The Data Nerd Podcast

Companies are investing heavily in AI, but how do they know if it's actually delivering value?

In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, Nisar Ahmed sits down with Nauman Abbasi from Gartner to discuss the challenges of measuring AI ROI, productivity, and the real business impact of artificial intelligence.

As organizations continue adopting tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and AI agents, many expect immediate returns through cost savings and increased efficiency. But is measuring AI success really that straightforward?

Nisar and Nauman explore why traditional ROI calculations may not tell the full story, how businesses should think beyond short-term financial gains, and why AI investments should focus on long-term growth and business value rather than simply reducing costs.

The conversation also touches on the debate around AI project failures, the impact of AI on jobs, and why human judgment, critical thinking, and problem-solving remain essential as AI becomes more integrated into our professional and personal lives.

Whether you're a business leader, data analyst, or AI enthusiast, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how to approach AI investments and measure what really matters.

• Why measuring AI ROI is more complicated than it seems

• The difference between AI productivity and actual business value

• Why deploying AI doesn't automatically guarantee results

• How organizations can approach AI investments and measure success

• Why short-term ROI may not capture AI's long-term benefits

• The debate around AI project failures and adoption

• How AI is changing jobs and workplace productivity

• Why critical thinking and human judgment still matter

Nauman Abbasi — LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nauman19/

🌐 Full episodes of The Data Nerd Podcast are available at https://www.thedatanerdpodcast.com/

Is Tableau Next the future of data analytics, or should Tableau developers stick with what they already know?

In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, Nisar Ahmed sits down with Fi Crocker and Sarah Burnett, co-founders of Dub Dub Data and longtime Tableau Ambassadors, to discuss Tableau Next vs. Tableau Desktop, Salesforce Data 360, and the future of business intelligence.

Having delivered multiple Tableau Next projects, Fi and Sarah share their firsthand experiences with the platform, including what works, what doesn't, and where traditional Tableau still has the advantage. They discuss how Tableau Next can deliver near real-time analytics and dramatically improve dashboard performance, while also presenting challenges with calculations, customization, and data modeling.

The conversation explores whether Tableau Next is worth adopting, particularly for organizations already using Salesforce, and what its growing adoption means for Tableau developers. With Tableau Studio and AI entering the picture, are we witnessing the next evolution of Tableau, or is the ecosystem becoming too complicated?

Beyond the technology, Fi and Sarah share how a chance meeting at Tableau Conference turned into a friendship and eventually a business partnership. They discuss the challenges of entrepreneurship, the power of the Tableau community, and why networking and continuous learning can open doors you never expected.

Together, they also explore why data storytelling, communication, and being willing to embrace change remain essential skills as AI reshapes the analytics profession.

Whether you're a Tableau developer, data analyst, Salesforce professional, or business intelligence leader, this episode offers practical insights into the future of Tableau and the opportunities ahead.

• How Tableau Next compares with Tableau Desktop and Tableau Cloud

• The real-world benefits and limitations of Tableau Next

• How Tableau Next enables near real-time reporting and faster dashboards

• Why Salesforce Data 360 is important to Tableau Next

• The challenges of data modeling, LOD calculations, and dashboard customization

• Whether Tableau developers should invest time in learning Tableau Next

• How Tableau Studio and AI could shape the future of Tableau

• Why the Tableau ecosystem is becoming more complex

• How Fi and Sarah went from Tableau community friends to co-founders of Dub Dub Data

• Why networking, community, and professional relationships matter

• The importance of continuous learning, teaching, and data storytelling in the age of AI

Fi Crocker — LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ficrocker/

Sarah Burnett — LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sezbee/

Dub Dub Data Website: https://www.dubdubdata.com/

Podcast: Undubbed

🌐 Full episodes of The Data Nerd Podcast and exclusive merch, including the official Data Nerd hat, are available at https://www.thedatanerdpodcast.com/

What if the key to landing your next job in the age of AI isn't a better resume, but a stronger network?

