Private Equity Data Guy

Why Hiring Works More Like Sales Than HR

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400

We covered why the Rolodex only approach keeps failing, how to write job descriptions that pull in the right people, and what private equity teams can do to build discretionary effort after an acquisition. Frank also shared a simple metric that too many teams ignore: quality of hire, measured early and consistently, not months later when everyone is already frustrated. The theme that stuck with me was clarity.

Chapters:

00:04 - Acquiring Candidates: A Sales Funnel Approach
04:39 - The Importance of Effective Recruiting
07:52 - Understanding Onboarding and Probation Periods
15:56 - The Seven Deadly Sins of Recruiting
24:53 - The Seven Deadly Recruitment Sins
32:36 - The Intersection of Dating and Recruitment
38:30 - Transitioning to Discretionary Effort in Private Equity
45:42 - Navigating Leadership and Clarity in Private Equity

Companies Mentioned

IBM

Capital One

Google

Indeed

Canva

Websites Mentioned

tankrecruiting.com

youtube.com

Guest Information

Frank Lofaro runs Tank Recruiting and helps companies build a recruiting operating system, not just fill a single role. Their process focuses on qualification, amplification, evaluation, and closing so teams can hire faster and reduce reliance on placement fees.

Brief Takeaways

Quality of hire needs an early signal. Weekly red yellow green feedback prevents surprise failures at month six. Job descriptions work better when they lead with the role’s pull, the results expected, and a clear picture of success.

Why PE Firms Are Asking the Wrong Question About AI

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Elon Salfati joined me this week to break down what most PE-backed companies are getting wrong about AI. Not the surface-level stuff, not the board slide version. The real operational gap between clicking a button and actually changing how a business runs. Elon advises PE firms, enterprise operators, and has consulted the UK House of Lords on AI policy alongside leaders from Microsoft and Palantir. His firm, Safari Group, works with businesses to replace manual, people-dependent processes with governed AI systems that scale without adding headcount.

What stood out most in this conversation was the idea of decision sovereignty. When a company hands all its strategic thinking to an LLM, it loses its competitive edge. An LLM echoes the past. It will not discover gravity if an apple falls on its server. The real opportunity is flipping the model so the company reaches out to the human for creative judgment, not the other way around. Elon walked through a real case study with Key Loop where they reduced churn by rethinking the entire process workflow before touching the technology.

[00:06:43] Wrong question vs right question

[00:08:42] Point solutions on broken processes

[00:10:39] Political resistance to change

[00:16:08] Why AI initiatives stall

[00:29:09] Decision sovereignty explained

[00:36:09] Human with an army of agents

[00:41:19] Turning service companies into software

[00:47:01] Personal AI at work and home

Guest Information

Elon Salfati is the founder of Safari Group, a Zurich-based AI consultancy. His background spans cybersecurity, scalable systems, and applied AI research. He is currently completing his PhD at Imperial College London focused on building secure AI systems and organizational AI culture.

Companies Mentioned

Safari Group

Key Loop

IBM

Capital One

PepsiCo

Blackrock

NewsCorp

Palantir

Microsoft

Anthropic

Websites Mentioned

https://www.safari-group.ai

Takeaways

AI without process redesign adds chaos, not speed. The companies winning are the ones asking what the operating model looks like when AI runs the operational layer, not just what AI tool to add. Decision sovereignty keeps your competitive edge intact. The shift worth building toward is an army of agents that surfaces decisions to the human, not humans triggering every automation manually.

This Is How He Turned Agency Ownership Into a Video Game

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Peter Kang built Barrel into a cash-flowing agency over fifteen years before he ever touched a deal. That patient foundation is what separates Barrel Holdings from a traditional PE firm. No fund, no management fees, no forced exit timeline. Just cash flows reinvested into acquiring good businesses at fair prices, with SBA financing doing the heavy lifting until the flywheel grows strong enough to need less leverage.

We talk through what Peter looks for beyond the obvious numbers, including client retention, average tenure, concentration risk, and whether there is real leadership depth below the founder. We get into the Bolster story, the design agency he incubated, loved, and had to walk away from when he realized he was the only reason it had any business at all. And we get into how AI is changing what agencies can deliver, what clients are willing to pay, and how the hourly model is holding on by a thread in a world that rewards output over time.

TIMESTAMPS

[0:00] Peter Kang and Barrel Holdings

[2:02] Holdco Tycoon game origin

[5:18] Holdco structure vs PE fund

[8:31] Price, leverage, sourcing lessons

[16:18] AI reshaping agency work

[21:05] What data matters in acquisitions

[23:01] Culture risk and Bolster story

[30:26] Documenting failures publicly

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Buying discipline matters more than deal flow. Overpaying is one of the fastest ways to get into trouble, and time pressure only makes it worse.

Client retention and average tenure tell you more about an agency than revenue growth. Concentration risk is a red flag worth walking away from.

Culture is not a feeling. It is the standards a leadership team enforces and models every day. When those standards clash post-acquisition, good people leave.

Publishing failures is a sourcing strategy. Trust is built through transparency, and founders looking to exit remember who showed up honestly.

AI is not replacing agencies. It is raising the standard for speed and output, and the pricing models that survive will be the ones tied to value, not hours.

COMPANIES MENTIONED

Barrel

Barrel Holdings

Agency Habits

Bolster

WEBSITES MENTIONED

peterkang.com

barrel-holdings.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterkang34/

GUEST INFORMATION

Peter Kang co-founded Barrel in 2006 and spent two decades building it into the foundation for Barrel Holdings, a portfolio of digital agencies across e-commerce, Amazon, B2B marketing, and home services. He published The Holdco Guide and created the Holdco Tycoon game to share the capital allocation lessons he learned the hard way. Peter writes openly about wins and failures and runs Barrel Holdings with a decentralized, operator-led model.

What PE Buyers Find When They Actually Look at Your Data

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I sat down with Derek Sather, CRO at KKR-backed Education Perfect, to talk about what actually happens when someone with deep systems thinking and revenue architecture experience steps inside a PE portfolio company. Derek breaks down what it means to move from managing a pipeline to underwriting revenue, and why that shift matters more now than ever before.

We get into the real cost of messy data during diligence, what buyers are actually looking for when they dig into your revenue numbers, and why AI will amplify your chaos just as fast as it amplifies your clarity. If you are building toward an exit or trying to make your revenue engine defensible, this one is worth your full attention.

[00:01:42] - Derek's background and career path

[00:06:16] - What the data looked like going in

[00:13:31] - Revenue numbers and diligence breakdowns

[00:17:19] - Building credibility one metric at a time

[00:22:23] - Demand architecture and the new CRO role

[00:29:44] - What buyers look for before an exit

[00:34:22] - Retention vs acquisition and compounding growth

[00:39:38] - AI, clean data, and the new PE playbook

Guest Information

Derek Sather is an MIT-educated systems thinker and current CRO at Education Perfect, a KKR-backed edtech platform based in Sydney, Australia. He spent six years at Winning by Design helping over 600 software companies engineer predictable revenue. Find him on LinkedIn.

Companies Mentioned

Education Perfect

KKR

Winning by Design

Capital One

IBM

Uber

Websites Mentioned

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dereksather

Key Takeaways

One metric, one owner, one logic chain. That is how credibility gets built.

A messy revenue engine does not get fixed by AI. It gets scaled into more confusion.

Revenue quality is the asset. Not just revenue growth.

Is your Data telling you the right story?

