Deconstructing Data

Power your business with BDEX! Set up a time to talk with one of our experts: https://www.bdex.com/talk-to-an-expert/ In this episode of Deconstructing Data, hosts David Finkelstein and Jessie Lizak sit down with Tim Ringel, Founder and Global CEO of Meet The People, to explore how customer data, marketing measurement, and AI can work together to drive meaningful business growth. Drawing on more than 28 years of entrepreneurial experience in the advertising industry, Tim shares how connecting fragmented data, understanding customer behavior, and breaking down organizational silos can help brands make smarter marketing decisions. He also explains why businesses need to look beyond last-click attribution and short-term performance metrics to understand the full customer journey and build sustainable growth. The conversation explores how brands can connect behavioral and transactional data to better understand customer intent, measure the factors that truly influence growth, and balance lower-funnel efficiency…

Power your business with BDEX! Set up a time to talk with one of our experts: https://www.bdex.com/talk-to-an-expert/ In this episode of Deconstructing Data, host Jessie Lizak and guest co-host David Welborn, CTO at BDEX, sit down with Andrea Lechner-Becker, Chief Strategy Officer at GNW Consulting, to explore how AI is transforming marketing measurement, attribution, and customer discovery. Drawing on her experience in marketing technology and strategic marketing operations, Andrea explains how generative engine optimization (GEO) and answer engine optimization (AEO) are changing how brands reach potential customers. She shares why marketers need to rethink traditional attribution models, embrace transparency, and focus on delivering accurate, actionable data to make better marketing and revenue decisions. The conversation explores how AI search is reshaping the buyer journey, why identity resolution and data enrichment are becoming more complex as customer interactions spread across multiple platforms, and…

Power your business with BDEX! Set up a time to talk with one of our experts: https://www.bdex.com/talk-to-an-expert/ In this episode of Deconstructing Data, hosts David Finkelstein and Jessie Lizak sit down with Jean Perez, Director of Data, Analytics and AI at Valuedynamx, to explore how organizations can turn AI pilots into production-ready solutions, test recommendations beyond human intuition, and balance customer loyalty with business budgets. Drawing from nearly a decade of experience managing the end-to-end data journey at Valuedynamx, Jean shares how data governance, experimentation, and AI can help businesses deliver more relevant customer experiences while driving measurable commercial value. The conversation explores what it takes to move AI from experimentation into production, including the importance of governance, regulatory requirements, data quality, and clearly defined success metrics. Jean explains how Valuedynamx combines collaborative filtering and content-based filtering to create…

Power your business with BDEX! Set up a time to talk with one of our experts: https://www.bdex.com/talk-to-an-expert/ In this episode of Deconstructing Data, hosts David Finkelstein and Jessie Lizak sit down with Fern Halper, Founder of AI Foundations Group and VP of Research at TDWI, to explore what it really takes to make AI work inside an organization. Drawing on decades of experience in data analytics and AI, Fern explains why successful AI initiatives depend on much more than the model itself. From building a strong data foundation to understanding the business meaning behind data, she shares why organizations need to think about data as a living, continuously changing asset that requires ongoing attention. The conversation explores how companies can bring together structured and unstructured data to unlock more valuable AI use cases, while also validating the signals being extracted from documents, emails, call center notes, images, and other sources. Fern explains why semantics, data freshness,…

Power your business with BDEX! Set up a time to talk with one of our experts: https://www.bdex.com/talk-to-an-expert/ In this episode of Deconstructing Data, hosts David Finkelstein and Jessie Lizak sit down with Daniel Burrus, CEO of Burrus Research, global technology futurist, AI strategy expert, and New York Times bestselling author, to explore how businesses can use data and emerging technology to anticipate customer needs, create deeper personalization, and turn AI insights into meaningful action. Daniel shares his Hard Trend methodology for separating predictable future facts from assumptions, giving organizations a framework for identifying opportunities and solving problems before they become disruptions. The conversation explores how fragmented and outdated data can limit the value of AI, why organizations need to audit their data before putting it to work, and how combining data from multiple sources can enable hyper-personalization. Daniel also explains why AI should augment human thinking rather…

Power your business with BDEX! Set up a time to talk with one of our experts: https://www.bdex.com/talk-to-an-expert/ In this episode of Deconstructing Data, host Jessie Lizak is joined by David Welborn, Chief Technology Officer at BDEX, who fills in for David Finkelstein, for a conversation with Nick Cooper, Global Vice President of Strategy and Innovation at Landor. Nick explains why brand performance requires a different approach to measurement than traditional performance marketing, and why businesses need to look beyond easily measured metrics to understand the true financial impact of brand. The conversation explores how brand equity can be quantified and connected to incremental revenue, why data can give creative teams the confidence to make bolder decisions, and how future-facing financial models can help businesses evaluate brand investments. Nick also explains how data enrichment can reveal persuadable audiences by combining different perspectives, from demographics and attitudes to brand equity…

