The Operational Analytics Conference featured a panel discussion on creating and maintaining a data-driven culture inside a company and team, which is one of the two core pillars of operational analytics. The panelists, including heads from various companies such as Billie, Upkeep, Figma, Instacart, and Yelp, discussed how to become data-driven, what happens when they finally get there, and how to maintain that culture in a rapidly changing environment where new people, technologies, and approaches flow in and out. They shared their experiences on common problems such as analysis paralysis, the weaponization of data, and credibility exercises, which can hinder the effectiveness of data-driven decision making. The discussion highlighted the importance of having a license for leaders to make decisions based on data while acknowledging potential flaws, and the need to define key business metrics consistently across executives to avoid spiraling conversations. The panel was described as fascinating and insightful, with smart people sharing their expertise on building successful data-driven cultures.