Analytics on Fire

Data plays a vital role in helping companies develop a competitive advantage, but it’s the data evangelist who gathers and leverages those insights to help organizations understand the story their data is telling them. Today, on Analytics on Fire, we discuss how to become a data evangelist with data storyteller, leader, and lifelong learner, Santosh Kanthethy. At the time of recording this episode, Santosh was the IT Technology Manager for NextEra Energy Resources. Now, he is Head of Data Analytics and the leader of a growing internal data visualization community at EverBright, a solar financing solutions company and a subsidiary of NextEra. Tuning in, you’ll gain step-by-step instructions for becoming a rockstar data evangelist , including three things to consider before you get started. We also take a look at the top functions of an internal data visualization community, how to get your executive team on board, and how to overcome some of the challenges that data evangelists are likely to encounter along the way. For actionable insights into how to build a thriving community, transform data culture from the inside out, and more, make sure not to miss this episode! In this episode, you'll learn: [06:16] More about NextEra, one of America's largest capital investors in infrastructure.[07:10] Defining what a data evangelist is and how the internal data visualization community at NextEra was born.[08:48] Why Santosh decided to nurture and grow this community and switch from IT to data.[09:55] What the game of cricket taught Santosh about being a team leader.[13:55] Three things to consider before becoming a data evangelist: the maturity of your organization, your curiosity, and your ability to create content.[19:16] How often the data community meets and some of the topics that come up.[20:50] The three core selling points of a data community for your company: consistency better decision making, and relevance.[24:19] Tips for obtaining essential executive buy-in and support.[26:52] Becoming tool-agnostic: how to evangelize the benefits of the practice, not the tool.[29:34] A look at membership and how to determine who joins your data community.[31:40] KPIs, WIGs, and OKRs to measure the success of your community.[34:13] How data evangelists can overcome resistance while building a community.[36:20] What percentage of technology budgets should be allocated to community, change management, and upskilling.[38:50] How Santosh is inspired by the people he interacts with on a daily basis.[0:43:21] How Santosh can help you visualize your fitness data from Garmin or Strava! For full show notes, and the links mentioned visit: https://bibrainz.com/podcast/89 Enjoyed the Show? Please leave us a review on iTunes.

Not only will telling your unique story increase your confidence, grow your credibility, and establish you as a thought-leader in your space, it will ultimately allow you to share your expertise with a bigger audience and create an even bigger impact! Today, we discuss how to tell your unique story with none other than former MSNBC and CNN anchor, Lynn Smith. Lynn believes that your story is your superpower, and she wants to help you discover what makes you unique and unleash this superpower through that lens. Tuning in, you’ll learn how to identify the three things that set you apart, the value of embracing your weaknesses, and how to determine and define your purpose, plus so much more. This episode is for entrepreneurs, experts, storytellers, and anyone who is looking to differentiate themselves and grow their brand, so make sure to tune in today! In this episode, you'll learn: [0:06:03] Why your unique story is important and how you can use it to unleash your impact.[0:06:54] Ways that you can use your life experiences to differentiate yourself.[0:07:09] How you can benefit from embracing your weaknesses.[0:08:54] Advice for defining your purpose and finding your niche.[0:10:07] Leveraging your unique story to create deeper connections and build confidence.[0:10:59] Lynn’s three Ps of confidence: purpose, promise, and preparation![0:16:55] The five different storytelling archetypes and how you can discover yours. [0:21:33] What to do next, once you understand your storytelling archetype.[0:27:37] How sharing your wins and your losses on social media will make you more relatable to your audience.[0:32:17] Tips for visualizing your emotions using your MTP (most trusted person).[0:46:00] Recommended reads and resources, including Bryan Kramer’s #H2H. For full show notes, and the links mentioned visit: https://bibrainz.com/podcast/88 Enjoyed the Show? Please leave us a review on iTunes.

