Creating Transformation Through a Culture of Inquiry with Sebastian Wernicke

How can leaders use data to make better decisions and drive real change? In this episode, Kevin talks with Sebastian Wernicke about why so many organizations invest heavily in data and AI yet still struggle to achieve breakthrough results. Sebastian explains the difference between being data-driven, data-frustrated, and data-inspired. He believes that data should not only confirm and optimize what organizations already do but also challenge assumptions, reveal unexpected possibilities, and inspire new directions. They explore common myths about data, including the belief that it is always objective, that deeper analysis will automatically reveal the right answer, and that complex decisions can be reduced to a simple yes or no. Sebastian also shares why leaders must balance depth with decisiveness and become more comfortable with uncertainty and probability. They also discuss the opportunities and risks of AI, particularly its tendency to fill in gaps and generate appealing answers based on hidden assumptions. About Sebastian Wernicke Sebastian Wernicke, Ph.D., is the author of Data Inspired: Building an Organizational Culture of Inquiry for Lasting Transformation. He is a partner at Oxera Consulting, one of Europe's oldest economics and finance consultancies, where he leads the data science and AI practice. Sebastian is a leading expert in data and AI strategy and a former Chief Data Scientist. For two decades, he has guided organizations around the world to achieve breakthrough transformation through the power of data. His ability to make complex topics around data accessible, engaging, and actionable has made Sebastian a sought-after speaker and workshop facilitator. His three acclaimed TED Talks have reached over 5 million viewers. For more information, follow Sebastian Wernicke on LinkedIn or visit www.datainspired.org. Resources Mentioned Data Inspired: Building an Organizational Culture of Inquiry for Lasting Transformation by Sebastian Wernicke Flexible Leadership: Navigate Uncertainty and Lead with Confidence by Kevin Eikenberry  The Infinity Machine: Demis Hassabis, DeepMind, and the Quest for Superintelligence by Sebastian Mallaby Timestamps 0:00 Introduction — why "data driven" isn't the whole story 1:55 Meet Sebastian Wernicke & his book, Data Inspired 3:13 Why Sebastian wrote the book 6:02 Data driven vs. data frustrated vs. data inspired 10:33 The 3 myths about data — setting the stage 11:48 Myth #1: Data isn't objective truth 13:18 Myth #2: The three TV shows example 17:15 Myth #3: Data won't give you a clean yes-or-no 18:37 Embracing complexity (and getting comfortable with discomfort) 20:04 Why this is really a culture problem, not a tech problem 23:08 Balancing depth and decisiveness in decision-making 26:09 Machine learning vs. today's AI — what's actually different 30:29 Resisting the "AI will make it easy" temptation 32:09 Purpose first, data second 34:14 What Sebastian's reading & where to find him 36:19 Closing: what are you going to do about it? --- 🎧 Subscribe and Listen to the Remarkable Leadership Podcast Apple Podcasts: https://remarkablepodcast.com/applepodcasts  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4G4KyDG8rvNcvVVbgwKGIl  Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1ad13b5c-68f3-4a03-9a4a-e5f1485c5cb2/the-remarkable-leadership-podcast  iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-the-remarkable-leadership-30949517/  RSS: http://remarkablepodcast.libsyn.com/rss  Learn more about our offerings: ➡️ FREE NEWSLETTERS: Sign up for any of our newsletters: https://kevineikenberry.com/newsletters  ➡️ BOOK: Check out my latest book, Flexible Leadership: https://flexibleleadershipbook.com/  ➡️ LEADERSHIP WORKSHOPS: Sign up for any of our online workshops to help you become a better leader: https://kevineikenberry.com/store/?product_type=Workshops  ➡️ SPEAKING: Learn more about our Speaking opportunities for your next event: https://kevineikenberry.com/how-we-can-help-speaking/  My name is Kevin Eikenberry and I'm here to help you reach your goal as a leader and a human being with Remarkable TV and the Remarkable Leadership Podcast. I am also the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group. We provide speaking, training, consulting, and coaching services to organizations who believe in investing in their most valuable assets – their people. Whether we are leading a training workshop, speaking to a group, facilitating a planning meeting, consulting with a leadership team, helping with team building, writing or developing products, our vision will be clear in everything we do – We want to be Your Leadership Help Button. Connect with Kevin Eikenberry on Social Media: https://kevineikenberry.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevineikenberry  https://instagram.com/kevineikenberry  https://www.facebook.com/KevinEikenberryFanPage/  About Kevin Eikenberry: Kevin Eikenberry is the Chief Potential Officer of the Kevin Eikenberry Group, a world expert on leadership development, best-selling author, sought-after speaker, popular blogger, husband and dad, a fan of Purdue athletics and antique tractors (especially John Deere's). About The Remarkable Leadership Podcast: The Remarkable Leadership Podcast with Kevin Eikenberry is dedicated to all things leadership. Twice a week Kevin shares his thoughts about leadership development and ideas to help you lead more confidently and make a bigger difference for those you lead. He also has weekly conversations with leadership experts discussing a wide range of topics including teamwork, organizational culture, facilitating change, personal and organizational development, human potential and more.