Power your business with BDEX! Set up a time to talk with one of our experts: https://www.bdex.com/talk-to-an-expert/ In this episode of Deconstructing Data, hosts David Finkelstein and Jessie Lizak sit down with Kristin Wozniak, Chief Data and Growth Officer of Cosmo5, to explore the limitations of data-driven decision-making and why businesses need to look beyond dashboards and KPIs to understand what is really happening. Drawing from her experience in audience research, advertising, measurement, and strategy, Kristin explains why data can help organizations learn and understand their customers but cannot determine whether a decision is ultimately the right one. She also explores the importance of intuition, experience, experimentation, and human judgment in a world increasingly focused on data and AI. The conversation examines why performance metrics often fail to capture the full complexity of human behavior, how optimizing for clicks and ROAS can distract from the customer experience, and why…

Power your business with BDEX! Set up a time to talk with one of our experts: Talk to an Expert In this episode of Deconstructing Data, hosts David Finkelstein and Jessie Lizak sit down with Eric Williamson, CMO of CallMiner, to explore how businesses can turn the massive volume of customer conversations they collect into actionable intelligence. Eric explains why analyzing every customer interaction—not just a small sample—can uncover insights that improve customer experience, product development, marketing, and business performance. The conversation also explores how AI and agentic technology are helping enterprises make sense of overwhelming amounts of customer data while making those insights accessible to people beyond traditional data analysts. Eric also discusses the importance of connecting customer experience and marketing data, combining solicited feedback like surveys with unsolicited insights from real customer interactions. He shares why businesses should start small when activating their data,…

Power your business with BDEX! Set up a time to talk with one of our experts: https://www.bdex.com/talk-to-an-expert/ In this episode of Deconstructing Data, hosts David Finkelstein and Jessie Lizak sit down with Dirk Rohweder, entrepreneur and marketing technology expert at Tivaro, to explore how identity resolution can turn anonymous behavioral signals into actionable customer intelligence. With more than 35 years of experience building data and marketing infrastructure, Dirk explains how identity graphs connect fragmented signals across devices, domains, and customer touchpoints to create a more complete picture of the people behind the data. He also breaks down the difference between public and private identity graphs and why maintaining an identity graph requires constant, real-time updates. The conversation also explores why some of the most valuable customer intent signals happen before a person ever logs in or identifies themselves. Dirk shares practical examples of using anonymous signals for…

Power your business with BDEX! Set up a time to talk with one of our experts: https://www.bdex.com/talk-to-an-expert/ In this episode of Deconstructing Data, Jessie Lizak is joined by David Goecke, Founder and CEO of GoTex, filling in for David Finkelstein, as they sit down with Ashley Moser, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of MelodyArc, to explore how businesses can combine AI, data, and human expertise to make smarter decisions. Ashley shares how MelodyArc helps organizations orchestrate data, AI, and people while emphasizing why human oversight remains essential for maintaining data accuracy and turning insights into meaningful action. The conversation explores how qualitative signals can be transformed into actionable data, how businesses can use real-time information to improve targeting and customer experiences, and why not every data workflow needs to happen in real time. Ashley also explains how companies can determine when automation is appropriate, when human intervention creates more…

Power your business with BDEX! Set up a time to talk with one of our experts: https://www.bdex.com/talk-to-an-expert/ In this episode of Deconstructing Data, hosts David Finkelstein and Jessie Lizak sit down with Mark Himmelsbach, CEO and Founding Partner of RYA, to explore why proprietary data—not AI alone—is becoming a critical source of competitive advantage. Mark shares how eight years of collecting passion-point data helped RYA build a unique data set designed to understand not just what consumers do, but why they make decisions. He explains how RYA combines proprietary data, AI, and human expertise to help brands develop more resonant creative and make smarter marketing decisions. The conversation explores how brands can determine whether their data is truly unique and actionable, how data can inform creative and campaign strategy, and why marketers should balance prediction and measurement with experimentation. Mark also discusses the importance of keeping humans in the loop when using AI for creative…

Power your business with BDEX! Set up a time to talk with one of our experts: https://www.bdex.com/talk-to-an-expert/ In this episode of Deconstructing Data, hosts David Finkelstein and Jessie Lizak sit down with Michael Kaminsky, Founder of Recast, to explore why modern marketing measurement requires more than dashboards and attribution models. Drawing from his experience building advanced marketing measurement solutions, Michael explains how businesses can validate their data, embrace experimentation, and make more confident decisions in an increasingly privacy-focused digital landscape. He also shares why marketers need to rethink traditional performance metrics as AI continues to reshape the industry. The conversation explores why measurement models often fail without real-world data validation, how AI and controlled experimentation can improve marketing performance, and why first-party data has become one of the most valuable assets for brands navigating a privacy-first future. Michael also shares the…

