Michael Punzalan

Energizer
DISC Type : I

Lead Data Scientist at Firefly Health

Greater Boston, United States

Overview

Michael is a seasoned data technologist with a Ph. D. from The Wharton School, specializing in building and scaling high-leverage data systems. He has a proven history of launching data functions at startups and leading ML solutions that have driven millions in revenue at companies like Wayfair and Facebook across healthcare and e-commerce.

He grew a machine learning product at Wayfair from a concept with zero impact to a system generating tens of millions of dollars in incremental revenue.

Personality Overview

Believer

Informal

Full Of Energy

Unlike C or D types, they are vocal with their opinions but not so much with their questions.  They are naturally enthusiastic, so take their promise with a pinch of salt. They are not always early adopters but can be pursuaded by leveraging strong relationships.

Topics They Care About

Healthcare Data Science
His career shows a deep focus on health tech, holding data science leadership roles at Firefly Health, Devoted Health, and Clover Health, complemented by his Ph. D. research.
Scaling ML Products
At Wayfair, he grew an ML identity product from a nascent idea to a fully scaled system delivering tens of millions of dollars in business impact.
Generative AI Applications
He recently implemented a generative AI summarization tool in his current role, which led to a double-digit improvement in operational efficiency for the staff.

Media Appearances

Michael has no verified media appearances

Work History

6-2022 - 7-2025
Lead Data Scientist at Firefly Health
11-2019 - 6-2022
Senior Manager, Data Science at Wayfair
9-2018 - 9-2019
Data Scientist at Devoted Health
1-2018 - 8-2018
Data Scientist at Facebook
6-2016 - 9-2017
Data Scientist at Clover Health

Education

2008 - 2016
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from The Wharton School
2006 - 2008
Education details unavailable from The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 14 Location : Greater Boston, United States Job Level : N/A Designation : Lead Data Scientist at Firefly Health
URL has been copied!

Insights For Selling To Michael

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Use adjectives like ‘amazing’, ‘coolest’, ‘unbelievable’ etc.
  • Share some stories about how you you have helped people in similar positions succeed
  • Use phrases like ‘people will love’, ‘massive impact’ etc.

DONT's

  • Don’t assume a yes just because they have not said no
  • Avoid ifs and buts, don’t talk too much about the risks etc.
  • Don’t be too formal, focus on building comfort and trust

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Michael is

  • Relationship and trust can be vital with them, sometimes more than anything else.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Michael

  • They are unlikely to say no directly, you have to make that decision yourself.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Michael move?

  • They are not the fastest decision makers, their friendly approach can give false positive signals.
  • Can Michael take some risk or not?

  • They can take certain risks that are unlikely to have personal consequences.

You And Michael

Personality Compatibility


Other Firefly Health Employees

Explore more public profiles from related professionals at the same organization.

More Profiles

Discover additional public profiles from our index.

Search more profiles

Looking for someone else? Search here for anyone.

Or visit Humantic AI to know more.