The Decision Intelligence Lab

In this episode of the Decision Intelligence Lab podcast, hosts Vijay Mehrotra and Mike Watson engage with guests Warren Powell, Co-Founder of Optimal Dynamics, and Adam DeJans Jr., Technical Account Manager at Gurobi Optimization, to explore the intricacies of decision-making in uncertain environments. The conversation delves into the importance of sequential decision optimization, the role of uncertainty in supply chain management, and the need for democratizing optimization techniques. The guests share their experiences in bridging the gap between academic theories and practical applications, emphasizing the significance of building trust and understanding in decision-making processes. They also discuss the potential of LLMs in enhancing accessibility to optimization tools, ultimately aiming to empower a broader audience in making informed decisions.

Chapters

0:00 - Preview

0:31 - Meet Warren Powell & Adam DeJans Jr.

4:45 - Understanding Sequential Decision Optimization

9:30 - Common Sense in Decision-Making

11:50 - Incorporating Uncertainty in Models

15:45 - The Importance of Trust in Decision-Making

19:18 - Framework for Sequential Decision Analytics

22:44 - Collaboration Between Academia and Industry

24:49 - State Transitions & State Variables

29:40 - Human Decision-Making Challenges

34:40 - Democratizing Optimization & The Role of LLMs

Takeaways

- Uncertainty must be incorporated into decision-making frameworks.

- Formalizing common sense can enhance understanding of complex problems.

- The role of state transitions is vital in decision-making processes.

- Democratizing optimization can empower non-experts to engage with complex problems.

- LLMs can assist in modeling and interpreting optimization problems.

- Understanding metrics, decisions, and uncertainties is foundational for effective problem-solving.

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Apple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-decision-intelligence-lab/id1811085064⁠

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0lFoAVKqJHTYSZNpeN61ou?si=0ae973aab0174b3b⁠

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Connect with guest

Warren Powell: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/warrenbpowell/

Adam DeJans Jr.: https://www.linkedin.com/in/addejans/

Referenced:

- On State Variables: https://castle.princeton.edu/statevariables/

- "Sequential Decision Analysis" by Warren Powell (2022)

- "Reinforcement Learning and Stochastic Optimization" by Warren Powell

- "You Got Your Data Job, Now What?" co-authored by Adam DeJans Jr.

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Connect with hosts

Prof. Vijay Mehrotra (University of San Francisco): ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijay-mehrotra-ba9498/⁠

Prof. Michael Watson (Northwestern University): ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-watson-07600a1⁠

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About the podcast

The Decision Intelligence Lab podcast delivers real-world insights for data professionals, business leaders, and anyone seeking to leverage data & AI for smarter decision-making & successful business outcomes.

For business inquiries, email at ⁠[email protected]⁠

How Call Centers Shape Patient Access

In this episode of the Decision Intelligence Lab podcast, hosts Vijay Mehrotra and Michael Watson welcome Peyton Fry, founder of Glass Raven, to discuss the intricacies of healthcare operations, particularly focusing on call centers and patient access. Peyton shares his journey from working in call centers to consulting healthcare systems on optimizing operations. The conversation delves into the importance of metrics, the challenges of forecasting and staffing, and how call centers can significantly impact patient outcomes. Peyton emphasizes the need for clarity in metrics and the importance of building relationships in the healthcare industry for those looking to enter the field.

Chapters

0:00 - Preview & Introduction

1:03 - Meet Peyton Fry

5:17 - Understanding Metrics in Call Center Operations

7:40 - Challenges in Forecasting and Staffing

15:04 - Navigating Bureaucracy & Driving Change in Healthcare

21:50 - Connecting Call Centers to Patient Outcomes

26:01 - Advice for Entering the Healthcare Field

30:11 - The Role of Medical Records in Call Center Efficiency

32:45 - Case Study: 40-Minute Hold Time Eliminated

34:49 - Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

Follow the show

Apple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-decision-intelligence-lab/id1811085064⁠

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0lFoAVKqJHTYSZNpeN61ou?si=0ae973aab0174b3b⁠

Connect with guest

Peyton Fry: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/peyton-fry-mha-a4356862

Connect with hosts

Prof. Vijay Mehrotra (University of San Francisco): ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijay-mehrotra-ba9498/⁠

Prof. Michael Watson (Northwestern University): ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-watson-07600a1⁠

About the podcast

The Decision Intelligence Lab podcast delivers real-world insights for data professionals, business leaders, and anyone seeking to leverage data & AI for smarter decision-making & successful business outcomes.