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Holli Moeini spent 35 years as a CFO scaling companies through acquisitions before leaving corporate to help founders protect their value when going up against PE buyers. Her book, Find the Missing Millions in M&A, breaks down the five moments in every deal where money moves toward you or away from you. In this episode, she maps out each one and explains what sellers can do before they ever get to the table.

The conversation gets into the financial story, working capital, diligence, earn outs, and integration. Each one is a place where the unprepared seller loses. The ones who walk away with the most are the ones who treat their data and accounting as front office functions, not back office overhead.

[00:00| You cannot go it alone

[04:55| Five crime scenes in every deal

[07:15| Cleaner data, better multiple

[11:41| Working capital costs millions

[20:57| Earn out clarity control cadence

[25:29| Integration starts before close

[29:02| Data as a front office function

[41:49| Run it like you will sell

Guest Information

Holli Moeini is a CPA and M&A advisor with over 35 years in finance. She spent her career as a CFO scaling companies from $30M to $200M through acquisitions. She now works with founders and sellers preparing for PE transactions.

Companies Mentioned

IBM

Capital One

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

Websites Mentioned

https://hollimoeini.com/

Private Equity Is a Talent Business, Not a Finance Business

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Tim Schulte leads value creation at Council Capital, a healthcare-focused PE firm in Nashville. He spent years at Vista Equity Partners before building something different at Counsel. In this conversation, we get into why the playbook model breaks down across a diverse portfolio, what a toolkit approach actually looks like in practice, and what AI is doing to the work of value creation right now.

We get specific on data infrastructure, change management, and why the people question determines whether any of this works. Tim's view on AI is one I share: the tools are getting better fast, the value still sits in implementation and adoption. We cover the state of PE returns, what the industry has to do to justify its position going forward, and how Council Capital is building real operational capability at the lower middle market level.

[00:01:53] Tim's path into private equity

[00:06:01] What Vista Equity got right

[00:10:08] Toolkits vs playbooks explained

[00:14:06] Data infrastructure across diverse portfolios

[00:19:44] AI and the toolkit build process

[00:26:14] Recommending AI across portfolio companies

[00:32:47] PE history and what comes next

[00:39:37] Where the industry is heading

Key Takeaways

The playbook model breaks down when portfolio companies are diverse. Toolkits that operators choose to use work better than mandated processes.

Data strategy has to serve the operating team first. If the PE firm pulls data that operators don't use, the problem is alignment, not data.

AI saves time on framework creation. The value is still in getting people to change how they work.

Companies Mentioned

Council Capital
Vista Equity Partners
Ramp
Anthropic
OpenAI
Brookdale Senior Living
Cigna
Kroger
University of Chicago

Websites Mentioned

https://councilcapital.com/

Guest Information

Please provide details about the guest who will be featured in the episode.

Guest's Full Name

Tim Schulte

Company / Organization

Council Capital

Website or Main Page

Empty

Guest Social Media Links

https://councilcapital.com/

What PE Gets Right That Corporate America Never Will

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Ryan Krook has spent his career at the intersection of data and operations, working inside companies like Uber, Shopify, and McKinsey before founding Pareto Apps. In this episode, we get into what it actually looks like to walk into a mid-market PE portfolio company that has never taken data seriously, and what to do about it. Ryan brings a perspective I don't hear often: he has sat on the LP side, worked as an outside consultant, and now operates hands-on inside the companies fixing the problems that matter most at exit.

What stood out to me most was Ryan's take on starting small. Not small as in unambitious, but small as in disciplined. Get one reliable metric. Build from there. That approach, rooted in the Pareto principle, is how you create real operational leverage without pulling people away from the work that actually drives the business. We also got into the risks that come with vibe-coded apps, AI without data governance, and the version control nightmare that happens when everyone builds their own tool.

Timestamps

[00:02:09] - Ryan's path into data

[00:07:49] - Working inside PE at McKinsey

[00:15:53] - Mid-market companies and data gaps

[00:21:52] - Data governance and why it matters

[00:25:09] - Where to start with data investment

[00:30:51] - Iterative builds and fast delivery

[00:38:00] - Vibe coding risks in enterprise

[00:42:04] - AI capabilities, a 1 to 10 take

Guest Information

Ryan Krook is the founder of Pareto Apps, a firm that builds bespoke data and AI solutions for PE-backed portfolio companies and early-stage startups. He previously held roles at Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, McKinsey, Uber, and Shopify. Ryan is based in Canada and focuses on getting companies to a place where their data is reliable enough to actually use.

Companies Mentioned

Pareto Apps
Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan
McKinsey
Uber
Shopify
Bowell
Snowflake
Bolt

Websites Mentioned

Key Takeaways

Start with one reliable metric before building anything larger
Data governance is what makes AI outputs trustworthy
PE-backed companies move faster because everyone is aligned around the same exit timeline
Vibe-coded apps carry the same version control risks as unmanaged spreadsheets
The barrier to standing up solid data infrastructure has dropped significantly in the last few years

How this company lost $2.8M due to three mismatched numbers

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Greg Hood has spent over 20 years as a finance executive inside Canadian and US fintechs and financial services firms. He built Sky Site Analytics to help PE firms, sell-side M&A advisors, and high-growth companies fix the data layer before buyers find it first. We cover the dirty data discount, what actually breaks during exit, and why the back office is always the last to get the budget it needs.

If you have ever sat across from a buy-side team watching trust drain out of a room because three reports show three different revenue numbers, this conversation is for you. Greg and I have worked in the same trenches long enough to know that the data problem is almost never a technology problem. It is a process problem wearing a technology disguise.

Timestamps

Chapters:

00:04 - Challenges in Product Management
03:37 - The Evolution of Data in Finance
09:12 - The Importance of Data Quality in Finance
23:16 - The Importance of Accurate Financial Data Reporting
29:23 - The Impact of AI on Business Practices
36:33 - The Value of Data in Business
43:49 - The Valuation of Data as an Intangible Asset

Guest

Greg Hood is a CPA and CMA who held one of the first Chief Data Officer roles earned by a CPA. He founded Sky Site Analytics, a Toronto-based consultancy that works with PE firms and high-growth companies on finance data infrastructure and exit readiness. His team won Most Innovative Finance Department while at Q Trade, an online brokerage, where they cut a two-and-a-half-day close process down to under two hours.

Companies Mentioned

Sky Site Analytics
Q Trade
Kunai
Paramount Commerce
Campfire (AI-first ERP)
QuickBooks
NetSuite
Snowflake
Databricks
Anthropic (Claude)

Websites Mentioned

Key Takeaways

Inconsistent revenue numbers across reports can cost millions in exit valuation, not because the business is bad but because trust is gone.
The data layer is routinely skipped during due diligence, and that gap is getting more expensive as data rooms grow from 30 documents to over 300.
First-party data can be a monetizable asset, but quality and uniqueness determine value. If your data looks like everyone else's, it is not worth what you think.

The Data Problem That Kills PE Exit Multiples

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Shota Ishii joined me on The PE Data Guy to talk about what happens when PE-backed manufacturers cannot answer a basic question: which products are actually making money? He has spent two decades building systems that give companies a clear picture of where their cash goes, and we got into why that gap exists and what it takes to close it.

We covered working capital, data architecture, and what mid-market companies need to do right now to get their data in order before AI can do anything useful for them. Shota shared an example of a $400 million metal company that found $80 million in working capital improvements once they had the right transaction-level visibility.

