# Data-Driven Decision Making: From Vanity Metrics to Real Growth

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/humans-of-growth-stories-strategies-behind-business-growth-business-development-7523269/data-driven-decision-making-from-vanity-metrics-to-real-growth
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/humans-of-growth-stories-strategies-behind-business-growth-business-development-7523269/data-driven-decision-making-from-vanity-metrics-to-real-growth.md
Podcast: [Humans of Growth: Stories & Strategies Behind Business Growth & Business Development](https://stenobird.com/podcast/humans-of-growth-stories-strategies-behind-business-growth-business-development-7523269)
Published: 2026-04-14T09:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://perisson.podbean.com/e/data-driven-decision-making-from-vanity-metrics-to-real-growth/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/quzjqikxafxife6e/LizRoss_ShiftParadigm.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/humans-of-growth-stories-strategies-behind-business-growth-business-development-7523269/episodes/data-driven-decision-making-from-vanity-metrics-to-real-growth
Duration seconds: 2353

## Resource

If you can’t clearly explain why growth is happening — or why it’s not — you’re headed towards disaster.In this episode of Humans of Growth, I sit down with Liz Ross, CEO of Shift Paradigm, to unpack what really breaks inside growing companies long before revenue flatlines.We talk about why so many leaders believe they’re practicing data-driven decision making — when they’re actually operating on anecdotes, incomplete dashboards, and siloed reporting. Marketing celebrates MQLs. Sales pushes for pipeline. Leadership stares at lagging revenue. And somewhere in the middle, growth gets muddy.This conversation dives into:✔ Why marketing and sales alignment breaks down in B2B organizations✔ How data silos quietly distort your understanding of performance✔ The concept of a “golden record” and building a true source of truth✔ Why organic leads can outperform paid channels — and how to prove it✔ Why attribution debates often distract from the real question: did the business grow?We also explore the rising role of AI in business strategy — and why AI won’t save companies from bad judgment. In fact, it exposes it. When AI can generate answers instantly, the competitive advantage shifts to leaders who ask better questions, challenge assumptions, and decide what not to do.If growth feels heavier, messier, or more confusing than it should…If dashboards are full but clarity is missing…If your teams are busy but results feel inconsistent…This episode will help you see what’s actually in the way.______________________RESOURCES:Get help finding the right marketing partner. Learn more about Shift Paradigm here.

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