For business inquiries, email at ⁠[email protected]⁠

In this episode of the Decision Intelligence Lab podcast, Zohar Strinka discusses the concept of meta-problems in problem solving, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right problem to tackle. She shares real-world examples of how solving the wrong problem can lead to disastrous outcomes and highlights the iterative nature of problem-solving in analytics. Zohar also explores the distinction between problem selection and problem definition, the challenges of consulting, and the significance of focusing on outcomes in analytics. She provides valuable insights for young professionals in the field and discusses her involvement in the Analytics Plus Conference and the Edelman competition.

Chapters

0:00 - Preview

0:31 - Meet Zohar Strinka

1:32 - Understanding Meta Problems in Problem Solving

2:31 - The Importance of Problem Selection vs. Problem Definition

3:45 - Navigating Client Expectations in Consulting

5:36 - The Dilemma of Problem Scope in Decision Making

10:41 - Transitioning to Independent Consulting

12:46 - Budgeting for Iterative Problem Solving

14:28 - Iterative Problem Solving and Agile Methodologies

16:57 - The Role of Analytics Professionals in Client Relationships

18:55 - Value of Analytics Plus Conference and Edelman Competition

20:50 - Advice for Young Analytics Professionals

Follow the show

Apple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-decision-intelligence-lab/id1811085064⁠

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0lFoAVKqJHTYSZNpeN61ou?si=0ae973aab0174b3b⁠

Connect with the guest

Zohar Strinka: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zohar-strinka/

Connect with hosts

Prof. Vijay Mehrotra (University of San Francisco): ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijay-mehrotra-ba9498/⁠

Prof. Michael Watson (Northwestern University): ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-watson-07600a1⁠

About the podcast

The Decision Intelligence Lab podcast delivers real-world insights for data professionals, business leaders, and anyone seeking to leverage data & AI for smarter decision-making & successful business outcomes.

For business inquiries, email at ⁠[email protected]⁠

In this episode of the Decision Intelligence Lab podcast, Zohar Strinka discusses the concept of meta-problems in problem solving, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right problem to tackle. She shares real-world examples of how solving the wrong problem can lead to disastrous outcomes and highlights the iterative nature of problem-solving in analytics. Zohar also explores the distinction between problem selection and problem definition, the challenges of consulting, and the significance of focusing on outcomes in analytics. She provides valuable insights for young professionals in the field and discusses her involvement in the Analytics Plus Conference and the Edelman competition.

Chapters

0:00 - Preview

0:31 - Meet Zohar Strinka

1:32 - Understanding Meta Problems in Problem Solving

2:31 - The Importance of Problem Selection vs. Problem Definition

3:45 - Navigating Client Expectations in Consulting

5:36 - The Dilemma of Problem Scope in Decision Making

10:41 - Transitioning to Independent Consulting

12:46 - Budgeting for Iterative Problem Solving

14:28 - Iterative Problem Solving and Agile Methodologies

16:57 - The Role of Analytics Professionals in Client Relationships

18:55 - Value of Analytics Plus Conference and Edelman Competition

20:50 - Advice for Young Analytics Professionals

Follow the show

Apple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-decision-intelligence-lab/id1811085064⁠

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0lFoAVKqJHTYSZNpeN61ou?si=0ae973aab0174b3b⁠

Connect with the guest

Zohar Strinka: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zohar-strinka/

Connect with hosts

Prof. Vijay Mehrotra (University of San Francisco): ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijay-mehrotra-ba9498/⁠

Prof. Michael Watson (Northwestern University): ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-watson-07600a1⁠

About the podcast

The Decision Intelligence Lab podcast delivers real-world insights for data professionals, business leaders, and anyone seeking to leverage data & AI for smarter decision-making & successful business outcomes.

