The Critical Interface Between Data and Human Decision-Making - Nimisha Morkanda - Making Better Decisions - Episode #29

Making Better Decisions: Leaders in Data

In this episode, we sit down with our guest Nimisha Morkanda to explore the nuanced relationship between data, technology, and human decision-making. Our guest delves into why understanding the context of data is essential for extracting meaningful insights and how his research in neural network models and human memory informs his current work in analytics. We discuss the challenges data professionals face when turning raw data into practical, actionable business solutions and how they can bridge the gap between technical outputs and human understanding.

Key Takeaways:

• Context is King: The importance of understanding the context behind data cannot be overstated. Without context, data is just numbers; with context, it transforms into information that drives strategic decisions.

• Bridging Technology and Psychology: Our guest’s background in studying neural networks and human memory provides unique insights into how AI can simulate long-term processes and help in fields like medicine, including research on conditions like Parkinson’s and dementia.

• Practical Data Application: In real-world business scenarios, data professionals must actively engage with stakeholders to clarify the problem at hand, assess available data, and construct a coherent narrative that connects findings with business objectives.

• Simulating Long-Term Data: Neural network models are invaluable for creating simulations that compensate for the lack of longitudinal data, enabling better insights into complex processes over extended periods.

• Data Storytelling: Beyond analysis, data professionals must weave a narrative that translates data insights into business language to ensure clear, impactful decision-making.

Quote of the Show:

• “Knowing the context of the data is really important and it is by far the most critical thing, in my opinion and my experience, to drive decisions based on the data you have in hand.” - Namish Morkanda

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srinimishamorkonda/
• Website: https://www.westerndigital.com/

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