Quick communication is important. Sharing insights as soon as possible with the client can provide enough direction to guide what action can be taken immediately so that the client sees progress and stays engaged.

Here are three things worked really well for me: 1) Curated list of data sources - spend some time looking for reputable, consistent data sources on key topics. Knowing where and how to get insights or support data always accelerated my output; 2) Develop expertise with Excel - often we get data from multiple sources and in different formats. Ultimately all data leads to Excel. Forget VLOOKUPS and old time formulas. Get acquainted with lambda expressions and the newest capabilities in the platform; 3) Model your assumptions - learn to integrate your assumptions into your model. I'm referring to typical Excel models, but it's also valid for those developing your own ML models to support your analysis.

Balancing data analysis with quick results in consulting requires a focused approach. I prioritize the most relevant data by aligning it with key client objectives, avoiding analysis paralysis. By leveraging pre-built templates, automated tools, and dashboards, I can speed up data gathering and visualization. I also focus on iterative delivery, providing quick insights in stages rather than waiting for the final analysis. This way, clients see early progress and can provide feedback, ensuring alignment. Communication is key—clearly explaining when deeper analysis is necessary for accuracy helps manage expectations while maintaining momentum toward actionable insights.

By combining agility with analysis strategically, we can meet the need for speed while still delivering meaningful, data-backed insights. Below are a few points I would like to develop further on: 1. Prioritize key metrics: Focus on high-impact data that drives quick decisions. 2. Use the 80/20 rule: Target the 20% of data that delivers 80% of value. 3. Leverage automation: Speed up repetitive tasks. 4. Create hypotheses early: This helps avoid analysis paralysis and ensures focus on what’s most important.

Leverage AI-powered analytics to accelerate data interpretation, turning complex insights into actionable strategies in real-time. Shift from static reports to dynamic dashboards that evolve as client needs change, delivering both depth and speed without compromise. Empower your team to blend intuition with data-driven decision-making, making quick results as insightful as they are impactful.