A Podcast Series Sponsored by Gurobi
Optimization Catalyst
Where technology meets strategy and decisions get smarter.
Optimization Catalyst is a new podcast series sponsored by Gurobi, featuring conversations with global industry leaders who are using mathematical optimization to transform how their businesses operate. From supply chains to sustainability, this series reveals how organizations are solving their toughest challenges with data, technology, and advanced decision science.
Hosted by David O’Keefe in Collaboration with Gurobi Premier Partners
Each episode features an in-depth conversation between Gurobi’s Account Director for Partners, David O’Keefe, and key executives from top-performing companies — alongside Gurobi’s strategic partners — exploring real-world use cases of optimization in action.
What You’ll Learn
- How leading companies are applying optimization techniques to drive innovation
- Real-world use cases that highlight measurable impact
- Why optimization is critical for competitive advantage in a data-driven world
Who Should Listen
If you’re a business leader, data scientist, operations researcher, or decision-maker looking to unlock the power of optimization, this podcast is for you.
#005 🇧🇷 Como a IA e analytics aceleram decisões em setores estratégicos | Jorge Simões (EDP)
Fábricas digitais, aplicações preditivas e IA generativa impulsionam a inovação em infraestrutura. O uso de dados otimiza manutenção de ativos, viabiliza MVPs mais rápidos e apoia decisões técnicas e regulatórias em ambientes complexos e de rápida transformação tecnológica.Participantes:
- Jorge Simões, Executive Director for Digital & Technology, South America, EDP.
Host(s):
- David O´Keefe, Director of Alliance Americas, Gurobi.
- Thiago Oliveira, Diretor de Business da Bitka Analytics, Bitka Analytics.
- Elízio Rezende, Líder de Inovação em Ciência de Dados, Bitka Analytics.
#004 🇺🇸 How technology and AI are streamlining airline operations | Solange Gelman (United Airlines)
Airlines use data-driven optimization to improve ground operations, enhance decision-making under uncertainty, and evaluate emerging technologies. AI, IoT, and automation are reshaping airport systems, with a focus on long-term sustainability and operational efficiency.Participants:
- Solange Gelman, Director of IT Application Development – Airport Operations Technologies, United Airlines.
Host(s):
- David O´Keefe, Director of Alliance Americas, Gurobi.
- Steve Sashihara, Founder and CEO, Princeton.
#003 🇧🇷 Dados e modelos otimizam o futuro da energia | Mikio Kawai Jr. (Safira Energia)
Modelos matemáticos e análise de dados otimizam consumo e distribuição, conectam o setor elétrico ao varejo, ampliam a eficiência em sistemas públicos e privados. Em última análise, eles viabilizam a alocação inteligente de recursos em um cenário de fontes diversas e descentralizadas.Participantes:
- Mikio Kawai Jr., CEO, Safira Energia.
Host(s):
- David O´Keefe, Director of Alliance Americas, Gurobi.
- Marcelo Reis, Diretor de Otimização, Bitka Analytics.
- Elízio Rezende, Líder de Inovação em Ciência de Dados, Bitka Analytics.
#001 🇧🇷 Como a otimização transforma o setor de energia? | Franklin Miguel (Electra Energy)
A otimização matemática reduz custos, emissões e riscos na infraestrutura energética. Com o avanço do mercado livre, cresce o uso de ciência de dados para gerenciar portfólios, enfrentar os desafios da descarbonização e tomar decisões estratégicas em um setor cada vez mais dinâmico.Participantes:
- Franklin Miguel, CEO, Electra Energy.
Host(s):
- David O´Keefe, Director of Alliance Americas, Gurobi.
- Francisco Fonseca, Diretor de Data Analytics, Bitka Analytics.
- Mário Perché, Diretor de Inovações e Novos Produtos, Bitka Analytics.
#002 🇺🇸 How AI and innovation are reshaping logistics | Sunzay Passari (UPS)
UPS drives large-scale transformation through AI and strategic innovation. The conversation explores key priorities for 2025, challenges of implementing AI in logistics, risks of technological stagnation, and how scale influences decision-making in a fast-evolving landscape.Participants:
- Sunzay Passari, Sr Director & Head – Innovation & Transformation, UPS.
Host(s):
- David O´Keefe, Director of Alliance Americas, Gurobi.
- Steve Sashihara, Founder and CEO, Princeton.
