Explore every episode of the podcast Deconstructing Data

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

From understanding how representation shapes perception to examining how brands align with shifting audience values, this episode breaks down how cultural impact can be measured, interpreted, and acted on using rigorous research and data strategy.

For leaders looking to connect brand storytelling with audience insight, this discussion offers a data-driven perspective on one of advertising’s biggest stages.

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

4. Tech Stack

This is a conversation creative and data-driven marketers won’t want to miss.

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 Cookies to Consent: How the shift away from third-party data is reshaping ad tech and consumer trust

3. The Future of Data Transactions: Building a transparent, win-win ecosystem between brands and consumers

4. Tech Stack

If you're in marketing, sales, or product, and especially if you're wondering how to actually future-proof your data strategy this is a conversation you don't want to miss.

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 your episode.

Bad data is more than an inconvenience, it’s a revenue killer.

This week on Deconstructing Data, we’re joined by Eli Goodman, CEO and Co-Founder at Datos, A Semrush Company leading the way in enterprise data intelligence.

Eli brings powerful insights into how dirty data impacts AI model accuracy, increases operational costs, and weakens customer trust.

If you’re working with machine learning, predictive analytics, or any form of AI-driven decision-making, data quality isn’t optional, it’s business-critical.

We’ll dig into:

1. Dirty Data: Undermining AI Model Accuracy

2. Bias and Cost: The Hidden Impact of Bad Data

3. Data Quality: Protecting Revenue and Customer Trust

4. Tech Stack

Whether you’re a data leader, marketer, or founder, this episode offers a clear path to fixing the silent issue holding your AI back.

Join us live for Deconstructing Data as we welcome Eric Vaughan, CEO at IgniteTech, with decades of experience leading enterprise software companies through AI-first transformation, M&A integration, and digital reinvention.

Eric has executed more than 60 mergers and acquisitions, turning around underperforming companies and consistently delivering 60–70%+ EBITDA by embedding AI into every layer of the business. In this episode, he’ll share how AI is being used to drive profitable restructuring, streamline integrations, and shape future-ready tech stacks.

From architecting software products with AI at the core to leading cultural integration across acquired companies, Eric brings a rare combination of hands-on technical insight and large-scale strategy.

Here's what we'll be discussing:

1. AI Restructuring Playbook: Turning Red to Profitable

2. M&A at Scale: Integration with AI

3. Architecting Products with AI at the Core

4. Tech Stack

If you’re thinking about where AI fits into your business model, this episode is a must-watch.

What if you could know exactly who is visiting your website, without a form fill?

On this episode of Deconstructing Data, we’re joined by Jesse Ouellette, Founder of LeadMagic, to explore the cutting edge of visitor identification, data matching, and scalable infrastructure.

Jesse has built a SaaS solution that helps businesses reveal anonymous website traffic and map it to decision-makers. His work sits at the intersection of B2B-to-B2C identity resolution, cloud computing, and high-volume data storage, all aimed at turning raw signals into revenue.

We’ll talk about:

1. Visitor Identification: Turning Anonymous Traffic Into Leads

2. B2B to B2C Matching: Bridging the Data Gap

3. Massive Storage and Cloud Computing: Scaling Data Infrastructure Smartly

4. Tech Stack

Whether you're in RevOps, Marketing, or Data Strategy, this is your inside look at what it takes to turn anonymous traffic into actionable leads, at scale.

What’s powering the most successful Shopify brands right now? A smarter, leaner data stack.

On this episode of Deconstructing Data, we’re sitting down with Kyle Hamar, CEO of OmniRocket, who has spent over a decade helping eCommerce brands scale through data strategy, automation, and revenue-focused systems.

We’ll break down the data challenges facing online sellers and how leading brands are turning customer intelligence into conversion wins.

1. Customer Segmentation Strategy: Personalization That Converts

2. Demand Forecasting and Inventory: Data-Driven Optimization

3. Customer Lifetime Value: Predictive Analytics for Profitability

4. Tech Stack

Whether you’re scaling a DTC brand or just looking to get more from your data, this one’s for you.

What if your customer conversations held the keys to your next revenue breakthrough?

