Making Better Decisions: Leaders in Data - podcast cover

Making Better Decisions: Leaders in Data

Ryan Sullivan
Dive into the dynamic world where data meets decision-making! Hosted by Ryan Sullivan, a seasoned analyst, this podcast is your go-to resource for understanding how organizations harness the potential of data to drive strategic decisions. Join us every Wednesday as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of data-driven transformations, making every episode a journey toward smarter decisions and better outcomes. Making Better Decisions is proudly sponsored by Canopy Analytic, helping companies make better decisions using data.
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

A Look Back With Some of our Favorite Guest - Making Better Decisions - Episode #24

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 fill gaps, and how data-driven marketing can be a powerful tool for business growth. We also touch ...

Sep 25, 202434 minEp. 24

FP&A and BI: Strategic Insights for Business Success - William Bett - Making Better Decisions - Episode #23

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 discussion explores the differences between FP&A and BI, how each team contributes to strategic deci...

Sep 18, 202449 minEp. 23

Data Quality and Problem Statements: The Two Pillars of Effective Decision-Making - Antonio Neto - Making Better Decisions - Episode #22

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 aligning data insights with business objectives and using design thinking to approach analytics in ...

Sep 11, 202448 minEp. 22

The Power of Asking the Right Questions - Dr. Sue Tripathi - Making Better Decisions - Episode #21

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 language models, in driving operational efficiency and achieving strategic objectives. However, the co...

Sep 04, 202442 minEp. 21

Unlocking Data Potential - Claus Torp Jensen - Making Better Decisions - Episode #20

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 data projects and moving towards platform-based solutions to reduce repetitive work. The dangers ...

Aug 28, 202455 minEp. 20

Building Trust Through Data in Finance - Divyasom Malhan - Making Better Decisions - Episode #19

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 landscape. From automating repetitive tasks to balancing statutory requirements with innovative approaches...

Aug 21, 202446 minEp. 19

Building a Lasting Data Culture - Steven Willard - Making Better Decisions - Episode #18

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 cultivate a strong data culture within organizations. The conversation also highlights practical advice on...

Aug 14, 202443 minEp. 18

Data Excellence: Strategies for Success - Zainulabedin Shah - Making Better Decisions - Episode #17

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 challenges of integrating data initiatives compared to longstanding business functions like finance...

Aug 07, 202449 minEp. 17

Impactful Insights: Why Sales Data Matters - Scott Parisi - Making Better Decisions - Episode #16

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. Takeaways: They show the significance of accurate sales reporting on individuals' livelihoods. They also ta...

Jul 31, 20241 hr 1 minEp. 16

FAQ Unpacked. Answering Your Questions - Ryan Sullivan - Making Better Decisions - Episode # 015

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 clear business objectives. Whether it's improving product quality or reducing costs, every data projec...

Jul 24, 202441 minEp. 15

How AI and Data work together - Judah Phillips - Making Better Decisions - Episode # 014

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 language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and their impact on AI and business strategies. It emphasizes how LLMs us...

Jul 17, 202455 minEp. 14

Relationships Matter in Data Culture - Brady Crawford - Making Better Decisions - Episode # 013

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 understand the "why" behind data practices and decisions. This approach not only enhances collabora...

Jul 10, 202440 minEp. 13

Data Quality over Quantity - Christopher Antonopoulos - Making Better Decisions - Episode # 012

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 needs. Takeaways: Christopher emphasizes that organizations don't need to retain all data collected ind...

Jul 03, 202446 minEp. 12

The 'Why' Behind Data with Rebecca Friedberg - Making Better Decisions - Episode # 011

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 the marketing sector, such as data privacy, walled gardens, and attribution. It’s an insightful ...

Jun 26, 202452 minEp. 11

AI, Data, and Creativity - Christian DiMare-Baits - Making Better Decisions - Episode # 010

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 and reinforcement learning. They also delve into the growth from basic business intelligence to comp...

Jun 19, 202455 minEp. 10

Data Integrity Matters - Emilie Sanders Lee - Making Better Decisions - Episode # 009

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 highlights the critical importance of data accuracy, the evolving nature of marketing analytics, and the ne...

Jun 12, 202445 minEp. 9

Optimizing Data Processes - Ash Tiwari - Making Better Decisions - Episode # 008

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 explore the evolving role of generative AI in data analytics and its potential benefits across different...

Jun 05, 202445 minEp. 8

The Revolutionary Impact of Data Analytics - Shawn Egan - Making Better Decisions - Episode # 007

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 data and the distinction between serving a sales or leadership audience versus data analysts. They ...

May 22, 202449 minEp. 7

Data Management and Business Intelligence - Jimmy Holmes - Making Better Decisions - Episode # 006

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 better decisions using data, emphasizing the importance of aligning data strategies with business strate...

May 15, 202452 minEp. 6

Beyond Big Data - Darren O’Reilly - Making Better Decisions - Episode # 005

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 and ML in improving efficiency and decision-making. It’s an insightful episode you don’t want to mis...

May 09, 202445 minEp. 5

Pathways to Empowered Decision-Making - Stephanie Dean - Making Better Decisions - Episode # 004

On this week’s episode of Making Better Decisions, host Ryan Sullivan, sits down with Stephanie Dean, culture builder and idea advocate! Stephanie shares her experiences from her time at Clorox, highlighting her role in analytics enablement, the Digital Leadership Forum she initiated, and the emphasis on creating a culture where analytics is accessible to everyone. Ryan and Stephanie explore the significance of understanding data models, the psychology behind dashboard design, and the transforma...

May 01, 202445 minEp. 4

The Truth About Data - Mario Laposse - Making Better Decisions - Episode # 003

In this episode of Making Better Decisions, host Ryan Sullivan engages with guest Mario Laposse! Ryan and Mario delve into the nuances of using data to make better decisions, emphasizing that data isn't a cure-all but requires correct framing, asking the right questions, and being intentional to derive meaningful insights. Mario also discusses the misalignment between business and data strategy and the importance of integrating them to avoid conflicting goals. It’s an enlightening episode you do...

Apr 24, 202447 minEp. 3

Navigating the Data Labyrinth - Seth Earley - Making Better Decisions - Episode # 002

Today’s guest is an expert with 20+ years of experience in knowledge strategy, information architecture, and information findability solutions. Please welcome Seth Earley, Founder & CEO of Earley Information Science! Seth joins host, Ryan Sullivan, to share his take on data strategy, information architecture, and leveraging data for business outcomes. Seth also dives into the significance of intentional information architecture, semantic models, and knowledge graphs for improved decision-mak...

Apr 10, 202440 minEp. 2

Data Integrity - Jeremy Woods - Making Better Decisions - Episode # 001

Welcome to Making Better Decisions! This week, host Ryan Sullivan sat down with Jeremy Woods, Facility Director & Area General Manager at CBRE! Jeremy shares insights into his career trajectory within the real estate industry, highlighting the significance of data-driven decision-making, primary research, and personalized insights. He also emphasizes the joy of data analysis, the creation of Competitive Intelligence Reports, and the competitive edge derived from accurate data interpretation....

Apr 03, 202455 minEp. 1
Hosted on Transistor
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android