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

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