The Data Nerd Podcast

Are dashboards really dead—or just evolving? In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, Nisar Ahmed sits down with Will Perkins, Analytics Solutions Executive at JPMorgan Chase and 5x Tableau Ambassador, to break down one of the biggest debates in data today. As AI continues to reshape analytics, many are questioning the role of dashboards and BI tools. This conversation cuts through the noise and focuses on what's actually changing. From the shift toward analytical solutions to the evolving role of analysts, Nisar and Will explore where dashboards still fit—and where they fall short. Tune in to learn: Whether dashboards are dead or evolving How AI is changing BI and data analytics Why bad dashboards point to deeper data problems What it really means to be an analyst today How to stay relevant in a changing data landscape If you work in data, BI, or analytics, this episode will challenge how you think about dashboards and the future of your role. Will Perkins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willcperkins/ 🌐 Full episodes of The Data Nerd Podcast and exclusive merch (including the official Data Nerd hat) — visit: www.thedatanerdpodcast.com

In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, host Nisar Ahmed sits down with data literacy expert, author, and CEO of Data Literacy, Ben Jones, for a timely conversation on how AI is reshaping data analytics jobs — and what it actually means for data professionals today. Ben has spent years helping organizations and professionals build stronger data skills, and more recently, AI literacy. Through his work teaching at the University of Washington and advising companies, he brings a practical, grounded perspective on how AI is changing analytics across roles—from data analysts to engineers to business users. At its core, this episode is about cutting through the noise around AI. Instead of focusing on hype or fear, the conversation looks at what's actually changing in the day-to-day work of analysts, how tools are evolving, and where human skills still matter most. Nisar and Ben explore how AI fits into the analytics workflow, what skills are becoming more valuable, and how professionals can adapt without losing their edge. 🎧 Tune in to learn: Whether AI is really replacing data analysts or reshaping the role Why AI literacy is becoming just as important as data literacy How experienced analysts can use AI to work faster and smarter The impact of AI on entry-level roles and hiring trends What's happening to dashboards, BI tools, and self-service analytics Why critical thinking and data storytelling are still essential How to approach AI with curiosity instead of fear Practical ways to start learning and using AI today If you're a data analyst, BI professional, data scientist, or analytics leader trying to understand where AI fits into your career, this episode will give you a clear, realistic perspective on what's changing — and how to stay relevant. Ben Jones on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjonesdata/ 🌐 Learn more about Data Literacy: https://dataliteracy.com 🌐 Full episodes of The Data Nerd Podcast and exclusive merch (including the official Data Nerd hat): www.thedatanerdpodcast.com

Can a data scientist become a stand-up comedian? What happens when statistics meet storytelling? And why might humor be one of the most underrated skills in data and analytics? In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, Nisar Ahmed sits down with data comedian and data professional Evan Wimpey to explore the surprising intersection of data science, comedy, and communication. Evan shares how a statistics joke competition during COVID unexpectedly launched his journey into data comedy, performing stand-up for analytics teams, conferences, and data professionals around the world. If you're a data scientist, analyst, BI professional, or aspiring data leader, this conversation shows why technical skills alone aren't enough — the ability to communicate insights, tell stories, and connect with people is just as important. We explore: How Evan accidentally became a professional statistics comedian Why humor can improve data storytelling and presentations The connection between stand-up comedy and communicating analytics Why many data presentations fail because they're simply boring How AI tools like ChatGPT help with the creative process Why communication skills are critical for career growth in data How data professionals can find their unique niche in the AI era Evan also performs part of his data comedy set, featuring jokes about data science models, analytics careers, and the realities of working in data. If you've ever: Sat through a painfully boring data presentation Tried to explain analytics to a non-technical audience Wondered how to make your data storytelling more engaging Or thought the world of analytics could use a little more humor This episode is for you. Evan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-wimpey/ 🌐 Learn more about Evan Wimpey and Data Comedy: https://predictablejokes.com 🌐 Full episodes of The Data Nerd Podcast and exclusive merch (including the official Data Nerd hat) — visit: www.thedatanerdpodcast.com

