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