Ryan Johnson, Chief Product Officer at CallRail, joins us live to explore how AI is reshaping the way modern businesses understand, engage, and convert their leads.

With more than 15 years of experience growing product teams and scaling platforms to $100M+ ARR, Ryan brings a powerful blend of startup grit and enterprise insight.

Before CallRail, he helped scale Banjo's AI innovation through a $100M Series C, and played a pivotal role in growing Vitrue into a $330M acquisition by Oracle.

Today, he’s leading the charge on conversation intelligence transforming raw customer dialogue into high-impact data.

In this episode, we’ll dive into:

1. Conversation Intelligence: Unlocking Insights from Every Interaction

2. Lead Conversion: Turning Interest into Revenue

3. AI Innovation: Driving the Next Breakthroughs

4. Tech Stack

Whether you're building with AI, selling smarter, or trying to align product and revenue, this is a session you don’t want to miss.

On this episode of Deconstructing Data is for the marketers who know their martech stack is only as strong as their data foundation.

We’re going live with Ana Mourão (again), Global CRM & CDP Advisor at Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. and one of the sharpest voices in first-party data strategy.

Ana has unified 7M+ customer profiles across global markets, cut acquisition costs by 15%, and built data frameworks that actually move the needle on ROI. She's not just tech-smart she’s outcome-obsessed.

1. We'll be talking about what first-party data strategy really means and why it’s your moat

2. The real difference between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd party data (no fluff, just clarity)

3. How clean rooms and smarter data governance can power your campaigns and your career

4. Tech Stack

Come welcome Ana Mourão back on the show with us today!!

What if your search data could tell you what your customers want and where they are?

Join us on Deconstructing Data as we sit down with David Hunter, CEO of Local Falcon, the leading local rank tracker transforming how businesses see search visibility.

With over a decade of experience in SEO and digital strategy, David has helped businesses, from startups to enterprises, tap into hyperlocal data to drive growth and outpace the competition.

In this episode, we’re exploring:

1. Local Data in AI: The Missing Link

2. AI and Local Search: From Data to Strategy

3. Hyperlocal Marketing Automation: Trends, Tactics, and Takeaways

4. Tech Stack

If you’ve been thinking of search as one-size-fits-all, think again.

As AI transforms marketing and customer data becomes a new form of digital currency, the rules of engagement are changing fast.

In this episode of Deconstructing Data, we’re joined by Ted Sfikas, Field CTO at Amplitude, where he helps enterprise teams unlock the full value of their data strategies.

With deep expertise in SaaS, digital marketing, AdTech, and AI, Ted brings a forward-thinking yet practical lens to how brands can navigate the next era of data ownership, transparency, and innovation.

We’ll cover:

1. Digital Currency: Empowering Data Ownership and Literacy

2. AI and Avatars: The Future of Marketing

3. AI-Created Data: Building Trust Through Transparency

4. Tech Stack

If you're building smarter, more ethical, and more human-centered AI marketing strategies, this conversation will challenge your thinking, and give you the tools to lead with clarity.

Email may be one of the oldest digital marketing tools but it's far from outdated. With AI and automation, it’s getting a major upgrade.

On this episode of Deconstructing Data, we’re joined by Brian Minick, Chief Operating Officer at ZeroBounce, a leader in email deliverability, validation, and data hygiene.

Brian brings firsthand insight into how smarter data and automation are reshaping outbound strategy, from building cleaner lists to driving higher engagement and ROI.

We’ll explore:

1. AI-Powered Sales: Smarter Outbound Automation Strategies

2. Data-Driven Marketing: Unlocking Customer Intelligence

3. Scaling Growth: Data and Automation for All

4. Tech Stack

Whether you're scaling a sales team or optimizing your marketing funnel, this episode is packed with tactical advice and fresh perspective on what AI and data can do for your outbound efforts.

