The Decision Intelligence Lab – Details, episodes & analysis

Make better business decisions with data and AI—subscribe to The Decision Intelligence Lab Newsletter at ⁠https://decisionintelligencelab.substack.com/⁠.

This episode explores how organizations can successfully adopt generative AI by focusing less on tools and more on operating models, decision-making, and alignment.

Justin Trombold, President & Founder, Antesyn Advisors, shares his journey from academia to consulting and explains why most companies struggle with GenAI—not because of technology—but due to misaligned strategy, poor processes, and unrealistic expectations.

The conversation centers on a GenAI readiness framework with five dimensions:

- Strategic alignment

- Cross-functional collaboration

- End-user proficiency

- Scalability & adaptability

- Governance

Chapters

0:00 - Preview & Introduction

0:41 - Meet Justin Trombold

5:58 - Readiness Assessment Explained

7:51 - Strategic Alignment Deep Dive

10:06 - Leadership Blind Spots & Overestimating Alignment

12:49 - GenAI Strategy vs Reality

17:28 - Experimentation & Guardrails

21:00 - Real Risks (Hallucinations & Poor Inputs)

24:21 - Biggest Organizational Blind Spot

27:33 - GenAI as R&D, not IT

30:23 - Don’t Approach Vendors without Defined Problems

36:30 - Closing Thoughts

Are you ready to unlock the transformative potential of Generative AI (GenAI) for your organization? Test your organization’s GenAI Readiness at - https://www.antesynadvisors.com/blank-3

Follow the show

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

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

Connect with the guest

Justin Trombold: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/trombold/

Connect with hosts

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

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

About the podcast

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

For business inquiries, email at ⁠decisionintelligencepodcast@gmail.com⁠

Make better business decisions with data and AI—subscribe to The Decision Intelligence Lab Newsletter at ⁠https://decisionintelligencelab.substack.com/⁠.

In this episode of the Decision Intelligence Lab Podcast, Vijay Mehrotra and Michael Watson sit down with Evan Shellshear, Principal at BCGX (BCG’s technology innovation arm) and co-author of Why Data Science Projects Fail.

Evan shares lessons from working on large-scale AI and optimization projects across industries like mining, supply chains, and retail, including a fascinating case study with Rio Tinto’s massive autonomous mining operation in Western Australia.

The conversation dives into why most AI and data science projects fail, the critical role of organizational change, and how companies can move beyond “pilot purgatory” to deliver real business value from AI.

Evan also explains BCG’s 70-20-10 rule for AI transformations, why executives should focus on value before technology, and how successful organizations redesign their operating models to fully leverage AI.

If you work in data science, AI, operations research, or digital transformation, this episode offers practical insights from real-world deployments at a global scale.

Chapters

0:00 - Preview & Introduction

0:48 - Meet Evan and BCGX's Overview

3:09 - The Scale of Rio Tinto’s Mining Operations

5:15 - Tackling Large-Scale Scheduling Problems

7:04 - The 70-20-10 Rule of AI Projects

11:30 - Combining Technical and Consulting Teams

14:28 - Proving Business Value Before Building Tools

17:36 - Escaping AI Pilot Purgatory

20:40 - Deploy, Reshape, and Invent Framework

22:45 - Balancing Speed and Transformation

25:35 - Maintaining AI Systems Long Term

28:48 - The Problem with Cheap Consulting

31:41 - Building Better Algorithms When Value Is Clear

33:44 - Retail Pricing Optimization Case Study

38:38 - Book Recommendations and Closing Thoughts

Follow the show

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

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

Connect with the guest

Evan Shellshear: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshellshear/

Connect with hosts

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

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

About the podcast

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

For business inquiries, email at ⁠decisionintelligencepodcast@gmail.com⁠

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

Chapters

0:00 - Preview

0:31 - Meet Zohar Strinka

1:32 - Understanding Meta Problems in Problem Solving

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

3:45 - Navigating Client Expectations in Consulting

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

10:41 - Transitioning to Independent Consulting

12:46 - Budgeting for Iterative Problem Solving

14:28 - Iterative Problem Solving and Agile Methodologies

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

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

20:50 - Advice for Young Analytics Professionals

Follow the show

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

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

Connect with the guest

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

Connect with hosts

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

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

About the podcast

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

For business inquiries, email at ⁠decisionintelligencepodcast@gmail.com⁠

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

Chapters

0:00 - Preview

0:42 - Meet Warren Lieberman

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

6:16 - Revenue Management at American Airlines

8:40 - The Birth of Veritec Solutions

11:35 - Transitioning to Self-Storage Revenue Management

13:10 - Innovations in Self-Storage Revenue Management

20:16 - Pricing Strategies

22:40 - Value Pricing

29:40 - User Adoption and System Integration

34:54 - Balancing Product Development and Customer Needs

37:39 - Transition from Services to Software

42:00 - Closing Thoughts and Recommendations

Key Takeaways:

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

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

- Consumer psychology plays a crucial role in pricing strategies.