How do you build confidence at work? Why do so many professionals struggle to speak up in meetings? And what is fear really costing your career? In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, Nisar Ahmed sits down with keynote speaker, leadership expert, and Founder of Unmuted, Rachel Druckenmiller, to break down her powerful VOICE Method — a practical framework for overcoming self-doubt, building leadership presence, and confidently speaking up at work. If you're a data professional, analyst, aspiring leader, or anyone looking to improve communication skills and executive presence, this episode will help you move from hesitation to action. We explore: How to overcome fear of speaking up Why confidence is built through action The difference between confidence and arrogance (confident humility) How to stop playing small in your career Why boldness regrets hurt more than failure How data storytelling strengthens leadership influence Practical steps to build clarity, courage, and impact at work Rachel shares real-world insights from working with thousands of leaders and professionals, along with research-backed concepts that apply directly to career growth, communication skills, and workplace confidence. If you've ever: Held back in a meeting Felt like an imposter Avoided opportunities because you "weren't ready" Wanted more influence as a data professional This conversation is for you. 📚 Books & Research Mentioned: Atomic Habits – James Clear The Courage to Be Disliked – Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga The Top Five Regrets of the Dying – Bronnie Ware Quiet – Susan Cain Research from Adam Grant Research from Daniel Pink (World Regret Survey) Rachel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelbdruckenmiller/ 🌐 Full episodes of The Data Nerd Podcast and exclusive merch (including the official Data Nerd hat) — visit: www.thedatanerdpodcast.com

In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, host Nisar Ahmed welcomes back analytics leader and data community builder Dustin Schimek for a timely conversation on the real data analytics skills employers want in 2026 — and what they pay for them. Today's guest is Dustin Schimek, creator of the Data Jobs Report and the weekly Data Jobs Rundown, where he analyzes real job postings year over year to uncover hiring trends across data and analytics roles. With experience leading analytics teams and enabling data practitioners, Dustin brings a data-driven lens to understanding how analytics careers are evolving and what professionals should be paying attention to next. At its core, this episode is about cutting through the noise. Rather than relying on opinions or hype, the conversation is grounded in actual hiring data and long-term trends. Together, Nisar and Dustin explore how expectations for data analysts are changing, how skills and experience shape career growth, and why compensation looks the way it does across different stages of an analytics career. 🎧 Tune in to learn: The top data analytics skills employers are hiring for How Tableau and Power BI stack up in today's market The growing importance of cloud skills in analytics roles Why data storytelling continues to rise in demand Analyst vs senior analyst salary ranges and what drives pay growth How experience and industry knowledge impact hiring decisions If you're a data analyst, aspiring analyst, or analytics leader looking for a realistic, data-backed perspective on the analytics job market, this episode will help you better understand where the field is headed — and how to position yourself for what's next. Dustin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinschimek/ 🌐 Full episodes of The Data Nerd Podcast and exclusive merch (including the official Data Nerd hat) — visit: www.thedatanerdpodcast.com

In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, host Nisar Ahmed welcomes back leadership communication expert and TEDx speaker Christopher Chin for an inspiring conversation about what it really takes to step onto the TEDx stage. Today's guest is Christopher Chin, TEDx speaker, communication strategist, and Founder of The Hidden Speaker. Once an introvert working in technical roles, Chris learned firsthand how easily brilliant ideas get lost when the message isn't clear—and built a framework to fix that. Now he trains global teams, coaches leaders, and helps introverts, analysts, and technical professionals communicate with confidence and step onto bigger stages, including TEDx. At its core, this episode is about voice, courage, and the power of personal narrative. Christopher breaks down the mindset shifts, practical steps, and storytelling skills that helped him become a TEDx speaker—and why he believes far more people are capable of doing it than they realize. If you've ever thought "I'm not expert enough" or "who am I to give a TEDx talk?", this conversation will change how you see yourself. 🎧 Tune in to learn: Why confidence is less about knowing everything and more about embracing what you don't know How cognitive biases like the spotlight effect and negativity bias silently undermine your communication Why TEDx organizers aren't looking for brand-new ideas—but uniquely you ideas What separates a specialist from an "expert," and why that distinction matters How storytelling, emotion, and structure elevate any talk—especially data talks Why doing a TEDx can become a career-changing part of your personal brand Practical steps to brainstorming a topic, matching it to a TEDx theme, and applying confidently Connect with Christopher Chin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherwchin/ The Hidden Speaker: https://www.cwcconsulting.co/ 🌐 Full episodes of The Data Nerd Podcast, plus exclusive merch (including the official Data Nerd hat) — visit: www.thedatanerdpodcast.com

