S1 - 14 | Beyond the Algorithm: How to Bridge Data Science and Business Strategy
What happens when a passionate PhD in Statistics steps into the real world of business? In this episode, Vlad Ardelean, Lead Data Scientist at GFK, reflects on his seven-year journey from academia to industry, revealing the hard-earned lessons that transformed his perspective on data science.
We dive deep into:
- Why domain knowledge is crucial for data science success
- The power of clean, standardized data and how it builds trust
- The interplay between AI and human intelligence—when to automate and when to keep humans in the loop
- Managing expectations in data science projects: science or software?
- Tips for navigating data chaos and building a resilient data culture
Data science is about solving the right business problems mixing the right data with experience and domain knowledge. If you're a data professional (or aspiring to be one), this conversation is packed with insights that will help you level up your skills and mindset.
About Vlad:
Vlad Ardelean leads data science efforts at GFK, a global leader in data analytics. With a PhD in Statistics and a deep interest in algorithmic bias and AI ethics, Vlad helps brands leverage data to stay ahead in 80 markets. He’s also a father of three boys, a climber, and a runner—proving that balancing data and life is an art in itself.
