Fifteen Eighty Four

Why Analytics Matters Now More Than Ever

In today’s world, data and algorithms are everywhere, but real impact comes not from numbers alone—it comes from how we use them. That belief is at the heart of my new book, Insight-Driven Problem Solving: Analytics Science to Improve the World. The book was born out of years of working with healthcare systems, governments, and organizations across sectors, where I saw both the transformative potential of analytics and the widespread misunderstandings that limit its use.

I wrote this book to bridge the gap between technical tools and meaningful impact. Too often, analytics is treated as a purely technical exercise—something for coders, statisticians, or engineers. But analytics science is fundamentally about asking the right questions, interpreting evidence responsibly, and using insights to guide better decisions. By combining fields such as artificial intelligence, operations research, optimization, statistics, and economics, we can create solutions that don’t just crunch numbers but genuinely improve lives. My aim was to write an accessible guide that captures the “big ideas” of analytics science—ideas that, once understood, can empower anyone to create real change.

I believe that every branch of science has a handful of central, big-picture concepts that shape its impact. Analytics is no different. If readers grasp these concepts, they’ll be equipped not only to advance their careers—whether as entrepreneurs, leaders, or innovators—but also to contribute solutions to some of society’s most pressing challenges. Many of the heroes highlighted in the book show how mastering these ideas can lead to breakthroughs that are remembered for generations.

Analytics for Today’s Biggest Challenges

The timing for this book is no accident. We live in an era of staggering complexity, where the problems we face are deeply interconnected and high stakes. Consider healthcare: inefficient systems lead to long wait times, misallocated resources, and inequities in patient outcomes. Analytics can help optimize hospital operations, reduce delays, and personalize care. Or think about public policy: analytics can guide smarter interventions that save both money and lives. Even in tackling global issues like climate change, analytics provides a way to cut through uncertainty and chart effective strategies.

At the same time, the rise of artificial intelligence offers both risks and opportunities. To harness AI responsibly, we need to ground its use in a careful understanding of analytics science—knowing not just what these tools can do, but when and how to use them. Without that grounding, we risk misapplication, unintended consequences, and missed opportunities. Done right, however, analytics offers a framework to bring clarity to complexity and unlock solutions that once seemed out of reach.

Beyond Numbers: A Human-Centered Mindset

If there is one message I hope readers take away, it’s this: analytics is not about numbers; it’s about impact. Insight-driven problem solving begins with curiosity and a genuine desire to improve the world. Technical skills like coding and modeling are important, but they are only part of the picture. To truly make a difference, we must understand the context of the problem, challenge our assumptions, and communicate findings in ways that inspire action. This book is written for anyone who wants to make a human-centered impact—whether in healthcare, business, government, or beyond. By blending analytical approaches with purpose, readers will not just learn methods; they will gain a mindset for using insights to make the world better.

Title: Insight-Driven Problem Solving

ISBN: 9781009379144

Author: Soroush Saghafian