As many of you already know, data storytelling is one of the hottest non-technical trends in the tech-related space today. Today’s guest, Scott Taylor, ‘The Data Whisperer’ believes it’s time that we expand the realm of data storytelling to include the role of data management by telling stories about data! In this episode, you'll learn: [0:04:30] Why Scott believes that every enterprise has two kinds of data stories to tell and what they are.[0:07:56] Why he wroteTelling Your Data Storyand how you can benefit from reading it.[0:11:20] The difference between telling storieswithdata and telling storiesaboutdata.[0:12:07] The importance of determining the truth in your data before deriving meaning from it.[0:17:06] Common why’s that Scott has seen and the value of keeping it simple.[0:23:40] How to use simple analogies to keep your data narrative going.[0:29:51] Techniques Scott teaches in the book and how to know which one is best for you.[0:38:10] Three steps to get started with data storytelling for data management and some of Scott’s favorite reads and resources.[0:42:21] A bonus tip from Scott about knowing what you want from a conversation. For full show notes, and the links mentioned visit: https://bibrainz.com/podcast/87 Enjoyed the Show? Please leave us a review on iTunes.

We have all seen massive shifts in the world of data literacy in the last few years, with the pandemic having undeniable and sometimes surprising effects on the professional landscape. Joining me to talk about these changes and the skills that can best serve data literacy in the contemporary climate is returning guest and one of the godfathers of data literacy, Jordan Morrow! Jordan was previously a guest on Episode 66, so I recommend listening to that masterclass first if you have not already! In today's chat we get into some of Jordan's amazing frameworks from his new book, Be Data Literate, The Data Literacy Skills Everyone Needs To Succeed with Jordan giving listeners an inside scoop on his amazing ideas and practical wisdom! In this episode, you'll learn: [0:15:41] How data literacy has infiltrated most spheres and the roles of many other professionals. [0:16:20] Jordan explains the four levels of analytics; descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive.[0:24:05] Generational gaps in dealing with data; Jordan's advice for improvement. [0:31:52] Jordan shares his six-step framework.[0:34:11] Some advice from Jordan to women working in the world of data literacy.[0:38:09] Getting to grips with Jordan's 'three Cs' of data literacy and the value of curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking![0:43:00] Jordan comments on strategies for building rapport, facilitating relationships, and the need for interpersonal skills. [0:49:51] Exciting information about the raffle for Jordan's book, exclusive to AOF listeners! For full show notes, and the links mentioned visit: https://bibrainz.com/podcast/86 Enjoyed the Show? Please leave us a review on iTunes.

Hjalmar Gislason is the Founder and CEO of GRID.is, a BI notebook company that has been making big waves in the field in the last few years. He tells us all about GRID.is and the rise of data notebooks. In this episode, you'll learn: [0:05:50] Hjalmar explains exactly what a data notebook is and how it compares to other tools. [0:11:52] Reasons to consider using a data notebook along with a range of other tools.[0:27:30] The 'living' quality of the models that can be created on GRID. [0:33:28] A special offer for AOF from Hjalmar and how to sign up immediately! For full show notes, and the links mentioned visit: https://bibrainz.com/podcast/85 Enjoyed the Show? Please leave us a review on iTunes.

Data is a company’s most important asset, so why aren’t more companies turning their analytics departments into profit centers? In today’s episode, my guest took this concept to the next level by bringing a dedicated accountant on staff to manage their analytics profit center. When Derrick Louis says he is focused on the bottom line, he means it! Previously the Executive Director of IT at RaceTrac Petroleum, Derrick currently heads up IT at Cumberland Farms/EG America. As a business-driven IT leader, he harnesses the power of technology, people, and innovation to combat rising costs, create nimble organizations, and drive scalable growth. In today’s conversation, Derrick shares some practical tips and advice that will inspire you to think differently about how you work with your customers, especially when it comes to being financially responsible. We touch on why you should be quantifying how your analytics teamwork adds to your bottom line, how to know when it’s time to become a profit center, and the value of keeping track of every dollar you save your org by bringing an accountant in, and so much more! For data leaders that are struggling to show their value to their org or aren’t sure where to start on creating a profit center, this episode is for you! In this episode, you'll learn: For full show notes, and the links mentioned visit: https://bibrainz.com/podcast/84 Enjoyed the Show? Please leave us a review on iTunes.