Chapters:

00:00 - Understanding Capital Efficiency
06:42 - The Journey to Becoming a Robo CFO
20:55 - Amazonifying Legacy Industries: The Need for Real-Time Data
31:51 - The Importance of Data Strategy in Mid-Market Companies
35:18 - The Future of AI in Mid-Market Companies

Guest Information

Shota Ishii is the founder of Proximo Tech, where he works with PE-backed manufacturers on capital efficiency and working capital. He studied applied physics and AI and has a background in quantitative finance, hedge funds, and corporate innovation. He is based in Japan and can be found on LinkedIn.

Companies Mentioned

Proximo Tech
Moody's
Blackstone Credit
Amazon
Snowflake
Databricks
AWS
Google Cloud
Salesforce
OpenAI

Websites Mentioned

Key Takeaways

Clean, granular data at the transaction level is the foundation for improving working capital.
The cost of not building a data platform grows over time as competitors who do build one move faster.
Data is a company asset. Without structure and governance around it, AI cannot make use of it.
Mid-market companies often underestimate how affordable modern data tools actually are.

Why Your PE AI Program Is Already Failing

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Shawn Olds spent two decades building AI companies and advising PE firms on what actually produces returns from the technology. He went from the 82nd Airborne to West Point computer science to co-founding Boodle Box, and along the way he has worked with over 200 companies on AI adoption. The number that should make every operating partner stop: over 80% of AI programs in portfolio companies fail. Not because the technology breaks. Because of decisions made before a single tool is ever deployed.

Shawn and I covered why context engineering has replaced prompt engineering, why CEO backing is the one variable that separates companies getting real ROI from those just gaining productivity, and how PE firms can use data scientists during due diligence to surface hidden EBITDA before they close a deal. He also walked through real examples from the security industry that show how unstructured data already sitting inside a company can be turned into millions in annual savings without purchasing a single new tool.

Chapters:

00:07 - The Role of AI in Prompt Creation
02:04 - The Journey into AI Consulting
11:08 - Empowering Innovation in AI Adoption
24:14 - Harnessing AI in Business: Practical Applications
29:39 - The Role of AI in Enhancing Business Processes
37:41 - Starting with AI: Understanding the Journey

Guest Information

Shawn Olds is an AI strategist and co-founder of Boodle Box, a platform that brings multiple AI models into one collaborative workspace. He studied computer science at West Point and served in the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne before spending two decades building technology companies across the United States, the Middle East, and Africa. He now advises PE firms and portfolio company CEOs on practical AI adoption that produces measurable business results.

Companies Mentioned

Boodle Box
McKinsey
Bain
BCG
PwC
MIT
7-Eleven
Hire Aligned
Zero Prostate Cancer Foundation

Websites Mentioned

Private Equity Is 20 Years Behind and Running Out of Time

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Lee McCabe joined me to talk about why private equity value creation keeps running into the same problem. The problem is messy systems, unclear metrics, and leaders making decisions without clean reporting. Lee shared how that shows up inside portfolio companies, and why the operating partner model often depends on influence, not authority.

We also got into what it takes to fix the foundation. Lee laid out where digitization pays off fastest across consumer services and B2B, plus what breaks attribution in longer sales cycles. We closed on PE firms building real brands, the role of content, and what “media plus investing” can look like in a space that usually avoids having a point of view.

Chapters:

00:00 - The Challenge of Digitizing Businesses
02:38 - The Opportunity for Digital Transformation in Private Equity
10:04 - The Opportunities in B2B and Consumer Services
19:36 - The Changing Landscape of Private Equity
28:07 - The Changing Landscape of Private Equity and Media
34:29 - The Evolving Landscape of Private Equity Marketing
37:30 - The Need for a New Model in Private Equity Conferences

Companies Mentioned

eBay: Example of a highly instrumented digital environment.
Expedia: Reference point from Lee’s travel background.
Facebook: Example of a scaled platform where measurement is built-in.
Alibaba: Example of global expansion and operating at scale.
Nike: Used to frame the idea of companies built around media and narrative.
Google: Example of a company that could offer real product thinking on stage.
KKR: Example of a well-known large PE brand.
Carlyle: Example of a well-known large PE brand.
Apollo: Example of a well-known large PE brand.
Blackstone: Example of a well-known large PE brand.

Websites Mentioned

Guest Information

Lee McCabe runs Claymore Partners and advises private equity firms on digital value creation. Lee publishes the newsletter Not Very Private Equity and shares opinions publicly, with a focus on what operating partners and portfolio leaders see day to day.

Data Doesn't Win Wars—This Does

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0400

I sat down with Paul Evangelista, Chief Data Officer at the United States Military Academy at West Point, to talk about what happens when decisions carry real weight. Paul spent 30 years in the Army, from engineer officer to operations research analyst, and now leads data strategy where leadership is forged under pressure. We talked about why decision literacy matters more than data literacy, how mission command principles translate to private equity portfolio companies, and why trust is the foundation of high-performing organizations.

Behind every value creation plan is a data problem. Paul breaks down how PE firms can build decision systems that work under stress, why fuzzy strategy is more dangerous than messy data, and what the private sector can learn from military command structures. If you care about building organizations that make better decisions faster, this conversation is for you.

Chapters:

00:10 - The Importance of Real-Time Decision Making
01:07 - The Role of Data in Military Decision Making
16:25 - Understanding Mission Command in Military and Business
28:21 - The Impact of Strategy on Business Resilience
36:22 - Transitioning from Military to Private Sector

Companies mentioned in this episode:

United States Military Academy
Microsoft
Azure
Databricks
Capital One

Guest Information

Paul Evangelista is the Chief Data Officer at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he leads the Office of Data and Analytics. He spent 30 years as an Army officer, including combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and holds expertise in operations research, systems engineering, and decision science. Paul is transitioning from military service this spring to bring his experience in high-stakes decision-making to private sector leadership.

How To Stop Wasting Six Figures On Hires Who Look Perfect On Paper

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0400

I've spent 20 years watching brilliant people build companies on gut instinct and prayer when it comes to hiring. After losing a million dollars on a single bad hire who tanked an entire engineering team for six months, I wanted to understand if there was actually a way to measure the thing everyone claims is unmeasurable: culture fit.

Jacob Crockett built Higher Aligned after nearly getting fired at one company for the exact same behaviors that made him a star at the next. That personal disaster led him to ask a question most people assume is impossible: can you actually quantify whether someone will thrive in your environment before they walk through the door? We talked about what happens when you stop guessing and start measuring the human side of business decisions. Jacob walked me through how his AI platform scores alignment before the hire, the invisible costs that never show up on any P&L, and why the recruitment industry has devolved into an automated mess where both sides are gaming broken systems. If you've ever hired someone who looked perfect and crashed spectacularly, this conversation will explain exactly why that happened and what you can do differently.

Chapters:

00:09 - Navigating Workplace Challenges
01:34 - Understanding Culture in Organizations: A Data Perspective
21:21 - Understanding Workplace Culture and Individual Fit
28:06 - The Impact of Culture on Business Success
45:12 - The Evolution of Work: From Loyalty to Portfolio Careers

Companies Mentioned

Higher Aligned

UnitedHealth Group

Tesla

Indeed

Websites Mentioned

aligned.com

Guest Information

Jacob Crockett is the founder of Higher Aligned, a company that uses AI to measure cultural alignment and team fit in hiring. He has a background in data science and has worked at UnitedHealth Group and several other organizations before starting Higher Aligned.