Real estate marketing is undergoing a major shift, and the smartest teams are starting with the voice of the renter.On this episode of Deconstructing Data, we’re joined by Michael Broder, Co-Founder and CEO of RCKRBX, the first real estate SaaS platform built to bring demand-side insights directly to multifamily developers, investors, and marketers. Michael is also Chairman of Brightline Strategies and has spent over two decades at the intersection of political strategy, behavioral research, and audience-driven messaging.Before founding RCKRBX, Michael served as a media consultant and strategist for high-profile political campaigns across the Northeast and worked in the Office of Political Affairs under the first Bush Administration. His background in political communications and campaign management informs how he approaches real estate, not just as a property play, but as a people-first, data-powered opportunity.We’ll dive into:Using Demand Data – How renter sentiment is transforming marketing strategy.Predicting Rental Performance – Leveraging behavioral data to forecast leasing outcomes.Cross-Industry Insights – Applying lessons from politics and CPG to real estate.Tech Stack – The tools enabling smarter, more responsive marketing.If you want to understand where multifamily marketing is headed and what it looks like when you finally put the renter at the center, don’t miss this episode.

What does it take to build trust and results through partner marketing today?On this episode of Deconstructing Data, we’re joined by Tye DeGrange, CEO of Round Barn Labs and a growth expert with nearly two decades of experience driving acquisition and retention for both Fortune 500 brands and high-growth startups. From eBay to Amazon to advising VC-backed companies, Tye has seen what works and what doesn’t, when it comes to scaling through data-driven strategy.We’ll dive into:1. Partner Marketing: Driving Growth Through Collaboration2. Attribution: Tracking What Truly Drives Results3. Incrementality: Measuring True Marketing Impact Effectively4. Tech StackIf you're ready to cut through the fluff and talk real growth, this is the episode to catch.

Generative AI may be dominating the headlines but it’s only the starting point.In this episode of Deconstructing Data, we’re joined by Ron Green, Co-founder and CTO, a serial tech entrepreneur and AI expert with multiple successful exits under his belt. With an MSc in Artificial Intelligence and decades of hands-on experience, Ron brings a sharp perspective on where AI is heading and how to separate real impact from the hype.We’ll explore:1. Day Zero of AI: Generative AI is Just the Beginning2. Beyond Generative AI: Expanding the Possibilities3. Applying AI: Beyond Hype to Real Impact4. Tech StackIf you're looking to cut through the noise and get a clearer picture of where AI is going next, this is the conversation you’ll want to be part of.

Advertising is evolving, fast. And data is at the center of it.

On this episode of Deconstructing Data, we’re joined by Omar Tawakol, CEO and Founder of Rembrand, a visionary leader with a deep track record in AI, data, and digital advertising.

Omar brings a bold perspective on how brands can move beyond basic metrics and start leveraging data to truly transform business growth, strategy, and marketing decisions.

We’ll explore:

1. AI and Big Data: Revolutionizing Storytelling and Branding

2. Data-Driven Insights: Smarter, Personalized Marketing Decisions

3. Predictive Analytics: Fueling Business Growth and Strategy

4. Tech Stack

If you're ready to think beyond the click and reimagine what’s possible with data, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Not all marketing data is created equal and sometimes, what you don’t see is what matters most.

On this episode of Deconstructing Data, we’re joined by Emeric Ernoult, CEO and co-founder of Agorapulse, a leading social media management platform. With 25 years of experience in SaaS and social media, Emeric brings a refreshingly honest take on what it really means to be data-driven and how to cut through the noise to find what actually works.

We’ll get into:

1. Marketing Metrics: What Should You Measure?

2. Being Data-Driven: Team or Mindset?

3. Getting the Right Data: Clarity Over Clutter

4. Tech Stack

If your marketing feels like it’s missing something below the surface, this conversation is for you.

Data is only as powerful as what you do with it and how well you understand the people behind it.In this episode of Deconstructing Data, we’re joined by Mike Hattub, Chief Solutions Officer at AnalyticsIQ, where data science meets cognitive psychology. With over 30 years of experience in database marketing, consulting, and financial services, Mike helps brands turn complex data into smarter strategies that fuel real growth.We’ll explore:1. Building a Best-in-Class Third-Party Data Asset2. Leveraging CogPsy: Powering Smarter Data Creation3. Custom Data Models: Driving Client Success4. Tech StackIf you're looking to better understand consumer behavior and unlock the full potential of your data, this is one you won’t want to miss.

AI is changing how we understand consumers and the shift is just getting started.

