There is a lot of hype, confusion and misinformation regarding the use of machine learning (ML), data science (DS) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) within a business context. Then there is an older cousin called Business Intelligence (BI) and how does that fit in with the others? Defining a data science question from a business need is one of the more elusive and esoteric processes that are for “the few and the proud”.

We would take Ingram as an example to look at how the Business Intelligence Team is reinventing itself to meet the needs of the business that is growing and changing with the landscape of the publishing industry. In the presentation and following panel, we will decode and demystify the buzzwords and walk the steps of formulating a newer and more comprehensive data strategy. We would have the opportunity to hear from the architects of this movement at Ingram, Deanna Steele (CIO, Ingram Content Group), Robert Barnard (Sr. Manager, BI Team) and Brandon Sanders (Manager Business Analytics) in a panel moderated by Shruti Sharma (Engineer on the BI Team). We get the invaluable perspective of the business point of view as well as the technical take on the topic.

Speaker and Moderator Info:

Shruti Sharma has been part of the BI team at Ingram for 3 years, where among other things she was involved in designing and execution of a sales and operations reporting dashboard for publishers. She is extending her skill set by doing a Data Science Bootcamp at the Nashville Software School. She also holds a PhD in Cellular Biochemistry from Max Plank Institute for Biochemistry, Munich, Germany.

Panelists:

Deanna Steele: CIO Ingram Content Group
Deanna Steele has been with Ingram content Group as CIO for 1 year, bringing over 23 years of IT Leadership experience to the organization. She values transformation through improving the Customer Experience, business partnerships and enabling the organization through accessible technology. Prior to her retail and publishing industry roles, she worked in the Consulting (Deloitte) and Software industries.  

Robert Barnard: Sr. Manager, BI Team
Robert Barnard has been at Ingram Content Group for 14 years and a part of the Business Intelligence team for 5 years.   For the past 3 years, he has managed a team of 10 software engineers.  Robert has a Master’s in Information Systems from Middle Tennessee State University

Brandon Sanders: Manager Business Analytics
Brandon Sanders has been with Ingram for 12 years. Spending 9 years auditing the IT environment, and 3 years developing business strategies supported by data. He has a B.B.A in Accounting & IT, and an MBA. Currently he is also attending the first Data Science Cohort at Nashville Software School.