Tim Wilson, Head of Solutions at Facts and Feelings and analytics expert, dives deep into the nuances of goal-setting and KPIs. He argues against relying solely on AI for meaningful business alignment, emphasizing the need for clear objectives. The conversation unpacks the confusion surrounding marketing metrics, stressing the importance of connecting outcomes to real business success. Tim also highlights challenges in defining success and the importance of communication between analysts and marketing teams to avoid misalignment.

Joined by Martin Broadhurst, a consultant on AI and owner of Broadhurst Digital, the discussion dives into the evolving role of generative AI in analytics. They explore how AI can enhance data democratization while navigating its complexities. Martin emphasizes the importance of understanding AI's limitations and cautions against total reliance on it. Conversations also touch on the intricacies of Marketing Mix Modeling versus traditional methods, and the necessity of human expertise in achieving effective data analysis outcomes. Expect a blend of insights and humor throughout!

For the first time since they've been a party of five, all of the Analytics Power Hour co-hosts assembled in the same location. That location? The Windy City. The occasion? Chicago's first ever MeasureCamp! The crew was busy throughout the day inviting attendees to "hop on the mic" with them to answer various questions. We covered everything from favorite interview questions to tips and tricks, with some #hottake questions thrown in for fun. During the happy hour at the end of the day, we also recorded a brief live show, which highlighted some of the hosts' favorite moments from the day. Listen carefully and you'll catch an audio cameo from Tim's wife, Julie! And keep an eye on the MeasureCamp website to find the coolest way to spend a nerdy Saturday near you (Bratislava, Sydney, Dubai, Stockholm, Brussels, and Istanbul are all coming up before the end of the year!). For complete show notes, including links to items mentioned in this episode and a transcript of the show, visit the show page.

Dive into the complex career crossroads in analytics! The hosts tackle crucial decisions like transitioning from individual contributor to management and the skills needed for that pivot. They explore the importance of soft skills, communication, and networking in shaping careers. With a humorous look at parenting chaos amid career changes, they also address the shift from data analysis to data science and the evolving expectations that come with it. Join them for insights on navigating your own professional journey!

Eric Sandosham, founder and partner at Red & White Consulting Partners, joins the conversation to challenge the effectiveness of benchmarks in business. He argues that much of the data lacks context and can lead to complacency. The hosts discuss the pitfalls of relying solely on external evaluation and the importance of internal data. They explore the nuances of using benchmarks for setting targets and even critique common metrics like the Net Promoter Score. With a blend of humor and insight, they encourage listeners to rethink the role of benchmarks in decision-making.

Matt Gershoff, a data collection strategist from Conductrics, joins the discussion to challenge the prevalent 'just in case' data mentality. He emphasizes the need for a privacy-first approach, advocating for intentional data gathering and ethical practices. The conversation explores the pitfalls of chaotic data collection, highlighting the importance of structure and accessibility. Gershoff introduces innovative methods for mindful data practices while urging organizations to view privacy as a catalyst for innovation, rather than a limitation.

Broadly writ, we’re all in the business of data work in some form, right? It’s almost like we’re all swimming around in a big data lake, and our peers are swimming around it, too, and so are our business partners. There might be some HiPPOs and some SLOTHs splashing around in the shallow end, and the contours of the lake keep changing. Is lifeguarding…or writing SQL…or prompt engineering to get AI to write SQL…or identifying business problems a job or a skill? Does it matter? Aren’t we all just trying to get to the Insights Water Slide? Katie Bauer, Head of Data at Gloss Genius and thought-provoker at Wrong But Useful, joined Michael, Julie, and Val for a much less metaphorically tortured exploration of the ever-shifting landscape in which the modern data professional operates. Or swims. Or sinks? For complete show notes, including links to items mentioned in this episode and a transcript of the show, visit the show page.

In this engaging discussion, Dumky de Wilde, co-author of The Fundamentals of Analytics Engineering, dives into the rising role of analytics engineers. He highlights how these professionals blend data engineering skills with business acumen, making them essential in today’s data-driven landscape. Dumky cleverly illustrates their role using a supermarket analogy, clarifying their unique position between data and business needs. Additionally, he shares essential tips for effectively communicating the value of analytics work to senior leadership.

A claim: in the world of business analytics, the default/primary source of data is real world data collected through some form of observation or tracking. Occasionally, when the stakes are sufficiently high and we need stronger evidence, we'll run some form of controlled experiment, like an A/B test. Contrast that with the world of healthcare, where the default source of data for determining a treatment's safety and efficacy is a randomized controlled trial (RCT), and it's only been relatively recently that real world data (RWD) -- data available outside of a rigorously controlled experiment -- has begun to be seen as a useful complement. On this episode, medical statistician Lewis Carpenter, Director of Real World Evidence (there's an acronym for that, too: RWE!) at Arcturis, joined Tim, Julie, and Val for a fascinating compare and contrast and caveating of RWD vs. RCTs in a medical setting and, consequently, what horizons that could broaden for the analyst working in more of a business analytics role. For complete show notes, including links to items mentioned in this episode and a transcript of the show, visit the show page.

In this episode, the hosts explore the distinction between human and AI-generated thoughts through a fun quiz. They discuss the characteristics of an analyst, selecting instructors for a marketing analytics summit, and navigating pitfalls as a new analyst. The importance of continuous learning in analytics and managing stakeholder expectations is also highlighted, with humorous discussions and insights sprinkled throughout.