cover: ▶️ Why you sho...
2025-12-1943 min
Data MatasS3E4 - Build Strategy First. Choose Technology That Deserves It.Build Strategy First. Choose Technology That Deserves It.If your company’s first move is buying another tool, this episode’s for you.I’m joined by Dylan Anderson (Head of Data Strategy, Perfusion) to unpack why so many data strategies fail before they begin — and how to build one that actually delivers.Dylan’s worked with some of the world’s biggest organisations, helping them turn data chaos into clarity. His advice is refreshingly simple:“Buying more tools doesn’t give you a strategy.”
2025-11-1334 min
Data MatasS3E3 - Three Things to Kill Before You Build Another DashboardMost data teams think their next dashboard will finally deliver clarity, but every new report just adds to the noise.In this episode of Data Matas, Aaron Phethean speaks with Phil Thirlwell, former Director of Analytics & Data Strategy at FIS, about the three things every data leader should kill before building another dashboard: dashboard sprawl, service-desk habits, and KPI overload.Phil shares how he tackled 600-plus Power BI dashboards, why “can you just…” requests destroy team focus, and how the best data leaders rebuild trust through simplification and shared ownership.You’ll learn: ▶️ Why dashboard spr...
2025-10-3037 min
Data MatasS3E2 - BI Has the Worst ROI in the Modern Data StackMost of the modern data stack has transformed, pipelines, compute, governance. But BI? It’s still the same dashboards and reports we were using 20 years ago. Expensive, read-only, and delivering the worst ROI in the stack.In this episode of Data Matas, Ollie Hughes, CEO of Count, joins Aaron Phethean to share why BI tools eroded trust, why AI won’t fix reporting chaos, and how data teams can escape the “service trap” to become real decision-making partners.You’ll learn: ▶️ Why BI tools are the worst ROI in the modern stack ▶️ How the “service tra...
2025-10-1637 min
Data MatasS3E1 - How Hypebeast Reached 97% AI Adoption Without Fear or LayoffsWant 97% AI Adoption? Start By Saying “Not Yet” Hypebeast withheld access for 10 weeks, teased value, and turned demand into near-universal adoption. In this episode of Data Matas, Aaron speaks with Sami Rahman, Director of Data & AI at Hypebeast, about what it really takes to embed AI inside a modern business.Sami shares how his psychology background shapes his approach to adoption, why fear of AI is more about broken safety nets than the technology itself, and why Hypebeast uses AI as a force multiplier — not a replacement for creative teams.
2025-10-0240 min
Data MatasS2E6 - Stop Scaling What You Don’t Understand With John Napoleon-KuofieWhat if scaling your data platform meant starting from scratch?In this episode of Data Matas, John Napoleon-Kuofie, Analytics Engineer at Monzo, shares what it really takes to rebuild trust in your models - inside one of the UK’s fastest-growing digital banks.From inheriting 1,000+ undocumented DBT models to challenging the purpose of legacy tests, John walks through the decisions his team is making to improve data quality, reduce noise, and future-proof their platform. It’s a candid, practical conversation about choosing clarity over complexity, and learning to say no to work that doesn’t delive...
2025-06-1236 min
Data MatasS2E5 - From Learning the Tool to Designing the System: How Engineers Actually GrowHow do analytics engineers grow from writing SQL to designing entire data systems? And why do most companies still confuse tool mastery with real engineering skill?In this episode of Data Matas, Oleg Agapov (Senior Analytics Engineer at Hiive) shares what it actually takes to go from junior to senior in data—beyond bootcamps, tools, and job titles. He breaks down the core shifts that matter most: thinking in systems, mastering data modelling, and creating structure that scales.You’ll hear how Oleg is helping build self-serve analytics inside a fast-moving fintech startup, why most data...
2025-05-2233 min
Data MatasS2E4 - Data Engineers Don’t Burn Out from Work, They Burn Out from Pointless WorkWhat if your data team’s biggest risk isn’t technical debt - but mental exhaustion?In this brutally honest conversation, Nik Walker (Co-op) shares how a culture of low-value work and constant reactivity burns out even the best data teams, and what to do about it.About this episodeData engineers aren’t struggling because the tech is hard—they’re struggling because the work often isn’t worth doing. In this episode, Nik unpacks why discovery matters more than dashboards, how to protect your team from the myth of speed, and why AI means not...
