In this episode of the Tech Waka Podcast, host Jakub sits down with Clarissa Côrtes Pires, Decision Science Capability Lead at Mercury NZ, to explore the intersection of science, creativity, and strategy. With a PhD in innovation management and a career spanning academia, startups, and large enterprises, Clarissa shares her journey into decision science, her experience leading a team of brilliant minds, and what it takes to turn complex research into actionable business outcomes.

You’ll hear about:

• Why innovation is more than just good ideas — it’s about impact.

• The difference between data science and decision science.

• How to manage PhDs and researchers in commercial environments.

• Career paths in decision science — and why everyone can be a scientist.

Whether you’re a tech leader, a data geek, or just AI-curious, this episode will inspire you to think differently about how decisions are made — and how teams can thrive at the edge of research and real-world impact.

The Career Journey Framework mentioned in the episode.