• AI Adoption Readiness: Evaluating an organization’s maturity level for AI implementation, including strategy, capacity, practice, and proactivity.
• Data Quality: Importance of high-quality data for successful AI deployment, as illustrated by Salesforce's development of small language models.
• Governance and Training: Establishing governance frameworks and proper training to ensure responsible and effective AI usage.

• ✅ Companies must assess their AI readiness, including strategy, governance, and data quality, before implementing AI.
• ✅ Training employees on AI tools is crucial for maximizing business value and ensuring effective adoption.
• ✅ Proper governance frameworks help safeguard against potential risks and ensure responsible AI usage.

In this episode of the Analytics for Humans podcast, Diego Morales, CTO and founder of Chief Tech Consulting, discusses the importance of assessing AI readiness before implementation. Diego emphasizes the need for a comprehensive strategy, including governance, data quality, and employee training. He shares insights on how companies can evaluate their AI maturity and the importance of a step-by-step approach to ensure successful AI adoption. Diego also highlights the critical role of data quality in AI success, referencing Salesforce's focus on data for their small language models. The episode provides valuable guidance for businesses looking to integrate AI responsibly and effectively.

Q: What are the key factors companies need to assess before implementing AI?

A: Companies need to evaluate their strategy, governance, data quality, and capacity to ensure they are ready for AI implementation. These factors are crucial for successful and responsible AI adoption.

Q: How important is data quality for AI deployment?

A: Data quality is critical for AI success. High-quality data ensures that AI models are trained effectively and produce reliable results. Poor data quality can lead to suboptimal outcomes and potential issues.

Q: What role does governance play in AI adoption?

A: Governance is essential to ensure responsible AI usage. It involves setting guardrails, establishing policies, and training employees to use AI tools effectively while safeguarding against risks like data leaks and unethical practices.

Q: How can businesses ensure their employees are effectively using AI tools?

A: Proper training is vital for employees to understand and utilize AI tools effectively. Training helps maximize the business value of AI and ensures that employees are equipped to handle AI-related tasks proficiently.

Q: What should companies do if they are not ready for AI yet?

A: Companies should not panic but instead develop a clear strategy to prepare for AI adoption. This involves understanding their current capabilities, improving data quality, and establishing governance frameworks to ensure a smooth transition to AI integration.

Q: How can AI help in product development and business processes?

A: AI can enhance product development by incorporating cutting-edge technology and improving business processes through efficiency and automation. However, it is essential to assess readiness and ensure proper implementation for maximum benefits.

Q: What advice do you have for non-technical users looking to understand AI?

A: Non-technical users should focus on understanding the basics of AI and its applications in their business context. They should leverage resources, seek training, and gradually familiarize themselves with AI tools to see how they can benefit their organization.

Q: How can companies avoid the pitfalls of AI implementation?

A: Companies can avoid pitfalls by ensuring proper governance, training, and data quality. They should also involve all stakeholders in the AI adoption process and continuously monitor and adjust their AI strategies to stay ahead of the curve.

00:00 Intro

00:37 Guest Introduction: Diego Morales

02:12 Assessing AI Readiness

07:27 Importance of Data Quality

15:27 Leadership and AI Adoption

18:53 Final Thoughts and Advice

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• Predictive Analytics: Using AI to predict customer preferences and recommend products, similar to Amazon's recommendation engine.
• Generative AI for Customer Service: Implementing generative AI to handle simple customer service questions, freeing up human agents for more complex issues.
• Fraud Detection: Utilizing AI to detect fraud in financial institutions and government programs like Medicare and MediClaim.

• ✅ Businesses often struggle with how to effectively implement AI despite recognizing its potential.
• ✅ AI can help unearth patterns in large datasets, such as identifying customer attrition trends.
• ✅ Partnering with universities can be a cost-effective way for businesses to explore AI solutions without heavy initial investment.

In this episode of the Analytics for Humans podcast, Swathi Young, CTO of Allwyn Corporation, shares her extensive experience in AI and technology. Swathi discusses the enthusiasm among business leaders to adopt AI, despite the challenges in understanding and implementing it effectively. She highlights how AI can solve various business problems, from predicting customer preferences to detecting fraud. Swathi also emphasizes the importance of data reliability and the need for a step-by-step approach to AI adoption, including partnering with universities for research and development. The episode underscores the potential of AI to transform businesses and encourages leaders to embrace this powerful technology.

