Making Better Decisions: Leaders in Data

In this episode, we sit down with our guest Nimisha Morkanda to explore the nuanced relationship between data, technology, and human decision-making. Our guest delves into why understanding the context of data is essential for extracting meaningful insights and how his research in neural network models and human memory informs his current work in analytics. We discuss the challenges data professio...

In this episode, we dive deep into the evolving world of analytics and category management with Michelle Tisdale, a seasoned data expert and a passionate advocate for harnessing the power of AI and analytics in business. Michelle shares her journey from traditional category management to business intelligence and performance. We explore how modern data strategies can drive real business impact, th...

In this episode, we dive deep into the relationship between data and decision-making, exploring how understanding what data is—and more importantly, what it’s not—leads to more effective, informed choices. Drawing on experiences from the world of professional sports, our guest Sam Marks Director of Business Strategy & Analytics, Boston Bruins & TD Garden shares insights into how businesses...

In this episode, we dive deep into the art of using data to drive better business decisions with some of our favorite guests. From the challenge of compiling vast amounts of information to the thrill of discovering insights, we explore how data plays a crucial role in shaping strategies. Our guests also highlight the significance of original research in data collection, collaboration with peers to...

In this episode, we explore the critical balance between technical data expertise and essential soft skills, such as communication and stakeholder management. Our guest Robert Bonovich Senior Business Analyst at Cisco Systems shares real-world examples from their career, including a fascinating story from their time in sales where they leveraged multiple data sets to target prospects effectively....

In this episode, we dive deep into the art of using data to drive better business decisions with some of our favorite guests. From the challenge of compiling vast amounts of information to the thrill of discovering insights, we explore how data plays a crucial role in shaping strategies. Our guests also highlight the significance of original research in data collection, collaboration with peers to...

In this episode, we dive deep into the essential roles of FP&A (Financial Planning and Analysis) and BI (Business Intelligence) within organizations. Our guest William Bett highlights the importance of making data accessible to everyone, not just experts, and emphasizes that understanding and translating data into actionable business insights is a crucial skill in today’s environment. The disc...

In this insightful episode, we dive into the critical components of making data-driven decisions, focusing on how to ask the right questions about your data. Antonio Neto emphasizes the importance of crafting clear problem statements and understanding the role data plays in shaping successful product development. Through real-world examples, they share how businesses can enhance decision-making by...

In this insightful episode, Dr. Sue Tripathi delves into the complexities of data utilization in businesses, emphasizing the importance of understanding which data sets are relevant to specific goals. The conversation explores how businesses can streamline their data practices to achieve more accurate and impactful outcomes. The discussion also touches on the significance of AI, including large la...

In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of data management, the platform approach to analytics, and the nuances of data storytelling with our guest, Claus Torp Jensen, a seasoned data expert. We also explore unique challenges in the healthcare industry and how data can drive better decisions, outcomes, and healthier lives. Key Takeaways: The importance of avoiding "analysis paralysis"...

In this episode, we explore the intersection of finance and data analytics. Divyasom has a wealth of experience in both consulting and financial reporting and dives into how finance professionals can enhance their data processes. We discuss the importance of data accuracy, automation in financial reporting, and the challenges of maintaining both speed and trust in a rapidly changing digital landsc...

In this episode, we dive deep into the fundamentals of data, discussing how to simplify complex data structures using concepts like star schemas. Steven Willard, an experienced data professional, shares insights on the importance of understanding and leveraging data for business success. We explore the evolution of data practices, the significance of automation in data processes, and how to cultiv...

In this episode, we dive into the significance of agile methodologies in the realm of data analytics. Zainulabedin Shah the Former SR Director of Global Analytics at Herbalife and Co-Founder of Threedcase shares invaluable insights on managing data initiatives, aligning team goals, and the critical role of education and change management in enhancing an organization's data maturity. Takeaways: The...

