As AI transforms the way we work, what does it mean to be an effective teacher, coach, and data professional?

In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, Nisar Ahmed sits down with Data Coach Lisa Hitch at The Information Lab's New York City office for a conversation about teaching, learning, communication, and building a career that stays relevant in the age of AI.

Lisa shares her journey from overcoming a fear of public speaking to becoming a respected educator in the data community. Together, they discuss why AI should be embraced rather than feared, how it changes the classroom, and why communication, curiosity, and authenticity are becoming some of the most valuable skills a data professional can develop.

The conversation also explores content creation, personal branding, giving and receiving feedback, and why sharing what you know can accelerate both your own learning and your career.

Whether you're a data analyst, analytics leader, student, educator, or someone looking to grow your career in data, this episode offers practical advice on staying relevant in a rapidly changing world.

• Why AI is changing the way we teach—not replacing teachers
• How data professionals can use AI as a learning partner
• Why communication skills are becoming more valuable than ever
• How teaching can make you a better analyst and leader
• The power of building a personal brand in data
• How Lisa overcame her fear of public speaking and being on camera
• Why authenticity still matters in an AI-driven world
• Practical advice for anyone looking to grow in data analytics and analytics leadership

Lisa Hitch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-hitch/

Lisa on Instagram & TikTok: @the.data.coach

🌐 Full episodes of The Data Nerd Podcast and exclusive merch (including the official Data Nerd hat) — visit: www.thedatanerdpodcast.com

What happens when the company you've tied your identity to is suddenly gone?

In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, Nisar Ahmed sits down with Shachar Meir, former Meta leader turned independent data advisor, to explore one of the most difficult realities professionals face today: layoffs, career uncertainty, and life after big tech.

Drawing from his experiences at Meta, PayPal, and over 20 years in data, Shachar shares what it felt like to walk away from a major tech company and how that transition reshaped his perspective on work, identity, and career growth. Together, they discuss the changing relationship between employers and employees, why job security feels different than it did a decade ago, and how professionals can build resilience in an era of constant change.

The conversation also dives into freelancing, side hustles, communication skills, and why success in data careers often depends on much more than technical expertise.

This isn't just a conversation about layoffs. It's a conversation about building a career that isn't defined by a company logo.

Tune in to learn:

• Why layoffs can feel like losing part of your identity
• How the employer-employee relationship has changed since COVID
• What life after Meta taught Shachar about career ownership
• Why freelancing isn't for everyone and what it really takes to succeed
• The importance of building skills beyond technical expertise
• Why communication is often more valuable than technical ability
• How to think about big tech careers in today's job market
• Why your job should never become your entire identity

Whether you're navigating a career transition, working in big tech, or simply thinking about your long-term career growth, this episode offers practical lessons and honest perspectives from someone who's lived through it.

Shachar Meir on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shacharmeir/

Shachar's Website: https://shacharmeir.com/

Shachar's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ShacharMeir

Do companies really need to build expensive internal data teams anymore?

In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, Nisar Ahmed sits down with Mikhail Christiansen to challenge one of the biggest assumptions in modern analytics: that every growing company needs to hire a full internal data team from scratch.

Mikhail shares why many organizations are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars building data infrastructure, hiring engineers, and implementing tools before they ever generate meaningful business insights. The conversation explores the hidden costs of traditional analytics teams, the risks of bad hires and poor implementations, and why a managed analytics approach may be a faster and smarter path for many businesses.

They also dive into how AI is changing expectations around productivity, analytics, and decision-making and why companies that don't modernize their data infrastructure could struggle to compete in the AI era.

This isn't about saying data teams are unnecessary. It's about asking whether every company actually needs to build and own one themselves.

Tune in to learn:

• Why many companies overspend building internal data teams
• The real cost of hiring data engineers, BI developers, and analytics leadership
• What "managed analytics" actually means—and why it's gaining traction
• Why speed to insight matters more than owning infrastructure
• The risks of relying on bad hires or poorly implemented analytics systems
• How AI is increasing pressure on companies to modernize their data environments
• Why clean, centralized data is critical before AI can deliver real value
• The barber analogy that perfectly explains managed analytics

If you're a business leader, analytics professional, or someone thinking about scaling a data team, this episode will challenge how you think about building analytics capabilities in the modern AI era.

Mikhail Christiansen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikhailchristiansen/

Swift Insights: https://www.swiftinsights.net/

🌐 Full episodes of The Data Nerd Podcast and exclusive merch (including the official Data Nerd hat) — visit: www.thedatanerdpodcast.com

Are data science teachers falling behind—or being forced to rethink everything?

In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, Nisar Ahmed sits down with Saad Rais, AnalytIQ corporate trainer, to unpack how AI is reshaping data science education in real time. What used to be a clear path—learn programming, master algorithms, build models—is now being challenged by tools that can generate code, build dashboards, and even complete entire workflows.

Saad shares what he's seeing firsthand in both the classroom and corporate training, from adult learners trying to reskill to organizations struggling to adopt AI effectively. The conversation gets into the real tension: what skills still matter when AI can do most of the execution?

This isn't about dropping fundamentals. It's about deciding what's worth teaching when the tools have changed.

Tune in to learn:

• Why data science curriculum needs a rethink in the age of AI
• The difference between generative AI and agentic AI—and why it matters
• Whether coding still has value (and where it fits now)
• How "vibe coding" is shifting the role of analysts and data professionals
• Why understanding fundamentals still matters when working with AI
• The human skills—judgment, communication, accountability—that are becoming more important

If you're learning data—or teaching it—this episode will make you question how you approach both.

Saad Rais on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saadrais/

AnalytIQ training: https://www.analytiqtraining.com/

🌐 Full episodes of The Data Nerd Podcast and exclusive merch (including the official Data Nerd hat) — visit: www.thedatanerdpodcast.com

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