Why AI Will Not Fix Broken Data Teams

Why AI Will Not Fix Broken Data Teams

From The Tech Trek by Elevano

May 1, 2026 · 23 min · Episode 661

About this episode

Mike Doll discusses the challenges faced by data teams and why AI cannot solve their operating model issues.

Most data teams do not have an AI problem yet. They have an operating model problem. Mike Doll, VP of Data at Guitar Center, joins The Tech Trek to talk about why analytics teams often become reactive ticket factories, and what it takes to turn data into a true business partnership. As companies push harder into AI, automation, and faster decision making, the foundation matters more than ever. If the data team is buried in scattered requests, unclear priorities, and dashboard maintenance, AI will not magically fix the problem. It may only expose it faster. Mike shares how modern data teams can rethink intake, structure analytics partnerships, separate quick BI needs from deeper analytical work, and create a more consultative model that helps the business answer harder questions. Key Takeaways • AI will not fix a broken data operating model. Teams still need clear intake, trusted data, business context, and a better way to prioritize work. • Data teams become ticket factories when every request is treated the same and stakeholders do not understand what happens after they ask for help. • BI and analytics serve different needs. Quick reporting should be fast and reliable, while…

People in this episode

Guest: Mike Doll

Topics covered

  • AI
  • data teams
  • operating model
  • analytics
  • business partnership
  • self service
  • reporting

Keywords

  • AI
  • data teams
  • analytics
  • business partnership
  • operating model
  • self service
  • reporting

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Guitar Center

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