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

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

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

Follow the show

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

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

Connect with guest

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

Connect with hosts

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

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

About the podcast

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

For business inquiries, email at ⁠decisionintelligencepodcast@gmail.com⁠

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

Chapters

0:00 - Preview

0:44 - Meet Filippo Focacci

4:30 - Learn about Decision Brain

6:30 - The Strengths of Decision Brain

9:13 - Technological Approaches in Optimization

11:38 - The Evolution of Gene DB

16:45 - Real-Time Applications of Decision Brain

21:12 - Team Roles & Responsibilities in Optimization Projects

23:00 - Evolving the Gene Platform

27:30 - Implementing Optimization in Practice

30:30 - The Impact of Generative AI on Business

32:52 - Filippo's Recommendations

Follow the show

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

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

Connect with guest

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

Connect with hosts

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

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

Recommendations:

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

About the podcast

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

For business inquiries, email at ⁠decisionintelligencepodcast@gmail.com⁠

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

Chapters

0:00 – Preview

0:33 – Meet Jon Petersen

1:37 – Revolutionizing Urban Mobility

2:38 – Managing Aircraft Noise

4:23 – The Role of Data Science at Archer

9:38 – Collaborating with Engineering Teams

13:50 – Trip Density Distribution & Destination Origins

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

19:48 – Team Building & Collaboration

28:53 – Scaling the Manufacturing Facility

30:33 – Funding & Justifying Data Science Initiatives

Follow the show

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

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

Connect with the guest

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

Connect with hosts

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

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

Recommendations from Guest:

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

- Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

About the podcast

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

For business inquiries, email at ⁠decisionintelligencepodcast@gmail.com⁠

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

Chapters

0:00 - Preview

0:38 - Meet Carolyn Mooney

1:38 - What is DecisionOps?

3:44 - The Journey of Nextmv

6:20 - Applications of DecisionOps in Various Industries

8:30 - Simulation and Testing in DecisionOps

12:37 - Building Trust Through Testing and User Interaction

14:40 - Hierarchical Optimization and Decision Making

18:21 - Ownership and Responsibilities in DecisionOps

22:11 - Working on the Product With Clients

31:28 - Trends in Decision-Making Technologies

33:54 - Final Thoughts and Resources

Takeaways

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

* Simulation helps in understanding the impact of decisions.

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

* Hierarchical optimization allows for balancing cost and service levels.

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

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

Follow the show

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

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

Connect with guest

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

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

Connect with hosts

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

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

About the podcast

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

For business inquiries, email at ⁠decisionintelligencepodcast@gmail.com⁠

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

Chapters

0:00 - Preview

0:40 - Meet Kartik Gada

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

4:05 - The Impact of Cost Reduction on Technology

7:40 - Bottlenecks in Healthcare and Education

12:30 - How Individuals Respond to Change

15:48 - Embracing Change and Entrepreneurial Mindset

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

24:15 - Managing Economic Complexity with AI

28:20 - Leadership in an Era of Rapid Change

31:50 - Closing Thoughts

Follow the show

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

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

Connect with guest

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

Connect with hosts

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

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

About the podcast

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

For business inquiries, email at ⁠decisionintelligencepodcast@gmail.com⁠

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

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Operations Research and Borja Menendez

01:14 The Journey into Operations Research

04:39 Real-World Applications of Operations Research

07:03 Understanding Trucksters and Relay Optimization

12:48 Challenges in Relay Optimization

16:21 Non-Technical Aspects of Implementing OR

20:15 Testing and Quality Assurance in Optimization Models

25:22 User-Centric Design in Optimization Solutions

27:47 Transitioning to a Paid Model for Feasible

29:32 Integrating Data Science with Operations Research

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

Follow the show

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

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

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

Connect with guest

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

Connect with hosts

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

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

About the podcast

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

For business inquiries, email at ⁠decisionintelligencepodcast@gmail.com⁠

In this episode of the Decision Intelligence Lab podcast, hosts Vijay Mehrotra and Michael Watson engage with Ben Alamar, a PhD economist and sports analytics expert. They explore the evolution of sports analytics, the impact of motion tracking technology, and the challenges of integrating data into decision-making processes in sports. Ben shares personal anecdotes about his experiences with teams, the importance of understanding risk, and the role of leadership in fostering a data-driven culture. Ben offers advice for aspiring sports analysts and concludes with recommendations for further reading.

Chapters

00:00 - Preview

1:30 - Meet Ben Alamar

3:21 - The Evolution of Sports Analytics

7:04 - Motion Tracking and Its Impact

10:03 - Translating Sports Analytics to Business

12:00 - Behavior Change and Mindset Shifts

14:40 - Risk Perception in Decision Making

19:16 - Fan Engagement and Business Objectives

20:20 - Draft Decisions: Case Studies

28:00 - Fostering Evidence-Based Culture in Sports

33:43 - Advice for Aspiring Sports Analysts

36:46 - Recommendations for Further Reading

Book Recommendations:

- "Basketball Beyond Paper" by Dean Oliver

- "Ballistic" by Henry Abbott

Check out P3 Applied Sports Science: https://www.p3.md/

Follow the show

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

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

Connect with guest

Benjamin Alamar: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/benalamar/

Connect with hosts

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

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

About the podcast

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

For business inquiries, email at ⁠decisionintelligencepodcast@gmail.com⁠