For business inquiries, email at ⁠[email protected]⁠

In this episode of the Decision Intelligence Lab podcast, hosts Vijay Mehrotra and Michael Watson engage with Warren Lieberman, President, Veritec Solutions, to explore the evolution of revenue optimization, particularly in the self-storage industry. Warren shares his journey from high school computer science to operations research at Yale, and his pivotal role in revenue management at American Airlines. He discusses the founding of Veritec Solutions, its transition from consulting to software development, and the unique challenges and strategies involved in pricing for self-storage. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding consumer psychology, the need for user-friendly systems, and the balance between product development and customer needs.

Chapters

0:00 - Preview

0:42 - Meet Warren Lieberman

1:28 - Warren's Journey into Optimization and Analytics

6:16 - Revenue Management at American Airlines

8:40 - The Birth of Veritec Solutions

11:35 - Transitioning to Self-Storage Revenue Management

13:10 - Innovations in Self-Storage Revenue Management

20:16 - Pricing Strategies

22:40 - Value Pricing

29:40 - User Adoption and System Integration

34:54 - Balancing Product Development and Customer Needs

37:39 - Transition from Services to Software

42:00 - Closing Thoughts and Recommendations

Key Takeaways:

- Self-storage revenue management differs significantly from traditional industries due to low transaction volumes.

- Value pricing in self-storage has transformed the industry.

- Consumer psychology plays a crucial role in pricing strategies.

- The transition from services to software requires careful consideration of customer needs.

Veritech's approach is to customize software to fit the client's business processes.

- Importance of user adoption and understanding system recommendations, continuous innovation, and enhancement of their software.

Follow the show

Apple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-decision-intelligence-lab/id1811085064⁠

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0lFoAVKqJHTYSZNpeN61ou?si=0ae973aab0174b3b⁠

Connect with guest

Warren Lieberman: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/warren-lieberman-bb783/

Connect with hosts

Prof. Vijay Mehrotra (University of San Francisco): ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijay-mehrotra-ba9498/⁠

Prof. Michael Watson (Northwestern University): ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-watson-07600a1⁠

About the podcast

The Decision Intelligence Lab podcast delivers real-world insights for data professionals, business leaders, and anyone seeking to leverage data & AI for smarter decision-making & successful business outcomes.

For business inquiries, email at ⁠[email protected]⁠

In this episode of the Decision Intelligence Laboratory podcast, Dr. Filippo Focacci, co-founder and CEO of DecisionBrain, shares insights into the world of optimization, the evolution of their DB Gene platform, and the impact of generative AI on decision-making processes. The conversation covers Filippo's journey into optimization, the strengths of Decision Brain's team, and the technological approaches they employ, including constraint programming and mixed integer programming. Real-time applications and case studies illustrate the practical implications of their work, while discussions on team dynamics and the future of AI highlight the evolving landscape of decision intelligence.

Chapters

0:00 - Preview

0:44 - Meet Filippo Focacci

4:30 - Learn about Decision Brain

6:30 - The Strengths of Decision Brain

9:13 - Technological Approaches in Optimization

11:38 - The Evolution of Gene DB

16:45 - Real-Time Applications of Decision Brain

21:12 - Team Roles & Responsibilities in Optimization Projects

23:00 - Evolving the Gene Platform

27:30 - Implementing Optimization in Practice

30:30 - The Impact of Generative AI on Business

32:52 - Filippo's Recommendations

Follow the show

Apple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-decision-intelligence-lab/id1811085064⁠

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0lFoAVKqJHTYSZNpeN61ou?si=0ae973aab0174b3b⁠

Connect with guest

Filippo Focacci: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/filippo-focacci-35a5091/

Connect with hosts

Prof. Vijay Mehrotra (University of San Francisco): ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijay-mehrotra-ba9498/⁠

Prof. Michael Watson (Northwestern University): ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-watson-07600a1⁠

Recommendations:

Follow Yves Caseau: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ycaseau/

About the podcast

The Decision Intelligence Lab podcast delivers real-world insights for data professionals, business leaders, and anyone seeking to leverage data & AI for smarter decision-making & successful business outcomes.