In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, Nisar Ahmed sits down with Steven Lukaszewski of Burtch Works, a recruiting professional with 18 years of experience, for a conversation about artificial intelligence, the changing job market, professional networking, and why human connections may be more important than ever.

Finding a job has become increasingly challenging. As AI transforms the hiring process, job seekers are using AI to optimize their resumes, employers are using AI to screen applications, and recruiters are struggling to distinguish genuinely qualified candidates from those who simply look good on paper. But is technology actually making hiring better, or is it creating more problems than it solves?

Steven shares his perspective from nearly two decades in recruiting, explaining why traditional online job applications are becoming less effective and why building genuine professional relationships could be the key to unlocking career opportunities. He discusses how AI-generated resumes, automated screening, and growing concerns about candidate authenticity are changing how employers evaluate talent.

Together, Nisar and Steven explore whether LinkedIn is still an effective networking platform or whether we've become too focused on collecting connections instead of building meaningful relationships. They discuss the difference between having thousands of LinkedIn connections and developing a trusted network of people who know your skills, understand your experience, and are willing to advocate for you.

The conversation also dives into practical strategies for networking and career growth. Steven explains why networking shouldn't begin when you're looking for a job, how to approach your professional connections for introductions, and why maintaining relationships throughout your career can lead to opportunities you never expected.

Nisar and Steven also discuss the importance of in-person networking, attending industry conferences, and building relationships beyond the digital world. As AI makes technical skills more accessible, they explore why communication, business acumen, and the ability to connect with others may become even more valuable.

The episode wraps up with a rapid-fire discussion covering employee referrals versus online applications, resumes versus LinkedIn profiles, remote versus in-person networking, whether AI will replace recruiters, and the biggest resume mistakes candidates should avoid.

Whether you're a data analyst, technology professional, job seeker, recruiter, or business leader, this episode offers practical advice on navigating the modern job market, building a stronger professional network, and standing out in an increasingly AI-driven hiring landscape.

• How AI is transforming recruiting, hiring, and the job search process

• Why finding a job through traditional online applications is becoming increasingly difficult

• How AI-generated resumes and automated screening are creating new challenges for recruiters

• Why having hundreds of qualified-looking applicants doesn't necessarily make hiring easier

• Whether LinkedIn is still an effective platform for professional networking

• The difference between collecting LinkedIn connections and building genuine professional relationships

• Why a smaller, trusted professional network can be more valuable than thousands of connections

• How to leverage your network to uncover job opportunities and get meaningful introductions

• Why employee referrals can be more effective than applying online

• How to approach your connections when looking for a new job

• Why networking should begin long before you actually need a job

• How helping others and maintaining relationships can create future career opportunities

• The importance of in-person networking, industry conferences, and professional communities

• Why communication skills and business acumen are becoming increasingly important in the age of AI

• How AI is changing the way employers validate candidates' skills and experience

• Whether AI will eventually replace human recruiters

• The advantages of remote, hybrid, and in-person work for career development

• Why staying in the same role or organization too long can sometimes limit professional growth

• The biggest resume red flags recruiters notice and how to avoid them

• Why demonstrating measurable impact matters more than simply listing job responsibilities

• How to build a professional network that supports long-term career growth

Connect with Steven Lukaszewski

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-lukaszewski-47584910/

Burtch Works Website: https://burtchworks.com/

🌐 Full episodes of The Data Nerd Podcast and exclusive merch, including the official Data Nerd hat, are available at https://www.thedatanerdpodcast.com/

What if the missing link to making better decisions with AI isn't technology, but data literacy?

In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, Nisar Ahmed sits down with Jordan Morrow, widely recognized as a pioneer of data literacy, author, and founder of Bodhi Data, for a conversation about data literacy, artificial intelligence, critical thinking, and the human skills needed to make better decisions in an AI-driven world.

Jordan explains why everyone is already using data to make decisions, whether they realize it or not, and why becoming data literate doesn't mean you need to become a data scientist. As AI makes data and analytics more accessible, the real challenge is understanding how to use these tools effectively and turn information into meaningful decisions.

