AI Strategy. Simplified.
25+ years of data and AI experience - 1 mission.
I'm Charlie, the Practice Lead of the Data & AI Practice at LBMC and the founder of Data Inspire. For over 25 years, I've helped organizations turn complexity into clarity—first as a professor, then as a data scientist and strategist.
Charlie’s Experience
Teaching & Education
25+ years as a professor making complex topics accessible
Designed and delivered data and AI education programs for organizations of all sizes
Created Data Inspire Academy's structured learning framework
Hired at the Practice Lead at LBMC for the Data & AI Practice.
Strategy & Consulting
Developed AI strategies for mid-market to enterprise organizations
Guided companies through digital transformation and AI implementation
Advised leadership teams across healthcare, finance, technology, and professional services
Author & Thought Leader
Speaker at industry conferences and corporate events
Regular contributor on AI strategy and organizational transformation
What Sets Me Apart
Practical, not theoretical. I've lived on both sides—academia and real-world implementation. I know what works in practice, not just in theory.
Educator at heart. I don't just tell you what to do. I help you understand why, so your team can carry it forward.
Focused on outcomes. My goal isn't to impress you with complexity. It's to get you results.
Personal
I'm based in Nashville, where I balance my work with cycling, yoga, and time with my four dogs. I believe staying active and curious makes me better at what I do.
Fun Facts
A race director for over 50 running and triathlon events, including 5K, 10K, 15K, Half Marathon, and sprint distance triathlons.
Participated in several ultra marathons, including 50 milers, 41.2 mile race, and his favorite - a 3 mountain stage race over 3 days for 60 miles.
Ready to Get Started?
Let's have a conversation about your AI journey and how Data Inspire can help.
Hi, I am Charlie Apigian.
Charlie H. Apigian, PhD.
Practice Leader - LBMC Data & AI
Charlie’s Quick Hits
Started two data science institutes that focused on real world applications.
Developed data science curriculum.
Real world projects that focused on health inequities, human trafficking, burglaries, etc.
Created and hosted over 20 data hackathons.
Awarded over $5 million in grants.
Former host of the Data 4 All Podcast (9/2022 to 4/2024) - over 50 episodes.
6 time Nashville Post IT In Charge (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024)
7 time finalist for a Nashville Technology Council Award.
2018 NTC Community Leader of the Year
2020 NTC Data Scientist of the Year
2023 NTC Community Leader of the Year
Successfully developed and deployed AI applications for several companies in healthcare, finance, and utilities.
In 2026:
Spoke over 50 times about data and AI strategy
Wrote the book on AI strategy - AI REIMAGINED, released January 2026.
Led over 15 AI strategy workshops and transformations.
What drives Charlie to succeed for you.
INSPIRE
I believe the best transformations start with a shift in perspective. When teams stop seeing AI as intimidating and start seeing it as empowering, everything changes. That spark of possibility—that's where momentum begins, and it's what drives organizations from paralysis to action.
EDUCATE
Knowledge shouldn't be gatekept behind jargon and complexity. My passion is taking the most technical concepts and making them accessible to everyone—from the boardroom to the front line. When your entire organization speaks the same language about AI, you move faster and make better decisions.
Strategy without execution is just theory. I stay in the trenches with you—challenging assumptions, course-correcting when needed, and celebrating wins along the way. Great advisory isn't about having all the answers; it's about asking the right questions and walking the journey together.
ADVISE
Behind every AI initiative is a team of real people with real concerns. I bring authenticity, empathy, and a sense of humor to the work because transformation is hard—and it works better when you're working with someone who genuinely cares about your success, not just the next engagement.
HUMAN
“No one is more passionate and enthusiastic for data, AI and helping - and no one cares more about you succeeding than me. ”