How I Met Your Data

The Lost Art of Data Modeling (And Why It’s Making a Comeback)

What do knowledge graphs, beautiful wine, and the AI revolution have in common? According to Juan Sequeda, Principal Scientist at data.world and co-host of the popular Catalog & Cocktails podcast — everything.
In this episode of How I Met Your Data, Juan joins Angela and Karen for an energizing, thought-provoking deep dive into why semantic data modeling is having its renaissance moment, what we’ve misunderstood about knowledge-first design, and how data governance might just be on the brink of being...cool??
From dishing on the history of data modeling’s pendulum swings to exploring how ontologies and entity-relationship diagrams can fuel AI effectiveness, Juan breaks it down with clarity, humor, and plenty of passion (plus a little wine talk for good measure 🍷).
Tune in to hear:
Why “data modeling” isn’t dead—it just went underground
How semantic modeling helps LLMs deliver better, more accurate results
The importance of pushing semantics left to reduce tech debt
What makes a data product actually reusable (hint: not just pipelines)
Why governance might finally be cool—and how to make it a true enabler, not a bottleneck
Whether you're semantic-curious, governance-skeptical, or just trying to make sense of your enterprise data chaos, this is the episode that’ll have you rethinking your metadata strategy—and maybe even opening a bottle while you're at it.
This one’s for the data dreamers, the AI realists, and everyone stuck in the modeling middle.

The Data Landscape Shake-up: Mergers and Acquisitions Unpacked

Join Junaid, Karen, and Anjali for a special episode of "The Prompt," where they dive into the latest trends in data and analytics. Discover insights into major tech mergers and acquisitions, such as ServiceNow's acquisition of Data.World and Salesforce's partnership with Informatica. Learn about the implications for data governance, vendor lock-in, and AI readiness in today's rapidly evolving market. Are we simply relabeling age-old challenges with new terminology, or are we on the brink of genuine innovation? Get ready for a thought-provoking conversation packed with industry insights.

Embracing Change: Career Risks and Rewards

Welcome to another episode of How I Met Your Data. This time, we’re getting real about the messy, meaningful journey of career evolution.
Our guest, Angelique Hopkins, along with our own Karen Meppen, unpack the highs, lows, and hard-earned wisdom of navigating big career moves in the fast-changing world of Data & Analytics.
We’re talking about more than just job titles. From navigating burnout to breaking out of career stagnation, Karen and Angelique share honest reflections on their careers, the risks they took, the pivots they made, and the self-awareness that fueled it all.
We’ll also explore how AI is reshaping roles, why your network matters more than ever, and what it takes to thrive in a workforce that refuses to sit still.
If you’re rethinking your next move or just need a dose of real talk, this episode brings the insight, heart, and just a bit of inspiration to help you take the leap.
Let’s get into it.

"Unveiling the New Chapter: Meet the Co-hosts of 'How I Met Your Data'"

Welcome to a new chapter of 'How I Met Your Data', where we dive deeper into the real stories behind the data with our new co-hosts, Karen Meppen and Junaid. This episode explores the intersections of data leadership, AI disruption, and culture shifts, while introducing Karen and Junaid's unique perspectives and experiences in the data world.
Join us as we discuss the messy middle, transformation fatigue, and the never-ending journey of working with data. Karen shares her rich experience in optimizing processes through technology, and Junaid brings his prophetic insight into the evolving realm of AI. Together, they uncover the importance of data therapy sessions and talk about the exciting, albeit challenging, future of data management.
This episode is a blend of personal stories, professional insights, and a sneak peek into the evolving landscape of data and technology. Get ready to explore why working with data is dynamic, challenging, and yet undeniably rewarding.

Mastering the Art of Negotiation with Rachel Moore Best

Welcome to another episode of "How I Met Your Data" with your hosts Sandy Estrada and Anjali Bansal. Join us in this engaging conversation as we bid Sandy farewell on her new venture and welcome Rachel Moore Best, a renowned negotiation expert and lecturer at MIT. In this episode, Rachel shares her journey from music studies to becoming a negotiation specialist, emphasizing the significance of negotiation beyond the boardroom and into everyday life. Discover the power of negotiation in enhancing communication, collaboration, and influence within teams while navigating complex dynamics and decision-making. Perfect for data practitioners, engineers, or anyone interested in improving their negotiation skills, this episode is packed with insights and strategies that transcend typical negotiation boundaries.

