Blog

The Future of Data & AI: A Note from Our New CEO

Brittany Bafandeh
Feb 12, 2025
4
min read

Let’s Talk About Data & AI

And Why It Shouldn’t Be So Hard

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with companies at all stages of their data journey, some just starting out, others scaling fast, and many trying to make sense of a complex, tangled stack. No matter where they are, one challenge always comes up: turning data into real business value.

Too often, companies invest in the latest tools, build out a modern stack, and still end up asking, Are we actually getting value from this?

It’s easy to get caught up in the mechanics: what warehouse to use, which transformation tool to adopt… but at the end of the day, data isn’t valuable unless it’s driving better decisions. That’s why I’m so excited to step into my role as CEO of Data Culture, because this team has always been about making data useful, actionable, and impactful.

Data + AI: A New Era for Data Teams

Beyond the traditional data stack, the role of data teams is shifting. More than ever, they’re also expected to lead the charge on AI adoption. AI is only as good as the data behind it, and companies that connect the two in a meaningful way will have a serious competitive edge.

I’ve spent the last five years working with AI startups in Silicon Valley, seeing firsthand how companies are using these technologies in the real world. And while AI comes with a lot of hype (just like data did), at its core, it’s just another tool to solve real business problems. 

But I’m excited for this new era of AI enabled data stacks because it allows teams to do more with less, automating the tedious stuff so people can focus on what actually moves the needle.

What’s Next?

Right now is the best time for companies to rethink how they leverage both data and AI. Those that get it right will move faster, make smarter decisions, and create a real competitive advantage.

At Data Culture, we’re here to make that happen. Whether it’s helping teams untangle their data stack, build AI-powered strategies, or simply create a culture where data drives action, I’m excited to be part of this next chapter.

Let’s make data work for us, not the other way around! 

- Brittany

CEO, Data Culture

About Brittany Bafandeh
Brittany Bafandeh is the CEO of Data Culture, with deep expertise in data strategy, AI, and analytics. She has built scalable data infrastructure, predictive models, and experimentation frameworks at companies like Narrator, WeWork, and IBM, helping organizations turn data into a competitive advantage. With experience advising high-growth startups and major enterprises, she specializes in bridging the gap between data and business impact. A trusted strategist and industry advisor, Brittany holds a degree in Operations Research & Engineering from Cornell University and is passionate about making data and AI practical, scalable, and valuable.

Share this post