Data is not important. It’s what you do with it that makes it meaningful.

A Conversation with Business Analytics Expert and Professor, Gauthier Vasseur

“Data is not important. It’s what you do with it that makes it meaningful. Data is only valuable when people use it to explore, learn, and make better decisions to drive change in their businesses, their communities, and the world at large,” Gauthier Vasseur shared in a recent conversation.

He emphasized that many people are not comfortable using data, and his mission is to change the perception that data is hard, helping people discover how interesting and impactful data can be. He does this by teaching people how to explore data and use it to decide on actions that drive change.

Gauthier's Background

Gauthier Vasseur holds several roles:

• ​Executive Director of the Fisher Center for Business Analytics at the University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business
• ​President of the Alliance for Inclusive AI (AIAI)
• ​Instructor for universities and organizations worldwide
• ​Author of “Becoming a Data Pioneer: Understanding and Exploiting Data in Business” (published in French)
• ​Surfer and astrophotographer

He leads business analytics workshops and has taught thousands of students from 30 countries how to work with data to drive change and pursue better outcomes across business, government, and community. At the core of his work is a passion for innovation driven by data.

Four Megatrends Driving Change

1. 1.Data Creation vs. Usage: An unprecedented amount of data is being created, but only 20% is used to make business decisions.
2. 2.Skills Gap: More people want to use data to make intelligent decisions, but less than 20% have the technical skills to explore and use data.
3. 3.Sophisticated Analytics Demand: There’s a growing appetite for more sophisticated analytics to solve business problems, but only those with data science degrees can use the tools to build predictive models and perform prescriptive analytics.
4. 4.Ethical and Inclusive Analytics: There’s a growing imperative for humane, ethical, and inclusive analytics.

Interview Highlights

Q: How did you develop such a passion for data analytics?

GV: I started as the king of Excel, then discovered the power of data and analytics for better decision-making. After a decade in Silicon Valley with companies like Oracle and Google, I decided to pass on my knowledge. I wanted to empower others, especially those held back by a lack of data skills, to solve complex problems efficiently.

Q: Tell me about your first experience with The Pyramid Decision Intelligence Platform.

GV: When I was introduced to Pyramid, it was love at first sight. It doesn’t require extensive technical training and supports the learning journey by focusing on exploring and using data, not technology. I now use Pyramid in all my classes to empower a diverse range of people to get comfortable with data.

Q: How do you use Pyramid in your courses?

GV: Pyramid empowers professionals and students alike, especially those stuck in Excel, to explore and use data. I’ve taught executives and young people in underserved communities, and it changes lives at every level. It opens doors to new possibilities.

Q: Why Pyramid?

GV: I believe in no-code for business. Businesspeople are not coders, and no one should expect them to be. Pyramid automates the technical work needed to explore and use data, enabling data capture, management, modeling, and prep, as well as advanced visuals and no-code AI features. It works on any machine via a browser, covering the entire analytics chain from data to decision.

Q: Tell me more about the people you teach.

GV: I’ve taught over 2,000 students and professionals in 30 countries, from 16-year-old girls to senior executives. Hands-on experience with data is essential, and Pyramid makes it straightforward. In five minutes, students understand how data works.

Q: What is the ultimate outcome after someone completes one of your classes?

GV: At the youngest level, students realize data isn’t complex or challenging. They often say, “You made us love data. I never knew data could be so interesting.” For C-suite executives, it’s a game changer—a mindset shift. Pyramid is intuitive and easy to use, showing business answers live.

Q: Why is diversity important in analytics?

GV: Good analytics requires a diverse team. Homogeneous groups may not find the right questions or challenge assumptions. Diversity brings innovative ideas and a broader understanding of a global world. We all have a piece of the puzzle.

Q: If you’re teaching these skills to diverse people, can they apply them anywhere?

GV: Absolutely. In 15 hours, people become proficient with Pyramid. Once you have the skill to use and explore data, you can go wherever you want. My role is to provide the platform and skills to make the best decisions possible.

Q: Is learning data skills like learning to ride a bike?

GV: Exactly. At first, it’s intimidating, but once you learn, it becomes second nature. The point isn’t the bike, but where you’re going. Data is the same—I want to make data your bike.

Q: What is your favorite part of empowering people with data skills?

GV: I once taught a 15-year-old girl who realized that reports should drive change. That wisdom—don’t report on data unless it drives change—captures the essence of why we work with data.

Gauthier’s work with business and future world leaders is supported by his “Step Into Data Classes” with Berkeley AIAI and UC Berkeley Fisher Center, aiming to transform the path from data to decision.