This week we are joined by AoF alumni, David Dadoun to talk about data lakes, data oceans, data puddles, and data platforms, and why so many are confused about the topic. David is a leader, professor, global speaker, and recently transitioned to an exciting new role as Head of Enterprise Data and BI at BRP in Canada. If you feel unsure about the definition of a data lake vs a data platform, you’re not alone. The concept continues to evolve, to where we are today which is a data platform. As the owner and creators of multiple data platforms, David shared breaks down the key steps to transform your data lake into a data platform. Whether you’re migrating to a more sophisticated data cloud or building a platform from scratch, the rapid pace of change means there’s always something new to be learned. Tune in today for this fascinating conversation on how to master your data platform! In this episode, you'll learn: [0:07:35] What the ‘data lake’ was and how it has evolved over time.[0:08:35] What is a data fake and how data lakes have evolved into data platforms.[0:12:51] Who needs to own the data platforms and who it’s for.[0:14:41] How to run a data platform depending on the size and structure of your organization.[0:16:05] The different ways that companies can structure their data platform(s).[0:18:02] Why data literacy is crucial for any company with a data culture and how data lakes form part of the core strategy.[0:21:03] How to balance analytics and data goals within your company and teams.[0:24:20] The important steps a company can take towards creating a data lake.[0:28:13] Why it’s necessary to be mindful of the rapid rate of change within data and how it will affect your data platforms. For full show notes, and the links mentioned visit: https://bibrainz.com/podcast/83 Enjoyed the Show? Please leave us a review on iTunes.

Ryan Wade joins us on AOF today to talk about how to use advanced analytics in your organization! Ryan has been in the analytics game for the last 20 years and is now a Senior Solution Consultant at Blue Granite, based in Indianapolis, Indiana. He recently authored the amazing must-read book, Advanced Analytics in Power BI with R and Python, and in today's chat, we get to hear all about why he wrote the book, who it is for and how you can use it to accelerate your data journey! I met Ryan while speaking at a few conferences and was always impressed with his knowledge and great sense of humor! A professional football player turned data scientist, Ryan has a passion for breaking down advanced analytics in a way anyone can understand. Whether you’re already using advanced analytics or researching how to get started Ryan’s knowledge on the topic will help you. Tune in with a pencil and paper in hand! In this episode, you'll learn: [0:09:22] The rise of the R and Python programming languages in the data world.[0:16:44] The necessary, well-thought-out preparatory steps for a project utilizing advanced analytics.[0:19:39] Why attention-grabbing visuals are not the most important part of data storytelling![0:23:13] Creating a sufficient team for data analytics and the vital roles of the database administrator, active directory administrator, and more![0:39:07] Client conversations around shortcomings and hurdles in advanced analytics. For full show notes, and the links mentioned visit: https://bibrainz.com/podcast/82 Enjoyed the Show? Please leave us a review on iTunes.

Today's guest is another day one as he’s been in my community for over a decade and attended my very first Xcelsius training class! Mark Bradley has been in IT for around 30 years and has such a huge amount of knowledge and enthusiasm for the intersection of data, metrics, and leadership, I promise that you are not going to want to miss this amazing data masterclass! If you are thinking about becoming a CIO (Chief Information Officer) or your company is going through a digital transformation, this data masterclass is for you. Join us as discuss the ITIL framework, the topic of Mark’s recent book. We also look at how this relates to DITS or digital and IT strategy and the actionable steps you can take to accelerate your digital transformation! In this episode, you'll learn: [0:07:44] Mark describes the difference between building internally and outsourcing.[0:13:02] Mark teaches why you should focus on data quality vs quantity to build dashboards that serve specific needs of an organization.[0:20:32] The evolution of the ITIL methodology and getting to grips with DITS or digital and IT strategy. [0:25:13] Specific roles that DITS is most appropriate for: CIOs, aspiring managers, directors, and CTOs. [0:30:42] How relationships have changed with the subscription model for business.[0:31:37] Who theITIL® 4book is best suited to; size of businesses and types of transformations.[0:33:23] The obstacles to building a successful and functional digital strategy for a business.https://bibrainz.com/podcast/81Enjoyed the Show? Please leave us a review on iTunes.