Q: What are some common challenges businesses face when trying to implement AI?

A: Many businesses struggle with understanding the right tools and processes for AI implementation. They often need guidance to identify business problems that AI can solve and to develop a step-by-step adoption strategy.

Q: How can AI help businesses with customer retention?

A: AI can analyze large datasets to identify patterns in customer behavior, helping businesses understand where attrition is happening and what factors contribute to it. This enables targeted strategies to improve customer retention.

Q: What is the importance of data reliability in AI projects?

A: Data reliability is crucial for AI accuracy. Conducting a data audit to ensure consistency and transparency is essential. Reliable data forms the foundation for effective AI solutions.

Q: How can startups with limited data benefit from AI?

A: Startups can start small by focusing on specific use cases and gradually building their data. Partnering with universities for research projects can also provide valuable insights and resources without significant investment.

Q: What role does generative AI play in customer service?

A: Generative AI can handle simple customer service inquiries, allowing human agents to focus on more complex issues. This improves efficiency and customer satisfaction by providing quick responses to common questions.

Q: What advice do you have for non-technical entrepreneurs looking to utilize AI?

A: Non-technical entrepreneurs can leverage AI tools that require minimal technical knowledge. Platforms like Gamma.ai for presentations and website builders can help them integrate AI into their businesses without significant investment in technical resources.

Q: What are some upcoming trends in AI that businesses should watch for?

A: Businesses should look out for advancements in AI governance and tools to detect bias, improvements in image and video generation, and AI applications that offer tangible benefits, such as better traffic management and enhanced customer experiences.

00:00 Intro

00:37 Meet Swathi Young: AI Technology Expert

02:20 Understanding AI Adoption in Businesses

05:02 AI Use Cases and Business Solutions

13:27 AI Readiness and Implementation Framework

23:55 Future of AI and Ethical Considerations

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#AI #ArtificialIntelligence #TechForBusiness #AIImplementation #DataAnalytics #GenerativeAI #PredictiveAnalytics #BusinessTechnology #TechInnovation #AIinBusiness

• User Interaction Analysis: Evaluating how children interact with Moxie to improve social-emotional learning outcomes.
• Behavioral Data Collection: Collecting anonymized conversation data to identify effective activities and improve Moxie's educational modules.
• Privacy and Safety Monitoring: Implementing data encryption and compliance with COPA and FERPA guidelines to ensure user privacy and safety.

• ✅ Moxie, a social robot, helps children with social-emotional learning and educational capabilities.
• ✅ Privacy and safety are top priorities in Moxie's design, ensuring data encryption and compliance with COPA and FERPA.
• ✅ Moxie aims to assist children in developing social skills, offering a non-judgmental, interactive experience.

In this episode of the Analytics for Humans podcast, Mario Munich, CTO at Embodied, discusses the innovative development of Moxie, a social robot designed to assist children with social-emotional learning and educational capabilities. Mario shares his journey from working in computer vision and robotics to leading the development of Moxie, emphasizing the importance of staying open-minded and adaptable in the tech industry. He highlights Moxie's unique features, such as its ability to help children with anxiety, depression, and ASD by modeling social constructs through interaction. Mario also underscores the importance of privacy and safety in Moxie's design, ensuring that all data is encrypted and complies with COPA and FERPA guidelines. This episode delves into the potential of robotics and AI to enhance the lives of children and even the elderly, offering a glimpse into the future of socially impactful technology.

Q: What inspired you to develop Moxie, and how does it help children?

A: Moxie was developed to assist children with social-emotional learning, anxiety, depression, and ASD by modeling social constructs and providing a non-judgmental interactive experience.

Q: How do you ensure privacy and safety in Moxie's design?

A: Privacy and safety are paramount. All personal data is encrypted, and we comply with COPA and FERPA guidelines. Speech data is transcribed and deleted, ensuring no sensitive information is stored.

Q: How does Moxie adapt to the needs of different children?

