Bolatito Alli

Bolatito Alli has seen the evidence: Data-driven decision making is a career changer.

As a senior associate in Strategy and Transformation at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Canada, Alli drives large-scale transformation initiatives, from process redesign to technology adoption, across client organizations. But introducing new tools and ways of working can be difficult without the right approach.

“I see this drive towards AI both in the business sector and in my own organization, which is very AI-forward,” said Alli, who joined the Toronto practice after her time with PwC Nigeria. “Having the technical capabilities to understand how technology works and to make decisions based on the insights we get – I want to drive that conversation. I want the confidence to say, ‘let’s make this decision based on data.’”

Built on Better Decisions

Alli sought to complement her strategy and change management experience with stronger data and analytical skills to improve decision-making and clearly communicate insights.

“That’s what really drove me into a program like this – seeing how people make decisions with data and how it influences the way they approach work,” said Alli, who already had an impressive list of certifications before entering the Master of Management: Analytics (MM-A) program at Ivey Business School.

A full MBA was among her options, but conversations with leaders and Ivey alumni encouraged her to explore the more focused MM-A program, which delivered what she needed in a one-year blended format. With a strong balance of case studies, group work, and hands-on technical learning, Alli valued the “bridge” the program provided between technical data work and storytelling.

She sums up the in-class experience in one word: Amazing!

“The case studies will be one of the most important benefits of the program,” she said. “You discuss the case with people from different industries, and you learn entirely new ways to approach problems.”

The professors add another dimension to her learning experience.

“We have had great professors so far. They are knowledgeable and passionate about their work,” said Alli, who is halfway through the program. “They guide conversations and ensure everyone has the opportunity to contribute.”

Changing How She Leads

Balancing a full-time career with assignments, quizzes, and group work makes for an intense workload. Still, the impact is clear in both her coursework and professional life.

She sees firsthand how data is reshaping her decision-making – shifting from primarily qualitative reasoning to a more balanced approach that combines qualitative insights with data-backed evidence.

“I see the benefit in how I work, how I share ideas and how I communicate with the people around me. I’ve truly been enjoying that.”

As her organization and others continue to integrate AI into their operations, the program has also deepened her understanding of responsible AI use in business.

“You’re not just using AI, but you’re understanding what is happening in the background. The program is giving me that perspective.”

The experience has broadened her career aspirations to include AI adoption, data-driven transformation, and business intelligence roles.

“As a leader, you want to make great decisions. How do you do that? You use insights from data. I feel like the program is helping me do exactly that.”

By linking leadership, strategy, and data to support evidence-based decisions, Alli has already transformed the way she works. And as she continues in the program, that impact will only grow.