“Innovation becomes powerful when it’s shared”
Anna Anisin has never been interested in hype. While the world around her buzzed with AI buzzwords, Anisin focused on something deeper, building human connection in a deeply technical space. As the founder of FormulatedBy and Data Science Salon, she has created platforms that connect engineers, founders, and executives through storytelling, clarity, and community.
Her marketing firm FormulatedBy works with AI and machine learning companies to craft growth strategies rooted in real value. Its client roster includes giants like AWS, IBM, and John Snow Labs. Meanwhile, her community initiative, Data Science Salon (DSS), has grown into a leading media platform that serves over 120,000 enterprise AI professionals.
For Anisin, it all comes back to one principle: helping people understand the transformative technologies shaping our future, without losing sight of the human side.
Building a bridge between founders and their markets
Anisin’s entrepreneurial journey began with a question: “Why are the most brilliant technical people often the worst at explaining what they do?”
That disconnect led her to launch FormulatedBy, a B2B growth strategy firm with a twist. Rather than force clients into conventional funnels or generic content, Anisin built a model centered on clarity and trust. The agency translates complex technical concepts into powerful stories that resonate with customers.
“Our core strength is helping deep-tech brands speak the language of impact,” she explains. That means shaping go-to-market strategies, producing thought leadership, and running end-to-end campaigns that actually drive growth.
“Failure is feedback. Growth is the goal”
Anisin is open about the lessons she’s learned along the way. Early in her career, she felt the pressure to be perfect, especially as a woman in the tech world. But over time, she learned to embrace risk and let go of perfectionism.
Whether it was launching too early, hiring the wrong person, or betting on the wrong timing, every misstep sharpened her focus. “You can’t innovate without taking risks,” she says. “And you can’t grow without friction.”
It’s that mindset, one that values evolution over ego, that shapes how she leads today. Her approach to business is rooted in experimentation, learning, and building with intention.
Turning a curated meetup into a global platform
One of her most celebrated achievements is the evolution of Data Science Salon. What began as a local meetup has grown into a thriving media and event series for AI practitioners across industries. DSS now hosts events in Miami, San Francisco, and New York, drawing participants from Fortune 100 companies and fast-growing startups alike.
But what sets DSS apart isn’t the scale, it’s the culture. The community is known for its inclusive, vendor-neutral tone and its focus on real-world applications. “We’ve created a space where people can learn, connect, and grow, not just network for the sake of networking,” Anisin says.
She’s proud not only of the numbers but of the value the platform delivers. DSS has become a go-to destination for technical leaders looking for meaningful discussions about responsible AI and machine learning practices.
Redefining what ambition looks like
As she looks to the future, Anisin’s focus is shifting toward intentional growth and creative alignment. One of her goals is to exit DSS and pass the torch to a new generation of leaders. Personally, she wants to spend more time mentoring others and being present with her young children.
“Presence is a superpower,” she reflects. “I want to model what balance looks like, not just hustle.” Her next ventures will likely blend AI, lifestyle, and storytelling in unexpected ways. But whatever she builds, it will carry her signature values: authenticity, purpose, and clarity.
“Build boldly. Lead with empathy. Wear your story”
Anisin’s philosophy is both simple and profound: success isn’t about fitting in. It’s about owning your narrative. Whether she’s advising a startup or hosting a panel, she encourages others to bring their full selves to the table, including their style, culture, and personal journey.
Her latest project embodies that ethos. The “I Want Her Shoes” podcast, which began as a personal experiment, has already broken into Apple’s Top 100 in Fashion & Beauty. But the show isn’t about fashion, it’s about identity. Each episode spotlights women building boldly at the intersection of tech, creativity, motherhood, and leadership.
“It’s about how women walk through the world,” she says. “Not just what they wear, but how they show up.”
From outsider to architect of belonging
Anisin’s own path is far from conventional. A first-generation immigrant without a traditional tech or business background, she built her companies from the ground up. That outsider status became her strength. It allowed her to see the gaps in the industry, and fill them with purpose.
More than titles or exit milestones, what defines her work is the intention behind it. She’s building companies, platforms, and communities that create space for others to show up fully, especially in rooms where they’ve historically been excluded.
Leading the next chapter with creativity and clarity
Anisin’s story is still unfolding. But whether she’s designing a strategy, hosting a summit, or interviewing a guest on her podcast, one thing is certain: she’s helping shape how the next wave of leaders connects with the world.
And for Anisin, that means showing up not just as a founder or expert, but as a whole person.
“Clarity, creativity, and connection,” she says. “That’s what I’m building next.”
