Make Data Talk

In this episode of Make Data Talk, Dr. Selena Fisk breaks down why "recommended charts" and default visualisations often hide the real story in your data... and what to do instead. You'll learn how Microsoft Excel's chart choices can unintentionally mislead your audience, distract from your message, or make insights harder to see, especially when you're presenting to leaders, clients, or time-poor teams. If you've ever wondered: why your chart feels "technically correct" but still confusing what makes a chart persuasive, not just pretty how to avoid common Excel chart traps (hello, clutter and unnecessary complexity) …this is for you. Selena shares practical rules of thumb for choosing visuals based on the question you're answering, not the chart type Excel serves up. Expect clear examples, quick decision prompts, and a simple framework you can apply immediately - whether you're building a board report, a dashboard, or a one-slide update for an audience. In this episode, you'll learn: The hidden bias baked into Excel's default chart recommendations A fast "purpose-first" method for choosing better visuals How to make your charts clearer, calmer, and more convincing Perfect for team and business leaders, analysts, and anyone who wants their data to land with impact. Keywords: Excel charts, data visualisation, choosing the right chart, dashboard design, data storytelling, spreadsheet reporting, better charts in Excel, business reporting visuals, data communication

Most data storytelling advice focuses on the analysis: choosing the right data, selecting the best charts, and building compelling visuals. But in real organisations, the hardest part is often what happens after the analysis — when you have to share the data in a meeting. In this episode, Dr. Selena Fisk explores why data conversations can break down in mixed-skill meetings, where some people speak fluently in metrics, others think in outcomes, and some are quietly trying to interpret the chart (or work out whether what they're seeing is "right"). Without designing for this reality, meetings become predictable: the confident voices dominate, less-confident participants withdraw, and decisions get made on partial understanding and momentum. Instead of a step-by-step process, this episode offers 10 practical principles for data storytelling in meetings to help you facilitate inclusive, productive dialogue while maintaining technical integrity. Some of the things you'll learn in this episode Why leading with purpose (the decision) is more effective than leading with charts How to separate observation, interpretation, and decision-making to reduce unproductive debate How to reduce cognitive load so people can think, not just interpret visuals If you present data in meetings, lead teams, or want better decision-making conversations around metrics, this episode will help you design meetings where more people can participate in meaning-making — and where data leads to action and learning. Keywords: data storytelling in meetings, data storytelling principles, presenting data to stakeholders, mixed-skill teams, leading with purpose, making clarity questions normal, decision-making with data, communicating data insights, inclusive meetings, facilitating data discussions, reduce cognitive load, narrating charts, data-informed leadership #datastorytelling #decisionmaking #leadership #data #meetings #communication

In this episode of Make Data Talk, Dr. Selena Fisk breaks down the critical difference between a data strategy and a data plan, and why confusing the two is quietly undermining data-informed decision making in many organisations. Too often, leaders believe they have a data strategy when what they actually have is a collection of dashboards, reporting tools, or technology roadmaps. But a true data strategy defines why data matters, and how it creates value. A data plan, on the other hand, clarifies what data is used, by whom, when, and what responsibility sits behind it. If you care about data governance, building a strong data culture, improving business intelligence, or strengthening data-informed leadership, this episode will help you align strategy with execution. You'll learn: The difference between data strategy and a data plan How to provide clarity for data responsibility across teams Practical steps to build a more data-informed organisation Perfect for executives, leaders, and data professionals who want their data investments to actually change behaviour, not just produce reports.

Most dashboards look impressive. They're packed with metrics, trends, and filters, and yet they still leave people asking, "So what?" In this episode of Make Data Talk, Dr. Selena Fisk unpacks why a data dashboard is not a data story (and why confusing the two leads to stalled decisions, misaligned teams, and "insight" that never turns into action). You'll learn the critical importance of meaning-making, how to move from reporting to narrative, and the value in leaders translating charts into clarity. If you're a leader, analyst, or anyone responsible for communicating data, this episode will help you stop presenting information and start creating understanding, so your data actually influences decisions. Keywords: data dashboards, data storytelling, business intelligence, KPI reporting, decision making, data literacy, analytics communication, executive reporting, insight to action

