AI, Energy Shocks, and the End of the Old Playbook

Back from months on the road across Asia, Europe, and the US, I unpack the mood I kept running into: uncertainty. Energy shocks, supply chain chaos, and AI upending the playbook for vendors and practitioners alike. Plus updates on my book and an upcoming Salt Lake City conference.

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Timestamps

0:00 — Intro & travel recap — Sets the stage: months of globe-trotting across Asia, Europe, and the US

1:10 — Global uncertainty & resource scarcity — Fuel/water shortages in Southeast Asia, flight cancellations in Europe, ripple effects of geopolitical tensions

5:30 — AI dominates every conversation — The #1 topic at conferences worldwide; vendors facing existential questions and forced to rethink everything (Atlan pivot, DuckDB agent idea)

10:14 — AI's impact on workers at every level — Senior practitioners gaining superpowers, juniors worried about jobs, leaders expected to do more with less

17:51 — Key takeaway: everyone feels behind — Even top AI insiders are uncertain; give yourself grace, upskill, and consider building something for yourself

20:38 — Announcements — Book drops July 27th, course coming, Practical Data Community Newsletter live, fall travel schedule (London, Paris, possible Salt Lake City conference)