2025-05-0129 min
Data MatasS2E3 - Three Lessons Every Data Leader Should Steal from Quantum-Inspired Thinking" at IRISIn this episode, we reveal how IRIS Software is borrowing principles from quantum computing to build data systems that are adaptable, explainable, and innovation-friendly—without compromising business-as-usual.This conversation with David Draper offers a rare inside look at how a major enterprise balances legacy systems with forward-thinking experimentation.You’ll learn how modular architecture, protected innovation time, and explainable AI are reshaping the way IRIS builds its data infrastructure. If you’re a data leader trying to scale without spiralling into chaos, this is the episode to watch.David Draper is the Data Scienc...
2025-04-1052 min
Data MatasS2E2 - What Crypto Data Teams Do Differently with Emily LohWhat Crypto Data Teams Do Differently with Emily LohEpisode SnapshotIn this illuminating conversation, Emily Loh reveals how leading a data team in the volatile crypto space has forced innovations in resource allocation, strategic prioritisation, and AI implementation that data leaders across all industries can apply for greater impact.Guest IntroductionEmily Loh serves as Director of Data at MoonPay, where she leads a 15-person team spanning data engineering, data science, and machine learning in a fast-evolving crypto environment. With previous experience at Coinbase and a surprising background in literature rather than...
2025-03-2734 min
Data MatasS2E1 - Scaling Your Data Infrastructure with AWS's Jon HammantAre you unknowingly overspending on cloud data infrastructure?Many businesses migrate to the cloud expecting cost savings and efficiency, but hidden costs, vendor lock-in, and inefficient ETL processes often result in ballooning expenses. Without a strategic approach, organisations risk wasting budget on unnecessary compute, storage, and manual data management.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeIn this episode of Data Matas, host Aaron Phethean speaks with Jon Hammant, Head of Compute for UK & Ireland at AWS, about the true cost of scaling data infrastructure and how businesses can optimise cloud spend. Jon sh...
2025-03-1341 min
Data MatasSeason 1 Highlights: 7 Data Strategies That Work - What the Best Data Teams Do DifferentlyIn this Season 1 Highlights episode, we break down seven proven strategies that help teams cut costs, improve data quality, and scale smarter.We’ve spoken with data leaders, engineers, and BI experts who have tackled real-world challenges—from legacy systems and broken workflows to AI risks and siloed teams. This episode is your actionable playbook to making your data work better.Key Takeaways:✅ Fix data chaos and create a single source of truth – Jessica Franks (Not On The High Street) shares how she aligned business and tech using Wardley Maps.✅ Rebuild trust in busines...
2025-02-1328 minData MatasS1E7 - Unlocking Gen.AI Potential in Financial Services With Murtaza KanchwalaIn this conversation, Murtaza Kanchwala from Amplifi Capital discusses the integration of Generative AI (Gen.AI) in financial services, sharing insights on early applications, challenges faced, and the importance of regulatory compliance. He emphasizes the need for effective team organization and the selection of appropriate AI models to enhance productivity and efficiency. The discussion also touches on the future of AI in finance, predicting the emergence of personalized AI assistants and the ongoing evolution of AI technologies.TakeawaysMurtaza has been involved in financial services since 2014.Gen...
2024-12-0641 minData MatasS1E6 - Navigating the Future of Transport with Real-Time Data With Nick BromleyIn this conversation, Aaron Phethean and Nick Bromley discuss the evolution and importance of transport data, particularly focusing on the integration of real-time data and mobile phone data into transport planning. They explore the challenges of data collection, the role of AI and big data in optimizing transport systems, and the future of transport data with an emphasis on privacy and security concerns.TakeawaysGood transport planning requires both short-term and long-term data analysis.Buses provide the most flexible capacity in public transport systems.Real-time data is crucial for understanding current transport demands...
