Intuition is like a machine learning “box.” The more data you feed it, the better and more accurate it becomes. Think about the moments when your intuition leads you to grab a bag of potato chips. It feels right, doesn’t it? That’s because, whether consciously or subconsciously, you’ve repeatedly trained your “box” to believe it’s a good choice.

I think blending intuition with data requires a structured yet flexible approach. I would start by using data to frame the context—identify trends, outliers, and patterns. Then, leverage intuition to interpret nuances that numbers can’t fully capture, such as market sentiment or cultural dynamics. For example, when entering a new market, data might highlight demand trends, while intuition can guide decisions on local preferences. So, I would validate intuitive insights with A/B testing or scenario planning to minimize risk. Finally, I would maintain a feedback loop—track outcomes and refine your decision-making process by learning what worked and why. This synergy ensures decisions are both informed and adaptive.

What we need to have is the wisdom to acknowledge what are the pros and cons of both, intuition and pure data insights. In a way, intuition is ultimately a neurological low volume data driven method. Our brains excel in finding certain patterns between seemingly unrelated information, so when we face new scenarios, our hunches pick up pieces of factual information and compare them to similarly shaped aspects of past experiences, even if the overall scenarios are completely unrelated. With data, we can compare large amounts of information, which gives us more statistical accuracy. So what do we do? We blend both: we use our neurological prowess to correlate seemingly unrelated data to come up with specific indicators for probability.

In my experience and opinion I have found that it’s best to combine data and intuition, starting with data analysis to identify patterns, then use intuition to interpret and fill gaps. From there you can develop and test hypotheses, balancing data-driven evidence with instinctual understanding. It is also important to stay open to feedback and adjust as needed. Furthermore, like most things in my life, I use visualizations and technology to enhance my understanding, and continuously learn to refine intuition. Allowing me to deeper reflect on the outcomes to inform future decisions, aiming for a balanced approach that leverages both insights for optimal results. The more you are right using this approach the more you trust your decisions.

intuition may not be correct all the time. although it gets better with experience. combining intuition with data helps with better decision making. Intuition is like seeing the bigger picture, but it also helps with navigating more specific circumstances. While data reveals the circumstances i.e. relevant detail about the situation at stake. Utilizing both in decision making process can minimize opportunity cost. For example, when an ICE car company want to invest in EV product they might encounter options like develop in house product, make a strategic alliance, or acquisition. Financial and market data assist intuition to the optimal decision.