Hey AOF! Today I am joined by one of my first mentors in the BI industry, Rick Montgomery, to unpack why and how you can add the human element to digital transformation. Tune in as Rick shares how to identify, understand and map out the different personalities and parts of your digital transformation. In this episode, you'll learn: [0:09:12] What Rick learned from dropping out of MIT / Harvard.[0:19:39] How automation and analysis can lead to conversations with leadership.[0:21:38]Knowledge Bomb:How to get started with adding the human element and Rick's recommendations for useful books on consultative selling.[0:39:02]Knowledge Bomb:First sell your ignorance, then sell your expertise later!https://bibrainz.com/podcast/80 Enjoyed the Show? Please leave us a review on iTunes.

Welcome to another exciting masterclass! Today I’m taking you behind the scenes of how two women leaders on our BI Brainz team, created not one, but two of our most downloaded dashboard templates ever! To share these juicy details, we are joined by Raquel Seville, CEO of BI Brainz Caribbean, and Anna Ria, our very own Head of Design and well-known BI Data Storytelling Accelerator trainer. In the first part, you’ll hear from Raquel, as she explains how she used our BI Data Storytelling Framework to transform a 271-page annual report into a simple, insightful Power BI Stock Dashboard template that got a thumbs-up from the company’s CEO on social media. Then, we jump into part two with Anna, as she shares the unique inspiration behind our now-famous Analytics Design Guide template and why she believes it became one of the most downloaded templates in BI Brainz history, with over 600 downloads in the first 48 hours! In this episode, you'll learn: [0:05:33] What Raquel has learned as a woman in a male-dominated industry.[0:06:10] How she built a single view dashboard from a 271-page annual report by focusing on a clear goal.[0:10:16] Raquel’s idea to create the Stock Data Viz Template, a free Power BI Dashboard.https://bibrainz.com/podcast/79Enjoyed the Show? Please leave us a review on iTunes.

Our focus for this inspiring episode of AOF is mindset, especially if you want to be a standout data analyst! I have brought one of my first ever followers and day ones! Trevor Tapscott is a VP and Analytics Consultant at Wells Fargo and has been in the game for 20 years and counting. We connected in 2008, when he was seeking help with a visualization tool called Xcelsius. In this knowledge bomb filled episode, Trevor shares his thoughts on what sets great data analysts apart, his framework ‘VTAC’ for impactful data analysis, and how to approach making an impression when applying for positions in data! Trevor makes a number of really important points around understanding the business of data, what the role of an analyst truly is, and what goes into the mindset of a rock star in the space! We unpack indispensable parts of the relationships that make up the work of a data consultant, and our guest talks about getting to grips with a user's vision and their 'why'. Trevor also talks about the recent BIDS Accelerator class that he attended and the lessons he has already started implementing from that! Make sure to stay tuned to the end to hear about the amazing raffle that Trevor is hosting for listeners and how you can enter to win! In this episode, you'll learn: [0:12:00] Trevor's basic definition of the role of a data analyst and what it means to be a rockstar![0:15:02] The importance of understanding the business of data and the value of business insights. [0:18:20] Unpacking Trevor's VTAC process: vision, translation, action, change and how to use it for delivery modehttps://bibrainz.com/podcast/78 Enjoyed the Show? Please leave us a review on iTunes.

