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Data or Gut Feeling?

Writer's picture: Sophie BoutelegierSophie Boutelegier


The annual Mentor Gathering at Swissnex San Francisco
The annual Mentor Gathering at Swissnex San Francisco

Yesterday, I attended the Swissnex Mentor Annual Gathering. It is always an honor to be part of a group of professionals with diverse backgrounds who share a passion for helping companies succeed in the U.S. market.


The highlight of the evening was a roundtable discussion on "The Future of Human Decision-Making: Data or Gut Feeling?" led by Matteo Cariglia. AI’s rapid advancements are exciting but raise questions about their limits. To what extent can AI replace human thinking? How heavily should we rely on data to make decisions?


While data provides valuable insights, I believe it is sometimes overrated. Take, for instance, Steve Jobs’ decision to open Apple Stores. At the time, data showed that brick-and-mortar stores were dying, suggesting the idea was doomed to fail. Yet Jobs trusted his intuition, believing that a unique, experience-driven retail environment would succeed. He was right; his gut feeling proved stronger than the data.


This story highlights an important point: principles and intuition can sometimes trump data. As Gert described it, we need “informed intuition.” Data alone isn’t enough, human thinking is essential to interpret and make sense of it. Another participant added that when combined with creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking, data truly comes to life and becomes actionable.


It was a lively and engaging conversation, touching on a topic that feels more relevant than ever. Thank you to [Organizer A], [Organizer B], and [Organizer C] for having me as a mentor and for bringing together such an inspiring community. It’s always a pleasure to connect with the Swiss ecosystem and contribute to this vibrant network of innovation and growth.


Ooh, and I never grow tired of the amazing view from the Swissnex office!



What’s your opinion? Data or gut feeling in decision-making? I’d love to hear your thoughts!


 

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