Data isn’t just a pile of numbers—it’s a story waiting to be told. I’ve spent over 20 years in finance and consulting, uncovering those stories, from my days at PwC to leading business intelligence at Kemper Insurance. At Kemper, I used data analytics to slash $55M in costs; at Consultgenix, I’ve helped clients boost efficiency by 12%. The lesson? Data analytics isn’t a luxury—it’s a superpower for making smarter business decisions. Let’s explore how you can harness it to drive clarity, cut waste, and grow your business—because in today’s world, guessing isn’t an option.
The Rise of Data-Driven Decision-Making
I’ll admit it: Early in my career at Lehman Brothers, decisions sometimes felt like educated guesses. We’d pore over spreadsheets, debate in meetings, and hope we were right. Fast forward to today, and that’s unthinkable. Data’s everywhere—sales trends, customer behavior, operational hiccups—and it’s begging to be used.
At AIG, managing a $900M insurance portfolio, I saw how data turned chaos into control. We didn’t just react; we anticipated. That shift—from gut to insight—is why data-driven decision-making is king. It’s not about drowning in stats; it’s about finding the signal in the noise.
Tools That Make Data Work for You
I’ve been hands-on with analytics tools my whole career because the right ones make all the difference. At Kemper, as Director of Business Intelligence, I spearheaded Workday Adaptive Planning to streamline budgeting and reporting. It was a game-changer, helping us cut $55M by spotting inefficiencies fast. At AIG, Tableau dashboards gave us real-time views of sales and profitability.
Here’s what’s in my toolkit:
- Power BI: For visualizing trends—I used it at Kemper to track cost drivers.
- Tableau: Perfect for slicing data—helped us at AIG to refine pricing.
- SQL: For digging deep—I’ve queried datasets from SAP to Snowflake.
- Anaplan: For forecasting—kept Consultgenix clients ahead of the curve.
You don’t need them all—just the ones that fit your size and goals. Start small, scale smart.
A Real Impact: Workday at Kemper
Let’s rewind to 2022 at Kemper Insurance. I was leading FP&A and business intelligence, and our reporting was a mess—siloed divisions, manual updates, hours wasted. We needed clarity to hit our cost targets. So, I brought in Workday Adaptive Planning.
It wasn’t just software—it was a mindset shift. We integrated data across Auto and Life insurance units, built models to benchmark peers, and tracked performance in real time. The result? A $35M cost reduction in one year. Data showed us where to cut, what to keep, and how to grow. That’s the power of analytics: It’s not abstract—it’s actionable.
How to Integrate Analytics into Operations
Data’s only as good as how you use it—I’ve learned that from PwC to Consultgenix. Here’s how to make it part of your DNA:
- Start with a Question: What do you need to know? At Kemper, it was “Where’s the waste?”
- Gather Clean Data: Garbage in, garbage out. I’ve cleaned datasets at Lehman—trust me, it matters.
- Pick Your Tool: Match it to your needs—Zoho Analytics for startups, Oracle Hyperion for giants (I’ve used both).
- Build a Habit: Make data reviews routine. At AIG, monthly reports kept us sharp.
- Train Your Team: I’ve coached 30+ pros—get buy-in, and they’ll run with it.
At Consultgenix, we’ve embedded analytics into client ops—think healthcare compliance or sales forecasting—delivering that 12% efficiency boost. It’s not rocket science—it’s discipline.
Future-Proofing with Data
Analytics isn’t just about today—it’s about tomorrow. At AIG, we collaborated with actuaries to optimize pricing and reserves, staying competitive in a tough market. At Consultgenix, I’ve helped clients predict cash flow with tools like Vena.
Think bigger: What trends could hit your industry? What moves your competitors? Data spots them early. I’ve navigated recessions at Lehman and growth at PepsiCo—analytics gave me the edge every time. It’s your crystal ball if you’re willing to look.
The Human Side of Data
Let’s get personal: Data isn’t cold—it’s liberating. I’ll never forget a Kemper team member who said, “Derrek, this dashboard saved my sanity.” Before Workday, she’d spend days reconciling numbers; after, she had time to strategize. Or a Consultgenix client who told me, “You turned our chaos into confidence.”
That’s what drives me. I’ve led teams of nine to 30+, and analytics always lightens the load—letting people focus on creativity, not drudgery. It’s not about replacing judgment; it’s about sharpening it.
Why This Matters Now
Decisions are harder than ever—markets flip, costs rise, and customers demand more. I’ve steered businesses through uncertainty at Lehman and booms at AIG. Today, with data at your fingertips, there’s no excuse for flying blind. Guessing wastes time; analytics saves it.
Look at your own operation. Could data show you a faster path? A smarter play? That’s where business intelligence shines—turning questions into answers.
Let’s Make Data Your Advantage
Leveraging data analytics isn’t a tech project—it’s a growth strategy. With decades in management consulting, I’ve helped businesses unlock insights that drive results. At Consultgenix, we’re all about making data work for you—not the other way around.
If you’re ready to use data for smarter decisions and bigger wins, I’d love to chat. Reach out at derrek@consultgenix.com to discuss your strategy. Let’s turn your numbers into your next breakthrough—together.