Edward Yu on the Human Side of Data and AI

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Edward Yu, principal of Huntington Analytics in downtown Huntington. Ed works in data analytics, and his focus is helping organizations collect, structure, and use data before they try to jump into AI.

We talk about the gap between wanting AI tools and having the data needed to make those tools useful. Ed breaks down why structured data matters. Without it, businesses and nonprofits cannot get clear insights, track outcomes, or explain what is working.

Ed has spent about 15 years in analytics, with experience in credit score companies, hospitals, and telephony systems. That work taught him how data can help leaders see what departments are doing, which products are performing, and where problems need attention.

A big part of our conversation centers on Appalachia. Ed sees a need among nonprofits and workforce development programs that rely on grants. These groups need to show where money is going, what outcomes they produce, and whether their programs are helping people move forward. Good data helps create that transparency.

We also talk about the fear around AI and analytics. Ed does not see technology as a replacement for people. He sees it as a way to free people up to do more human work. His goal is to help the people already tracking data in spreadsheets, notebooks, and back rooms get more value from the work they are already doing.

Ed also shares his belief that technology skills matter for every entrepreneur. He is now working on tools that could help digitize focus groups and test videos or media before they reach the public.

His core principle is simple: goodwill is good business. Give what you can, help people when you can, and trust that doing good work with the right heart comes back around.