In this episode of the Data Insights Podcast, ConverSight CEO Ganesh Gandhieswaran sits down with Ben Hussey, Co-CEO of Katana, to discuss how modern, cloud-native systems and AI are redefining inventory management for today’s SMBs.

From the pain points of managing stock in Excel to the rise of composable tech stacks that integrate Shopify, QuickBooks, and Katana, Ganesh and Ben unpack the real-world challenges of scaling operations, managing volatility, and improving visibility across channels.

Together, they explore how AI is transforming supply chain decision-making—from automating repetitive warehouse tasks to forecasting demand, optimizing cost structures, and even communicating directly with suppliers.

From his early days co-founding Catching Clouds, the first e-commerce accounting firm, to helping hundreds of founders optimize their tech stacks, Scott has spent over a decade guiding entrepreneurs out of the 100-hour work week and into sustainable growth. If you’re running a growing e-commerce business—or advising one—this episode will help you see why accurate financials, integrated data, and AI-powered decision support aren’t optional anymore. Scott shares practical steps to move from reactive decision-making to a structured system that supports long-term growth, resilience, and even M&A readiness.

The conversation traces ConverSight’s journey from building an AI-powered report writer to launching Athena Threads, a conversational AI that not only understands your business—but recommends and prioritizes actions to optimize it. Together, they explore how LLMs, AI agents, and unified platforms are accelerating decision-making like never before.

Presented by ConverSight.

Sonali, a trailblazing entrepreneur and investor, is the dynamic force behind Augment Ventures, a firm dedicated to nurturing startups that revolutionize foundational industries with cutting-edge technology. With a career spanning over two decades, Sonali has been pivotal in guiding businesses from inception to global success. Notably, she led Rediff.com, India's first internet company, to a NASDAQ listing. Since relocating to the U.S. in 2001, Sonali has been instrumental in founding Augment Ventures and shaping it into a recognized leader in venture capital, investing early in and helping scale one of Michigan’s five unicorns, LLamasoft.. Her extensive board roles and advisory position at the University of Michigan reflect her commitment to fostering innovation and mentorship. A holder of a BS in Statistics and an MBA, Sonali's leadership extends beyond the boardroom, balancing her professional achievements with her roles as a technologist, traveler, and mother in Ann Arbor.

Augment Ventures is an early-stage venture capital fund investing in companies at the intersection of digitization and data that are transforming traditional industries. Augment seeks mission-driven founders with diverse teams that bring intellectual rigor to solving big, real-world problems. Augment invests in B2B SaaS companies across verticals that are changing the way people live, work, and play around the world. www.augmentventures.com

Specialties: B2B Software, Digitization, Data Management, Supply Chain, Logistics, Fintech, Climatetech

Mallory possesses extensive, cross-industry experience with data analytics, predictive modeling and customer experience in organizations large and small. As a CX Analyst, Mallory supports customer-centric culture through data; using her degree in analytics combined with my background in market research, Mallory analyzes and interprets customer and organizational data to derive insights and identify customer pain points.

Mallory excels at translating this data into meaningful and actionable results.

Allison Yokum's career is a testament to her resilience, strategic acumen, and dedication. With a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Oklahoma State University, and over 15 years of experience in purchasing and inventory management, she has continued to advance her skills and expertise. 

Currently, Allison is the Director of Purchasing + Distribution at The Galley, where she led the charge in implementing an innovative inventory management system, showcasing her ability to drive change and improve efficiencies. Her professional journey mirrors her personal life's dedication and strength. She shares three daughters with a wonderful husband and is embodying the essence of empowerment and independence she wishes to instill in them.

Allison's life, a blend of impactful professional achievements and profound personal joy, underscores her journey not just as a professional but as a mentor, leader, and beacon of inspiration.

Presented by ConverSight

Sponsored by ConverSight

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1.) Control cash flow with advanced visibility of key metrics and business insights

2.) Gain predictive analytics layered with personalized and context relevant to an individual’s role

3.) Understand the narrative of the numbers through detailed data stories that explain the how, why and what’s next