"I'm not a numbers person" is one of the most common and most limiting beliefs holding people back from engaging with data. In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk challenges the widespread assumption that data literacy is about maths ability. She explains why modern data work has very little to do with calculations and everything to do with interpretation, critical thinking, and decision-making. You'll learn what data literacy actually means in today's organisations, why equating it with numeracy excludes capable leaders and professionals, and how this misunderstanding narrows data conversations and weakens insight. Selena reframes data literacy as a human thinking skill - one grounded in asking better questions, applying judgement, and making sense of information in context. If your organisation is investing in data but struggling to build confidence, capability, or meaningful data-informed decisions, this episode will help you rethink the skills that truly matter. Keywords: data literacy, data capability, leadership and data, data-informed decision making, data confidence, learning culture

Many leaders believe their organisation has a data problem... not enough data, not the right dashboards, not the right systems. In this episode, I unpack why that's rarely the real issue. Instead, most organisations are grappling with a skills or confidence problem. People are surrounded by data but don't feel equipped or safe to ask questions, interpret what they see, or use data once decisions have been made. We explore what leaders often misunderstand about data capability, how well-intentioned investments in tools can backfire, and what actually builds confidence and better decision-making over time. If your organisation feels data-rich but insight-poor, this conversation will help you rethink where the real work needs to happen.

Ever wondered what data and yoga have in common? At first, they seem like two very different ideas, but dig a little deeper and you start to see there is much yoga can teach us about data. In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk reflects on the completion of her yoga teacher training and five things it's taught her about data culture in our organisations. Connect with Selena at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/

Do you brainstorm and plan out your data visualisations before you present them to others? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk talks about the idea of discovery visuals, and the process for getting the best visualisation for the data story you want to tell. Connect with Selena at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/

When making change, it's useful to look at all the different impacts and categorise these so you can focus on what matters to you and your organisation. Last episode, Dr Selena FIsk introduced her new 3i Impact Model, and in this episode, she unpacks the different archetypes each type of impact falls into. Connect with Selena at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/

Do you struggle with a tangible way to measure impact? We all strive to create an impact, but often it's difficult to truly measure the impact of a change, initiative or project we've put in place in a simple, yet meaningful way. In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk introduces her new 3i impact model, developed over 12 months of working with change makers and leaders in various industries looking to measure the impact they're having. Connect with Selena at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/

Apologies for the provocative title, but while dashboards are powerful visualisation tools, unfortunately they are not a silver bullet for all things data storytelling. In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk explains why dashboards should not become the "be all and end all" when it comes to data storytelling, and how to avoid the pitfalls of set-and-forget dashboards. Connect with Selena at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/

A question often encountered with data is the ethical considerations we need to be aware of when collecting, using and interpreting data. In this episode, Dr. Selena Fisk dives into actionable strategies for ethical data use and how you can avoid common pitfalls in data storytelling to build trust and credibility. Other episodes mentioned: Data Biases Take the data diagnostic here: Corporates: https://www.selenafisk.com/corporates Schools: https://www.selenafisk.com/schools Connect with Selena at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/

Do you have one or two people in your organisation who are responsible for many of the key operations when it comes to data? Have you considered what would happen if they were to leave or become unwell? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk talks about 'key person risk', what it means for organisations in terms of data and how you can proactively plan for and minimise it in your teams and organisations. Other episodes mentioned in this episode: Data democracies Connect with Selena at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/https://selenafisk.com/podcast

Do you find yourself looking at data and only seeing the things that went wrong or need to improve? In this week's Make Data Talk episode, I show you how to think like a bronze medallist when it comes data, so you can see all the things that went right in order for you and your team to have gotten onto that proverbial podium in the first place. Connect with Selena at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/

We're often quite good at using pre-decision data to inform our next actions, but what about post-decision data? How often do you stop and reflect on post-decision data and actually use it for action? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk talks about the difference between pre-decision and post-decision data, and how to upskill your team to ensure they're reflecting on post-decision data effectively. Previous episodes mentioned: Data informed vs data driven Baseline data Trends and insights Take the data diagnostic here: Corporates: https://www.selenafisk.com/corporates Schools: https://www.selenafisk.com/schools Connect with Selena at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/

Are you looking to lead data informed change in your organisation but not sure how to get to that critical buy in from your team? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk talks about the notion of a 'Tipping point' and how to recognise those members of your team who will be your assests when leading data informed change. Connect with Selena at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/

How many times have you looked at data, noticed something and thought 'oh that's interesting'? Content warning: This episode is a bit of a rant! Dr Selena Fisk needs you to stop with the 'interesting' data. Check out this week's episode for the reasons why, and what you should actually be focussing on instead when looking at data. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'.

