The data-driven era has long dominated the workplace — with leaders and companies actively exploring how to leverage data as an accelerator to growth, revenue, and overall organizational vitality.

In fact, while executives contend with challenging economic and macro conditions, many view data and AI as strategic assets to navigate the turbulence, with 86% of executives planning to invest in AI and advanced analytics for cost reductions in customer service, sales and marketing, and supply chains.

Over the last few years, SQA Group has doubled down on helping organizations turn their data into a growth level — from illuminating dark data insights to find hidden monetization opportunities to re-engineering processes and workflows through the lens of automation and AI to standing up scalable data ecosystem foundations. To help us continue to expand the reach and impact of our Data & Advanced Analytics practice, we’re thrilled to welcome Jason Chisholm, VP of Business Development, to the team!

With deep roots in helping companies navigate technology transformation initiatives that drive business impact, Jason brings a unique blend of technology & data fluency, transformational leadership, and bridge-building acumen to the table. We caught up with Jason to explore how companies can navigate the AI era, modernize responsibly, and unlock impact through data.

 

Your career has been deeply anchored in digital transformation, data strategy, and technical innovation. How do you see those threads coming together in your next chapter at SQA Group?

It’s been a natural evolution. I started my career as a business analyst consultant, helping organizations align technology, processes, and procedures to drive meaningful transformation. Over the years, I’ve watched the arc of innovation shift — from compute power to the rise of the Internet of Things to today’s landscape where data is the core driver of value.

That progression has shaped how I approach every challenge: start with the business goal, then work backwards to identify the right technologies to support it. That’s why I’ve been so excited about joining SQA Group. There’s a shared belief here that data is central to value creation — but also an understanding that it doesn’t operate in a vacuum. It lives within a broader ecosystem of systems, tools, and human behaviors. And that’s the space I’ve worked in throughout my career — bridging business strategy with the technical capabilities needed to bring it to life.

 

Throughout your career, you’ve worked with leading companies on driving forth critical data and technology initiatives. What’s the most meaningful project you’ve been a part of?

It might sound a little cliché, but to me, every project is meaningful. Each initiative I’ve worked on has been tied to an important objective for the client, whether it was helping a biotech company bring a new treatment to trial, enabling a manufacturer to accelerate time to market, or supporting an organization’s expansion into a new region. Every project matters to someone. There’s always a decision behind it — someone choosing to allocate budget, time, and resources because they believe in the goal. And being part of that is meaningful.

But when I really reflect on impact, it’s not just about the project outcomes. It’s about the ripple effect — the dual impact we have both externally and internally. On the client side, we help leaders bring visions to life, overcome challenges, and create measurable value. But internally, we’re creating opportunities for incredibly talented people to do what they do best.

We’re enabling  tech practitioners to find meaningful work and solve complex problems. We’re creating moments where individuals get to shine — where they get to have their hero moment. And that doesn’t just happen for our clients. It happens for our team too.

 

Where do you see organizations getting stuck when trying to move from data collection to insight gathering to execution?

One of the biggest places organizations get stuck is in the space between analysis and action. There’s often a kind of paralysis that sets in — too many tools, too much data, and not enough clarity on how it all connects. I was talking to a business leader recently who said that every other week, someone on his team is suggesting a new tool. It becomes overwhelming. Instead of moving forward, you’re stuck evaluating options.

At the same time, leaders are trying to wrap their heads around what AI means for their organization — but that conversation gets complicated when it’s happening alongside a flood of new technologies. What’s often missing is a guide: someone who understands the landscape, knows how to organize data, and can help define a real strategy.

And here’s what many organizations forget: modernization isn’t just about deploying new systems. It’s about understanding the full ecosystem of how people work, interact, and make decisions. It’s as much a humanization initiative as it is a technical one.

At SQA Group, we’re building the capabilities to guide organizations through that entire journey — from defining data strategies and aligning cross-functional teams to ensuring adoption and uncovering the signals that matter most. The key is meeting businesses where they are, helping them identify what’s missing, and turning that insight into action.

 

What trends are you watching closely in the world of data and analytics?

One of the biggest trends I’m watching is the journey to AI — not just the buzzword, but the real operational shift. AI isn’t about replacing humans; it’s about accelerating how we process and connect existing information. But it only works with a strong data foundation. For AI to drive real value, organizations need to address their data estate. Some are further along in this journey, while others are still grappling with fragmented, unstructured, or shadow data. Many are now realizing that disorganized data isn’t just a nuisance — it’s a blocker to AI adoption.

Another dimension of AI I’m watching closely is how we think about ethics, accessibility, and security. I once heard someone describe the lifecycle of tech as: first, we invent something to solve a problem; then, we figure out how to monetize it; and only later do we worry about regulating it. That’s where we are with AI right now. It’s out in the wild, and only now are we fully grappling with issues like bias, misinformation, and ethical use.

As a parent, I see how easily younger generations are adopting AI tools — for everything from writing reports to researching ideas. But it raises important questions around source validation, digital responsibility, and long-term habits. The same goes for accessibility. We need to ensure that everyone has access  because diverse input leads to better, more accurate outcomes. And finally, security, which cannot be an afterthought. We’re entering uncharted territory and committing to vigilance is key.

It’s not just about building smart systems, but doing it responsibly and with the future in mind.

 

What are the top conversations you find yourself in today?

Of course, one of the most common questions I’m getting right now is: Why SQA Group? Why did I join? Why now? What does your firm specialize in, and why should a company choose to partner with us?

This conversation alone highlights why SQA Group stands out. Organizations today need partners who can truly adapt to their evolving needs — not just in words, but in structure and execution. While many firms make that promise, few are built to actually deliver on it.

Larger firms are incredibly defined in their processes. There’s less room to pivot quickly or shape a solution around a client’s specific challenge. In contrast, SQA Group can be flexible not just with individual client problems, but in how we respond to broader market shifts.

Yes, every client is unique — but the reality is that about 80% of organizations are wrestling with the same core data and analytics challenges. The remaining 20% is where their differentiation lives. Our position right now allows us to study those shared trends and build solutions that speak to the moment.

What excites me most is that we’re doing this at a critical inflection point — when the need for modern data strategies and AI readiness has never been greater. We’re not bound by decades of legacy processes. We’re agile, and we’re building with today’s needs in mind. That creates a rare opportunity for companies to not only partner with us, but to help shape the partnership itself — to co-create solutions, influence the services we deliver, and truly build something future-facing together.

 

From scattered data to strategic advantage, the leap forward starts with asking the right questions — and having the right partner by your side. At SQA Group, we help you make sense of the noise, build clarity, and design for what’s next.

Curious what that could look like for your business? Let’s start the conversation — reach out to Jason to chart your course forward.