Together, Nisar and Jordan explore how AI is changing the role of data professionals, why data storytelling and communication are becoming increasingly important, and why investing in technology alone won't make an organization data-driven. Jordan introduces his concept of Engineered Intelligence, which combines data, AI, human intelligence, and emotional intelligence to improve decision-making.

The conversation also explores the potential risks of becoming too dependent on AI. Are we outsourcing our ability to think? Jordan shares his concerns about cognitive decline, the importance of exercising our critical-thinking skills, and why AI should be a partner rather than a replacement for human intelligence.

Nisar and Jordan also discuss the future of education, how organizations can improve data and AI literacy, and why schools and businesses need to rethink how they teach, develop, and evaluate skills in the age of AI.

Whether you're a data analyst, business leader, educator, or someone looking to make better decisions with data and AI, this episode explores why data literacy is becoming an essential skill and why the human element matters more than ever.

• What data literacy really means and why everyone is already using it
• Why data literacy is becoming increasingly important in the age of AI
• How to use data and AI to make better decisions
• Why access to data and AI tools doesn't automatically make an organization data-driven
• What Jordan's Engineered Intelligence framework reveals about combining technology with human intelligence
• Why emotional intelligence and critical thinking are essential for effective decision-making
• How AI is changing the role of data analysts and the skills they'll need in the future
• Why data storytelling and communication can be more influential than data alone
• How organizations can identify and address gaps in data and AI literacy
• Why investing in AI technology without investing in people can limit its value
• The risks of becoming overly dependent on AI and outsourcing our thinking
• How to use AI as a partner without losing your critical-thinking skills
• Why education needs to evolve to prepare students for an AI-driven future
• How schools can approach AI policies, responsible AI adoption, and digital literacy
• Why human intelligence remains essential as AI becomes more powerful

Connect with Jordan Morrow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanmorrow/

Website: https://www.bodhidata.com/

🌐 Full episodes of The Data Nerd Podcast and exclusive merch, including the official Data Nerd hat, are available at www.TheDataNerdPodcast.com.

What if building your personal brand could create more career security than your résumé alone?

In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, Nisar Ahmed sits down with Jess Ramos, founder of Big Data Energy Analytics, for a conversation about personal branding, career growth, content creation, and standing out in the data and analytics industry.

Jess shares how she went from working as a data analyst to building a personal brand that opened doors to speaking opportunities, brand partnerships, international travel, and eventually full-time entrepreneurship. She also gets candid about being fired from her corporate job, the challenges of building a brand while working for an employer, and why she believes data professionals should start building their reputation before they actually need it.

Together, Nisar and Jess discuss what holds people back from posting on LinkedIn, why you don't need decades of experience to have something valuable to share, and how simply putting yourself out there can lead to opportunities you may never find through a traditional job application.

The conversation also gets into AI and content creation. Jess shares why she felt she was starting to lose her own voice by relying too heavily on AI for writing, how she changed her approach, and why being authentic and recognizable matters even more as AI-generated content floods our feeds.

Whether you're a data analyst, analytics leader, content creator, or someone trying to grow your career in data, this episode offers a practical look at how visibility, networking, and personal branding can create opportunities beyond your résumé.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why data professionals should consider building a personal brand
• How personal branding can create career opportunities and job security
• How Jess went from data analyst to full-time creator and entrepreneur
• What happened when Jess built a large personal brand while working a corporate job
• How to start posting on LinkedIn when you don't feel qualified
• Why visibility can matter just as much as experience
• How to balance your personal brand with your employer's social media policies
• Why consistency matters more than obsessing over individual posts
• How Jess uses AI in her content creation process without losing her voice
• Why authenticity can help your content stand out in an AI-driven world
• How networking and content creation can lead to unexpected career opportunities
• The skills Jess believes today's data analysts should be developing

Jess Ramos on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessramosmsba

Website: https://linktr.ee/jessramosdata

🌐 Full episodes of The Data Nerd Podcast and exclusive merch, including the official Data Nerd hat, are available at www.TheDataNerdPodcast.com

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