A: Moxie uses behavior patterns designed by therapists and educators to engage children in a personalized manner, helping them with specific challenges such as making eye contact or verbalizing thoughts.

Q: What role does AI play in Moxie's functionality?

A: AI is integral to Moxie's functionality, enabling it to interact seamlessly with users, understand and process speech, and provide relevant educational content. However, AI is just one component of a broader system designed to ensure a smooth and engaging user experience.

Q: How do you see the future of robotics in education and mental health support?

A: The future is promising, with potential applications in schools and hospitals. Moxie can support children undergoing medical treatments by providing comfort and companionship, and it has potential uses in helping the elderly combat loneliness and isolation.

Q: What advice would you give to someone aspiring to enter the tech or robotics field?

A: Keep an open mind and be willing to adapt to new opportunities. Every experience is a learning opportunity, and embracing different disciplines and perspectives is crucial for innovation and personal growth.

00:00 Intro

00:48 Meet Mario Munich: Background and Career

02:56 The Evolution of Robotics and AI

07:28 Introducing Moxie: The Social Robot

10:33 Moxie's Impact on Children

15:42 Privacy and Safety in AI

19:09 Future Prospects and Applications of Moxie

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• Customer Feedback Analysis: Utilizing customer feedback to understand the effectiveness of free trials and optimize the enrollment process.
• Data Centralization: Implementing a data factory to integrate various data sources into a single data lake, enhancing data-driven decision-making across franchises.
• Operational Efficiency: Analyzing operational workflows to identify pain points and streamline processes for franchise owners and staff.

• ✅ Goldfish Swim School uses centralized data to streamline franchise operations and improve decision-making.
• ✅ Implementing AI and data analytics helps Goldfish optimize customer engagement and operational efficiency.
• ✅ Franchising provides opportunities for individuals to own businesses while contributing to community safety through swimming lessons.

In this episode of the Analytics for Humans podcast, Dennis Leskowski, Chief Technology Officer at Goldfish Swim School Franchising, shares insights on how technology and data analytics are transforming the franchising model. With 200 locations across the United States and Canada, Goldfish Swim School focuses on using centralized data and AI to streamline operations and enhance customer engagement. Dennis discusses the importance of understanding franchisee needs, optimizing workflows, and making data-driven decisions to improve business performance. He also highlights the role of empathy and storytelling in effectively utilizing data for business growth.

Q: How do you use data in your everyday job?

A: We use data to streamline franchise operations, optimize customer engagement, and make informed decisions. Centralizing data from various sources allows us to provide franchisees with actionable insights without overwhelming them.

Q: How is AI being incorporated into your business model?

A: AI is being used to analyze operational workflows and customer engagement strategies. While we are still building our data lake, AI will help us identify patterns and optimize processes, enhancing overall efficiency.

Q: What trends do you think are shaping the future of your industry?

A: The integration of AI and data analytics is a major trend. By centralizing data and using AI to extract insights, we can improve decision-making and operational efficiency. Additionally, franchising provides individuals with opportunities to own businesses while making a positive impact on their communities.

Q: How do you ensure your team stays aligned with industry trends?

A: We conduct in-depth business requirements analysis, interview franchisees, and shadow staff to understand their needs and pain points. Continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends through conferences and research are also key.

Q: What advice would you give someone aspiring to succeed in your field?

A: Be people-centered and understand the needs of your stakeholders. Combine empathy with data-driven decision-making to create technology solutions that are intuitive and impactful. Continuous learning and evolving with industry trends are also crucial.

Q: How do you define success in your career?

A: Success is defined by how well we can support our franchisees and make a positive impact on their businesses and communities. Creating technology solutions that are easy to use and provide valuable insights is a key measure of success.

00:00 Intro

00:37 Meet Dennis Leskowski

01:19 Transition to Franchising and Goldfish Swim School

05:21 Technology and Data in Franchising

08:14 Implementing AI and Data-Driven Decisions

11:02 Challenges and Successes in Data Utilization

21:33 Personal Growth and Reflections

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• Customer Spend Analysis: Using data from 10-K reports and industry databases to identify potential high-spend customers and focus on relevant business targets.
• Revenue Diversification: Analyzing the distribution of revenue sources to ensure no over-reliance on a few top customers, promoting long-term stability.
• AI Integration: Utilizing AI for quicker data processing and strategic decision-making in business development.

