Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacqueline DeStefano-Tangorra, CPA, CFE, MBA.

Hi Jacqueline, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started my career as a financial auditor at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), where I spent five years honing my skills in financial statement auditing. During that time, I also earned my CPA license and became a Certified Fraud Examiner. But you know, life has a funny way of steering you towards your true passions. As I worked with data day in and day out, I found myself increasingly drawn to the world of business intelligence and technology consulting. This fascination led me to transition into a BI technology consultant role at PwC for two years. It was during this time that I realized I had stumbled upon something I truly loved – using data to tell compelling stories and solve complex business problems. But here’s where things get interesting. The global pandemic hit, and like many others, I found myself reflecting on my career path. That’s when I decided to dip my toes into the freelancing world through Upwork. I started taking on technology and data analysis projects, and let me tell you, it was exhilarating! As my client base grew, I had this lightbulb moment. I thought, “Why not turn this into something bigger?” So, in 2021, I took the plunge and founded Omni Business Intelligence Solutions (OBIS). It was a bold move, leaving the security of my corporate job, but I knew in my gut it was the right decision. Since then, OBIS has grown beyond my wildest dreams. We’ve worked with over 170 clients across more than 40 industries worldwide. We’ve been featured and interviewed by journalists at publications like The Wall Street Journal, Business Insider, CNBC, and even NASDAQ. And you know what? I’m having the time of my life solving complex business problems for my clients and continuously upgrading my skills. But beyond my title as Founder, today, I’m not just a business owner; I’m also an AI contributor to Entrepreneur magazine, a professional and compensated speaker on AI topics for businesses, and I’m constantly looking for ways to innovate and push the boundaries of what’s possible with AI and data analytics. Today, I can confidently say that I do what I love, and the best part is I am just starting on this journey.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, and I think it’s important to acknowledge that. Growing a business has presented its fair share of challenges, especially in areas that didn’t come as naturally to me. While I’ve always been passionate about technology and data, aspects like marketing, finance management, and operational logistics were initially daunting. To navigate these complexities, I made a conscious decision to plug in experts who excel in those areas. Surrounding myself with knowledgeable contractors and mentors has been invaluable. Their insights have helped me learn quickly and grow more effectively than I could have on my own. There have been late nights filled with work, moments where I missed important events, and times when I forgot crucial details. Each of these experiences taught me valuable lessons about time management and prioritization. It’s been a journey of personal growth as well; I’ve learned to become a more present individual, focusing on what truly matters both in my business and personal life. Entrepreneurship is incredibly challenging, but I’ve come to realize that I am cut out for it. One of the most invigorating aspects of this journey is the autonomy it offers. I get to build the ecosystem in which I thrive—choosing my clients, my contractors, and my partners. This sense of agency is a powerful reminder that despite the struggles, I’m creating something meaningful. In the end, while the road has been rocky at times, each struggle has equipped me with tools for success and growth. It’s all part of an incredible journey that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Omni Business Intelligence Solutions (OBIS), we specialize in transforming data into actionable insights that empower organizations to make informed decisions. Founded in 2021, OBIS was born out of my passion for data and technology, combined with a vision to help businesses navigate the complexities of data-driven decision-making.

Our core offerings include:
a) <b>Data Ingestion and Cleansing: </b>We ensure that the data our clients rely on is accurate, consistent, and ready for analysis, setting a solid foundation for all data-driven decisions.
b) <b>Data Visualization and Storytelling:</b> We craft compelling visualizations that tell the story behind the numbers, making complex data accessible and understandable to stakeholders at all levels.
c) <b>Custom Dashboards and Reporting:</b> We build tailored dashboards that provide real-time insights, helping clients track performance metrics and KPIs effectively, enabling swift and informed decision-making.
d) <b>Predictive Analysis and Performance Benchmarking:</b> Our team employs advanced analytics techniques to identify trends and patterns that guide strategic decisions, giving our clients a competitive edge.
e) <b>Generative AI Strategy and Implementation:</b> We help businesses harness the power of generative AI, developing custom solutions that automate processes, enhance creativity, and drive innovation across various departments.
f) <b>Data Strategy and Architecture Analysis:</b> We assess and optimize your data infrastructure, ensuring it’s scalable, secure, and aligned with your business objectives, setting you up for long-term success in the data-driven world.
g) <b>AI-Powered Process Automation:</b> We identify opportunities for automation within your organization and implement AI-driven solutions that streamline operations, reduce costs, and free up your team to focus on high-value tasks.
h) <b>Data Governance and Compliance Consulting:</b> We help establish robust data governance frameworks and ensure your data practices comply with relevant regulations, building trust with your customers and stakeholders.What sets us apart from others in the field is our unique blend of creativity and technical expertise. I believe that data storytelling is an art form, and I strive to infuse creativity into every project. This approach not only engages stakeholders but also drives home the importance of the insights we provide. At OBIS, we understand that every client is unique. That’s why we take a personalized approach to each project, ensuring our solutions align with their specific needs. Whether it’s a small startup or a large enterprise, we work collaboratively to develop strategies that drive growth and innovation. Additionally, we are continuously evolving. We’re currently exploring ways to integrate more unique and cutting-edge use cases of AI and machine learning capabilities into our offerings, which will further enhance our ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Without a doubt, yes. The pandemic was a real game-changer, and I’ve learned some incredibly valuable lessons from it. First off, let’s talk about seizing opportunities. While many people saw the pandemic as a business destroyer, I saw it as a door-opener. It was the perfect moment to pivot and build a remote-first business. When the world went virtual, I jumped on the chance to create OBIS as a fully remote company. This decision allowed us to tap into a global talent pool and serve clients worldwide without geographical constraints. It’s amazing how a crisis can spark innovation if you’re willing to embrace change! Transparency and communication became my mantras during this time. In a remote environment, you can’t rely on water cooler chats or impromptu desk visits. I learned the importance of overcommunicating – not just with clients, but with my team as well. We implemented daily check-ins, weekly team meetings, and monthly all-hands sessions. These practices created a culture of openness and trust, which I believe has been crucial to our success. Honestly, the whole crisis reinforced my belief in the power of technology. We’ve been able to build strong relationships with clients we’ve never met in person, thanks to video conferencing and collaboration tools. It’s shown me that with the right tech stack and a dash of creativity, you can create meaningful connections from anywhere in the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.omnibisolutions.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omnibisolutions/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088141625188
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obis/
• Twitter: https://x.com/omnibisolutions
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@omnibisolutions