Power your business with BDEX! Set up a time to talk with one of our experts: https://www.bdex.com/talk-to-an-expert/ In this episode of Deconstructing Data, hosts David Finkelstein and Jessie Lizak sit down with Chris Rodgers, CEO of CSP Agency, to explore how AI is fundamentally changing search, discoverability, and digital marketing. Building on his deep expertise in SEO and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), Chris explains why businesses must rethink their approach to online visibility as AI-powered search engines become a primary source of information and buying recommendations. He also shares practical strategies for building authority and measuring success in this rapidly evolving landscape. The conversation explores why traditional SEO is no longer enough in an AI-driven search ecosystem, the data and authority signals that AI search engines use to determine which brands to recommend, and how SEO, digital PR, and structured data work together to create measurable business results. Chris also…

Power your business with BDEX! Set up a time to talk with one of our experts: https://www.bdex.com/talk-to-an-expert/ In this episode of Deconstructing Data, hosts David Wilhem and Jessie Lizak sit down with Nina J., Founder and Positioning Advisor at Wit's End Studios, to explore how organizations can prepare their data strategies for the next wave of technological disruption. Drawing from her expertise in positioning, governance, and emerging technologies, Nina shares why businesses need to think beyond today's AI capabilities and begin building data foundations that are resilient enough for tomorrow's quantum-powered world. The conversation explores what it means to prepare data for the quantum era, why AI governance has become a critical priority as artificial intelligence evolves at an unprecedented pace, and how strong data governance helps organizations reduce risk while improving trust and decision-making. Nina also shares the tools and technologies that support her workflow, offering a look into the…

Power your business with BDEX! Set up a time to talk with one of our experts: https://www.bdex.com/talk-to-an-expert/ In this episode of Deconstructing Data, hosts David Finkelstein and Jessie Lizak sit down with Andrew Lebbos, SVP of Licensing at Benzinga, to explore how financial data is powering the next generation of investment platforms, AI applications, and market intelligence. Drawing from his experience helping expand Benzinga's data licensing business, Andrew shares how real-time financial data is collected, enriched, and delivered to brokerages, hedge funds, and fintech companies around the world. He also discusses how AI is making financial information more accessible while creating new opportunities for personalization and automation. The conversation dives into how real-time market data helps investors and businesses make smarter decisions, why structuring and enriching financial data leads to better user experiences and targeting, and how organizations can transform proprietary data into…

In this episode of Deconstructing Data, hosts David Finkelstein and Jessie Lizak sit down with Ben Fenster, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Anzu.io, to explore how identity, measurement, and artificial intelligence are reshaping modern digital advertising. Drawing from his experience building one of the leading in-game advertising platforms, Ben shares how marketers can move beyond legacy tracking methods, better understand campaign effectiveness, and use data to make smarter media investment decisions in a privacy-first world. The conversation explores how brands can approach identity resolution beyond third-party cookies, why attention measurement provides a more meaningful way to evaluate advertising impact, and how incrementally, attribution, and first-party media data each play a unique role in measuring campaign success. Ben also shares the technologies powering Anzu's data infrastructure, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the tech stack his team relies on to process data, optimize…

Power your business with BDEX! Set up a time to talk with one of our experts: https://www.bdex.com/talk-to-an-expert/ In this episode of Deconstructing Data, hosts David Finkelstein and Jessie Lizak sit down with Alex Melen, Co-Founder of SmartSites, to explore how data and artificial intelligence are transforming digital marketing. Drawing on decades of experience building one of the largest independent digital marketing agencies in the United States, Alex shares practical insights into how businesses can use data to improve campaign performance, strengthen search visibility, and make smarter marketing decisions in an AI-first world. The conversation dives into how marketers can use data to optimize PPC campaigns, why modern SEO strategies rely on deeper data insights, and how AI is changing everything from campaign management to content creation. Alex also shares the tools that power SmartSites' workflow, explaining how the right tech stack enables teams to unlock more value from their data while improving…

Power your business with BDEX! Set up a time to talk with one of our experts: https://www.bdex.com/talk-to-an-expert/ In this episode of Deconstructing Data, David Finkelstein and Jessie Lizak sit down with Melanie Borden, Founder of The Borden Group, to explore the growing intersection of personal branding, AI, and executive visibility. Drawing from her experience helping founders and executives build authority online, Melanie explains why digital trust and discoverability have become essential business assets. From the unseen metrics that drive influence to the tools that power her own workflow, she shares practical strategies for building credibility in an AI-driven world. The conversation dives into the hidden KPIs of personal branding and why many of the most valuable signals never show up in traditional dashboards. Melanie also explains how AI search signals and executive visibility are shaping discoverability, how E-E-A-T data (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) strengthens…

Power your business with BDEX! Set up a time to talk with one of our experts: https://www.bdex.com/talk-to-an-expert/ Kevin Wassong 🧠 is joining us on Deconstructing Data to explore one of the biggest misconceptions in modern marketing: the belief that brand-building and performance marketing are separate disciplines. As founder and CEO of mktg.ai, Kevin helps marketing leaders connect creative performance, audience intelligence, and business outcomes. With more than three decades of experience across marketing, media, and technology, he has helped organizations navigate major industry shifts from digital transformation to today's AI-driven marketing landscape. His experience spans launching Sotheby's first online auction platform, building J. Walter Thompson's first digital organization, contributing to the launch of FOX Business Network, and developing advertising technology platforms. Today, he focuses on helping marketers move beyond fragmented dashboards and disconnected data to better understand,…

