If insights teams don’t become best buddies with data science and AI, they risk getting sidelined. In this episode, host Nick Graham, Founder of Vertemis, is joined by Michelle Gansle, former Chief Data & Analytics Officer, McDonald’s, to talk about why insights needs to partner better with data and analytics instead of competing for control, budget, or credit. They discuss how big data created silos, why teams still rarely collaborate without being forced to, and how bringing consumer insights, business insights, and data science together early can create “one plus one equals three” outcomes. They explore practical ways to build bridges, from “day in the life” sharing to cross-conference learning, and how AI can support critical thinking, storytelling, and stakeholder-ready recommendations.
00:00 Big Data Shockwave
00:23 Meet the Host and Guest
02:10 Is Insights Losing Ground
02:48 Why Teams Compete
07:19 AI as Common Cause
10:08 Collaboration That Works
13:42 Reframing Insights Role
17:44 AI Tools and Hacks
25:11 Future Skills for Leaders
28:30 Practical Bridge Building
32:35 Advice for Next Gen
35:06 Wrap Up and Subscribe
Insights & Innovators Podcast from MRII | Hosted by The Greenbook Podcast Network
Explore more episodes and resources → https://www.greenbook.org/podcast-network
Learn more about MRII → https://mrii.org/
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