Unlocking the Secrets of Data Governance with Carly Van Zandt - 201

Welcome to Season 2 of "How I Met Your Data," where hosts Sandy Estrada and Anjali Bansal dive into the dynamic world of data.
In this episode, they chat with guest Carly Van Zandt, Senior Director of Data Governance at Fresenius Medical Care.  Carly shares her fascinating journey from biology to data governance, highlighting her innovative approach to demonstrating the ROI of governance efforts, even with a small team. Discover how Carly's unique methodology has transformed data practices and learn about the real-world examples she used to gain executive buy-in. Don't miss this insightful conversation on the impact of effective data governance.

Season Finale and Sabbatical Adventures - 112

Welcome to the season finale of "How I Met Your Data," where hosts Sandy Estrada and Anjali Bansal guide you through the dynamic world of data. In this episode, Sandy shares highlights from her recent sabbatical, exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Olympic National Park and the vibrant culture of Barcelona. Anjali recounts her own summer adventures in Yellowstone and Hilton Head, emphasizing the stunning beauty and wildlife of America's national parks.
As they reflect on the season, Sandy and Anjali discuss listener engagement and the success of various episodes, highlighting insights from data-driven sports success to the evolving landscape of Gen AI technology. 
Join Sandy and Anjali as they wrap up an incredible season, share personal stories, and look forward to new data adventures in the upcoming year. 

Procurement: The Unsung Hero of Business Success with Dr. Elouise Epstein - 111

This episode of How I Met Your Data welcomes Dr. Elouise Epstein, a digital futurist, to discuss the often overlooked world of procurement. Listeners will learn what procurement is and why it's essential to business success. Dr. Epstein provides insights into the challenges that procurement teams face, including a lack of spend transparency, reliance on outdated technology, and the struggle to keep up with a rapidly evolving digital landscape. She also shares her vision for the future of procurement, where supply chains become a core competitive advantage, driven by data, AI, and a deep understanding of supplier relationships. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in data, technology, and the future of business.

Transforming Data Culture: A Conversation with Malcolm Hawker - 110

Welcome to another episode of How I Met Your Data! In this episode, hosts Sandy Estrada and Anjali Bansal are thrilled to welcome Malcolm Hawker, a seasoned expert in data and analytics with over 25 years of experience. Currently the Chief Data Officer at Prophecy, Malcolm shares his insights on master data management and data governance.
The episode kicks off with a discussion about the recent CDOIQ conference in Boston, where Anjali and Malcolm co-hosted a session. They delve into the topics covered during their session, emphasizing the need for transforming data culture within organizations. Malcolm highlights the importance of delivering value and shifting mindsets to foster a positive data culture.
Listeners will gain valuable insights on how to prioritize collaboration, continuous engagement, and leveraging product management principles in data leadership. Malcolm also shares his thoughts on the future of data management, including the potential of data fabrics and governance as a service.
Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with practical advice and forward-thinking perspectives on the evolving landscape of data and analytics.

Unraveling Data Partnerships: Insights with Stefanie Gervasi of Alation - 109

This week, Anjali Bansal and Sandy Estrada, welcome Stefanie Gervasi, the Director of U.S. Partnerships and Alliances for Alation.  Alation is a leading provider of data cataloging and governance solutions designed to empower organizations to harness the power of their data effectively.
In this episode, they dive into the intricate relationships between software companies, consulting firms, and data executives.  They also discuss the importance of partnerships, the role of consulting firms in guiding clients, and the critical factors for successful collaborations. Whether you're a data executive, a consulting firm, or a software vendor, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge to help you navigate the complex world of partnerships in data.
Join us for an engaging conversation filled with practical advice and industry insights.