Power your business with BDEX! Set up a time to talk with one of our experts: https://www.bdex.com/talk-to-an-expert/ Most marketing teams have more data than ever. Yet many are less confident in what is actually working.AI-generated content is flooding every channel. Attribution is getting harder. Personalization metrics look impressive on dashboards but often fail to predict real business outcomes. This week on Deconstructing Data, David Finkelstein and Jessie Lizak welcome Holly Enneking, VP of Marketing at Markup AI.With nearly two decades of experience leading growth for innovative technology companies, Holly has helped build marketing programs responsible for hundreds of millions in pipeline while navigating the evolving relationship between data, AI, and human decision-making. We'll discuss: Measuring Marketing Beyond Attribution Personalization Metrics That Matter Human Judgment in AI Analytics Tech Stack If you're responsible for marketing performance, attribution, customer data, or AI strategy,…

Power your business with BDEX! Set up a time to talk with one of our experts: https://www.bdex.com/talk-to-an-expert/ Most marketers are still making million-dollar decisions based on dashboards they’ve been trained to trust.But what happens when the data itself is flawed? On this episode of Deconstructing Data, David Finkelstein and Jessie Lizak sit down with Cimin Ahmadi Cohen, Founder & CEO of Idea Peddler, to unpack what she calls “The Attribution Illusion” the growing gap between what platforms report and what’s actually driving performance. Cimin has spent years challenging the assumption that more data automatically leads to better decisions. From signal loss and privacy changes to self-reported platform metrics and AI-powered media buying, this conversation digs into the structural problems quietly shaping modern advertising. We’ll cover: The Attribution Illusion Explained AI Scaling Bad Media Decisions Directional vs Decision-Grade Data Tech Stack Follow BDEX to stay updated on upcoming episodes…

Power your business with BDEX! Set up a time to talk with one of our experts: https://www.bdex.com/talk-to-an-expert/ Grocery retail is becoming more data-driven than ever before. The ability to personalize, innovate, and retain customers increasingly depends on how well organizations use and connect their data.On this episode of Deconstructing Data, Jessie and David are joined by Shekar Raman, CEO and Co-founder of Birdzi, to explore how AI and data are transforming the grocery retail experience.Shekar brings a unique background spanning research, telecommunications, and enterprise technology, now leading Birdzi’s work in helping supermarkets deliver one-to-one personalization at scale. His focus is on using AI and data to improve customer engagement, simplify decision-making, and drive more effective marketing strategies. In this conversation, we’ll explore: AI-Driven Personalization in Grocery Retail Breaking Data Barriers for Retail Innovation Data-Driven Retail Loyalty Programs Tech Stack From…

Power your business with BDEX! Set up a time to talk with one of our experts: https://www.bdex.com/talk-to-an-expert/ Data collection sits at the center of modern marketing. Privacy and compliance are quickly becoming just as critical.As regulations evolve and consumers become more aware of how their data is used, businesses face increasing pressure to collect, store, and activate data responsibly. What may seem like simple data collection often carries legal, operational, and reputational implications. On this episode of Deconstructing Data, Jessie and David are joined by Donata Stroink-Skillrud, Co-founder and President of Termageddon and a data privacy attorney, to explore how organizations can approach data collection with privacy and compliance in mind. Donata brings deep expertise in data privacy law, including GDPR, CCPA, and cybersecurity standards, along with hands-on experience helping businesses implement policies that adapt to changing regulations. Her work focuses on helping companies understand…

Power your business with BDEX! Set up a time to talk with one of our experts: https://www.bdex.com/talk-to-an-expert/ Artificial intelligence is changing how marketing teams operate, how campaigns are built, and how brands connect with their audiences. At the same time, founders launching new businesses face a different set of challenges as they navigate early decisions, growth strategies, and common pitfalls.On this episode of Deconstructing Data, Jessie and David speak with Julie Matzen, Co-founder of The Boarderline, about how marketing, entrepreneurship, and technology intersect in today’s business environment.Julie brings more than 20 years of experience helping brands connect with their audiences across multiple media platforms. As the founder of Mayday Agency, she has worked closely with organizations to rethink their marketing funnels, develop brand strategies, and launch campaigns that support long-term business goals. Her experience spans rebranding initiatives, digital advertising, product…

AI is generating more insights than ever. Turning those insights into something structured, usable, and actionable remains the challenge.As organizations explore trends, experiment with AI, and build new systems, the question becomes how to move beyond scattered signals and create knowledge that actually supports decision-making.On this episode of Deconstructing Data, Jessie and David are joined by Piers Fawkes, Founder of PSFK and Fodda, to explore how trends, data, and knowledge systems intersect in the age of AI.Piers has spent over two decades helping global brands identify emerging patterns and translate them into strategy. His work now focuses on building structured knowledge systems that allow both humans and AI to better understand, organize, and act on complex information.In this conversation, we’ll explore:1. Artificial Intelligence Trends in Startups2. Knowledge Graphs in Data and AI Systems3. Using Data for Trends Research4. Tech StackFrom weak signals to structured data, this episode examines…