Why Your AI Projects Fail (You Can't Fire AI)

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0400

I sat down with Scott Golder, Senior Director of Data Science at Home Depot, to talk about what actually works when you're building data teams. Scott has spent 20+ years fixing what others couldn't, from Capital One to running algorithms behind one of the top five e-commerce platforms in the world. He breaks down why deeper academic backgrounds don't always make better data scientists, how to make AI trustworthy at scale, and what happens when you fall in love with your methodology instead of the problem you're supposed to solve.

This conversation gets into the messy reality of deploying machine learning in the real world. Scott shares how Home Depot uses recommendations differently than selling sweatpants, why human accountability can't be replaced by 10,000 AI coworkers, and which AI tools he actually uses when his kids go to bed. If you're building data products or trying to figure out where AI fits in your business, this one's for you.

Chapters:

00:00 - The Importance of Seasonality
01:43 - Connecting Data Science with Real-World Challenges
10:17 - Understanding Customer Empathy in Product Design
16:15 - Transitioning to AI and Machine Learning
21:41 - Navigating Accountability in AI Decision-Making
25:00 - AI in Everyday Life: Personal Experiences and Insights
33:10 - The Future of Software Engineering and AI
38:14 - The Importance of Data Governance in AI

Companies Mentioned

Home Depot

Capital One

IBM

Google

Duolingo

Guest Information

Scott Golder is Senior Director of Data Science at Home Depot, where his team powers the algorithms behind one of the world's top five e-commerce platforms. He previously helped scale data science at Capital One and has a background in sociology, linguistics, and computer science. Scott specializes in building data teams that blend academic depth with real-world implementation in hostile corporate environments.

Key Takeaways

Academic credentials don't predict data scientist performance. Fall in love with the problem, not your methodology. AI works best for summarization when you fence the data. Human accountability can't be replaced by software. Speed and cost of AI models dictate where they're feasible. Your data foundation must be solid before AI can help.

Better Data Doesn't Always Mean Better Decisions (Here's Why)

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I sit down with Ian Alden Russell to talk about something most leaders miss when they look at data. We dig into how cultural signals and qualitative insights can predict market shifts before they show up in your revenue reports. Ian shares his approach to helping companies, from luxury retail to AI startups, understand the human side of business decisions.

We explore the concept of leading indicators versus lagging indicators, why pricing can be a cultural statement, and how paying attention to narrative alignment can protect your company's value. If you've ever wondered how to spot trouble before it hits your bottom line, this conversation will give you practical ways to start looking at your business differently.

[00:00] Things need to be priced right

[00:54] Data versus meaning and context

[02:00] Ian's career turning cultural understanding value

[02:34] How we met through Bordy AI

[04:11] Cultural forces that propel conversations

[07:33] AI systems and conversational hacks

[09:13] Pricing as cultural expression

[13:00] Leading indicators drive market valuation

Companies Mentioned

Brown University

K 11

Crawford McMillan

Bordy (AI networking platform)

Amazon

Louis Vuitton

Cloudy Bay

Berkshire Hathaway

Coca-Cola

Wells Fargo

Capital One

When Lab Data Says Normal But Body Data Disagrees

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0400

This conversation with Dr. Marquise Rivera challenged everything I thought I knew about treating chronic pain. Most of us track steps and lab panels but ignore the clearest data source we have: the body's own signals. Dr. Marquise reads what she calls the bioenergetic language of the body through applied kinesiology, muscle testing, nutrition, and trauma release. Her bar is measurable change within the first 15 minutes, confirmed by improvements in range of motion, strength, breath, and a calmer nervous system.

What struck me most was her 90% success rate and the way she approaches the body as a live data system. The symptom matrix says back pain, but the real driver might be an unseen system failure like magnesium deficiency. She doesn't just crack and adjust. She stays present, measures real-time data, and turns patients into their own best healers. If your health metrics say normal but your lived experience says otherwise, this conversation is for you.

Chapters:

00:09 - Understanding Patient Symptoms
07:23 - Understanding Kinesiology and the Body's Signals
08:56 - The Role of Emotional Factors in Kinesiology
23:42 - Understanding Pain: Structural, Nutritional, and Emotional Factors
28:42 - Understanding Chronic Pain and Patient Mindset
41:58 - Movement as Medicine
46:23 - The Importance of Nutrition in Movement and Health

Companies Mentioned

IBM

Capital One

Crawford McMillan

The Chiro Group

Websites Mentioned

Instagram: @ChirowithMarquis

Guest Information

Dr. Marquise Rivera practices as Chiro with Marquis in Arlington, Virginia with The Chiro Group. She specializes in applied kinesiology, functional medicine, muscle testing, nutrition, and trauma release. Dr. Marquise promises patients will feel a measurable shift within the first 15 minutes of treatment, confirmed by improvements in range of motion, strength, and nervous system response.

Your Perfect Dashboard Isn't Driving Any Decisions

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0400

I sat down with Jordan Mix, Operating Partner at Late Checkout and founder of Startup Empire. Jordan builds, acquires, and scales community driven Internet businesses, and he's seen hundreds of founders succeed and fail. What separates the empire builders from the serial starters? It's not the idea. It's the data loops, the reinvestment cycles, and the systems that actually compound.

Jordan breaks down the ACP framework (Audience, Community, Product) and why starting with product is playing on hard mode. We dig into the metrics that reveal whether you're building something durable or just another side hustle. From tweet sized landing pages to instrumented funnels to the hidden data that increases business valuations, this conversation is packed with tactical insights you can deploy immediately.

Key Timestamps

00:06 - The Challenges of Product Development
04:03 - Understanding the ACP Framework
14:58 - Introducing the Idea Browser: A New Approach to Business Concepts
18:32 - Evaluating Business Ideas Through Data
27:31 - The Impact of Algorithms on Advertising
29:27 - Growing Value in Businesses
45:36 - Starting a New Business: The Importance of Naming
49:40 - The Importance of Data in AI

Companies Mentioned

Late Checkout
Startup Empire
Crawford McMillan
Meta
Stripe
Replit

Websites Mentioned

ideabrowser.com

Guest Information

Jordan Mix is Operating Partner at Late Checkout, where he builds, acquires, and scales community driven Internet businesses alongside Greg Eisenberg. He runs Startup Empire, a community of over 600 builders learning to create cash flowing Internet empires using the ACP framework. With an engineering background and a successful exit under his belt, Jordan helps founders measure what matters and build durable businesses.

How Data Transforms Your Fitness Journey

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Maddie Hill joins us to dive deep into the often misunderstood world of fitness and data, emphasizing that movement is indeed medicine. We explore how many of us, including Maddie, have navigated the overwhelming fitness landscape, often driven by outdated ideas about exercise and body image. She candidly shares her own journey from performance arts into the fitness realm, revealing how personal experiences shape coaching philosophies. In this episode, we tackle the fine balance between pushing ourselves and recognizing the importance of recovery, highlighting that true progress comes from a blend of consistent effort and self-compassion. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just contemplating your first step into fitness, there's something here for everyone—and some laughs along the way!

Takeaways:

Many individuals struggle with understanding their bodies and fitness needs, often due to a lack of education and guidance.
It's essential to shift your competitive mindset from comparing yourself to others to focusing on personal improvement and self-competition.
Movement is not just exercise; it's preventative medicine that contributes to overall well-being and health.
Heart rate training is a powerful tool that helps individuals understand their body's responses and optimize their workouts effectively.
Rest and recovery are critical components of any fitness journey, and pushing too hard can lead to burnout and injuries.
Starting with simple movements, like a 30-minute walk, is a great first step towards integrating fitness into your life.