In this episode, we dive deep into the intricacies of sales reporting and explore how attention to detail and inclusiveness play crucial roles. We also take an insightful detour into the horticulture industry, uncovering the surprising data-driven processes behind plant production and sales. Join us for a fascinating conversation that bridges the worlds of sales analytics and horticulture.   Takea...

On this week’s episode of making better decisions your host Ryan Sullivan answers the most common questions from the listeners. Ryan talks about tying data to business goals, balancing thorough analysis with deadlines, building a data culture, preferred tools and technologies, data strategy and executive leadership and more!   Takeaways: Discussing the importance of aligning data initiatives with...

In this podcast Ryan speaks to the CEO of Squark Judah Phillips. They discuss the importance of AI when looking at the future of Data Analytics. The conversation also touches on how to ensure that the data you are hunting for is the correct data for the question you are asking.    Takeaways: They discuss the evolution and application of language models (LLMs), particularly focusing on large langua...

In this week’s episode of Making Better Decisions, host Ryan Sullivan sits down with Brady Crawford (Senior Associate BI Analyst at Cerity Partners.) Brady emphasizes the critical role of trust, relationship building, and strategic alignment in fostering a successful data culture within organizations, particularly in tech consulting. They highlight the importance of moving beyond technicalities to...

In this week’s episode of Making Better Decisions, host Ryan Sullivan sits down with Christopher Antonopoulos, Founder and CEO of Measured Results Marketing. Christopher shares his concept of creating the right data is more important than having a ton of data. He also goes over the importance of creating the human connection still to ensure the data you are giving them matches what the Company nee...

In this week’s episode of Making Better Decisions, host Ryan Sullivan sits down with Rebecca Friedberg, Director of Marketing Analytics & Insights at Benefit Cosmetics. Rebecca shares insights from her decade of experience in marketing analytics, emphasizing the importance of understanding the 'why' and 'so what' behind data points to drive better decision-making. She also discusses challenges...

In this episode of the Making Better Decisions podcast, host Ryan Sullivan sits down with Christian Damare Bates, Senior Software Engineer of Data Platforms at Pryon. The conversation covers the importance of requirements gathering in delivering effective products, the challenge of balancing agile methodologies with strategic planning, and the mathematical concepts like entropy in decision-making...

On this week’s episode of the Making Better Decisions podcast, host Ryan Sullivan interviews Emilie Sanders Lee, the EVP of Global Analytics and Chief of Staff at JustGlobal, Inc. With over 15 years of experience in analytics and marketing across B2B, B2C, and D2C spaces, Emilie shares vital insights about using data integrity and audience understanding to drive better decision-making. She highlig...

Welcome to another episode of the Making Better Decisions podcast! This week, host Ryan Sullivan sat down with Ash Tiwari, Managing Director – KPMG Tax Ignition, to discuss the importance of context for data professionals, the collaborative relationship between business and technology teams, the challenges of data siloing, and the transformative impact of low code and no code tools. They also expl...

On this week’s episode of Making Better Decisions, host Ryan Sullivan sits down with Shawn Egan, Space Assortments & Systems Lead at the Boston Beer Company! Shawn and Ryan delve into the importance of asking the right questions in data analysis to make informed decisions, rather than just seeking data without clear objectives. Sean emphasizes the value of understanding the business behind the...

On this week’s episode of Making Better Decisions, host Ryan Sullivan sits down with Jimmy Holmes, Director of Data Management and Business Intelligence. Ryan and Jimmy delve into the critical importance of data quality, with Jimmy highlighting the concept of 'garbage in, garbage out' and the challenges organizations face in prioritizing and managing data effectively. They discuss how to make bett...

On this week’s episode of Making Better Decisions, host Ryan Sullivan sat down with Darren O’Reilly, Senior Director of Software and Technology at JBT Automated Systems! Darren delves into the importance of using the right data over more data in making decisions, the challenge of managing massive data volumes with the increasing automation and use of robots in operations, stressing the role of AI...