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/
Recorded live in San Diego following the Tableau Conference, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Amanda Makulec—Iron Viz judge, author, and thought leader in the data visualization space. In this episode, we explore what it really means to design dashboards that make an impact. From crafting stories that resonate to making intentional design choices, Amanda shares practical insights to elevate your dashboard game. She currently serves on the Data Visualization Society Advisory Council, is the author of Dashboards That Deliver, and co-hosts the popular webcast Chart Chat. Whether you're a data pro or just starting your visualization journey, this conversation is packed with takeaways you won't want to miss. Amanda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abmakulec/ Data Viz Society: https://www.datavisualizationsociety.org Viz Responsibly: https://vizresponsibly.substack.com Chart Chat: https://www.chartchat.live
In this episode, I sit down in person with fellow Tableau Social Ambassador Ojoswi Basu — just after the energy of Tableau Conference in San Diego. We dive into our journeys as content creators in the data space, sharing why we started, what we've learned, and how creating in public can open doors you never expected. From overcoming imposter syndrome to finding your voice online, this episode is packed with real talk and valuable takeaways for anyone looking to start (or level up) their content journey. Ojoswi is not only a standout voice in the Tableau community, but also the founder of Data2Vizuals, a public speaker, and a champion of elevating others in the data space. Whether you're a content creator, aspiring ambassador, or just curious about where content can take your career — this one's for you. Ojoswi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ojoswibasu/
In this episode, I sit down with Avery Smith, to tackle one of the biggest challenges aspiring data professionals face—getting hired without prior experience. Avery shares his unconventional strategies for standing out, building a portfolio, and networking your way into a data career. If you're struggling to land that first job, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you break in! Avery Smith is the founder of Data Career Jumpstart and a passionate advocate for helping people break into data careers. With a background in engineering and a self-taught journey into data science, Avery has built a thriving community focused on making data careers more accessible. He shares insights on career growth, data storytelling, and the power of personal projects in shaping a data-driven future. Avery on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/averyjsmith/ Data Career Jumpstart: https://datacareerjumpstart.com/ Data Career Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1nfBfEtCmuvJkPQgR3bS5a
In this episode, I sit down with Brent Dykes, author of Effective Data Storytelling, to challenge a common misconception, do dashboards really tell stories? We dive into the difference between presenting data and crafting a compelling narrative, why dashboards alone aren't enough, and how to bridge the gap between insights and impact. Brent Dykes is a leading expert in data storytelling and the author of Effective Data Storytelling. With years of experience in analytics, consulting, and thought leadership, he helps organizations transform raw data into compelling narratives that drive action. Brent on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentdykes/ Effective Data Storytelling: https://www.effectivedatastorytelling.com/
What do you get when you mix data, storytelling, and a little bit of stage presence? You get Andy Cotgreave, Tableau's very own Senior Data Evangelist. In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, Andy talks about how he balances the ultimate mission: Inform. Educate. Entertain. Andy is the co-author of The Big Book of Dashboards and a frequent speaker at global conferences, where he shares insights on the art and science of effective data storytelling. Andy is also a host of the Tableau Iron Viz competition, the world's largest data visualization contest, where he helps showcase the incredible creativity and skill within the global data community. Andy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acotgreave/
Tableau or Power BI? Which is the Best Data Visualization Tool? In this episode of The Data Nerd podcast, I'm joined by Sekou Tyler, founder of Royal Blue Analytics and an experienced user of both Tableau and Power BI. As Sekou insightfully shares, the core principles of effective data visualization remain universal—it's all about selecting the right tool for your specific needs. Tune in as we compare these two industry-leading platforms, explore their strengths and use cases, and help you determine which one is best for your data storytelling journey. Sekou on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sekoutyler/
The top three finalists were selected and will compete live on stage in front of thousands at Tableau Conference in San Diego, April 15-17, 2025. Before the big day, we're chatting with them about their inspirations, their winning vizzes, and their thoughts on the competition. Who's the biggest threat? Who's taking home the trophy? This is Tableau Iron Viz Finalists Unplugged: Meet the Data Rockstars! Check out each finalist's Tableau Viz submission on Tableau Public below and find out how to connect with them! Bo McCready Tableau Viz (One Hit Wonders): https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/bo.mccready8742/viz/OneHitWondersMcCreadyIronVizEntry2024/Intro?_gl=1*1ui6m63*_ga*MTc5MzA5OTIzMi4xNzE0NzcyNzY1*_ga_8YLN0SNXVS*MTczODU1MDk1OC4xOTMuMS4xNzM4NTUwOTg3LjAuMC4w LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bo-mccready-82ab4b11/ X: https://x.com/boknowsdata Ryan Soares Tableau Viz (Rising from the Tank): https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/ryansoares/viz/RisingfromtheTank/jaws?_gl=1*fuicab*_ga*MTc5MzA5OTIzMi4xNzE0NzcyNzY1*_ga_8YLN0SNXVS*MTczODU1MDk1OC4xOTMuMS4xNzM4NTUxMDA3LjAuMC4w LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandsoares/ X: https://x.com/ryandsoares Kathryn McCrindle Tableau Viz (From Screen to Scene): https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/kathryn.mccrindle/viz/FromScreentoScene/Outlanderdashboard?_gl=1*ooc773*_ga*MTc5MzA5OTIzMi4xNzE0NzcyNzY1*_ga_8YLN0SNXVS*MTczODU1MDk1OC4xOTMuMS4xNzM4NTUxMDk0LjAuMC4w LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathrynmccrindle/
Are you new to Tableau? Searching for guidance or a mentor to help you thrive? In the latest episode of The Data Nerd podcast, I sit down with Prasann Prem, a Tableau Visionary and global leader in data visualization. Prasann shares his inspiring journey, his tips for beginners, and how Tableau can be a game-changer for your career. Prasann on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prasannprem/
Join me as I chat with Edward Beaurain, Regional Vice President of AMER Enterprise Corporate Sales at Tableau, about the evolution of Tableau and its potential as the future of analytics. We dive into Tableau's journey, from its roots to its innovative strides in shaping the analytics landscape. Edward shares insights from his role leading a high-performing sales team at Tableau, a Salesforce company, and discusses how Tableau continues to deliver transformative, data-driven solutions to customers. Edward on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardbeaurain/
Tableau has introduced exciting AI advancements, including Tableau Agent and Pulse. In this episode, I sit down for a candid conversation with Tim Ngwena, widely known as Tableau Tim from his popular YouTube channel. As leaders in the Tableau community—Tim as a Tableau Visionary and myself as a Social Ambassador—we share insights into our journeys with Tableau and discuss how AI is shaping the future as a powerful tool to enhance our work. Tableau Tim on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TableauTim Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timngwena/