Strategy | Execution | Results
Our Story
Most organizations don’t fail because they lack data. They fail because leaders don’t trust it. Reports spark debate, dashboards collect dust, and major digital investments underdeliver.
At Great Lakes Analytics, we fix that. Our Data Trust Index is a proven framework that shows where trust is breaking down and gives leaders a clear roadmap to close the gaps.
From there, we help build the culture, governance, and systems that turn data into a strategic asset. The result isn’t just better dashboards, it’s confident decisions, cross-functional alignment, and a business that runs on trusted numbers.
We don’t chase trends or push tools for the sake of it. We operationalize data. We strengthen executive trust. And we create a culture where data is a core business function, not an afterthought.
To deliver lasting impact, we partner with a network of experts across business, finance, marketing, and technology. Together, we build solutions that are practical, aligned, and designed for the long term.
Meet Great Lakes Analytics
Stephen Gnidovec
Founder & Chief Data Strategist
Stephen helps leaders fix the biggest risk in their business: not trusting their data.
He has guided multiple digital transformations, moving organizations from fragmented reports to scalable, trusted insights. As the creator of the Data Trust Index and author of The Data Culture Handbook, Stephen’s approach always starts with the business first, then builds the culture, governance, and systems that give executives clarity and confidence in every decision.
Whether in the boardroom, the classroom, or alongside teams on the ground, Stephen is known for cutting through complexity and making data a reliable strategic asset.
In addition to his industry work, Stephen teaches graduate-level analytics and data strategy courses. He is also a published author and keynote speaker, delivering insights on building sustainable data cultures and leading with clarity in a complex digital landscape.
Education
Elmhurst University
MBA (2021)
Elmhurst University
M.S. Data Science & Analytics (2020)
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (2021)
Publications
The Data Culture Handbook (2025)
Building Confidence in Data: The Data Trust Index Framework (2025)
Core Capabilities
Enterprise Data Strategy,
Operational Analytics,
Marketing & Customer Analytics,
Data Quality, Predictive Modeling & Forecasting, Executive Enablement, and Decision Support
Specializations
Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Marketing, Finance, Customer Experience, and Continuous Improvement
The Great Lakes Network
Great Lakes Analytics brings clarity to your data so you can lead with confidence. The Great Lakes Network is a collective of expert partners who specialize in turning that clarity into action. Together, the Great Lakes Network helps organizations align insight with execution and deliver measurable results.
RLB Strategy is a team of marketing leaders with deep strategic, creative, and tactical expertise. As a virtual firm, RLB Strategy aligns the right talent to your goals, offering a nimble structure that delivers exactly what you need, when you need it.
Avad Consulting helps organizations clarify strategy, build execution systems, solve problems, and grow continuous improvement capability.