Data shows local SEO delivers results in 30 days, expert explains

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Elliot Blacklist joins us to share his remarkable journey in scaling a CBD brand through innovative digital marketing strategies, despite fierce competition from well-funded players. We dive into how he leveraged data-driven insights to navigate the complexities of the industry, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer acquisition costs and lifetime value. Elliot’s story is not just about numbers; it’s about building unfair advantages and making meaningful connections with customers through genuine engagement. We also discuss the evolving landscape of local SEO and how it offers unique opportunities for service-based businesses to thrive. Stick around as we explore actionable insights that can help you transform your approach to business in today’s ever-changing market.

Takeaways:

Creating genuine insights is crucial in today's competitive podcast landscape, as AI-generated content is becoming easier to spot.
In e-commerce, particularly in the CBD sector, the right marketing strategies can lead to success despite heavy competition and industry challenges.
Local service businesses have unique advantages, as competition is often limited to the surrounding area, making scalability more achievable.
Understanding customer acquisition costs versus lifetime value is essential for proper cash flow management in any business.

Chapters

[00:00] Creating Genuine Value in AI Era

[02:12] Building CBD Brand Through Industry Chaos

[05:55] Data Driven SEO and Content Strategy

[11:17] Adapting Marketing for AI Future

[15:16] Measuring Business Metrics for Acquisition

[21:39] Local SEO for Service Businesses

[27:19] Home Services Business Opportunity

[29:12] Competitive Intelligence Using AI Tools

Companies Mentioned

Square - Payment processing platform that terminated the CBD business account due to policy restrictions.

Klaviyo - Email marketing and customer data platform providing attribution tracking and customer lifecycle data.

Woocommerce - E commerce platform used to run the CBD online store.

Google - Referenced for Google Business Profile, Search Console, and Analytics as primary data sources for local SEO.

Meta - Social media platform that banned CBD businesses from paid advertisements.

OpenAI/ChatGPT - AI tools changing search recommendations and content strategy approaches.

Yelp - Review platform heavily weighted by AI recommendations.

Cursor - AI powered tool for processing competitive intelligence data.

Outscraper - Data scraping tool for aggregating competitor reviews.

Guest Information

Elliot Blacklist is a digital marketing strategist and former e commerce founder who successfully built and sold a CBD brand despite heavy industry restrictions. He spent six years growing the business through organic search and email marketing, competing against venture backed competitors with larger budgets.

After selling the CBD business, Elliot transitioned to helping brick and mortar service businesses leverage local SEO and digital marketing. He specializes in working with home service companies, using data from Google Business Profile, Search Console, and Analytics to drive measurable lead generation and revenue growth. His approach combines technical SEO expertise with practical business metrics, focusing on trackable outcomes like phone calls and quote requests.

No more human actors?: How AI is Reshaping Hollywood

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Today, we dive into the fascinating intersection of art and artificial intelligence, exploring how AI is reshaping the creative landscape. We chat with Ellery, the CEO of Voight AI, who reveals the complexities of navigating AI compliance in entertainment while advocating for the irreplaceable human touch in creativity. As we discuss the impact of AI on artists, Ellery shares her insights on why the fear isn't just about AI creating better art, but rather about it producing more of it—faster, cheaper, and easier. Together, we examine the legal implications of AI-generated content and the changing dynamics in industries like Hollywood, where human artists might feel the squeeze. Join us as we unravel the challenges and opportunities ahead, highlighting that at the heart of creativity lies something that AI will never understand: our humanity.

Takeaways:

The rise of AI in creative fields is not about quality, but about quantity and speed.
Many artists are worried about AI not because it creates better art, but because it can produce it faster and cheaper.
It's essential to protect human creativity against AI's encroachment, especially in industries like entertainment.
AI-generated content raises significant legal issues, particularly concerning copyright and authorship rights.
Data can help elevate and protect human creativity in the age of AI, ensuring authenticity remains paramount.
The future of creativity may hinge on our ability to harness our uniquely human qualities to outpace AI.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

Crawford McMillan
Voight AI
Disney
OpenAI
Asteria

AI in creative industries, human creativity and AI, protecting artists from AI, generative AI impact on art, AI compliance in entertainment, copyright issues with AI art, AI detection software, digital art and AI, future of AI in filmmaking, human authorship in AI-generated content, AI and visual storytelling, creative authenticity in the age of AI, AI-generated images versus human art, the role of data in creativity, AI's effect on concept artists, art commissions and AI, the intersection of AI and traditional art, the evolution of art in a digital age, AI's influence on the entertainment industry, and ethical considerations of AI art.

This is the best way to make sales accordingly to psychology data

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In a world where sales tactics often resemble a high-pressure game of “sell me this pen,” we challenge the notion that success hinges on pushing products onto disinterested buyers. Instead, we advocate for a sales philosophy rooted in genuine relationships and mutual benefit. Our compelling discussion with Assad Ali, a veteran in leveraging behavioral psychology for sales success, reveals how understanding human decision-making can elevate sales performance. We explore the notion that sales should not be about coercing a sale but about uncovering the needs of clients and driving value for them.

We also tackle the often-misunderstood relationship between sales and data, asserting that while numbers can inform strategy, they should not dictate it. The most effective sales teams harness data to guide their interactions, focusing on quality leads and disqualifying unfit prospects swiftly. This episode guides listeners through the intricate dance of sales, revealing how trust, authenticity, and strategic questioning are the real keys to success. We also share insights on how AI is reshaping the landscape, ensuring that while technology aids efficiency, it does not detract from the personal touch that clients value.

As we wrap up our conversation, we emphasize the importance of adapting sales metrics to foster a culture of growth rather than one of superficial success. Join us as we explore actionable strategies that not only enhance individual performance but also contribute to a thriving sales ecosystem.

Takeaways:

In sales, the ideal outcome is creating a mutual fit, not just pushing a product onto someone who doesn't need it.
Trust and relationship building are key components in modern B2B sales, where value must be driven for both parties.
Sales teams often focus on quantity over quality, which can lead to misaligned incentives and poor decision-making.
AI tools can significantly enhance sales activities by automating tasks, but they will never replace the human element of building rapport.
Effective salespeople excel at asking insightful questions and genuinely listening to their prospects to uncover needs.
Success in sales is about creating momentum and making it easier for clients to work with you, which cultivates trust and long-term relationships.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

Crawford McMillan
Maestro
Will Fuentes
Make Media
Boardy

The Science of Public Speaking: How Data Shapes Presence

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0400

How to Master Public Speaking with Data: Transform Your Communication Skills

Chuck Garcia, Columbia University professor and communication expert, joins Graeme Crawford to reveal how data transforms public speaking and leadership communication. They explore the 55-38-7 formula for first impressions, proven techniques to eliminate verbal filler words, and how treating soft skills as measurable data points can accelerate your professional growth. Chuck shares insights from coaching Fortune 500 executives and his upcoming TED talk debut.

