unDUBBED

unDUBBED

By Fiona Crocker & Sarah Burnett | co-founders, dub dub dataBusinessTechnologyManagement
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unDUBBED episodes

  • D41 Where Tableau Insights Live: Headless AI and Slack
    Summary

    In this episode, Steve Holley, a Tableau Solutions Engineer at Salesforce, shares insights on the evolving landscape of headless analytics and AI, the importance of trust and governance in data, and how organizations can adapt to rapid technological change.

    Keywords

    Data Analytics, Headless AI, Tableau, Salesforce, Data Governance, AI in Business, Data Transformation, Analytics Tools, Data Strategy key topics Headless analytics and AI Data governance and trust Real-time data insights and alerts Semantic models and data sources Organizational change management in data guest name Steve Holley

    Titles

    The Future of Headless Analytics and AI in Business

    How Salesforce is Shaping Headless Data Solutions

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Undubbed Podcast

    02:00 Meet Steve Holley: Tableau Solutions Engineer

    03:11 The Impact of AI on Data Interaction

    03:28 Understanding Headless Analytics and AI

    06:54 The Role of Dashboards in Data Analysis

    09:56 Trust and Accuracy in AI Insights

    15:16 Live Demo: Data Interaction in Slack

    19:51 Understanding Dashboard Insights

    21:41 Identifying At-Risk Accounts

    23:33 Defining Business Rules and Context

    25:49 The Role of Data Professionals

    30:10 Adapting to New Data Workflows

    33:31 Change Management in Data Analysis

    35:31 Taking Action on Insights

    41:11 Learning from Others in the Community resources Salesforce

    Links

    Official Website - https://www.salesforce.com/

    Tableau Official Website - https://www.tableau.com/

    Y, W A I I - Knowledge Mapping Tool - https://www.ywaii.com/

    Steve's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveholley/

    Steve's Twitter - https://twitter.com/steveholley 

    49 min
  • D40 Why AI Fails at Enterprise Data and What Tableau Is Doing About It
    Episode Summary

    Dive into the evolving world of data, AI, and analytics with Will Pitzler, Director of Product Management at Tableau. This episode explores how Tableau is breaking down barriers to make insights accessible across platforms, the importance of governance, and what it actually takes to become a data-driven organisation.

     
    In this episode, you'll learn about:

    ● Why leading LLMs scored just 6% on a Yale benchmark testing real enterprise databases and what that means for your AI strategy
    ● The role of composable data sources, the most requested feature in Tableau's history, and what they unlock for data teams
    ● How Tableau insights are now accessible directly inside Google Sheets, PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Word
    ● The uncomfortable questions around PII, data sovereignty, and governance when using MCP and third-party AI tools
    ● The Open Semantic Interchange initiative, what it is, why it matters, and how far away a real standard actually is
    ● What data leaders should actually do before their next AI project kicks off



    Timestamps:

    00:00 - Introduction and welcome

    01:22 - Will's background and role at Tableau

    03:31 - Why TC26 felt different, the return to the practitioner

    06:00 - The developer spectrum and Tableau's broad user base

    06:30 - Tableau through the Salesforce acquisition, what's changed and what hasn't

    09:42 - TC26 comes to Sydney, bringing the insights to local customers

    10:32 - The Yale Spider 2.0 benchmark and the 6% problem

    13:50 - Why context is everything for LLMs in enterprise environments

    15:18 - PII, data sovereignty, and the governance gap in AI and MCP

    18:08 - What data leaders are actually telling Will on the ground

    19:39 - Open Semantic Interchange, the industry's attempt at a common standard

    21:17 - Two schools of thought on how Tableau handles semantic layers

    23:23 - Delegated semantics, Tableau's interim approach

    26:06 - How the data market has gone in circles, monolithic to modern and back again

    28:30 - Composable data sources, the most requested feature in Tableau's history

    33:10 - Governance and ways of working as teams move faster

    35:25 - The last mile problem, insights shouldn't live only inside Tableau

    38:44 - Staying in the flow, self-service where people actually work

    39:32 - The tension between AI text outputs and data visualisation

    42:02 - Demo begins, third party integrations overview

    44:38 - Demo: Tableau inside PowerPoint

    46:09 - The timestamp feature and refreshing slides on demand

    47:19 - Salesforce internal use case, automating operational reporting

    50:40 - Why live dashboards weren't the answer

    52:06 - Demo: Tableau inside Google Sheets

    55:27 - Using published data sources in Google Sheets

    56:58 - Licensing and permissions

    57:22 - Pushing data back into Tableau from Google Sheets

    59:48 - The Henry Ford problem, what customers say vs. what they need

    1:02:28 - Closing question: What should a data leader actually do?