Finding your dream job in the world of data and analytics might not be as hard you think! Our guest today, Kimberly Herrington stands as a testament to this idea and she joins us on AOF to talk about how you can go about identifying and capturing your ideal position in this fascinating space. Kimberly is a data journalist at a large healthcare company in Buffalo, New York, and is also the founder of Buffalo Business Intelligence. She is also a graduate of our BI Data Storytelling Accelerator Workshop and in 2020, she was voted Data Literacy Advocate of the Year. Tune into this episode and you will see why! I am so excited to share this great chat with you, in which we hear about Kimberly's personal method for landing that dream job that you might have thought was only a wish. In our conversation, Kimberly does an amazing job of unpacking some parts of the work she does and the difference between some of the job titles in the space. We also talk about the great learnings she garnered from our workshop, and why you should sign up immediately! I learned so much from today's guest, and you will too, as we run through common mistakes that are made in the pursuit of a great job, how to leverage working at home to your advantage, and the vital importance of community! Kimberly is like a fairy of goodness, and believe me AOF, you will see exactly why I say this! In this episode, you'll learn: [0:04:13] Kimberly's past work as a professional improv comedian![0:09:12] Mapping the trajectory of an ideal career in data storytelling and how to start this journey. [0:18:19] Differentiating between a data journalist, data storyteller, and analytics translator. [0:24:43] Investing the time and money into valuable education and qualifications.https://bibrainz.com/podcast/77 Enjoyed the Show? Please leave us a review on iTunes.

Stakeholders often miss key insights that can be provided by data to drive action forward, due to the way the data is presented and communicated to them. My guest today believes that data storytelling is key to resolving this common pain point. Kam Lee, a BI Data Storytelling Mastery alumn and graduate who has used our framework to surface over $100M for the fintech company he works with! Kam is the Chief Data Scientist at his company Finetooth Analytics (specializing in marketing analytics), working with top marketers like Russell Brunson from Clickfunnels! Our data masterclass with Kam today delves deep into how he used our BI Data Storytelling Methodology and framework to straddle data engineering, data science, and storytelling. Kam shares game-changing concepts from the course and how he has used them to connect to stakeholders, influence their actions, and overcoming what he calls ‘emotional responses’ to data. Tune in to this knowledge bomb-filled episode! In this episode, you'll learn: https://bibrainz.com/podcast/76 Enjoyed the Show? Please leave us a review on iTunes.

Here on the AOF podcast, I have often spoken about the issue of user adoption and the slow progress we have all been experiencing for a long time. Our guest today has so much to offer in relation to our approach to this challenge! I speak to Kevin Greene, the CEO of Logi Analytics, and we delve deep into why the mentality of product leaders is so valuable right now! Kevin has a brilliant mind for the field of analytics, sharing how and where to get started with these parts of your leadership and partnerships. Kevin has been in the analytics game for over 20 years and was actually an investor at Logi before he took the reins! This episode is jam-packed with actionable knowledge bombs that you are definitely not going to want to miss, so let's get to it AOF! In this episode, you'll learn: [15:41] Why Kevin believes enterprises have to start thinking like product leaders. [22:47] Approaches to building strategic applications with a smaller team.[25:11] Finding the right service partners and the critical nature of owning the application.[28:59] Ensuring success by scheduling time with business leaders, prioritizing, and using collected data.[44:04] Operationalizing your application and bringing it to your end-users.https://bibrainz.com/podcast/75 Enjoyed the Show? Please leave us a review on iTunes.

Today we have a real data masterclass in store for you! I am joined by the wonderful and inspiring Valerie Logan from The Data Lodge, and we talk about the unique way she approaches data literacy through what she calls ISL or Information as a Second Language®. Valerie does an amazing job of unpacking exactly how this works and adds in loads of useful wisdom and examples that you can add to your existing data literacy program. I would call Valerie a data whisperer, and by the end of this exciting episode, you will see why. Make sure to stay tuned until the end to hear about an extra special offer, that Valerie has for AOF listeners. Trust me you will not want to miss it. So if you want to learn how to create an effective data literacy program from an award-winning expert, join us today! In this episode, you'll learn: https://bibrainz.com/podcast/74 Enjoyed the Show? Please leave us a review on iTunes.

