About Nik Nanos
Data-Driven Strategist. Advisor. Trusted Analyst.
Three decades at the intersection of data, human behaviour, and high-stakes decision-making — helping boards and senior leaders turn complexity into clarity.
Nik Nanos is a data-driven strategist and advisor to boards and senior leaders across North America — bringing rigorous research and deep analytical expertise to the decisions that matter most.
As the founder and Chief Data Scientist of Nanos Research, Nik has spent over three decades conducting thousands of research projects across North America and around the world. His work sits at the intersection of data, human behaviour, and strategic decision-making — helping organizations understand not just what stakeholders think, but why, and what it means for strategy.
Nik advises boards and executive teams on trust, reputation, stakeholder intelligence, and strategic risk. He holds the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors and has served on the boards of publicly traded companies, non-profits, and charities — giving him a practitioner's understanding of what boards need from data and research.
A sought-after voice on Bloomberg, CTV News, and in The Globe and Mail, Nik translates complex data and social trends into clear, actionable insight. Between 2014 and 2025 he was a Global Fellow at the Wilson Center in Washington, D.C., specializing in North American policy. He also served as a research professor at the State University of New York (Buffalo) for over 13 years, and is Chancellor of Carleton University and a Member of the Order of Canada.
"The most dangerous moment for any organization is when the data says one thing and the instinct says another. My job is to help leaders trust the data — and act on it."
Credentials & Recognition
Order of Canada
One of North America's most distinguished civilian honours, it was awared to Nik in recognition of his outstanding contributions to research and public engagement in the democratic process. The Order of Canada is the equivalent to the Presidential Medal of Freedom in the US or the Order of the British Empire in the United Kingdom.
Chancellor, Carleton University
Serving as Chancellor of a leading North American research university, championing academic excellence and civic engagement. Nik also served as Chair of the Board of Governors of Carleton University.
ICD.D — Institute of Corporate Directors
Certified director designation recognizing expertise in corporate governance, board leadership, and fiduciary responsibility. Nik has served on the boards of publicly traded companies, non-profits and charities.
Recognized Thought Leader
Affiliated with the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C., between 2014 and 2025, contributing to North American policy research. Research professor at SUNY Buffalo for 15 years. Currently a research associate professor at the Norman Paterson School of International Relations.
Chief Data Scientist, Nanos Research
Founder and lead researcher of one of North America's most trusted independent research and strategic intelligence firms.
Author
Author of The Age of Voter Rage, published in the United Kingdom, which unpacked the emergence of populism examining Donald Trump, Nigel Farage, Emmanuel Macron and Justin Trudeau.
Trusted by Leading Media
A regular voice on Canada's most influential news platforms and international outlets.
Three Decades at the Intersection of Data and Decision
From election campaigns to boardroom strategy sessions, Nik has spent his career helping leaders see around corners. His research has informed some of the most consequential decisions in business and politics — and his keynotes bring that same rigour to executive audiences worldwide.
Work with Nik
Whether you need a keynote speaker, a strategic research partner, or a board-level advisor — Nik brings data-driven clarity to your most complex decisions.