0:00 Introduction and Chuck's TED talk announcement

4:02 The camera as a data collection tool

7:00 Breaking down the 55-38-7 impression formula

11:43 Three barriers to effective communication

17:24 The power of the strategic pause

21:45 Common nonverbal communication mistakes

27:09 The speed of first impressions

31:23 Creating phone-free conversations

35:17 Why perfectionism blocks speaking progress

39:26 Building speeches in modular pieces

44:45 Theater techniques for powerful presentations

46:26 How to connect with Chuck Garcia

Companies mentioned in this episode:

Crawford McMillan
Bloomberg
Klein Leadership International
Columbia Engineering
Goldman Sachs

How Small Business Financial Data Reveals Success or Failure: M&A Expert Shares Hidden Patterns

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

The episode of Transformed With Data podcast, Graeme Crawford talks with Michael Young, owner of an outsourced accounting firm, about the hidden patterns in small business financial data. Michael shares insights from analyzing hundreds of M&A deals at PwC and now helping small businesses navigate their finances, revealing why sophisticated data systems can actually hurt small companies and the critical indicators that predict business success. They discuss the dangers of software sprawl, why cash flow understanding matters more than perfect attribution metrics, and how private equity rollups often oversell integration benefits while underestimating the operational challenges of merging multiple businesses.

0:00 - Private equity rollup challenges

0:26 - AI marketing vs value delivery

0:41 - Perfect attribution illusion

2:33 - Small business financial patterns

3:47 - Cash balance fixation

5:53 - Software subscription creep

8:05 - Cross-selling opportunities discovered

10:36 - Three business segments explained

13:14 - Owner focus challenges

17:23 - P&L as scorecard

20:19 - Financial statement limitations

24:02 - CRM consolidation pain

26:45 - AI and accounting accuracy

29:45 - Customer acquisition complexity

32:48 - Attribution measurement challenges

35:20 - Instant gratification culture

39:00 - Government contracting focus

41:36 - Ultra-niche software emergence

44:31 - Trust yourself advice

Companies mentioned in this episode:

HubSpot
Salesforce
PwC
Bay Business Group
Ramp

How to Scale Trust in the Age of AI: Data-Driven Marketing That Actually Works

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0400

How to Scale Trust in the Age of AI: Data-Driven Marketing That Actually Works

Transformed With Data Episode 13:How to Scale Trust in the Age of AI: Data-Driven Marketing That Actually Works

On this episode of Transformed with Data, Graeme Crawford talks with Lauren Gibson, marketing professional and strategic brand consultant, about why traditional marketing metrics might be destroying the trust brands need to survive. Lauren shares how she's generated over 41,000 leads by scaling authentic relationship moments through her Connections newsletter and networking events. They discuss why only 22% of brands measure trust at board level despite those who do achieve three times stronger profits, how AI should enhance rather than replace human connections, and why Gen Z's approach to data privacy reveals what really drives business in an age of artificial intelligence.

0:00 - The Missing Link in LinkedIn

3:31 - Trust vs Traditional Metrics

7:25 - Measuring What Actually Matters

11:11 - Gen Z and Data Exchange

15:33 - Building Trust Through Referrals

19:20 - The Power of Personalized Video

23:34 - Writing Your Way to Connection

26:43 - How Travel Rewires Your Brain

31:42 - British vs American Humor

38:23 - Mental Health and Physical Connection

44:31 - Believing You're Worth It

Find Lauren here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/linkwithlauren/

https://laurenrosegibson.com/

https://letterlaunched.com/

Companies mentioned in this episode:

LinkedIn
YouTube
Crawford McMillan
Letter Launched
McKinsey
Amazon
Netflix
ARK
Perplexity Comet
Capital One
IBM
Accenture

How to lose weight using data

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0400

The episode of Transformed with Data, Graeme Crawford talks with Allison Tallman, a registered dietitian, about how people fail at nutrition not from lack of data but from turning that data into self-judgment. Allison shares her approach to breaking the diet cycle through mindset shifts and reconnecting with natural hunger cues rather than obsessing over calorie tracking. They discuss the psychology behind sustainable weight loss, why the current protein myths are misleading, and how busy professionals can achieve their health goals without MyFitnessPal or constant food tracking. The conversation explores alternatives to Ozempic, the importance of metabolism health, and practical strategies for mindful eating that lead to lasting change.

0:00 - Ozempic weight concerns

0:24 - Protein myths debunked

0:41 - Breaking diet perfectionism

2:02 - Nutrition data struggles

2:58 - Ozempic vs sustainable methods

4:50 - Weight loss psychology

6:03 - Ozempic insurance issues

7:24 - Nutrition label confusion

9:10 - Weight compound metrics

10:10 - 3M method introduction

11:19 - Metabolism starvation mode

13:36 - Summer body mindset

15:15 - VO2 max longevity

17:17 - Protein requirements myth

19:36 - Protein quality labeling

22:26 - Reconnecting body signals

24:59 - Healing food relationships

26:44 - Intuitive eating children

28:48 - Implementation over knowledge

30:24 - All-or-nothing mentality

32:00 - Finding your why

34:21 - Visual food cues

37:36 - Sleep score pitfalls

38:37 - Ideal client profile

40:47 - Accountability importance

42:00 - Free masterclass resources

44:14 - Final calorie-free advice

How to Build a Data-Driven Culture: From Startup to 8-Figure Exit

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Transformed With Data Episode 11:How to Build a Data-Driven Culture: From Startup to 8-Figure Exit

The episode of Transformed with Data Podcast, Graeme Crawford sits down with Dmitri Adler, Co-Founder and Chief Solution Architect at Data Society, to discuss why most companies claiming to be data-driven actually aren't. Dmitri shares his journey from automating Wall Street work to building a bootstrapped powerhouse that achieved an eight-figure exit, revealing how the real challenge isn't in doing the analysis but in empowering everyone to use data fluently. The conversation explores why dashboards won't save your culture, what kills true data adoption, and the critical difference between companies that scale with data versus those that simply store it. Dmitri offers hard-won insights on building a culture where mistakes are learning opportunities, why small teams outperform large ones, and how successful leaders can become their own worst enemy when implementing data initiatives.

0:00 - Introduction and Data Like Water

3:02 - Why Data Initiatives Fail

7:02 - Creating a Culture of Transparency

11:23 - Measuring What Matters

14:37 - Getting Leadership Buy-In

17:41 - The Frozen Middle Problem

20:00 - Small Teams Win Big

24:04 - Delegating Decision Authority

27:00 - Technology vs Business Case

31:01 - AI and Over-Engineering

35:12 - Scaling Without Breaking

38:41 - Market-Driven Decision Making

42:13 - Embracing Being Wrong

Companies mentioned in this episode:

Data Society
Crawford McMillan
Capital One
IBM
Accenture
JP Morgan
Air Force
Amazon
Whole Foods
Tesla

AI Strategy Lessons from the White House

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Transformed With Data Episode 10:How to Drive 600% Data Engagement: AI Strategy Lessons from the White House

The episode of Transformed with Data podcast, Graeme Crawford talks with Dia Adams, best-selling author of "Winning With AI: A Blueprint for Corporate Leaders" and former enterprise data strategist for the White House. Dia shares how she increased engagement in the SEC's data catalog by 600% through strategic storytelling and reveals why most AI initiatives fail before they start - not because the technology isn't ready, but because organizations aren't. Drawing from her unique experience steering data transformations at Bank of America, Johnson & Johnson, and within federal government, she explains how to secure real buy-in for AI projects, navigate the psychological pressures of high-stakes data decisions, and why successful data leadership is 50% technical and 50% psychological.