Creativity has always been at the heart of advertising. Today, data and AI are reshaping how that creativity is discovered, refined, and delivered to audiences.On this episode of Deconstructing Data, Jessie and David welcome Andrew Littlewood, Chief Planning and Data Officer at Brainlabs, to discuss how data insights and emerging technologies are influencing the next generation of advertising strategy.Andrew brings more than 20 years of experience across agency disciplines, combining analytical thinking with marketing strategy to help organizations translate complex data into actionable insights that improve campaign performance and marketing effectiveness. His work focuses on connecting data, planning, and creative teams so that insights can inform smarter and more impactful campaigns.In this conversation, the discussion will explore how brands are using data and AI to support creative decision-making, how data insights can inspire innovative campaigns while maintaining creative integrity, and what emerging…

Profitability is one of the biggest challenges creative and digital agencies face as they grow. Many scale revenue but struggle to maintain healthy margins, predictable financial models, and operational discipline. On this episode of Deconstructing Data, Jessie and David welcome Jody Grunden, Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders CPAs + Advisors, to discuss how agencies can build financial structures that support both growth and long-term profitability. Jody has spent more than two decades helping creative and digital agencies strengthen their financial foundations. As the co-founder of Summit CPA Group, now Anders Virtual CFO, he helped pioneer subscription-based billing in the accounting industry and built one of North America’s first fully distributed Virtual CFO practices. Through his work, he has developed frameworks that help agencies align financial strategy with operational decision-making and sustainable growth. Jody is also the author of Digital Dollars and Cents and Building the…

AI is generating more insights than ever. Turning those insights into something structured, usable, and actionable remains the challenge. As organizations explore trends, experiment with AI, and build new systems, the question becomes how to move beyond scattered signals and create knowledge that actually supports decision-making. On this episode of Deconstructing Data, Jessie Lizak and David Finkelstein are joined by Piers Fawkes, Founder of PSFK and Fodda, to explore how trends, data, and knowledge systems intersect in the age of AI. Piers has spent over two decades helping global brands identify emerging patterns and translate them into strategy. His work now focuses on building structured knowledge systems that allow both humans and AI to better understand, organize, and act on complex information. In this conversation, we’ll explore: 1. Artificial Intelligence Trends in Startups 2. Knowledge Graphs in Data and AI Systems 3. Using Data for Trends Research 4. Tech Stack From weak signals to structured…

AI systems are only as reliable as the data behind them. Disconnected tools, inconsistent data, and fragmented signals continue to slow down decision-making across organizations. As more companies adopt AI, the challenge is not just implementation; it is ensuring the data feeding those systems is clean, structured, and usable. On this episode of Deconstructing Data, Jessie Lizak and David Finkelstein are joined by Eugina Jordan, CEO and Co-founder of YOUnifiedAI to explore what it takes to prepare enterprise data for reliable AI systems. Eugina brings a unique perspective shaped by decades of experience in building and scaling businesses, leading go-to-market strategies, and driving innovation across industries. With over 24 patents and a background in creating and launching new market categories, she focuses on solving one of the most persistent challenges in business: connecting fragmented data to enable faster, more informed decisions. In this conversation, we’ll explore: 1. Data Consistency and Cleansing…

Product innovation fails more often from misread signals than from bad ideas. On this episode of Deconstructing Data, we’re joined by Guy White, CEO of Catalyx, an international innovation consultancy helping global brands turn consumer data into predictable market success. For more than 14 years, Guy has led a global team of insights and innovation specialists working with many of the world’s leading consumer brands. Catalyx has generated billions in incremental value by helping companies secure and sustain product-market fit through structured, data-driven innovation frameworks. In this conversation, we’ll explore: 1. Unlocking Hidden Consumer Desires Through Data 2. Making Product Innovation More Predictable with Data 3. Data vs. Insights: Understanding the Difference 4. Tech Stack From capturing authentic human insight at scale to separating raw data from true strategic insight, this episode dives into how smarter consumer data reduces risk, strengthens product launches, and drives long-term growth. If…

Customer expectations for next-day and same-day delivery continue to rise, while brands face growing pressure to deliver seamless, personalized experiences across every channel. Behind both of these trends lies the same challenge: strong operational systems and high-quality data. On this episode of Deconstructing Data, Jessie and David are joined by Martin Balaam, CEO and Co-Founder of Pimberly, and Keith Gorney, Head of Global Supply Chain Services at Pivotree, to explore how supply chain innovation and product data strategy are shaping the future of retail and e-commerce. Martin brings deep expertise in product information management and digital asset systems that power accurate product data across digital commerce channels. Keith contributes more than two decades of experience leading large-scale supply chain transformation and omni-channel fulfillment strategies for global retailers. Together, they’ll unpack how faster delivery models, stronger product data foundations, and smarter retail infrastructure…