2024-11-0121 minData MatasS1E5 - Data quality is a company problem, not just a data problem with Adam DathiThis episode with Adam Dathi is a must-listen for anyone looking to turn data into a strategic powerhouse within their business. Adam shares practical insights into how data teams can work seamlessly with other departments for maximum business-wide impact and gives his take on the future of AI-driven data analysis. Aaron and Adam discuss the critical role of reliable sources and governance, but also observe that this is not an isolated issue for a specific team, but a company-wide responsibility if one is looking to harness the true power of data for their business.Takeaways
2024-10-1850 minData MatasS1E4 -Full stack data people with Bethany LyonsThis is an unmissable conversation packed with innovative perspectives where Aaron Phethean and Bethany Lyons dive into the intricate world of what “full stack” genuinely means in the data realm. Armed with facts and humor, they explore the vital role of trust, and the complexities of data reconciliation. Their discussion also ventures into the dynamic startup landscape, stressing the urgent need for creative solutions to the persistent challenges in data management and analytics that so many face. With their fresh insights, this conversation is a must for anyone looking to understand the future of the industry.Takeaways
2024-10-0132 minData MatasS1E3 - Building trusted analytics at Potloc with Stéphane BurwashIn this episode of Data Matas, host Aaron Phethean and his guest Stéphane Burwash dive deep into what it takes to build a true data-driven culture. Recently promoted to Data Engineering Lead at Potloc, Stéphane shares his thoughts on building trusted analytics, where quality data is at the foundation. The conversation digs into the hot topics of AI and self-service analytics - and questioning their relevance - as well as the application of modern technologies such as Meltano and BigQuery and "the separation of church and state" in the data space. Not only that but the two tou...
2024-09-1754 minData MatasS1E2 - How CitySprint Deliver, Not Only Parcels, but Data and BI - A conversation with Joe WrightCitySprint is one of the largest same-day courier providers in the UK, with a strong presence in London. They operate a UK-wide network and offer same-day logistics services. The company relies on a fleet of couriers who use various modes of transport, including bikes, to quickly deliver parcels. CitySprint's goal is to move away from investigating data challenges and focus on building trust in the accuracy of their data. They are working on modernizing their infrastructure and implementing a new data management system to improve data quality and reporting. The BI team at CitySprint plays a crucial role in...
2024-09-0341 minData MatasS1E1 - Data engineering and Not on the High Street with Jessica FranksJessica Franks shares her experience of joining Not on the High Street as an engineering manager for the data team. She discusses the challenges of starting a new role in a new country and managing a team with diverse skill sets. Jessica explains how she tackled the lack of data strategy and created a visual representation of the data architecture using a Wardley map. She emphasizes the importance of simplifying infrastructure and improving data quality before diving into AI and ML projects. Jessica also highlights the need for clear communication and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure successful data initiatives.
2024-08-2035 min
The Infrastructure PodcastThe future of transport with Iain Stewart MPIn this podcast we talk about the future of transport with Iain Stewart MP, chair of the House of Commons Transport Select Committee.In January 2023 the Transport Select Committee kicked off its Our Future Transport campaign, in which the public was invited to pitch ideas on what the Committee should investigate.Over 220 ideas were submitted on a range of topics leading to the shortlisting of 12 applicants who were then invited to pitch to the MPs in a Dragon’s Den-style process.Two ideas made it through the grilling and in June 2023 th...
2023-09-1832 min
This Climate BusinessHow we can transition to an equitable and low-carbon transport system withEvery year, New Zealanders drive 35 billion kilometres by car – the equivalent of Earth to Mars and back 325 times. Māori and Pasifika miss out far more than other groups on visiting GPs because of lack of transport.Transport accounts for 43% of New Zealand's carbon dioxide emissions, and more than half of these come from private vehicles. This country’s transport system has problems. Finding solutions to them was the task of Te Ara Matatika, or The Fair Path, a report released in November by the Helen Clark Foundation and consultancy WSP.We asked author Holly Walker...
2022-02-0327 min
Taringa PodcastTaringa - Waiata Compilation 4 - Summer 2020Ngā mihi o te tau hōu pākehā - happy new year Ngai Taringa - We know you'll enjoy this compilation of our Waiata from Episodes 74 through to 99 - kanikani move that body!
Go to www.twoa.ac.nz/tikanga to register or learn more about our Tikanga and Reo courses.
Track listing:
01:10 - Hautoa Matatika
04:16 - Nā Tane
07:30 - Ōku Tapairu
11:48 - Working to Live
16:07 - Te Putorino
18:19 - Ko Koe Io
20:26 - Te Matatini Ki Te Ao
23:57...
2019-12-311h 04