• ✅ Data centers are expanding rapidly to support AI development, indicating a significant industry trend.
• ✅ Combining relationships and data analysis helps in making strategic business decisions in the power sector.
• ✅ AI and data analytics streamline project management, reducing costs and saving time.

In this episode of the Analytics for Humans podcast, Adrian Melendez, Business Development Manager at Aldridge Electric, shares insights on leveraging data and AI to drive strategic growth in the power industry. Adrian discusses the importance of using data to identify high-potential customers and ensure diversified revenue streams, reducing dependency on a few major clients. He emphasizes the growing role of AI in optimizing project management and predicting power usage, contributing to cost savings and efficiency. Adrian's approach combines relationship-building with data-driven strategies, highlighting the essential role of human connections in business development.

Q: How do you use data in your everyday job?

A: I use data to research industry trends, identify potential high-spend customers, and ensure long-term strategic growth for our company. By analyzing financial reports and industry databases, I can pinpoint which companies are likely to spend on services we offer and avoid over-reliance on a few key customers.

Q: How is AI being incorporated into your business model?

A: AI is being used to streamline project management processes and predict daily power needs based on historical data and weather patterns. This saves time, reduces costs, and helps us win more projects by being more efficient and cost-effective.

Q: What trends do you think are shaping the future of your industry?

A: The biggest trend is the rapid expansion of data centers driven by the growing demand for AI and data storage. Additionally, utilities are increasingly using AI to predict power usage and optimize power generation, which requires extensive data analysis.

Q: How do you ensure your team stays aligned with industry trends?

A: We attend conferences, conduct our own research, and hold industry market update meetings to share insights and discuss trends. We also encourage continuous learning and innovation within our team to stay ahead of the curve.

Q: What advice would you give someone aspiring to succeed in your field?

A: Be friendly and build strong relationships, but also back up your decisions with thorough research and data analysis. Understand the specific needs and concerns of different regions and utilities to align your strategies accordingly.

Q: How do you define success in your career?

A: I define success by how satisfied people are with the quality of my work and the work of my company. Positive feedback from clients and industry partners, even more than financial metrics, indicates true success.

00:00 Intro

00:20 Meet Adrian Melendez

01:04 Using Data in Business Development

03:25 Balancing Relationships and Data

06:22 Incorporating AI in the Power Industry

09:51 Future Trends in the Industry

15:15 Advice and Success in the Industry

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• Endpoint Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of endpoints to identify anomalous activities, such as unusual login times, using AI to streamline the process.
• User Behavior Analysis: Tracking and analyzing user behavior on networks to identify potential security threats and improve security measures.
• Cyber Insurance Due Diligence: Collecting and analyzing data to demonstrate compliance with cybersecurity requirements for insurance purposes.

• ✅ Cybersecurity is crucial for protecting data, systems, and even human lives.
• ✅ Small businesses are often targeted by cybercriminals due to perceived vulnerability.
• ✅ Using AI in cybersecurity helps detect anomalies and improve threat detection.

In this episode of the Analytics for Humans podcast, Mike Crandall, founder and CEO of Digital Beachhead, shares his journey from a military career in IT to leading a successful cybersecurity company. Mike explains the importance of cybersecurity for small to midsize businesses, highlighting common misconceptions and affordable solutions. He discusses how Digital Beachhead provides comprehensive cybersecurity services, including continuous endpoint monitoring, user behavior analysis, and AI-driven threat detection. Mike emphasizes the evolving role of AI in cybersecurity and the importance of staying informed about the latest technological advancements. He also offers practical tips for non-technical users to enhance their cybersecurity posture and underscores the need for businesses to use their available resources effectively to protect their data.

Q: What inspired you to start Digital Beachhead?

A: I retired from the military after nearly 21 years, working in IT before it was called cybersecurity. After working for a large company and dealing with job uncertainties, I decided to start Digital Beachhead to provide cybersecurity services, especially to small and midsize businesses that were underrepresented in the larger cybersecurity market.