0:00 - Introduction and data therapy concept

3:30 - Government data decision-making challenges

7:30 - Coping with high-stakes pressure

11:30 - Mentorship under General Colin Powell

17:30 - Listening and leadership lessons

21:30 - The power of optimism

24:30 - 600% engagement increase at SEC

30:30 - Data visualization best practices

33:30 - Common patterns across industries

37:30 - Chief Data Officer challenges

40:30 - AI implementation red flags

44:30 - Business first, AI second

46:30 - Contact information and closing

How Data Transparency Transforms Democracy

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0400

The episode of Transformed With Data podcast, Graeme Crawford talks about data transparency and civic engagement with Chris Piper, former Virginia Elections Commissioner. Chris discusses his role as Executive Director of Virginia's Public Access Project (VPAP), a nonpartisan organization that makes campaign finance data, election results, and legislative information accessible to citizens. The conversation explores how VPAP transforms complex government data into actionable insights, the importance of state and local politics in daily life, and how informed citizens can effectively engage with their representatives. Chris emphasizes that while federal politics gets most attention, state and local governments handle issues like education, transportation, and public safety that directly impact people's lives. He shares insights about election integrity, the role of data in democracy, and how Virginia legislators agree unanimously on over 75% of votes despite perceived political divisions.

0:00 - Introduction and Chris Piper Background

3:00 - Origins of VPAP in 1996

6:00 - Evolution to VA News Service

9:00 - Civic Navigator Education Program

12:00 - State vs Federal Government Impact

15:00 - Data Shows Unity in Virginia

18:00 - Open Data Challenges

21:00 - Maintaining Nonpartisan Balance

24:00 - News Curation Process

27:00 - Data Maturity Assessment Ad

30:00 - Trust in Media Discussion

33:00 - Education Data Example

36:00 - Elections and Data-Driven Decisions

39:00 - Early Voting Analysis

42:00 - Informed Citizens Impact Policy

45:00 - VPAP as Virginia Unicorn

Companies mentioned in this episode:

Crawford McMillan
Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP)

How to Build Data Strategies That Actually Work

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 10:45:00 -0400

The episode of Transformed with Data podcast, Graeme Crawford talks with Dylan Anderson, head data strategist at Profusion and creator of the Data Ecosystem newsletter, about why most data strategies fail and how to build systems that actually deliver business outcomes. Dylan shares insights from his recent study of 25-30 data leaders, revealing that successful data transformation requires focusing on business value over technology choices, and that most organizations are more excited about using AI to improve data quality and existing infrastructure than pursuing cutting-edge agentic AI. The conversation explores the critical gap between data architecture and action, emphasizing how data teams must connect their work directly to business strategy and develop strong stakeholder relationships to succeed.

Chapter Timestamps:

0:00 - AI knowledge and marketing strategy

4:30 - Data leaders research study overview

7:45 - AI adoption in enterprise reality

11:50 - Using Claude for newsletter writing

16:20 - Visual frameworks and Excalidraw tools

19:45 - Business strategy temple framework

23:30 - Shared definition of business success

27:00 - Data maturity assessment introduction

29:15 - Learning to leverage team expertise

33:20 - Poor data infrastructure costs

37:10 - CRM implementation challenges

41:25 - Growing newsletter to 7500 subscribers

45:30 - LinkedIn algorithm and content strategy

48:00 - Future hopes for data industry

Why Smart People Make Terrible Business Decisions

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0400

The episode of Transformed With Data Podcast, Graeme Crawford talks with executive coach Glen Hellman about why smart people often make terrible business decisions and how to avoid decision paralysis. Glen, recently recognized as a top executive coach by Inc. Magazine, shares insights on how too much data can actually hinder decision-making, why our brains are wired for simple choices rather than complex analysis, and practical strategies for making better choices in business. They discuss the importance of simplifying decisions, understanding your ideal clients, embracing failure as a learning tool, and recognizing the role luck plays in entrepreneurship.

Chapter Timestamps:

0:00 - Walking away from bad-fit customers

0:29 - Scale your business with data intro

1:04 - Why smart people make bad decisions

2:04 - Glenn Hellman introduction and credentials

2:29 - Decision making and data obsession

4:33 - Inc. Magazine recognition discussion

4:41 - Smart people and too much data

5:02 - Satisficers versus optimizers explained

6:45 - Rating cities decision example

8:21 - Restaurant app rating system

9:05 - Cerebellum versus reptilian brain

11:05 - Processing information for decisions

11:37 - House buying decision framework

14:27 - Alternative house hunting strategy

15:23 - Perfect client scoring system

16:10 - Walking away from customers

17:12 - Coaches are like gloves

19:13 - Three bucket customer system

21:13 - Grant's tomb burial story

22:46 - Coaching failure and risk

24:32 - Flight simulator failure analogy

25:11 - 80% solution versus perfection

25:24 - LinkedIn ads testing example

27:16 - Decision making frameworks discussed

29:09 - Self-limiting beliefs from childhood

32:09 - Rebelling against management story

33:20 - School system and curiosity

35:44 - Academic team advisory experience

37:23 - Context in corporate environments

38:48 - Gathering data for decisions

39:51 - Perfect decision possibility discussion

40:25 - Correlation versus causation examples

41:25 - iPhone and WWII veterans

42:26 - Nicolas Cage drowning correlation

43:26 - Too much data finding correlations

44:36 - Data Maturity Assessment advertisement

47:53 - Glitter traction versus real traction

48:47 - Conversion rates and rate of change

50:30 - Intelligence as behavior change

51:31 - AI and outdated skills

52:54 - Cursive writing value today

54:34 - Pattern interrupt marketing strategy

55:34 - Lumpy mail and Whoop Ass

58:35 - Sarcastic LinkedIn comments strategy

59:35 - Teaching outdated skills discussion

61:37 - Business success dice analogy

63:37 - Luck versus intelligence discussion

65:40 - Snake eyes and learning

66:40 - Accountability for outcomes

67:44 - Best leaders take team failures

68:41 - Fault and responsibility discussion

69:41 - Summary of key learnings

70:42 - Contact information for Glen

71:43 - Closing remarks

Companies mentioned in this episode:

Crawford macmillan
National Science Foundation
Inc. Magazine
Capital One
IBM
Accenture
Belly

Why Measuring the Wrong Thing Can Destroy Your Business:

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Scale Your Business With Data Episode 6:Why Measuring the Wrong Thing Can Destroy Your Business: Data Lessons from Vietnam to Modern Analytics.

On this episode of Scale Your Business With Data podcast, Graeme Crawford talks with Gurwinder Bhogal about the critical importance of measuring what truly matters in business and life. Drawing from historical examples like the McNamara Fallacy from the Vietnam War, they explore how focusing on easily quantifiable metrics while ignoring qualitative data can lead to catastrophic outcomes. The conversation delves into modern applications of data measurement, from social media metrics and sentiment analysis to health tracking devices, emphasizing the dangers of compound metrics like "sleep scores" and the value of specific, high-resolution measurements. Bhogal shares insights on Goodhart's Law, the importance of data storytelling, and why our brains are wired for narratives rather than raw numbers, making this essential listening for anyone using data to drive decision-making.