Are you making the most of your meeting times when it comes to data? In an age of meetings for meetings' sake, don't be that person! In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk provides some strategies for the best practice when using data in your meetings, to ensure you get the most value out of this time with your team and get to the action of data storytelling. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'.

Who remembers the infamous hip gyrating, truly visceral celebration Dean Boxall, coach of the Australian swimming team, gave at the Tokyo Olympics after Ariarne Titmus won gold in the 400m freestyle? Well it turns out, listening to him give a keynote address is even more inspiring. In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk reflects on Dean Boxall's coaching style and what elite level coaches can teach us about leadership, measuring progress and showing high levels of care for the people in our teams. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'.

There's no denying, it can be time consuming to ensure robust data collection processes are in place in an organisation. But often we don't stop to appreciate the time this initial investment can save us. In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk gives some air time to a little talked about benefit of data plans and data collection - the time it saves us. Tune in for 4 key ways data can save you time. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'.

In the third installment of her AI and data storytelling series, Dr. Selena Fisk explores how generative AI can enhance how we tell data stories and act on the data insights we find. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'.

How do you measure your impact? Is the stats you produce and the KPIs you hit? Is it the culture you build? Is it the legacy you leave? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk reflects on the remarkable impact coach Chris Fagan has had on the AFL premiership winning Brisbane Lions, and some key takeaways for measuring the impact of our own actions in our organisations. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'.

Do you need help uncovering the trends and insights in your data? Maybe you know what you're looking for but you just need to save some time. In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk talks through three ways AI and generative AI can help with this step in the data storytelling process - identifying the trends and insights. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'.

Have you got a grasp on your organisation's summary statistics or 'bird's eye view' data? What about the small day to day data? It's good to know and work with both! In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk takes you through her 'helicopter vs street' analogy and how looking at data from different views of your organisation can be beneficial to make positive change. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'.

As AI has become more and more ubiquitous, it was only a matter of time before we started seeing its benefits for data organisation. In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk highlights a number of ways AI can be used to help with data organisation, from initial data literacy questions, right through to helping visualise data to assist with data storytelling. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'.

Our organisations collect so much data these days. But how often are we actually getting to the 'action' part of data storytelling? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk talks about finding ways to understand and use the data we already have, and how to take steps to actually act on it. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'.

Do you sometimes feel unable to progress past data analysis and into action because you may be lacking a traditional evidence base to support your decision? In this episode, Dr. Selena Fisk explores the distinction between being evidence-based and evidence-informed and offers invaluable insights into making informed, impactful decisions even in the absence of a robust, traditional evidence base. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'.

When working with data in your organisations and work places, do you have a predecided set of 'data norms' to guide your approach? Do you need some help developing them? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk outlines the importance of having a clear set of norms when working with data, and talks through her ideal list of data norms. Listen on for a detailed explanation of what each could look like for your team. Selena's list: - We recognise that each data set reflects a small piece of the story – there is so much it doesn't tell us. - We acknowledge that all data sets have noise and bias – using multiple sources of information is better. - No single person has all the answers – we value dialogue, not a one-way transfer of information. - We value everyone's perspectives as we all have something to offer this conversation. - No data set/value belongs to a single individual or team – many factors contribute to the results. - We have our greatest impact when we are curious about the numbers and ask questions – blame isn't a part of this process. - We use statements such as 'yes, and' rather than 'yes, but'. - We use collaborative language - 'we', 'us', 'our team', rather than 'you', 'they'.

When our teams are striving for a particular strategic direction, how do we keep ourselves and our team members informed, motivated and accountable? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk talks about the utility of a compelling scorecard, and how these can be used to share progress, achievement and also ensure you're hitting the right markers for achieving your strategic goals. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'. The beautiful Alaskan river where this podcast was recorded Sydney airport security scorecard

Do you struggle to build trust with your team when it comes to working with data? Whilst trust is important for leadership in general, it is particularly relevant when we're asking people to embrace a data and evidence-informed culture. In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk outlines ways to help build trust between employees and leaders when working with data to get the best from our teams.