AI promises instant answers. Most organizations are still stuck on a more fundamental problem: their data isn't ready for it. Information is scattered across systems, locked inside dashboards, or sitting in databases that only a handful of people know how to query. The gap isn't really about access, it's about making data usable by the people who need it, not just the ones who can extract it. In this episode of Deconstructing Data, Jessie Lizak and David Finkelstein sit down with Connor Folley, Co-Founder and CEO of Alkemi.ai, to dig into how organizations can close that gap. Connor built Alkemi.ai to let companies securely connect their databases and query them through natural conversation, directly through Alkemi's interface or inside tools like Slack. No waiting on reports, no wrestling with SQL. Just questions, answered in seconds. The conversation covers: 1. Making Existing Data Usable for AI 2. Secure Self-Serve Data Access for Organizations 3. The Role of Data Analysts in the AI Era 4. Tech Stack From…

When product data breaks down, so does the business. Disconnected tools. Siloed teams. Inaccurate data. These are just a few of the reasons product launches miss the mark, before they even hit the market. On this episode of Deconstructing Data, David Finkelstein & Jessie Lizak are joined by Tom Shoemaker, VP of Product Marketing at Propel Software, to explore how a unified product data strategy fuels smarter decisions, stronger collaboration, and faster time to revenue. We’ll cover: 1. Product Commercialization Success: Accurate Data Matters 2. Enterprise Collaboration Through Product Data 3. Bridging the Product Data Gap: Design to Marketing 4. Tech Stack Tom brings deep experience leading product marketing, sales, and R&D teams, and he knows what it takes to connect the dots between engineering, marketing, and market success. If your teams build great products but struggle to launch them with impact, don’t miss this one.

The Super Bowl is more than a game. It is one of the largest cultural stages in the world for brands. Every ad carries signals about representation, values, and identity. The question is not just who made the best commercial. It is what those messages reveal about culture, audiences, and the brands behind them. On this episode of Deconstructing Data, Jessie Lizak and David Finkelstein are joined by Latha Sarathy, CEO & Founder of SALIENT HQ & Chief Research Officer at Videotape.ai, a research leader with more than 30 years of experience across media, market insights, and multicultural audience measurement. Latha has led research teams at organizations including Telemundo, CBS, Univision, and The Walt Disney Company, and now advises brands through a purpose-driven, data-led approach that blends human intelligence with advanced analytics. In this conversation, we explore: 1. Gender Representation in Super Bowl Ads 2. Audience Values and Brand Alignment 3. Measuring Cultural Impact Through Data 4. Tech Stack…

Data has never been more available, or more misunderstood. Neil Sahota, CEO of ASCILabs and United Nations AI Advisor, joins Deconstructing Data to uncover the uncomfortable truths most businesses are missing about their data. With decades of experience guiding Fortune 500 companies, global institutions, and emerging tech leaders, Neil breaks down the real risks hiding in your analytics and the strategic opportunities AI is unlocking. From synthetic data and IP protection to the fast decay of relevance in today’s data sets, this episode is packed with insights for leaders navigating the intersection of data, AI, and innovation. In this episode, we explore: 1. The Dark Data Economy: How 90% of Your Data Works Against You 2. Synthetic Data as the New IP Warzone 3. The Data Half-Life Problem 4. Tech Stack Whether you're leading digital transformation or rethinking your AI strategy, this is the kind of conversation that reframes how you see the future of data.

Kat Wifvat, PhD CEO of Nuubi and a Data Science professor, joins Deconstructing Data to explore how AI is reshaping education and preparing students for the future of work. In this conversation, Kathryn brings an academic and operator perspective to the role of AI in learning. She shares how educational institutions can move beyond experimentation and start treating AI as a true pipeline for workforce readiness. From the rise of agentic AI tutors to the responsible use of anonymized learning data, this episode focuses on how data and AI can improve outcomes for students while maintaining trust, privacy, and rigor. Topics we’ll cover include: 1. AI in Education as a Pipeline 2. Agentic AI Tutors 3. Anonymized Learning Data Enrichment 4. Tech Stack This episode is for educators, data leaders, and operators who want to understand how AI-driven learning models are evolving, what’s actually working today, and how education systems can responsibly scale AI to support both students and institutions.

Most marketers have access to more data than ever, yet still struggle to make sense of it. From social metrics to Google Analytics to on-site behavior, the challenge isn’t getting the numbers. It’s knowing what to do with them. On this episode of Deconstructing Data, we’re joined by Cynthia (Clements) Krantz, MAJ, Founder and President of Mezzo Creative LLC, to explore how brands can connect data across platforms, create meaningful insights, and build smarter campaigns. We’ll also break down how to align your tech stack to support a streamlined analytics strategy, without overcomplicating your process. Topics include: 1. Social Analytics 2. Google Analytics 3. Website Data 4. Tech Stack This conversation is for anyone ready to stop chasing vanity metrics and start building clarity into their marketing decisions.