Welcome back AOF! I’m so glad to be back after taking some time off over the holidays and having an amazing social media detox! I'm excited to kick-off Season 6. Today’s show is going to give you some super important updates and changes coming to the podcast, our academy platforms and groups, and everything else that matters to you. I will be riding solo on the podcast again this year, but you can still expect to hear more amazing guests who will deliver game-changing business intelligence, data, and analytics master classes. Also, tune in to be first to hear about our big name change and the new dates for our Accelerator live workshop (yes finally)! Enjoy and let’s kick off this season in high gear! In this episode, you'll learn: [01:01] - A fresh start and some exciting changes for the AOF podcast! A look at the reasons that I took a break from social media at the end of 2020, and four updates to the podcast: guests, giveaways, new sponsors, and our exciting #1 ranking for the 3rd year in a row![08:12] - Why we are removing the 'BI' from our name and changing it all to Data Storytelling Method! New and exciting ways to engage with the updated content and platform.[14:06] - The changes to the dates for the Accelerator; it is now May 18-20 2021 instead of in February, and we expect it to sell out again.[16:48]https://bibrainz.com/podcast/73 Enjoyed the Show? Please leave us a review on iTunes.

Excited to share the last and final part of my three-episode series on BI data storytelling accelerator lessons learned. We’ll be digging into the last but most exciting step in our BI Data Storytelling Mastery Framework, 'What you Draw'. Useless visualizations are everywhere! This episode will give you seven things to avoid and ways to fix them to ensure you bring your A-game when it comes to visualizing your storyboard. Tune in for knowledge bombs galore! https://bibrainz.com/podcast/72 Enjoyed the Show? Please leave us a review on iTunes.

Tune in as I recap lessons learned from our latest accelerator class. This part two in the series of three podcasts, which deep dives into our BI data storytelling framework, where we tackle three parts of storytelling. 1) What You Say, 2) What You Write, and 3) What You Draw. I dive into some of the biggest mistakes people make when working with users and writing down their requirements, including why so many get confused with the different story parts and how to fix it. Tune in to this amazing BI masterclass! [04:36] - How to become a better master storyteller.[13:20] - Changing your questions and process to create an effective data story.[14:25] - Biggest mistakes people make when working with users to gather requirements and create an amazing data story.https://bibrainz.com/podcast/71 Enjoyed the Show? Please leave us a review on iTunes.

Welcome to the first part of a three-part podcast, with each episode touching on the part of our data storytelling framework. You’ll find a deep dive into each part of the framework and find out what lessons were learned and the big takeaways from our last data telling accelerator workshop, which was a huge success. Even though there are other data telling stories schools of thought, one element our followers love is how we tackle the three parts of storytelling: what you say, what you write, and what you draw. As we’ve learned, this starts with your conversation. Find out what feedback I received from the workshop post-survey, the biggest mistakes people make when trying to sell to end-users, and why most people don’t know that 99% of questions you ask your client are data-related and why they shouldn’t be. [03:53] Storytelling starts with your conversation and with the content that you write. If you get that part right, the part that you have to visualize becomes very easy. We teach this process and also implement this process at big companies around the world. [07:25] Guessing off the top of your head what you think is going to happen is a waste of time. The biggest value of our framework is breaking down the storytelling process into parts for you to be able to quickly see what a story truly is, how to bring it together, and to see the gaps in your current story to remedy those holes in your story and bring your story together. [13:28] Humans make decisions with their emotions and then they use logic to justify it. So if you are one that is using ginormous words that are not visual or thinking that the more data you give to your end users is going to make them better users, you are grossly mistaken. https://bibrainz.com/podcast/70 Enjoyed the Show? Please leave us a review on iTunes.