For business inquiries, email at ⁠[email protected]⁠

In this episode of the Decision Intelligence Lab podcast, hosts Vijay Mehrotra and Michael Watson interview Jon Petersen, Vice President of Data at Archer, an aerospace company specializing in electric vertical takeoff and landing (EVTOL) aircraft. The conversation explores Archer's mission to revolutionize urban mobility, the critical role of data science in aircraft design and operations, and the collaborative efforts between data science and engineering teams. Petersen shares insights on the challenges of data-driven decision-making, the importance of building a diverse and effective team, and strategies for securing support for data science initiatives.

Chapters

0:00 – Preview

0:33 – Meet Jon Petersen

1:37 – Revolutionizing Urban Mobility

2:38 – Managing Aircraft Noise

4:23 – The Role of Data Science at Archer

9:38 – Collaborating with Engineering Teams

13:50 – Trip Density Distribution & Destination Origins

17:53 – Challenges in Data-Driven Decision-Making

19:48 – Team Building & Collaboration

28:53 – Scaling the Manufacturing Facility

30:33 – Funding & Justifying Data Science Initiatives

Follow the show

Apple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-decision-intelligence-lab/id1811085064⁠

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0lFoAVKqJHTYSZNpeN61ou?si=0ae973aab0174b3b⁠

Connect with the guest

Jon Petersen: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-petersen-ba623950/

Connect with hosts

Prof. Vijay Mehrotra (University of San Francisco): ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijay-mehrotra-ba9498/⁠

Prof. Michael Watson (Northwestern University): ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-watson-07600a1⁠

Recommendations from Guest:

- Misbehaving: The Making of Behavioral Economics by Richard H. Thaler

- Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

About the podcast

The Decision Intelligence Lab podcast delivers real-world insights for data professionals, business leaders, and anyone seeking to leverage data & AI for smarter decision-making & successful business outcomes.

For business inquiries, email at ⁠[email protected]⁠

In this episode of the Decision Intelligence Lab podcast, hosts Vijay Mehrotra and Michael Watson discuss the concept of DecisionOps with Carolyn Mooney, Co-Founder & CEO of Nextmv. They discuss the evolution of decision-making systems, the importance of simulation and testing, and how to build trust within organizations. Carolyn shares insights on hierarchical optimization, the responsibilities of different roles in decision systems, and the latest trends in decision-making technologies, including the impact of generative AI. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear communication and collaboration between technical teams and operational users to enhance decision-making processes.

Chapters

0:00 - Preview

0:38 - Meet Carolyn Mooney

1:38 - What is DecisionOps?

3:44 - The Journey of Nextmv

6:20 - Applications of DecisionOps in Various Industries

8:30 - Simulation and Testing in DecisionOps

12:37 - Building Trust Through Testing and User Interaction

14:40 - Hierarchical Optimization and Decision Making

18:21 - Ownership and Responsibilities in DecisionOps

22:11 - Working on the Product With Clients

31:28 - Trends in Decision-Making Technologies

33:54 - Final Thoughts and Resources

Takeaways

* Decision Ops is essential for getting decisions live in organizations.

* Simulation helps in understanding the impact of decisions.

* Testing capabilities should be integrated with CI/CD platforms.

* Hierarchical optimization allows for balancing cost and service levels.

* Ownership of decision-making processes should involve operational teams.

* Prototyping and user feedback are key to successful decision systems.