On this, Deconstructing Data, we’re joined by Suraj Narayanan Sasikumar, Chief Technology Officer at Socialtrait and a researcher in deep reinforcement learning and generative modeling. Suraj brings a rare mix of hands-on AI expertise and real-world application, leading cutting-edge innovation at the intersection of technology, marketing, and human behavior.

We’ll dig into:

- Transforming Consumer Research with AI Personas

- Driving Innovation and Marketing Success with AI Insights

- Ethical Considerations in AI-Driven Consumer Insights

- Tech Stack

If you're curious about how AI is transforming the way brands think about their audiences, this is an episode you’ll want to catch.

Consumer behavior is shifting fast and AI is leading the way.

In this episode of Deconstructing Data, we’re joined by Mike Ford, CEO of Skydeo, a leader in data-driven insights and technology innovation. With experience founding multiple tech companies, Mike brings a sharp perspective on how AI is reshaping personalization, travel, and dining trends for 2025.

We’ll explore:

1. AI & Tech: Personalizing Customer Experiences in 2025

2. Travel Trends 2025: AI & Digital Influence

3. The Ozempic Effect: Changing Dining Trends in 2025

4. Tech Stack

If you want a glimpse into what’s next in AI, travel, and food, this is the conversation to catch.

The future of advertising is here and it’s powered by AI and first-party data.

On this episode of Deconstructing Data, we’re joined by Rajiv Khaneja, CEO & Founder of AdButler, an expert in ad tech, entrepreneurship, and data-driven innovation. With a deep focus on privacy-first advertising, Rajiv is helping brands navigate the shift toward AI-powered targeting and optimization.

We’ll explore:

1. AI-Driven Micro-Targeting Using First-Party Data

2. Real-Time Ad Optimization with AI

3. AI-Powered Audience Profiling and Predictive Insights

4. Tech Stack

If you want to stay ahead in the evolving world of ad tech, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

What does it take to drive massive business growth through data? According to Robin Patra, it’s not just dashboards and KPIs—it’s aligning people, processes, and systems with real intelligence.

In this episode of Deconstructing Data, host Jessie Lizak (Fractional CMO at BDEX) and Adam Fitzgerald (Enterprise Sales Director at BDEX) sit down with Robin Patra, the Director of Data, Analytics & AI at ARCO Construction. With 20+ years of experience spanning Cisco, BlackRock, and now construction, Robin brings a uniquely human-centered lens to data strategy and digital transformation.

This episode is packed with gold for data leaders, marketers, and tech professionals who want to use data to create clarity from complexity, unlock innovation, and build cultures that scale smarter.

—

🔍 In this episode, we explore:

1. Data Strategy: Turning Insight into Action
→ Robin breaks down the true purpose of data strategy—one rooted in ROI, clarity, and integration into enterprise fabric.
→ Key quote: “Data should be quantifiable, tied to business objectives, and never standalone.”

2. Managing Data & Driving Digital Transformation
→ Hear how ARCO is using data to connect the job site with leadership, automate manual workflows, and drive operational precision.
→ Robin shares a simple framework: Simplify. Automate. Optimize.

3. Data & AI: Powering Smarter Decisions
→ Learn how Robin applies AI in real-world scenarios—from estimating multimillion-dollar construction projects to preventing risks before they arise.
→ We explore the future of AI in decision-making: information augmentation, real-time recommendations, and intelligent dashboards that actually do something.

4. Change Management & Data Culture
→ Robin gets real about resistance to change: “Data transformation isn’t technical. It’s emotional. It’s people.”
→ Discover how to turn end users into advocates and create an internal culture that embraces innovation without fear.

5. Data in Construction: Use Cases You’ve Never Heard
→ From AI-powered risk assessments to AI-assisted workforce planning and vendor selection, Robin pulls back the curtain on how construction companies can use data to increase safety, reduce costs, and win business faster.

6. Tech Stack Deep Dive
→ Robin shares his go-to tools, including Databricks, Snowflake, Tableau, Power BI, Grafana, Microsoft Fabric, and a custom-built internal Analytics App Store powered by React and Python for real-time decision-making.

—

🎯 Key Takeaways:

• You can’t scale with dashboards alone—data must be actionable.
• AI’s real power lies in augmenting decisions, not replacing jobs.
• Change fails when people are left out—empathy and influence are critical to any successful digital transformation.
• The secret to long-term data leadership? “Understand the business. Tell the story. Influence the people.”