This episode of Deconstructing Data features Vlad Zhovtenko 🇺🇦, CEO and Co-Founder of RedTrack.io, who brings over two decades of experience in digital marketing and advertising. From the rise of banner ads in the early 2000s to the evolution of programmatic advertising and now back to affiliate marketing and analytics, Vladyslav has seen it all. With deep expertise in ad tracking and attribution, he joins us to explore why the paid media playbook hasn’t changed much in 100 years, and what needs to happen next. We’ll dig into: 1. The Value of Data in Digital Media Buying 2. Making Media Buying Decisions Without Perfect Data 3. Why Paid Ads Data Hasn't Evolved 4. Tech Stack If you’ve ever questioned whether your media spend is really working, or want smarter ways to make decisions without perfect data, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

Most companies are drowning in dashboards but starving for action. In this episode of Deconstructing Data, we’re joined by Tom Firth, Co-founder of Cotera to talk about what it really takes to make your business data work for you not just sit in reports. Tom brings a fresh perspective on data readiness, automation, and the new era of AI agents. We explore how businesses can shift from static insights to real-time, data-driven decisions, and why breaking down silos is step one. Topics include: 1. AI Agents in Action: From Dashboards to Decisions 2. Breaking Data Silos: Unifying Customer Identity 3. What Does It Take to Prepare Your Data for AI? 4. Tech Stack If you're trying to future-proof your data strategy and move faster without sacrificing accuracy, this episode is your playbook.

From launching to scaling, how do founders get marketing right the first time? This week on Deconstructing Data, we're joined by Julie Matzen, Co-founder of The Boarderline and seasoned marketing and brand strategist with over 20 years of experience helping businesses build smarter funnels, stronger brands, and better campaigns. Julie has reimagined digital advertising for startups and scaling companies alike. From founding the Mayday Agency to advising brands on everything from rebranding to media buying, she’s seen firsthand what works and what breaks, across the entire marketing journey. We’re diving into: 1. Using AI Without Losing Strategy 2. What Founders Should Know Early 3. Avoiding Common Founder Mistakes 4. Tech Stack If you're navigating the early stages of your brand or trying to scale what you've already built, this one's packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

How do you know your marketing is actually working? On this episode of Deconstructing Data, we’re joined by Adam Ortman, Founder and President of Kinetic319, to explore the truth behind performance, beyond just clicks and conversions. Adam brings decades of experience at the intersection of media, analytics, and consumer psychology, helping major brands like Nike, American Express, and UnitedHealth Group build smarter media strategies that actually drive revenue. Together, we’ll break down how to move from surface-level attribution to full-funnel clarity. Topics include: 1. Lead-to-Revenue Loop: Optimizing Campaign Profitability 2. Multitouch Attribution: Beyond Paid Media Channels 3. Marketing Efficiency Ratio: Measuring Full Funnel Impact 4. Tech Stack Join us as we uncover how modern marketers can close the loop, align media with outcomes, and scale smarter using better attribution and measurement.

Tim Berney, CEO of VI Marketing and Branding, brings more than 30 years of strategic marketing leadership to this week’s episode of Deconstructing Data. As the founder of one of the region’s leading agencies, Tim has helped brands across industries adapt to the digital shift, using data to shape smarter campaigns and more meaningful engagement. In this conversation, we’ll explore how data can drive behavior change, power stronger marketing insights, and personalize public messaging efforts to maximize impact. We’ll cover: 1. Behavior Change Campaigns: Data’s Evolving Strategic Role 2. Marketing Insights: Turning Raw Data Into Action 3. Public Messaging: Personalization Through Data Insights 4. Tech Stack Tune in for a practical discussion on how to use data to inform, inspire, and connect more effectively with your audience.

When data lives in silos, marketing falls short. This week on Deconstructing Data, we’re joined by Cedric Chereau, a seasoned leader in customer engagement and personalization, to unpack why first-party data is every marketer’s most powerful asset, and how to turn it into meaningful action. With years of experience transforming loyalty programs into scalable, data-driven engines for growth, Cédric brings unique insight into what it really takes to drive ROI from your marketing stack. We’ll dig into: 1. AI-Powered Journeys: Turning Data Into Relevance 2. Real-Time Data: Powering Personalized Engagement 3. Loyalty Programs: Unlocking Hidden Customer Insights 4. Tech Stack If you’ve ever struggled with fragmented customer data or felt like your loyalty program wasn’t pulling its weight, this episode is for you. Cédric breaks down how to move beyond vanity metrics and toward personalized, high-impact strategies, with the help of AI, automation, and the right marketing mindset.

