Doug Leal

cgi.com/en/experts/douglas-leal

Enterprise Architect with 25+ years of experience delivering data-centric solutions, including big data, cloud, analytics, and data engineering strategies in both enterprise and consulting capacities. Proven expertise in AWS, Azure Cloud, Databricks, MLFlow, and Spark, driving scalable and efficient data solutions. A trusted advisor in enterprise data architecture for both existing and new platforms; Databricks Champion for CGI. Passionate about machine learning and leveraging advanced analytics to drive business value.

Doug Leal's Sessions

Cutting Through the Buzz: LLM, Agents, RAG, and GPT - Making Sense of Generative AISQLBits 2025

Join us for an introductory session on Generative AI, where we'll demystify LLMs, Agents, RAG, and GPT. Through live demos in Azure Databricks, you'll learn how these technologies work and their practical applications. Whether you're new to AI or expanding your knowledge, this session offers valuable insights to help you leverage these tools effectively. Explore, ask questions, and gain a clearer perspective on transforming your projects with Generative AI.

How to get started with MLOps in Azure DatabricksSQLBits 2024

This entry-level session will introduce you to the machine learning life cycle, including data preparation, model training, selection, and how to operationalize your model with Databricks Machine Learning, and gain a deeper understanding of how to scale deployments using MLOps across your company.

Cutting Through the Buzz: LLM, RAG, and GPT - Making Sense of GenAISQLBits 2026

Cut through the GenAI buzz in this intro session on LLMs, agents, RAG, and GPT, including how they work and when to use them! Plus Databricks demos and practical takeaways to apply in your projects.

Cutting Through the Buzz: Making Sense of AI AgentsSQLBits 2026

Hype-free intro to AI Agents! Learn how LLMs, RAG, and AI Agents work, and see a knowledge-agent demo, plus Databricks hands-on examples for practical enterprise use.

Cutting Through the Buzz: Making Sense of AI AgentsSQLBits 2026

Hype-free intro to AI Agents! Learn how LLMs, RAG, and AI Agents work, and see a knowledge-agent demo, plus Databricks hands-on examples for practical enterprise use.

Fast-Tracking Models with Databricks AutoMLSQLBits 2026

Learn how Databricks AutoML accelerates ML with automated model selection, training, and tuning, incluting transparent notebooks, built-in explainability, and traceability for audit-ready workflows you can customize and scale.

Getting Started with Azure Databricks: Data EngineeringSQLBits 2026

Learn the basics of Apache Spark and Azure Databricks, what they are, what problems they solve, and how they work. Plus hands-on demos to load, transform, and present data in Azure Databricks.

How to get started with MLOps in Azure DatabricksSQLBits 2026

Entry-level walkthrough of the ML Lifecycle in Azure Databricks, including prep, train, tune, and deploy, plus MLflow tracking and best practices to operationalize and scale models across your organization.

MLOps and LLMOps: Best Practices in DatabricksSQLBits 2026

Join us to explore MLOps and LLMOps with Azure Databricks! Learn how to deploy and manage ML models using new features like Models in Unity Catalog, Model Serving, and Lakehouse Monitoring. Discover real-world strategies for scaling and streamlining your ML workflows.

Stop Presenting, Start Storytelling and Connecting Your Way to Success!SQLBits 2026

Stop losing great ideas in spreadsheets and text-heavy slides. Learn the psychology of influence, how to turn data into an emotional narrative, and how to use brevity so your message sticks, so you can inspire action.

Cutting Through the Buzz: LLM, Agents, RAG, and GPT - Making Sense of Generative AISQLBits 2025

Join us for an introductory session on Generative AI, where we'll demystify LLMs, Agents, RAG, and GPT. Through live demos in Azure Databricks, you'll learn how these technologies work and their practical applications. Whether you're new to AI or expanding your knowledge, this session offers valuable insights to help you leverage these tools effectively. Explore, ask questions, and gain a clearer perspective on transforming your projects with Generative AI.

How to get started with MLOps in Azure DatabricksSQLBits 2024

This entry-level session will introduce you to the machine learning life cycle, including data preparation, model training, selection, and how to operationalize your model with Databricks Machine Learning, and gain a deeper understanding of how to scale deployments using MLOps across your company.