In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, host Nisar Ahmed sits down with Tableau legend Andy Kriebel for a raw, unfiltered conversation about DataFam Europe and the state of the Tableau community. Known as a Tableau Visionary Hall of Famer, creator of Makeover Monday, and founder of Next-Level Tableau, Andy has been at the heart of the DataFam for years, so when he says something feels off, it's worth paying attention. Andy shares his honest take on why this year's DataFam Europe felt like a sales and Salesforce-focused pitch to the wrong audience, rather than a celebration of the everyday Tableau Desktop user who is the DataFam. He talks about the lack of practical problem-solving content, the shift away from inspiring customer stories, and the frustrating gap between how much the community gives to Tableau and how little their real needs seem to be reflected on stage. At its core, this episode is about what made the DataFam special in the first place—sharing knowledge, solving real viz problems, lifting each other up—and why Andy believes Tableau's events risk drifting away from that spirit. If you've ever felt both deep loyalty to the product and disappointment in its direction, this conversation will resonate. 🎧 Tune in to learn: - Why DataFam Europe left many longtime users feeling overlooked - How Tableau's conference culture has shifted post-acquisition - Why real customer stories—and not product pitches—once made Tableau Conferences unforgettable - The widening disconnect between Salesforce messaging and what Desktop users actually need - Why speaking honestly matters when you love a product and want it to be better - What it will take to recenter the DataFam and restore the community spirit that defined Tableau's rise Andy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andykriebel/ Next-Level Tableau: https://nlt.circle.so/join-nlt 🌐 Full episodes of The Data Nerd Podcast and exclusive merch (including the official Data Nerd hat) — visit: www.thedatanerdpodcast.com

In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, host Nisar Ahmed is joined by Mike Cisneros—award-winning data visualization expert, two-time Tableau Visionary, and co-author of the brand-new book Storytelling With Data: Before & After. Mike has built a career at the intersection of analytics, design, software development, and data education, bringing a rare blend of creativity, clarity, and technical depth to the craft of data storytelling. His work helps readers and practitioners transform real-world visualizations through thoughtful redesigns and intentional narrative choices. What begins with childhood memories, hockey stories, and life lessons quickly reveals deeper parallels to data storytelling—how we process information, how flow states shape our work, and why the way we tell data stories often matters more than the charts themselves. Together, Nisar and Mike unpack the psychology behind communication, the power of relatable narratives, and why our lived experiences make us better storytellers in the age of AI. 🎧 Tune in to learn: How sports, childhood memories, and real-life experiences shape powerful data stories Why narrative beats numbers alone—especially when communicating with executives What Mike's new book Before & After teaches about redesigning visuals with intention How to recognize the hidden psychology behind insights that persuade Why AI adoption requires more human storytelling, not less The real reasons data teams struggle to deliver impact Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikevizneros/ Storytelling with Data: https://www.storytellingwithdata.com/ 🌐 Full episodes of The Data Nerd Podcast and exclusive merch (including the official Data Nerd hat) — visit: www.thedatanerdpodcast.com

In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, host Nisar Ahmed sits down with Salma Sultana—data storytelling coach, founder of Hummingbirds, and a passionate advocate for bringing cognitive psychology into the world of analytics. With nearly two decades of experience across consulting, financial services, biotech, and tech, Salma has helped countless professionals transform complex insights into narratives that actually stick. Together, Nisar and Salma dive deep into the psychology behind effective data storytelling—how humans process information, why narrative beats numbers alone, and what separates a report that gets ignored from one that sparks action. They explore the subtle but powerful ingredients of persuasion, clarity, emotion, and structure, and why understanding how the mind works is becoming a superpower for data professionals in the age of AI. 🎧 Tune in to learn: Why data stories succeed or fail—and what the brain has to do with it How cognitive psychology can elevate your dashboards, presentations, and insights The common traps data teams fall into when communicating with executives Practical ways to make your data more memorable, relatable, and actionable Salma on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-salma-sultana-/ Website: https://www.huemmingbirds.com/ 🌐 Full episodes of The Data Nerd Podcast and exclusive merch (including the official Data Nerd hat) — visit: www.thedatanerdpodcast.com

In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, host Nisar Ahmed chats with Alli Torban—data visualization specialist, author of Chart Spark, and host of the Data Viz Today podcast. With a background in mathematics and geospatial intelligence, Alli has worked across government, non-profit, and corporate sectors to make complex data stories accessible and impactful. Together, Nisar and Alli explore what it truly means to get your data voice heard—especially as an introvert navigating today's noisy digital world. From building confidence through podcasting to embracing creativity as a data professional, they unpack how sharing your perspective can shape both your career and your community. 🎧 Tune in to learn: - How introverts can grow visibility and influence in the data space - Why podcasting is a powerful medium for finding and refining your voice - The mindset shift from perfection to consistency - Practical ways to start sharing your "data voice" today Alli on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisontorban/ Website: https://www.allitorban.com/ 🌐 Full episodes of The Data Nerd Podcast and exclusive merch (including the official Data Nerd hat) — visit: thedatanerdpodcast.com

