In this digital age where information is widespread, data is more accessible whether in news, reports and research. In our everyday life, decisions we make are always based on information and data we had at that moment. It is an integral part in a rational sense to make sure that information is accurate and values the truth.

In this week’s episode,  Dr. Annette Shtivelband sits with us as she walks us through the phases to make data-driven decisions. She is the founder and principal consultant with an organization called Research Evaluation and Consulting and an experienced researcher in her field. Her area of specialization includes research methods, data collection, survey development and validation, and various statistical analysis techniques. Whether you seek insights on how data and knowledge makes improvements in education, entrepreneurship and life, this podcast is for you.

 
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Listen to the podcast here:

Importance of Analyzing Correct Data, and Critical Thinking with Dr. Annette Shtivelband
Welcome to Action’s Antidotes, your antidote to the mindset that keeps you settling for less. One thing that’s become more and more prevalent in our lives in recent years is data and analytics. A lot of organizations are making the push to become more data driven and I personally have a historic career path in data and analytics and also helping organizations achieve this data-driven state. But, of course, there is the proper balance in how we use our data and what kind of role it is to have in our lives. My guest today, Annette Shtivelband, is the founder and principal consultant with an organization called Research Evaluation and Consulting.

 
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Annette, welcome to the program.

 

Thank you, Stephen, and it’s Research Evaluation Consulting. 

 

Oh, did I accidentally put the and in there? 

 

Yeah, we can start over. And it’s Dr. Annette Shtivelband because I worked really hard for that credential.

 

Dr. Annette Shtivelband. Now, Dr. Annette Shtivelband, your PhD, tell me a little bit about that story because sometimes people see education and entrepreneurship as somewhat different paths so definitely a unique perspective from your end there. 

 

Absolutely. So I think, for me, I have always wanted to be the type of person who could use knowledge to make improvements and make changes. I think a part of me felt that getting the doctorate would help position me well to have the knowledge and the expertise and the technical skills, but I do not think that the PhD program itself helped me be prepared for the entrepreneurial journey. And I didn’t really expect it to, to be honest with you. I think a lot of it is going to be trial and error, but I think that it helped build my confidence and, also, I think that, as I interact with clients, having a doctor before your name is really handy. 

 

A lot of people talk about the manner in which you present yourself and although there’s a lot of people that wish that that was not really a thing, it really is. The first impression, whether it be the name, whether it be the signature on your email, whether it be the shirt you’re wearing, or anything else does seem to make an impact and so you having that doctor next to your name, how do you think that that has impacted the way clients or potential clients see you in your business? 

 

Absolutely. So on a personal level, I’ve always looked relatively young. It’s kind of comical, it’s flattering, it’s annoying. As I’ve gotten older, I like that I look younger, but, for the longest time, I think earlier in my life, people may not have taken me as seriously. When you enter a room or you have a meeting with the client and you speak well, you’re able to answer questions, you’re able to show your knowledge but you also have that credential, I do find that people take you seriously. I’ve even had situations before as a business owner where we might submit a request for proposal or RFP,