—

📌 Standout Quotes:

• “Every enterprise has three pillars—people, process, and systems. The common thread? Data.”
• “We’re not a cost center. Data is an enabler for the business.”
• “Make your data strategy about impact—not infrastructure.”
• “If people feel change is happening to them, it fails. Let them co-create it.”

—

🔗 Connect with Robin Patra
Robin is active on LinkedIn and welcomes collaboration. You can also learn more about his work at ARCO Construction, where he’s currently scaling enterprise-wide risk management and productivity systems driven by data and AI.

—

Whether you're trying to modernize your company’s data approach, launch an AI initiative, or build a more human-centered data culture—this episode will give you actionable insights to lead with clarity and purpose.

→ Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.
→ For more episodes, visit www.bdex.com/deconstructing-data-podcast

—

🎙 Deconstructing Data is powered by BDEX.
Episodes air Thursdays at 4:15 PM EST on LinkedIn & YouTube.

What happens when your CEO and CMO are both out, and the tech and sales teams take the reins? You get one of the most dynamic and insightful episodes of Deconstructing Data to date.

In this special episode, BDEX's Chief Technology Officer David Wellborn and Enterprise Sales Director Adam Fitzgerald host Bill Bruno, CEO of Celebrus. Broadcasting live while Jessie Lizak (Fractional CMO at BDEX) was on the road in Florida and David Finkelstein (CEO of BDEX) was tending to family matters, this episode didn’t skip a beat. Instead, it delivered one of the most valuable conversations we've had this season.

With over two decades in the data and analytics industry, Bill Bruno has lived through the evolution of digital marketing—from the early days of web analytics to today’s complex landscape of AI, compliance, and personalization. He brings his no-BS perspective to the mic and shares how Celebrus is building deterministic, cookieless, and compliant data strategies for some of the world’s top brands—including three of the top five global banks.

🔍 What we cover in this episode:

• Capturing Digital Data: Why Quality Matters
Bill explains why most companies are stuck with legacy tools and low-quality data—and how that compromises everything from personalization to AI models.

• More Data ≠ Better Data
We tackle the myth that collecting more data is always better. Bill challenges this with the idea that “inaccurate data is the real problem,” especially in today’s AI-driven world.

• Cookieless Tracking & Deterministic Identity
Celebrus has pioneered anonymized data collection—giving brands visibility while respecting privacy. We break down what “cookieless” really means and how it’s changing compliance.

• Personalization at Scale (Without the Creep Factor)
From product recommendations to on-site behavior tracking, we discuss what true personalization looks like, how to start small, and how to avoid “creepy” customer experiences.

• CDP Controversy
Bill drops a hot take: “If your first step to personalization is buying a CDP, you’re doing it wrong.” He dives into why so many CDP projects fail—and what to do instead.

• Fraud Prevention with Behavioral Biometrics
Learn how Celebrus is using digital data in real-time to fight fraud—reducing false positives and protecting customer experiences before damage is done.

• Tech Stack Talk
While Bill’s day-to-day tools are simple, his team at Celebrus is working on some exciting things with Kubernetes, AWS, and AI-enhanced analytics through Metabase and beyond.

• Why Better Data Means Better Business
The key takeaway? Quality data isn’t just for marketing—it’s the connective tissue for fraud prevention, customer experience, compliance, and revenue growth.

🔥 Bonus Insight:
You’ll hear live questions from listeners around data diets, ethical AI, fraud, compliance, and more. This was one of our most interactive livestreams to date.

—

Whether you’re a marketer, technologist, or data leader, this episode is packed with straightforward advice, smart strategy, and a fresh perspective on what it means to work with data in 2025.

→ Ready to stop wasting time and start doing more with your data?

🎧 Listen now and catch the full episode on your favorite podcast app.
Find us at: https://www.bdex.com/deconstructing-data-podcast/

—
Hosted by BDEX’s David Wellborn and Adam Fitzgerald
Produced by Jessie Lizak, Fractional CMO at BDEX

New episodes of Deconstructing Data air live every Thursday at 4:15 PM EST on LinkedIn and YouTube.