In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, host Nisar Ahmed sits down with Charlie Hills—a growth strategist who has turned AI into a full-fledged engine for LinkedIn influence. In 2024, Charlie leveraged AI-powered strategies to grow his LinkedIn following to over 50,000 in under a year—and by 2025, he'd skyrocketed past 160,000 followers in just nine months. From early skepticism about AI to building systems that supercharged his creativity, productivity, and career trajectory, Charlie shares how he used AI to transform his personal and professional growth—and how you can, too. 🎧 Tune in to learn: - How to use AI as a true growth accelerator, not just a content tool - The mindset shift that turned Charlie from skeptic to strategist - Why curiosity and adaptability are the real superpowers in the AI era - Practical ways to integrate AI into your daily workflow for exponential growth Charlie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-hills/ Linked Agency: https://www.linked-agency.com/ 🌐 Full episodes of The Data Nerd Podcast and exclusive merch (including the official Data Nerd hat) — visit: thedatanerdpodcast.com

In this episode of the Data Nerd Podcast, host Nisar Ahmed sits down with Nicholas Mann—Founder & CEO of Stratos Consulting, data infrastructure expert, and trusted advisor to biotech and pharma leaders—to cut through the AI hype and talk about what adoption really looks like. From when AI creates real business value to when it's just a distraction, Nicholas shares candid insights on how executives can make smarter choices and avoid costly mistakes. 🎧 Tune in to learn: - When AI actually adds value—and when it doesn't - Why strong data foundations matter more than chasing shiny tools - The biggest mistakes companies make when jumping into AI - How leaders can start small and scale AI adoption with confidence Nicholas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-mann-80855a1a/ 🌐 Full episodes of The Data Nerd Podcast and exclusive merch (including the official Data Nerd hat) — visit: thedatanerdpodcast.com

Eva Murray—speaker, author, and career coach for data professionals—joins Nisar Ahmed to share why soft skills like communication and storytelling are the real drivers of career growth in data. Explore The Data Nerd Podcast (and grab the official hat) at thedatanerdpodcast.com. Learn more about Eva's services at evamurray.co.uk and connect with her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/evamurray1/

AI can write your SQL, build dashboards, even suggest next steps. But as data leaders, we have to ask: is that enough? In this talk from the Disruptive Data Leadership Summit, I explore one of the most important questions in modern analytics: what role should AI play in Business Intelligence—and where do humans still lead? Learn the difference between assistive vs. autonomous AI, how tools like Tableau Agent and ChatGPT are reshaping dashboards, and why human insight, storytelling, and strategic thinking remain irreplaceable. Topics Covered: How AI is impacting data visualization and dashboard design Where human context adds irreplaceable value Why data storytelling is the most powerful skill in analytics Real-world examples of AI in action 🎧 Presented by Nisar Ahmed, host of the Data Nerd Podcast 🧢 Grab your official Data Nerd Hat here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/4327121675/data-nerd-hat-official-black-snapback?ref=listings_manager_grid Disruptive Data Leadership Summit: https://trending-analytics.com/summit-on-the-go-2025/

In this episode of the Data Nerd Podcast, host Nisar Ahmed sits down with Shama Hyder—CEO of Zen Media and global marketing leader—to unpack the real impact of AI on the job market. From the future of white-collar roles to how AI can become your cognitive partner, Shama offers a bold and refreshing take on how to stay relevant and thrive in the AI era. 🎧 Tune in to learn: Why entry-level jobs are shifting fast How to upskill and use AI as a strategic advantage What human skills still matter most in an AI-driven world Guest: Shama Hyder – Founder & CEO of Zen Media, LinkedIn Top Voice, Best-Selling Author Shama on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shamahyder/

In this episode, I'm joined by Igor Garlowski—Tableau Ambassador and data strategist—to explore why so many data teams struggle to deliver real value. We dive into common pitfalls in BI and Tableau projects, and Igor shares practical advice on aligning strategy, improving communication, and building data products that actually get used. Igor's impressive portfolio includes work with top-tier organizations like McKinsey, Siemens, Pfizer, and the NHS. With deep expertise across data visualization, data engineering, architecture, and strategy, he brings a holistic view of what it takes to turn data into impact. Igor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/igorgarlowski/

In this episode, I sit down in person with Will Sutton, the 2022 Iron Viz Champion, Tableau Visionary, and data consultant with The Information Lab. We caught up right after Tableau Conference 2025 in San Diego to talk about his inspiring journey—from introvert to Iron Viz winner. Will opens up about how stepping into the Iron Viz spotlight helped him break out of his shell and how that one bold move unlocked opportunities he never expected—at exactly the time he needed them most. This episode is a powerful reminder of what can happen when you take a shot—even when you're unsure of the outcome. Sometimes, saying yes to a single opportunity can change everything. Will on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-sutton-14711627/