Q: Can you explain cybersecurity for non-technical users?

A: Cybersecurity involves protecting your data, systems, and even human life. It includes securing internet-connected devices, such as IoT devices and medical devices like pacemakers, against potential threats.

Q: What are some common misconceptions about cybersecurity among small businesses?

A: Many small businesses think they are too small to be targeted by cybercriminals. They believe they don't have valuable data, but small businesses are often targeted because they are perceived as easy targets.

Q: How do you provide affordable cybersecurity solutions?

A: We offer a package that costs a dollar a day per endpoint, providing 24/7 monitoring and training. This helps businesses demonstrate due diligence in protecting their records and ensures they have basic cybersecurity measures in place.

Q: How do you see the role of AI evolving in cybersecurity?

A: AI will play a significant role in analyzing data and detecting anomalies. While AI is not truly intelligent yet, it can process data quickly and identify patterns that humans might miss, helping to enhance threat detection and response.

Q: What steps can non-technical users take to improve their cybersecurity posture?

A: Use different passwords for different logins and consider using a password manager. Ensure employees working from home use a VPN to separate work and home networks. Invest in an inexpensive firewall to monitor network traffic and protect data.

Q: What resources do you recommend for learning more about cybersecurity?

A: Follow Digital Beachhead on LinkedIn for our Cyber Bites, which provide updates on current threats and cybersecurity news. Also, join cybersecurity groups on LinkedIn for information sharing and updates.

Q: What has been your most rewarding project or achievement in your career?

A: One of my most rewarding achievements was discovering vulnerabilities in a government system that was thought to be secure. This led to significant changes in how the Department of Defense develops and secures its networks.

Q: How can our audience stay connected with you and Digital Beachhead?

A: Visit our website at digitalbeachhead.com or follow us on LinkedIn. We believe that the path to cybersecurity begins with a conversation, so feel free to reach out to us.

Q: What is the key takeaway from your conversation about cybersecurity?

A: Do what you can with what you have. Don't ignore cybersecurity or the valuable data your systems collect. Find the right way to protect your data and systems with the resources available to you.

00:00 Intro

00:33 From Military to Cybersecurity

02:53 Cybersecurity Simplified

04:24 Common Misconceptions and Risks for Small Businesses

05:52 Affordable Cybersecurity Solutions

09:27 The Role of AI and Data Analytics in Cybersecurity

17:41 Key Takeaways and Connecting with Mike

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• User Behavior Analysis: Tracking user interactions with cybersecurity products to identify pain points and improve user experience.
• Onboarding Funnel Metrics: Analyzing where users get stuck during the onboarding process to inform user research and improve the funnel.
• A/B Testing Results: Using A/B testing to evaluate different design approaches and understand user preferences.

• ✅ User research combines science and creativity for effective product design.
• ✅ Identifying distinct user groups helps tailor products to meet specific needs.
• ✅ Rapid feedback loops ensure quick iteration and better product decisions.

In this episode of the Analytics for Humans podcast, William Donnell, Lead Designtist at Sodium Halogen, discusses the importance of user-centric design in cybersecurity product development. He shares insights on how understanding the product and its users is crucial for delivering the best user experience. William emphasizes the value of interactive exercises during kickoff meetings to understand the company and its product, the importance of rapid feedback loops, and the use of video chat for remote user testing. He also highlights the role of analytics in informing user research and making strategic decisions. The conversation touches on effective methods for gathering user feedback, integrating new technologies, and the significance of long-term engagements for continuous improvement.

Q: What is your approach to ensuring the best user experience for cybersecurity products?

A: Our approach involves understanding the product and its users through interactive exercises during kickoff meetings. We focus on identifying who will purchase and use the product, what success looks like for them, and verifying our assumptions through user research.

Q: How do you gather and analyze user feedback?

A: We use video chat to conduct remote user testing and record sessions for later analysis. By talking to small groups of users and iterating quickly, we gather insights and make informed decisions. We also leverage analytics to identify pain points and inform our research questions.

Q: How do you handle conflicting feedback from different users?

A: We dig deeper into the reasons behind their feedback by asking follow-up questions. Understanding the 'why' behind their opinions helps us reconcile conflicting feedback and make more informed design decisions.

