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In this episode of The sql_squared Podcast!!!, we're joined by our special guest, Sergio Sisternes, for a deep dive into the latest announcements from GitHub Universe and the rapidly evolving world of AI-driven development.

As the Director of Technology Solutions for Microsoft Azure at EPAM, Sergio shares his unique insights fresh off the plane from Silicon Valley, giving us a direct debrief on the tech that is rewriting the future. This conversation is centered around moving beyond the hype of AI to understand the practical shifts in the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).

Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of the difference between standard AI and Agentic AI, practical tips for building effective Model Context Protocols (MCPs), and a fresh perspective on how junior developers and architects must adapt their mindsets from "what" to "how". This is a can't-miss episode for anyone interested in Cloud Native development, Copilot strategies, and surviving the productivity "arms race".

Guest Information
Name: Sergio Sisternes
Bio: Sergio is the Director of Technology Solutions for Microsoft Azure at EPAM, where he leads high-performance teams and architects delivering cloud and AI solutions for the future.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sesispla/

00:00 Intro 01:58 The GitHub Universe Vibe: Agent HQ & Mission Control 05:17 Why Code Quality Matters Before AI Adoption 10:37 Explained: Machine Learning vs. Deep Learning vs. GenAI 15:07 The Mindset Shift: Moving from "What" to "How" 21:00 3 Ways to Optimize Copilot: Instructions, Prompts & Agents 28:33 The Right Tool for the Job: Understanding MCP 38:18 Can Junior Developers Survive the AI Era? 44:15 Becoming a "100x Engineer" 47:53 The Global Productivity "Arms Race" 52:07 Outro

#data #ai #github #softwareengineering #podcast #azure #agents #sdlc #cloud

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The sql_squared podcast is your guide to navigating the ever-evolving world of data. We go beyond the code to explore the tools, techniques, and trends that shape the data landscape, from SQL Server and cloud platforms to AI and developer productivity. Join us as we chat with experts from the community to help you learn, grow, and make the right decisions on your data journey.

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Episode Summary

In this episode of The sql_squared Podcast, we're joined by our special guest, James Reeves , for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of data engineering platforms , the importance of cost efficiency in the cloud , and the critical role of neurodiversity and equality in building strong, innovative tech teams.

As an expert with a career spanning roles like SQL Server Consultant , Data Warehouse Architect , Data Engineer , and his current role as an AI Engineer at Brabners , James shares his unique insights on the pros and cons of platforms like Databricks and Snowflake , strategies for managing cloud costs , and the future of SQL Server.

Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of key data platform differences , practical tips for avoiding common cloud billing mistakes , and a fresh perspective on the importance of neurodiversity and supporting junior developers. This is a can't-miss episode for anyone interested in data engineering , cloud architecture , and building more human-centric tech teams.

Guest Information

• Name: James Reeves
• Bio: James's career is a masterclass in the evolution of data roles. He's been a SQL Server Consultant , a Data Warehouse Architect , a Data Engineer , an Analytics Engineer , and a Director of Analytics. This incredible breadth of experience gives him a unique perspective on the industry , which he now applies in his current role as an AI Engineer at Brabners. Beyond his technical chops, he's a huge voice in the data community and a passionate advocate for building inclusive tech spaces.
• Social Media:
  • LinkedIn: @sqlcestrian

Resources Mentioned

• SQLBits Conference: [https://www.sqlbits.com] - A major UK data conference discussed by James and David. Use code sqlsquared2026 for a discount on your ticket for the 2026 event in Newport.

#dataengineering, #databricks, #snowflake, #sqlserver, #cloudcosts, #neurodiversity, #techcareers, #DEI, #dataplatforms, #sql

Support the show

Support the show!

Enjoying The sql_squared Podcast? The best way to support us is by subscribing to our YouTube channel!

• Watch & Subscribe on YouTube
• Listen on other platforms: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
• Leave a Review: If you found this episode helpful, please leave a 5-star review wherever you get your podcasts or leave a like and comment on YouTube.
• Share: Know someone who would love this episode? Go ahead and share a link!

The sql_squared podcast is your guide to navigating the ever-evolving world of data. We go beyond the code to explore the tools, techniques, and trends that shape the data landscape, from SQL Server and cloud platforms to AI and developer productivity. Join us as we chat with experts from the community to help you learn, grow, and make the right decisions on your data journey.

• Website: https://www.sqlsquared.co.uk/
• Twitter/X: @sql_squared
• LinkedIn: @sql_squared
• Email: mailbag@sqlsquared.co.uk

Send us a text

Episode Summary

In this episode of The sql_squared Podcast!!!, we're joined by our special guest, Simon Sabin , for a deep dive into SQLBits 2026. As the founder of SQLBits , one of Europe's largest and most-loved data conferences , Simon shares his unique insights on the event's core mission: to connect people and help them learn.

This conversation is centered around our guest's experiences and knowledge. Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of what makes the SQLBits community so special , practical details on the upcoming 2026 event at the ICC Newport in Wales , and a fresh perspective on hot topics like AI, SQL Server 2025, and Microsoft Fabric. This is a can't-miss episode for anyone interested in the data industry and community events.

Guest Information

• Name: Simon Sabin
• Bio: Simon Sabin is the founder of SQLBits , one of the largest and most-loved data conferences in Europe. With 30 years of experience in data , Simon helped start SQLBits to connect and educate data professionals , fostering a strong community in the UK and Europe.

Resources Mentioned

• SQLBits Website: https://www.sqlbits.com - Head here to learn more and get your tickets for SQLBits 2026.
• Discount Code: Use code sqlsquared2026 for a discount on your paid-day conference tickets.

Support the show

Support the show!

Enjoying The sql_squared Podcast? The best way to support us is by subscribing to our YouTube channel!

• Watch & Subscribe on YouTube
• Listen on other platforms: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
• Leave a Review: If you found this episode helpful, please leave a 5-star review wherever you get your podcasts or leave a like and comment on YouTube.
• Share: Know someone who would love this episode? Go ahead and share a link!

The sql_squared podcast is your guide to navigating the ever-evolving world of data. We go beyond the code to explore the tools, techniques, and trends that shape the data landscape, from SQL Server and cloud platforms to AI and developer productivity. Join us as we chat with experts from the community to help you learn, grow, and make the right decisions on your data journey.

• Website: https://www.sqlsquared.co.uk/
• Twitter/X: @sql_squared
• LinkedIn: @sql_squared
• Email: mailbag@sqlsquared.co.uk