Janet Barker-Evans, Chief Creative Officer at AbelsonTaylor Group, is a creative force known for leading award-winning work across nearly every marketing discipline. From brand campaigns to CRM, digital innovation to experiential marketing, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of what's possible, across industries like pharma, tech, CPG, and finance. Today, she leads high-impact creative teams focused on transforming healthcare and wellness brands. An early digital pioneer, Janet now champions the powerful intersection of AI and creativity, showing how marketers can use technology to deepen human connection, streamline messaging, and personalize experiences. In this episode, Janet joins David and Jessie to explore what happens when AI meets creative strategy, and why data targeting and marketing insights are more critical than ever. Topics: 1. AI and Marketing: Transforming Engagement and Strategy 2. Data Management: Unlocking Smarter Marketing Insights 3. Data Targeting: Reaching the Right Consumers…

Numbers tell a story, if you know how to read them. On this episode of Deconstructing Data, we’re joined by Laura Forester, an award-winning marketer and strategist who blends data with storytelling to create meaningful brand connections. As Director of US Brand Strategy at Gravity Global, Laura is passionate about human-centered design and turning insights into action. We’ll explore: 1. Data and Storytelling: A Powerful Marketing Duo 2. The Divine in Data: Finding the Narrative 3. DRIP in Marketing: Data-Rich, Insight-Poor 4. Tech Stack If you want to turn raw data into compelling stories that resonate, this is the episode for you.

On this episode of Deconstructing Data, we are joined by Jordan Smith, Founder and CEO of MyModel, Inc., the platform powering the first user-owned supply of real-time behavioral data. Jordan shares her journey from navigating the "cookiepocalypse" as a Sales Manager at Taboola to founding a company focused on creating brokerless, consent-based access to behavioral data. Her vision: to build a future where consumers are no longer passive data points, but active participants in the value their data creates. They explore the limitations of third-party data, the challenges of data accuracy in today’s ad tech ecosystem, and why user consent is the cornerstone of modern, ethical data strategies. This conversation dives into how transparency, trust, and real alignment between brands and consumers can finally make first-party and zero-party data the new industry standard. Topics covered: 1. The Rise of Consent-Based Data: Why first-party and zero-party data are becoming the foundation for modern marketing 2. From…

Ashleigh Cook, CMO of RainFocus, is joining Deconstructing Data on October 16 to break down how modern marketers are unlocking the power of first-party data, personalization, and AI, especially when it comes to event strategy. Ashleigh has built and scaled global marketing programs that actually move the needle. Her approach is rooted in data, driven by strategy, and focused on impact. From demand gen to client marketing, she knows what works, and how to prove it. In this episode, we’ll dive into: 1. Customer Intelligence: Leveraging First-Party Data Smartly 2. Event Personalization: Enhancing Customer Experience Impactfully 3. AI and Marketing: Transforming Engagement and Strategy 4. Tech Stack If you’re in B2B marketing or working on event strategy, this one’s for you.

Modern marketing is experiencing a data reckoning. From fractured insights to inconsistent measurement, marketers are under more pressure than ever to make sense of the chaos. On this episode of Deconstructing Data, we’re joined by Outi Karppanen, Lead Marketing Industry Strategist at Supermetrics, to explore what it really takes to navigate marketing data overload and unlock true performance. With over a decade of experience translating complex trends into clear strategies, Outi helps teams connect sales, product, and marketing through data. She’ll share exclusive insights from the 2025 Supermetrics Marketing Data Report, and break down: 1. Marketing Data Overload: Managing the Mess 2. AI Marketing Creativity: Powered by Quality Data 3. Strategic Data Use: Anticipate, Don’t React 4. Tech Stack If you’re ready to stop reacting and start anticipating with data, this episode is for you. Tune in live every Thursday at 4:15 PM EST on LinkedIn and YouTube.

What happens when unsold inventory turns into opportunity instead of waste? On this episode of Deconstructing Data, we’re joined by Amrita Bhasin, Co-Founder and CEO of Sotira, to uncover how AI, supply chain strategy, and reverse logistics are reshaping the $800B retail space. Amrita is a nationally recognized retail leader whose work has been featured in Forbes, Fortune, Bloomberg, CNBC, and more. As the head of Sotira, she helps retailers and brands discreetly offload and monetize unsold inventory, turning a long-standing challenge into a revenue-generating strategy. In this episode, we’ll explore: 1. AI Agents in Retail: Smarter Supply Chain Decisions 2. The $800B Reverse Logistics Opportunity for Brands 3. Sustainable Strategies to Monetize Unsold Inventory Whether you’re leading a retail brand, navigating supply chain challenges, or building AI-powered solutions, this conversation delivers insights on the future of logistics, sustainability, and retail growth.

How do you turn your data and content into actual business outcomes? Join us for Deconstructing Data on September 25 as we welcome Marni Carmichael, Head of Marketing at ImageSource, a process automation powerhouse helping organizations make work easier through smart technology and even smarter marketing. With over 25 years of experience in product marketing and strategy, Marni has led high-performing teams, delivered 25% year-over-year SaaS revenue growth, and built ABM programs that retain 97% of customers while increasing their spend. She's mastered the art of aligning data, content, and marketing strategy to drive measurable impact. In this episode, we’ll break down: ✔️ How content and data form the foundation for successful AI ✔️ What “content utility by the numbers” really means ✔️ Data-driven marketing activities that actually scale ✔️ The modern tech stack that ties it all together If you’re looking to transform content into conversions and scale your marketing with data-backed precision, this is…