AI. Data. Identity. The future of marketing is all about connecting the dots—but too many companies are still stuck in fragmented systems, struggling to unify customer insights.

On this episode of Deconstructing Data, Matt Spiegel, EVP of TruAudience Growth Strategy at TransUnion, breaks down the real barriers to personalization at scale and why data silos are holding businesses back.

→ Why identity resolution is the missing link in Martech
→ How leading brands are solving the data fragmentation problem
→ The must-have mindset shift for marketers in 2024

Join Jessie Lizak (BDEX Fractional CMO) and Adam Fitzgerald (BDEX Enterprise Sales Director) for an in-depth conversation with one of the top voices in digital marketing, media, and AI-driven strategy.

Listen now → https://www.bdex.com/deconstructing-data-podcast/

#AI #DataStrategy #Martech #DeconstructingData

AI-driven networking is no longer a concept, it’s here.

Boardy.ai has already facilitated over 9,000 calls and helped startups land funding and partnerships, all through the power of AI-driven introductions.

For the first time, an AI will be an active guest on Deconstructing Data, engaging in real-time conversation, not just answering pre-programmed questions.In this episode, we’ll explore:

1. How Boardy Got Started and What Is It

2. Can AI Replace Human Connectors?

3. How Boardy Determines Who You Need to Know

3. Tech Stack

AI is revolutionizing how businesses operate, but are companies truly prepared to harness its power?

The biggest roadblock to AI adoption isn’t the technology itself, it’s people, processes, and mindset.

In this episode of Deconstructing Data, we sit down with Sav Khetan, VP of Product Marketing at Tealium, to explore:

→ The State of AI → What’s hype vs. reality? What’s working today?
→ Data for AI → How collection, management, and activation impact success
→ Breaking Data Silos → Why unifying your organization is the key to leveraging AI effectively
→ Tech Stack → Sav’s go-to tools for optimizing AI-driven data strategies

We cover why AI experimentation is critical, the biggest misconceptions about AI’s role in business, and why data sharing, not hoarding, leads to real revenue opportunities.

→This is a must-listen for data-driven marketers, AI enthusiasts, and enterprise leaders looking to maximize their AI investments.

📢 Have thoughts? Join the conversation on LinkedIn using by following BDEX's Company page on LinkedInl.

Hyper-personalization is the standard. AI curates your content, ads follow you across platforms, and brands strive to predict your every move.

But according to Jess Lewis, CTO at CROSSMEDIA, too much personalization is actually hurting marketing.

In this episode of Deconstructing Data, Jess explains how cyberpsychology, the study of human behavior in digital spaces, is reshaping audience targeting, media planning, and data-driven marketing strategies.

→ The problem with hyper-personalization and why consumers fight against recommendation algorithms
→ The role of ethical AI in audience segmentation and identity resolution
→ How marketing attribution is evolving in a privacy-first world
→ Why the future of martech is not about more data, but smarter data

We get into the psychological patterns behind digital behavior and why understanding people matters more than data alone.

Watch the full episode now and join us LIVE every Thursday at 4:15 PM EST on LinkedIn and YouTube.

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and iHeartRadio.

On this episode of Deconstructing Data, we are getting into AI-driven enterprise transformation with Mike Finley, CTO and Co-Founder of AnswerRocket.

Mike shares his journey from physics to AI, the evolution of intelligent systems, and how businesses can leverage AI agents to make smarter decisions.

We discuss:

→ AI and Agency – What defines AI as an agent and why that matters.
→ AI in Enterprise – How companies are using AI to transform processes.
→ GenAI Roadmap – What businesses should prepare for next.
→ Tech Stack Insights – The most powerful tools in AI today.

If you're a business leader, data professional, or AI enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss.

Join us LIVE every Thursday at 4:15 PM EST on LinkedIn and YouTube with co-hosts David Finkelstein, CEO of BDEX, and Jessie Lizak, Fractional CMO at BDEX.

In this episode ofDeconstructing Data,Jessie Lizak (Fractional CMO at BDEX) andDavid Finkelstein (Founder & CEO of BDEX) sat down withKris Rudeegraap, Co-CEO of Sendoso, to explore how AI is revolutionizing corporate gifting and direct mail.

