April 11, 2026

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In today’s AI-driven world, data driven decision making has become a leadership imperative. Yet many leaders are discovering that more data doesn’t automatically lead to better decisions.

In this episode, Mike Pelfini explores a deeper question: What if the quality of our decisions depends less on the data itself—and more on the person interpreting it?

To read it as a blog
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While organizations invest heavily in analytics and AI tools, the inner world of the decision-maker is often overlooked. Mindset, emotional awareness, and the ability to pause and reflect all shape how data is understood, trusted, and ultimately acted upon.

This conversation reframes data driven decision making as not just a technical capability, but a human one.

Mike unpacks:

• Why data driven decision making, on its own, is necessary but not sufficient
• How leading from within strengthens clarity, judgment, and perspective
• The role of self-awareness, vulnerability, and emotional regulation in decision quality
• Why trust, psychological safety, and culture amplify—or undermine—data insights
• How leaders can navigate AI-driven complexity without overwhelming their teams

 

At the heart of it is a simple but powerful idea: better leaders make better decisions. When leaders deepen their self-leadership—expanding their mindset, heart set, and skill set—they create the conditions for data to become truly meaningful.

This episode invites you to step back and consider not just how you use data, but who you are as the one using it—and how that shapes the future you’re creating.

About the Author

Dr. Mike Pelfini is the founder of ForeMeta, where he prepares leaders for breakthrough transformation. As an executive coach and Vistage Chair, he works with CEOs and leaders of small to mid-sized companies and nonprofits to deepen self-leadership, strengthen decision-making, and create the conditions for meaningful organizational change. Through 1:1 coaching and peer advisory groups, he helps leaders expand their mindset, heart set, and skill set so they can create new possibilities for themselves, their organizations, and their communities.

© Mike Pelfini 2026, all rights reserved.

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To read the transcript of this episode as a blog post (Click Here)