Q: What methods do you use to present research findings to your team?

A: We document key takeaways from user research and provide access to recorded sessions. Developers and stakeholders can review these insights to understand user pain points and make informed decisions about product improvements.

Q: How do you ensure the successful integration of new technologies into existing products?

A: We recommend starting with small, low-risk investments like proofs of concept or A/B tests to gather data and validate ideas. This approach allows for iterative improvements and minimizes disruption to existing processes.

Q: What advice do you have for companies looking to improve their user research processes?

A: Watch users interact with your product and gather feedback without intervening. This helps identify areas of confusion and validates design decisions. Also, maintain open communication between user research and analytics teams to ensure data-driven insights inform product development.

Q: How do you handle long-term engagements with clients?

A: We prefer long-term engagements to better understand the product and provide continuous improvement. We often start with smaller projects to establish a working relationship and then expand to longer-term collaborations for more strategic impact.

Q: What are some common challenges in user-centric design for cybersecurity products?

A: One challenge is balancing the needs of different user groups, such as purchasers and end-users, who may have different requirements. Another challenge is ensuring that feedback from user research is effectively communicated to and implemented by the development team.

Q: How do you validate new product ideas or features?

A: We conduct user testing with prototypes and wireframes to gather initial feedback. By iterating quickly and testing with small groups, we validate new ideas and make necessary adjustments before full-scale development.

Q: What are the benefits of involving developers in the user research process?

A: Involving developers helps them understand user pain points and the rationale behind design decisions. This fosters better collaboration and ensures that the final product aligns with user needs and expectations.

00:00 Intro

00:23 Meet William Donnell: Lead Designtist

01:18 The User-Centric Design Process

04:05 Effective User Feedback Methods

08:41 Analyzing and Implementing User Insights

20:45 Long-Term Engagements and Client Collaboration

29:10 Final Thoughts and Resources

The Guide to Customer Interviews Worksheet

The Cheat Sheet for Doing User Testing

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• Burn Rate Analysis: Tracking the hours engineers spend against estimates to make informed decisions about change requests, schedules, and project direction.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Using a data warehouse to target keywords, analyze article performance, and decide on investments to drive subscriber growth.
• Project Reporting: Emphasizing the importance of generating key reports throughout the project to measure success and inform strategic decisions.

• ✅ Tracking burn rates helps in making informed decisions about project changes and direction.
• ✅ Data warehouses enable targeted keyword strategies and investment decisions.
• ✅ Key reporting throughout projects ensures measurement of success and strategic adjustments.

In this episode of the Analytics for Humans podcast, Bryan Mishkin, Chief Technology Officer at Reel Analytics, shares his extensive experience in technology and data analytics. Bryan discusses the pivotal role data plays in decision-making processes, providing examples such as burn rate analysis and data-driven strategies for keyword targeting and investment decisions. He emphasizes the importance of generating key reports throughout a project to measure success and make strategic adjustments. Bryan also highlights challenges in data-driven decision-making, the integration of new technologies, and the potential of AI in transforming business processes. He shares insights on maintaining a solid foundation of people, processes, and technology to ensure effective scaling and success.

Q: How does data play a role in decision-making at Reel Analytics?

A: Data provides transparency and guides decisions in an analytical way. For instance, tracking burn rates helps make informed decisions about project changes and schedules, while data warehouses enable targeted keyword strategies and investment decisions.

Q: What are some challenges in data-driven decision-making?

A: People often rely on instincts and may avoid data due to fear of invalidation. Additionally, companies might lack transparency or access to data, leading to decisions based on gut feelings rather than informed analysis.

Q: How do you approach integrating new technologies into existing business processes?

A: Start with small investments to collect data through proofs of concept or A/B testing. Use this information to guide the next steps, ensuring minimal disruption and informed decision-making throughout the integration process.

Q: What impact does AI have on business processes at MIT Sloan Management Review?

A: AI helps automate tasks such as generating article descriptions and extracting SEO keywords, saving significant time and allowing staff to focus on higher-value tasks. This approach complements human efforts, enhancing productivity and efficiency.

Q: How do you ensure a solid foundation before scaling a team?