✅ AI-driven gifting is enhancing personalization and increasing engagement.
✅ Direct mail is making a comeback—outperforming email in key metrics.
✅ A recentHockeyStack study found that gifting doubled win rates and sped up deal closures by 29%.
✅ Companies likeGong and Gainsight are generating millions in pipeline from personalized gifts.
✅ AI-poweredSmart Messaging & Smart Send are making it easier to send the right gift, to the right person, at the right time.

Kris shared how Sendoso leverageshundreds of millions of data points to optimize gifting strategies, proving thatAI and direct mail are reshaping how brands connect with their audiences.

Want to hear the full conversation?

#AI #Gifting #DirectMail #B2BSales #DeconstructingData #Marketing #DirectMail

Television isn’t dying, it’s evolving. And data is playing a bigger role than ever in making TV advertising smarter, more targeted, and more effective.

In this episode of Deconstructing Data, we sit down with Justin Rosen, SVP of Data & Analytics at Ampersand, to break down how data is shaping the future of TV and why it continues to be a dominant force in advertising.

From media fragmentation to addressable TV strategies, we explore how data-driven insights are helping advertisers maximize reach, improve accuracy, and drive real business outcomes.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

⤷ Data’s Role in Tackling Media Fragmentation
TV isn’t what it used to be. With audiences spread across linear, CTV, and streaming platforms, advertisers are facing a new challenge: How do you reach the right people across so many different viewing experiences? Justin shares how data is helping to unify fragmented media, ensuring that advertisers can connect with their audiences wherever they watch.

⤷ Addressable TV: The Power of Incrementality
Not all TV ads are created equal. Addressable TV allows brands to deliver personalized messages to specific households, making campaigns more precise and impactful. Justin walks us through how brands can leverage holistic strategies that combine linear and digital TV for incremental reach and better performance.

⤷ Data Scale: The Key to Accuracy
Without scale, data insights lose their impact. Justin explains why bigger, richer datasets are critical for making smarter media buying decisions—and how Ampersand is leading the charge in creating more accurate audience insights.

⤷ Tech Stack: Hear some of Justin's favorite tools.

TV advertising isn’t going anywhere. It’s just getting more intelligent. This episode is packed with insights for advertisers, marketers, and data professionals looking to stay ahead in an evolving media landscape.

#TVAdvertising #DataDrivenMarketing #AddressableTV

Join us for a fresh episode of Deconstructing Data featuring Tina Nelson, Director of Product Strategy at Optimizely.

Together, we explore how data-driven personalization is changing the way businesses connect with customers.

Here’s what Tina will share:

1. Retail Revolution: Data-Driven Consumer Trend Analysis

2. Personalization Prowess: Tailoring Experiences Through Data

3.. Trust Through Transparency: Ethical Customer Data Practices

Tina brings real-world insights from her work at Optimizely, offering practical tips you can use right away.

Whether you're in marketing, leadership, or just passionate about data, this conversation is for you.

Here's an updated look and feel of personalization for 2025. You don't want to miss this candid conversation with David, Jessie and Tina.

Balancing Speed and Trust in AI: Insights from John Telford on Deconstructing Data

In this episode of Deconstructing Data, we are joined by John Telford, Chief Client Officer at Bounteous, to explore the intersection of data, AI, and trust in today’s business world. With nearly 30 years of experience in digital marketing, John brings a wealth of knowledge and perspective on how businesses can leverage AI and data to transform customer experiences while maintaining transparency and accountability.

AI is often touted as a game-changer, reshaping how businesses operate and engage with their audiences. But as John highlights, with great power comes great responsibility. Companies must approach AI with care, ensuring that trust and transparency are not sacrificed in the rush to innovate.

We'll explore topics like: 1. Data’s Role: Preparing for AI Insights 2. Data and AI: Creating Digital Flow 3. Executing Data and AI: The 4 Pillars 4. Tech stack

“Move fast and break things” has long been a mantra for innovation. But John challenges this mindset when it comes to AI and data. He argues that while speed is essential for staying competitive, businesses must also prioritize trust and transparency. In the context of AI, moving fast without caution can lead to unintended consequences—bias in decision-making, loss of customer trust, and even ethical violations.

