Who we are

At Ascendant Analytics, we help organisations move beyond static dashboards and into strategic dialogue. Our approach is grounded in the belief that better decisions come from better thinking—not just better data. Inspired by Socrates’ method of disciplined questioning, we’ve developed a framework called the Socratic Dashboard Method™—designed to prompt reflection, surface assumptions, and guide deeper insight through data.

Because in the age of AI, the real competitive advantage isn't just automation—it's cultivating critical thinking. We train teams not just to read dashboards, but to think with them. Our mission is to help companies become thinking organisations: where human judgment and AI work together to elevate clarity, alignment, and decision-making.

About Seán Quinlivan

I'm the founder of Ascendant Analytics, and I specialise in helping organisations rethink how they use data—not just to inform, but to reason, decide, and act.

My background combines BI architecture, semantic modeling, and executive reporting strategy, with a focus on designing systems that bridge human judgment and machine intelligence.

Over the years, I've helped subscription based B2B organisations move beyond spreadsheets and static dashboards—building scalable BI systems designed for strategic clarity and decision-making.

Now, as AI transforms the landscape of business intelligence, my work is focused on preparing organisations to thrive in the next era:
Building AI-optimised BI architectures where semantic models, critical questioning, and intelligent agents work together to elevate insight—not just automate reporting.

Ascendent Analytics is the culmination of everything I've learned: that in the age of AI, competitive advantage won’t come from more data—it will come from better thinking.

When I'm not designing thinking systems, you'll find me playing imaginary games with my two young children, exploring nature with my family and our dog Faye, gardening, or sneaking in a round of golf—still driven by the same questions:
How do we think better? How do we see more clearly?

Contact us

Interested in working together—or just learning more?

We're currently building strategic partnerships for upcoming projects.

Share a few details below, and we'll be in touch to explore whether Ascendant Analytics is a good fit for your goals.