Chapter Timestamps:

0:00 - Sleep tracking critique

2:12 - Introduction to Gurwinder Bhogal

2:42 - The McNamara Fallacy explained

7:00 - Measuring sentiment in wartime

11:00 - Modern sentiment analysis evolution

14:00 - Stated vs revealed preferences

17:00 - Goodhart's Law discussion

18:00 - The Cobra Effect story

20:00 - Social media metrics gaming

23:00 - Twitter's influence paradox

28:00 - Health tracking compound metrics

31:00 - Exercise without metrics

33:00 - Identifiable victim effect

35:00 - Stories vs data retention

"Someone's watching over you" - And We're COMFORTABLE With It (Here's Why)

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0400

The episode of Transformed With Data, Graeme Crawford sits down with Sukhi Sahni, a senior corporate executive with 20 years of experience in data-driven storytelling and brand communication. They explore how the battle for attention has shifted beyond simple views to meaningful engagement metrics, discussing how authentic human connection combined with strategic data insights drives real business outcomes in today's fragmented digital landscape. The conversation covers the evolution of marketing metrics, the impact of AI on content creation and customer journeys, and why data should be directional rather than definitive in making multi-million dollar decisions.

Chapter Timestamps:

0:00 - Meeting Customers Where They Are

3:15 - Views vs Engagement Metrics

7:00 - Multi-Touch Attribution Challenges

11:00 - Customer Journey Mapping

14:00 - The Creepy Line

17:00 - Domain Authority and AI

21:00 - Testing at Scale

24:00 - Entry-Level Jobs and AI

28:00 - Authenticity in Content

32:00 - Speed to Market

35:00 - Future of Print Media

39:00 - Local Journalism's Role

42:00 - Immigrant Perspectives

46:00 - Cultural Context in Marketing

49:00 - Closing Thoughts

Wikipedia and Beyond: Who REALLY Controls Your Company's Online Reputation?

Fri, 30 May 2025 09:00:00 -0400

The episode of Scale Your Business with Data, Josh Greene, CEO and founder of The Mather Group, discusses why Wikipedia is one of the internet's most trusted data sources and its growing importance in the AI era. Josh explains how Wikipedia's human-curated content has become a key source for large language models, making it increasingly valuable for businesses to ensure their Wikipedia presence is accurate and up-to-date. He shares insights on navigating Wikipedia's editing rules, managing online reputation, and adapting to changes in Google search results that now favor user-generated content from platforms like Reddit and Quora.

0:09 - Wikipedia's Role in Business

2:09 - Meet Josh Greene

4:02 - Why Wikipedia Matters

7:07 - Wikipedia Editors Explained

10:10 - Business Wikipedia Challenges

14:17 - Google Search Result Changes

18:17 - Reddit and Quora Opportunities

22:42 - AI and LLM Search Rankings

26:41 - Testing Your AI Presence

30:18 - Crisis Reputation Management

35:56 - Proactive Reputation Management

38:16 - Common Crisis Management Mistakes

40:59 - Recommended AI Tools

Takeaways:

Wikipedia serves as a pivotal resource for businesses, shaping their online reputation and authority.
As a trusted source of information, Wikipedia impacts how companies are perceived across various platforms and media.
Engaging with Wikipedia requires understanding its unique editing rules and community standards, which can be complex for newcomers.
Businesses must proactively manage their online presence, ensuring Wikipedia accurately reflects their latest offerings and achievements.

Wikipedia SEO, digital reputation management, online authority building, Wikipedia editing for businesses, AI and Wikipedia, trusted information sources, business visibility on Wikipedia, Wikipedia for business strategies, managing digital footprint, importance of Wikipedia for companies, SEO strategies for Wikipedia, Wikipedia as a data source, impact of Wikipedia on online reputation, Wikipedia content guidelines, leveraging Wikipedia for growth, AI-driven content strategies, Wikipedia for business owners, enhancing online credibility, Wikipedia editing best practices, navigating Wikipedia's editorial rules

Will Data Workers Lose Their Jobs? Expert Tris Burns talks about it.

Fri, 23 May 2025 11:15:00 -0400

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Transformed With Data Episode 3:From Data Service Desk to Strategic Partner: Building Business Value with Tris Burns

The episode of Scale Your Business With Data podcast, data leadership coach Tris Burns discusses how data teams can evolve beyond the traditional service desk mentality to become strategic business partners. He shares insights on developing emotional intelligence for data leaders, building connections with stakeholders, and creating data-driven cultures that maximize ROI. Tris emphasizes that successful data leadership requires understanding business priorities and demonstrating value through strategic insights rather than just responding to requests.

9:35 - Service Desk Mentality Challenges

13:12 - Building Stakeholder Relationships

18:57 - Centralized vs. Decentralized Models

20:42 - Emotional Intelligence in Data Leadership

25:48 - Communicating Data Insights Effectively

30:15 - Transitioning from School to Business Thinking

35:27 - The Future of Data Professionals

39:57 - AI as a Tool, Not a Job Title

43:15 - Getting Started in Data Leadership

46:16 - The Badass Bookshelf Book Club

51:25 - Storytelling in Data Communication

How Chloe Temple Used Personal Data Tracking to Transform Her Leadership

Fri, 16 May 2025 09:00:00 -0400

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The episode of Transformed with Data, Chloe Temple shares her unique journey using data for personal transformation. The founder of popp® discusses her self-developed tracking system called "Me We Be," which helped her overcome depression and transform her approach to leadership by monitoring nine life segments for over seven years. Chloe also draws on her experience as a retail buyer where she used customer behavior data to optimize store layouts and merchandising. Her insights on how supermarkets strategically place products and her perspective on using data for both business decisions and personal growth make this a fascinating conversation about data-driven transformation.

02:05 - Internet's second favorite Chloe Temple

06:26 - Me We Be personal tracking

15:33 - Actionable data dashboard insights

22:22 - Shifting focus from career

28:03 - Grocery store buyer experience

34:00 - Strategic store layouts explained

38:18 - Condoms and pregnancy tests

41:21 - Algorithm misinterpreting behavior patterns

44:12 - Amazon's advanced data collection

49:22 - Using data with good intent

53:22 - Where to find Chloe

Companies mentioned in this episode:

Nestle
Unilever
Mars

How Data Strategy Transforms Business Decision-Making w/ Nick White

Fri, 02 May 2025 09:00:00 -0400

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Scale Your Business With Data Episode

Nick White Reveals How Data Strategy Transforms Business Decision-Making

The episode 1 of Scale Your Business with Data, Graeme Crawford speaks with Nick White, a data strategy leader with over 20 years of experience transforming how organizations leverage their information assets. Nick shares his expertise on bridging the gap between collecting data and making it useful for decision-making, the challenges of KPI alignment in corporate environments, and how AI implementation is reshaping the data landscape. Drawing from his experience at Nike where he revolutionized their approach to KPI management, Nick offers practical insights on how businesses can move beyond simply visualizing data to driving meaningful outcomes.

Chapters:

00:00 - Understanding AI and User Experience
02:06 - Understanding the Gap in Data Utilization
10:38 - Navigating Corporate KPIs and Job Security
17:05 - The Journey to Understanding Technology and Career Growth
27:27 - The Evolution of Nike's Identity
30:58 - The Evolution of Design Thinking in Marketing
39:25 - The Impact of AI on Data Governance
42:47 - Understanding AI's Predictive Nature: Beyond Hallucinations
53:40 - Transitioning to a New Chapter: From Data Consulting to Psychotherapy

This episode is about: data strategy, decision intelligence, AI implementation, data governance, data visualization, business analytics, key performance indicators, data-driven decision making, data engineering, user experience design, data quality, machine learning applications, storytelling with data, corporate data management, data insights, AI and business, scalable data solutions, human-centered design, data chaos to insights, data transformation strategies

Companies mentioned in this episode:

Nike
Kinnankarta
Salesforce
HubSpot