The Problem with “Move Fast and Break Things”

Enjoy the show.

Ever wonder if your campaign targeting is hitting or missing?

On this Deconstructing Data, we set the records straight with Charles Lai, Director of Analytics at Exverus Media.

Charles brings real-world examples and actionable insights to help you fine-tune your approach.In this episode, we dive into three critical areas of modern advertising:

1. Marketing Mix Modeling: Ad Strategy

2. Tracking Multi-Channel Ad Brand Impact

3. AI Tools: Capabilities and Limitations

4. Tech Stack

Whether you work in marketing analytics or lead campaign strategy, Charles brings real-world examples and practical insights you can apply to your work.

In this episode of Deconstructing Data, Todd Smith, CEO of QoreAI, shares how dealerships can transform raw data into actionable intelligence. With years of experience in data-driven strategies, Todd explains how to uncover hidden opportunities, drive smarter decisions, and maximize results using AI, data hygiene, and data augmentation.

Dealerships generate massive amounts of data every day, but much of it remains untapped. Todd dives into how to clean, enrich, and leverage data to unlock its full potential.

1. The Impact of AI on Data
   AI is revolutionizing how dealerships process and use data. It helps identify trends, predict customer needs, and improve marketing strategies. Todd highlights how AI-driven tools are enabling dealerships to analyze vast amounts of data quickly, making smarter decisions possible.

However, AI is only as effective as the data it works with, which makes data hygiene critical.

1. Data Hygiene
   Clean data is the foundation of actionable insights. Todd discusses best practices for maintaining data hygiene:

• Removing duplicate entries.
• Standardizing formats for consistency.
• Filling gaps in incomplete data.

Without clean data, even the best tools will deliver inaccurate results. For dealerships, keeping data organized and accurate ensures reliable insights for better decision-making.

1. Data Augmentation
   Todd explains how data augmentation enhances dealership data by adding external layers of information, such as demographics, behaviors, or geographic data.

Examples include:

• Targeted marketing: Enriching customer profiles to create personalized campaigns.
• Customer segmentation: Using enriched data to group customers for tailored experiences.
• Forecasting: Combining dealership data with external trends to predict demand more accurately.

Augmented data uncovers new opportunities that wouldn’t be visible using first-party data alone.

1. Optimizing the Tech Stack
   An optimized tech stack is essential for managing data effectively. Todd emphasizes the importance of choosing scalable, integrated, and user-friendly tools to streamline operations and improve decision-making.

Dealerships should regularly evaluate their systems to ensure they align with current needs and future growth.

• Start with clean, reliable data.
• Use AI tools to identify trends and optimize strategies.
• Enrich your data with external insights to uncover hidden opportunities.
• Invest in scalable, integrated technology that works for your team.
• Focus your efforts on driving measurable outcomes tied to your business goals.

Dealerships are sitting on a wealth of data, but without the right strategies and tools, it remains untapped. Todd provides a roadmap to turn raw data into actionable insights that drive growth.

By prioritizing data hygiene, embracing AI, and leveraging data augmentation, dealerships can:

• Create more targeted marketing campaigns.
• Streamline operations for better efficiency.
• Deliver exceptional customer experiences.
• Stay ahead in a competitive, data-driven market.

This episode is packed with practical advice and innovative strategies for dealerships looking to harness the power of their data. Don’t miss Todd’s insights on turning raw information into a valuable tool for success!

Key Topics CoveredActionable Takeaways for DealershipsWhy This Matters for DealershipsTune In to Learn More

In this episode of Deconstructing Data session Lotame's Chief Growth Officer Alexandra Theriault discussed the role of data enrichment and identity resolution in driving marketing success. Alexandra explored how marketers can overcome the limitations of relying solely on first-party data and unlock greater success by enhancing their strategies with enriched data and advanced identity resolution techniques. Topics: 1. Why First-Party Data Alone Isn’t Enough for Marketing Success 2. From First-Party Data to Marketing Success with Data Enrichment 3. Identity Resolution and the Future of Audience Targeting 4. Tech Stack Don’t miss this opportunity to deconstruct data with Alexandra and walk away with actionable strategies to elevate your marketing success!