A: Ensure the right people, processes, and technology are in place before scaling. Address any foundational issues early on, involve the team in decision-making, and maintain transparency to foster engagement and buy-in from team members.

Q: What advice would you give for making data-driven decisions?

A: Understand the types of data available and use AI as a supplement, not a substitute. Reserve the right to adjust decisions as new data emerges, and consider seeking help from partners or experts to enhance decision-making processes.

Q: What has been the most rewarding project or achievement in your career?

A: One of the most rewarding achievements was growing the engineering team at Senior Advisor from 7 to over 30 people without losing a single team member. This involved establishing a solid foundation, ensuring the right people were in place, and fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.

Q: How do you keep a team engaged and motivated during periods of rapid growth?

A: Maintain transparency, involve the team in decision-making, and ensure everyone understands the objectives and the value of their work. Address any foundational issues early and provide clear direction to keep the team focused and engaged.

Q: What key takeaway would you like to share with listeners?

A: Sometimes, moving quickly means slowing down to ensure a solid foundation of people, processes, and technology. This approach minimizes rework, reduces waste, and ultimately allows for faster and more effective progress.

00:00 Intro

00:21 Bryan's Background and Experience

01:29 The Role of Data in Decision Making

03:12 Challenges in Data-Driven Decisions

05:35 Integrating New Technologies

08:09 AI and Its Impact

09:16 MIT Sloan Management Review and AI

12:15 Bryan's Career Highlights

14:04 Strategies for Team Growth and Management

21:23 Key Takeaways

#DataAnalytics #BurnRateAnalysis #DecisionMaking #ProjectManagement #AIinBusiness #TechLeadership #DataDrivenDecisions #KeywordStrategy #InvestmentDecisions #ReportingTools

• Proliferation of Real-Time Data: The necessity for real-time information in banking and finance, driven by advancements in technology, and its use in decision-making processes.
• Predictive Analytics in AI: Using AI to enhance predictive analytics capabilities, which can provide deeper insights and drive more accurate business decisions.
• AI as Enterprise Middleware: The potential of AI to serve as middleware, facilitating seamless translations between different systems in real-time.

• ✅ Real-time data is essential for informed decision-making in banking and finance.
• ✅ AI enhances predictive analytics, providing deeper insights for businesses.
• ✅ Balancing AI and human elements is crucial for ethical decision-making.

In this episode of the podcast, Zac Streelman, Chief Technology Officer at REV Federal Credit Union, shares insights into the evolving landscape of technology and data analytics in the banking sector. He discusses the significant changes in the industry, emphasizing the shift towards real-time data and the impact of AI on job roles, highlighting the emergence of prompt engineering. Zac delves into the importance of balancing AI with human elements to ensure ethical decision-making and explores how AI can serve as enterprise middleware, facilitating seamless system integrations. He also touches on the rewarding aspects of his career, particularly mentoring and elevating his team members, and underscores the inspirational purpose of technology beyond mere enablement.

Q: What are some of the most significant changes in technology you’ve seen in the banking industry?

A: The biggest change has been the proliferation of real-time information and its critical role in decision-making. The tools and platforms for data engineering have evolved significantly, from internal code repositories to community forums, and now to AI-driven solutions like ChatGPT.

Q: How is AI impacting jobs and the workforce in your industry?

A: AI is transforming job roles, shifting the focus from traditional software engineering to prompt engineering. AI tools can now handle complex tasks, like converting code from one language to another, in a fraction of the time it used to take, which raises questions about the future of white-collar jobs.

Q: What is the importance of balancing AI with human elements?

A: While AI can connect to data efficiently, it lacks the ability to connect with human emotions and ethics. Ensuring a human oversight in AI processes is crucial to maintain ethical standards and to ensure AI outputs align with human values and ethical considerations.

Q: How are you using AI in your role as CTO of a credit union?

A: We leverage AI to compensate for the lack of available talent, using tools like ChatGPT to perform initial data analysis and identify necessary skills. We also utilize AI-driven platforms like DataRobot to build predictive models and enhance our business intelligence capabilities.

Q: What tips can you offer for making data-driven decisions?

