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

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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

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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 wrote Telling Your Data Story and how you can benefit from reading it.
• [0:11:20] The difference between telling stories with data and telling stories about data.
• [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

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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

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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

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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:

• [0:15:49] How to convince your company to shift from a cost center to a profit center.
• [0:22:40] How effective data leaders deal with pushback from their leadership.
• [0:27:20] Derrick’s advice for departments that want to become profit centers, but don’t know where to start.
• [0:33:32] What led Derrick to bring an accountant into his analytics team.
• [0:35:28] Some of the specialized skills that an accountant brings to the table.
• [0:42:56] Different types of reporting that you need, including the value of user spend.
• [0:44:03] Why Derrick says that the accountant ultimately “paid for himself.”

For full show notes, and the links mentioned visit: https://bibrainz.com/podcast/84

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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

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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

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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 the ITIL® 4 book 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.
• For full show notes, and the links mentioned visit: https://bibrainz.com/podcast/81 

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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!
• For full show notes, and the links mentioned visit: https://bibrainz.com/podcast/80 

   

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