Do you struggle to choose the right way to present your data for maximum impact for your audience? Do you know the subtle differences between line graphs, bar graphs, pie charts and lollipop graphs and when to use each one depending on your data set? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk talks about the different data visualisations you can use when presenting a data story or report, as well as some handy tips in terms of design and presentation. Link to accessibility checkers for colour blindness and low vision: https://www.visionaustralia.org/business-consulting/digital-access/resources/colour-contrast-analyser#colour-contrast-checkers Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'.

Do you have access to lots of data but are unsure about what to do with it? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk outlines how to use data storytelling in our day to day work, and ultimately how to reach data informed action. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'.

Just like a novel or short story, there is an art to telling a data story to an audience. In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk explains how to tell a data story effectively and the key elements needed to ensure your story both resonates with an audience and inspires them to action. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'.

Do you know how much data your organisation is holding that just isn't necessary? And are you unsure what to do about it? This week, Dr Selena Fisk covers the topic of dead data, and in the wake of recent data breaches such as Optus and Medibank, explains just how important it is to deal with this issue before it comes to haunt you. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'.

Do you worry that you may have missed something big in your data? Or do you analyse data without a clear focus or hypothesis? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk explains the difference between exploratory versus explanatory analysis and the situations each should be used in. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'.

Do you know how to effectively communicate it to your stakeholders? Should you use percentages? Raw figures? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk talks about how the importance of making numbers meaningful for people in a way that is concrete and relevant for them and their context. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'.

Everyone has biases, right? Unfortunately that means they can also find their way into how we approach data analysis. In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk talks about the differences between confirmation and self-serving baises, and gives you some strategies to help minimise their impact on the way you look at and analyse data. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'.

Do you understand the true purpose of telling a data story to an audience; and how this differs from sharing endless information? In this week's episode, Dr Selena Fisk digs into the true aim of a data story, and outlines why many people get it wrong, and/or get frustrated when the audience isn't motivated to act on the information. This episode was recorded at the beautiful Nitmiluk National Park, in the Northern Territory. Check out the link or pic for how incredible this 'Cicada Place' is! And enjoy the cicadas in the background!

Do all the employees in your organisation have access to the data they need to be effective in their roles? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk explains how to create an effective data democracy in your organisation, so that everyone has the means to analyse relevant data and tell effective data stories. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'.

Do you know which data you should be focussing on when telling your data story? And do you have a plan for how your data will be used and analysed? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk explains how to choose the most relevant data for your particular story and the non-negotiables of a clear data plan for your employees to follow. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'.

We all want to have an impact in our work, and one of the ways of conceptualising this is through Selena's evidence versus action quadrant model. In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk discusses the four main categories that we sit in when it comes to evidence-informed practice: stasis, guess work, lost opportunity, or impact. This episode helps unpack how we more often move into impact, and how we can support others to get there too.

Is 'data' akin to a swear word in your organisation? Do you face resistance when trying to be a data champion for your colleagues? Historically, data has gotten a pretty undeserved bad wrap in many organisations. In this episode Dr Selena Fisk outlines why that might be the case and takes you through five ways you can solve data's "PR problem" in your organisation. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'.

Have you ever embarked on a project or change in your organisation, only to find you struggle to measure your success because you didn't collect enough baseline data at the beginning? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk outlines why collecting qualitative baseline data to measure your impact is so important, and shares ideas for how to go about it. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'

Do you have issues with validity and reliability of your data? Do your staff express concerns with either one, and do you know the difference? If you aren't sure of the difference, it's pretty hard to establish ways to fix the problem. In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk unpacks the differences between validity and reliability and shares some tips to improve both, so that you can build trust in the data that your employees use and have access to. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'.

Do you struggle to write good survey questions? Or do you get annoyed at the questions you're asked in a survey? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk outlines some tips and tricks for writing good survey questions to ensure that we don't have rubbish coming in, and rubbish going out! Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'.

What's the difference between a trend and an insight? Do you know the difference? Do you know what to look for? In this episode, Selena unpacks the differences between trends and insights, and provides suggestions as to how you can include this in your own work and work with others. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'.

You have loads of data, right?! Well, there's a good chance that you have more qualitative data than quantitative. Do you know the difference? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk unpacks what qualitative and quantitative data is, how these data types differ, and how they all add value to our work. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'.