A: Understand the types of data available and how to access them, whether through simple reports or advanced analytics. It’s important to use AI as a supplement, not a substitute, and be open to adjusting decisions as new data becomes available.

Q: What has been the most rewarding project or accomplishment in your career?

A: The most rewarding aspect of my career is mentoring and elevating team members, watching them succeed and grow. This trumps any technological project because it creates a lasting legacy through the people I’ve helped develop.

Q: How do you stay motivated and inspired in your career?

A: The ever-changing nature of technology keeps me motivated to keep learning. The potential to elevate others and inspire through technology drives me to continue exploring and implementing new innovations.

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00:00 Intro

00:13 Meet Zac Streelman: Background and Experience

01:07 Significant Changes in Technology and Industry

03:09 AI's Impact on Jobs and the Workforce

05:19 Balancing AI and Human Elements

07:48 Using AI in Credit Unions

14:37 Making Data-Driven Decisions

17:46 Most Rewarding Career Accomplishments

20:56 The Purpose of Technology: Enablement and Inspiration

#DataAnalytics #BankingTechnology #RealTimeData #PredictiveAnalytics #AIInBanking #TechLeadership #AIImpact #HumanAIIntegration #CareerInspiration #TechInnovation

• ✅ Data analytics mirrors the scientific method, streamlining complex business and scientific processes.
• ✅ Florence Nightingale’s innovative data visualization spearheaded crucial sanitary reforms.
• ✅ Grasping data analytics empowers non-technical folks, enhancing decision-making capabilities.

In this engaging episode of the Analytics for Humans podcast, brought to you by ClearQuery, we dive into an insightful conversation with Maggie Wiseman, a software engineer with a rich background in chemistry and education. Maggie delves into her transition into the data analytics sphere, underscoring its pivotal role across diverse sectors, notably in healthcare and business. She draws an analogy between data analytics and the scientific method, highlighting the essence of hypothesis-driven experiments and the interpretation of data to inform decisions. The episode shines a light on Florence Nightingale's groundbreaking use of data visualization for sanitary reforms in the 1850s, illustrating the transformative power of well-presented data. Furthermore, Maggie touches on the significance of making data analytics accessible to non-technical individuals, enhancing their ability to make informed decisions. The conversation also offers valuable resources for analytics novices, aiming to demystify the field and demonstrate its wide-reaching impact.

Nightingale's Rose Diagram

Q: What can data analytics learn from the scientific method?

A: Maggie describes data analytics as akin to the scientific method tailored for the business world, emphasizing the systematic approach to identifying problems, conducting hypothesis-driven experiments, and analyzing data for insights.

Q: How did Florence Nightingale use data visualization to influence healthcare?

A: Maggie recounts Florence Nightingale's strategic use of data visualization to push for sanitary reforms in military hospitals during the 1850s, demonstrating the profound impact of effectively communicated data on healthcare practices.

Q: Why is understanding data analytics beneficial for non-technical individuals?

A: Maggie discusses how data analytics equips non-technical individuals with the knowledge to enhance decision-making and problem-solving skills, underscoring the value of analytics across various aspects of business and daily life.

Q: What resources do you recommend for beginners interested in data analytics?

A: For beginners, Maggie recommends the book "Keeping Up with the Quants" for a comprehensive introduction to analytics and suggests exploring foundational computer science courses like CS50 for those interested in the technical side of analytics.

00:00 Intro

00:18 Meet Maggie Wiseman

00:53 Demystifying Data Analytics

03:18 The Career Shift

04:33 Florence Nightingale Example

08:09 Data Visualization in Action

10:47 How Data Empowers

12:13 Resources for Beginners

14:05 Advice for Aspiring Analysts

#DataAnalytics #BusinessIntelligence #DataVisualization #HealthcareAnalytics #SoftwareEngineering #DataScience #BigData #STEM #CareerChange #InnovationInData

data analytics, business intelligence, software engineering, data science, big data, STEM careers, career transition, healthcare data, Florence Nightingale, data visualization, statistical analysis, non-technical understanding, analytics for beginners, data-driven decision-making, innovation in data, data processing, ClearQuery, analytical tools, data in healthcare, business optimization, teaching to tech, visualizing data, impactful data stories, analytics resources, democratizing data