Follow the show

Apple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-decision-intelligence-lab/id1811085064⁠

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0lFoAVKqJHTYSZNpeN61ou?si=0ae973aab0174b3b⁠

Connect with guest

Carolyn Mooney: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-m-mooney/

Nextmv: https://www.nextmv.io/

Connect with hosts

Prof. Vijay Mehrotra (University of San Francisco): ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijay-mehrotra-ba9498/⁠

Prof. Michael Watson (Northwestern University): ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-watson-07600a1⁠

About the podcast

The Decision Intelligence Lab podcast delivers real-world insights for data professionals, business leaders, and anyone seeking to leverage data & AI for smarter decision-making & successful business outcomes.

For business inquiries, email at ⁠[email protected]⁠

In this episode of the Decision Intelligence Lab podcast, hosts Vijay Mehrotra and Michael Watson engage with Karthik Gada, a CFO and author, to explore the accelerating rate of change in technology and its implications for businesses, economies, and individuals. Gada discusses how technological advancements are interconnected and how they impact various sectors, including healthcare and education. He emphasizes the importance of adapting to rapid changes, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, and leveraging individual strengths to navigate the complexities of the modern world. The conversation also touches on the challenges posed by institutional rigidity and the need for effective leadership in an era of constant disruption.

Chapters

0:00 - Preview

0:40 - Meet Kartik Gada

1:40 - Understanding Technological Disruption & Accelerating Pace of Change

4:05 - The Impact of Cost Reduction on Technology

7:40 - Bottlenecks in Healthcare and Education

12:30 - How Individuals Respond to Change

15:48 - Embracing Change and Entrepreneurial Mindset

20:50 - Education and Career Pathways in a Changing World

24:15 - Managing Economic Complexity with AI

28:20 - Leadership in an Era of Rapid Change

31:50 - Closing Thoughts

Follow the show

Apple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-decision-intelligence-lab/id1811085064⁠

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0lFoAVKqJHTYSZNpeN61ou?si=0ae973aab0174b3b⁠

Connect with guest

Kartik Gada: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kartikgada/

Connect with hosts

Prof. Vijay Mehrotra (University of San Francisco): ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijay-mehrotra-ba9498/⁠

Prof. Michael Watson (Northwestern University): ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-watson-07600a1⁠/

About the podcast

The Decision Intelligence Lab podcast delivers real-world insights for data professionals, business leaders, and anyone seeking to leverage data & AI for smarter decision-making & successful business outcomes.

For business inquiries, email at ⁠[email protected]⁠

In this episode of the Decision Intelligence Laboratory podcast, Borja Menéndez, Lead Operations Research Engineer at Trucksters who also earned his PhD in OR, joins us to discuss his journey into the field of operations research, the impact of his work at Trucksters, and the importance of integrating data science with traditional optimization methods. He shares insights on the relay optimization problem, the challenges of implementing algorithms in logistics, and the significance of user-centric design in developing effective solutions. Borja also reflects on the transition of his blog, Feasible, to a paid model and the future of operations research in the context of Gen.AI.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Operations Research and Borja Menendez

01:14 The Journey into Operations Research

04:39 Real-World Applications of Operations Research

07:03 Understanding Trucksters and Relay Optimization

12:48 Challenges in Relay Optimization

16:21 Non-Technical Aspects of Implementing OR

20:15 Testing and Quality Assurance in Optimization Models

25:22 User-Centric Design in Optimization Solutions

27:47 Transitioning to a Paid Model for Feasible

29:32 Integrating Data Science with Operations Research

35:52 The Future of Operations Research and Gen.AI

Follow the show

Apple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-decision-intelligence-lab/id1811085064⁠

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0lFoAVKqJHTYSZNpeN61ou?si=0ae973aab0174b3b⁠

Check out Borja Menéndez's Newsletter: https://www.feasible.club/

Connect with guest

Borja Menéndez: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/borjamenendezmoreno/

Connect with hosts

Prof. Vijay Mehrotra (University of San Francisco): ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijay-mehrotra-ba9498/⁠

Prof. Michael Watson (Northwestern University): ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-watson-07600a1⁠

About the podcast

The Decision Intelligence Lab podcast delivers real-world insights for data professionals, business leaders, and anyone seeking to leverage data & AI for smarter decision-making & successful business outcomes.

For business inquiries, email at ⁠[email protected]⁠