    1:03:16 - Where to find Will

    1:03:38 - Fi and Sarah's closing takeaways

     

    Resources & Links:

    Connect with Will on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-pitzler-603b915b/

    Spider 2.0 Benchmark, Yale https://spider2-sql.github.io/

    Tableau Add-on for Google Workspace https://www.tableau.com/blog/improve-collaboration-tableau-google-workspace

    Tableau App for Microsoft 365 https://www.tableau.com/blog/meet-tableau-app-for-microsoft-365-word-powerpoint-teams

     

    1 hr 6 min
  • D39 What's Coming in Tableau: A Leader's Guide to the Best of TC26 with Candi and Kirk Munroe
    Summary

    Fresh from Tableau Conference 2026, Fi and Sarah sit down with Kirk and Candi Munroe - co-founders of Paint with Data, a Tableau consultancy and Salesforce partner based in Canada - to unpack what's actually coming for Tableau and what it means for the people making decisions about their data teams.

    Kirk brings 25 years in business analytics, a newly minted Tableau Visionary title, as well as a Tableau Ambassador and a book on data modelling in Tableau. Candi is a Visual Analytics specialist, four-time Tableau User Group Ambassador, and heads up the Canada Tableau User Group. Between them, they've seen every era of Tableau - and they're genuinely excited about this one.

    The conversation covers Tableau Solve and its write-back and forecasting potential, the Viz layers that will let you layer multiple data sources on a single chart axis, composable data sources and why they're the missing piece in Tableau's semantic layer story, agentic analytics and what it actually takes to make natural language querying work in practice, Tableau MCP - including a cautionary tale about a CPM field that cost 58 cents a query - and what the Devs on Stage roadmap means for the data leaders who need to decide what comes next for their teams.



    Takeaways
    • Tableau Solve productionises record-level triage and forecasting - and write-back is finally coming, with Kirk calling it "way, way, way overdue"
    • Chart Layers will allow multiple data sources to sit on the same XY axis without any joining, opening up time series comparisons and complex formatting that previously required workarounds
    • Tableau Server is getting genuine love - including LLM features - signalling that Tableau sees it as a long-term platform, not a migration waiting to happen
    • Composable data sources let analysts extend a published data source on the fly without touching the original, and because everything is relationship-based, nothing already built gets broken
    • Well-governed, well-commented data sources are now a prerequisite for agentic analytics - without them, the AI will guess wrong and cost you money (Kirk's CPM example is a must-hear)
    • Tableau MCP is already live, easy to set up in Claude Desktop in under three minutes, and keeps row-level security intact - but you need your own personal access token, not a service account
    • AI-assisted field descriptions get you 90-95% of the way there - the blank box problem is real, and the AI solves it
    • The Tableau Desktop Authoring API is in its third release, and style guide automation - padding, corner rounding, colour palette - is close
    • Headless BI and Slack-first data experiences are coming, and they matter most for the people who will never naturally log into Tableau
    • Data leaders should position themselves as connective glue across departments - spotting correlations between silos that no single team can see



    • Chapters

      00:00 Introduction to Tableau Conference 2026 Highlights

      01:52 Meet the Experts: Kirk and Candi

      03:32 Exciting Announcements from TC26

      05:40 Tableau Solve: Enhancements and Features

      07:52 The Importance of Write-Back Functionality

      09:31 Map and Chart Layers: A New Era in Visualization

      11:51 Tableau Server vs. Tableau Cloud: The Future

      13:19 Tab Move: Streamlining the Transition to Cloud

      15:05 Accessibility Features in Tableau

      15:18 Composable Data Sources: Unlocking New Potential

      20:47 Optimizing Data Integration in Tableau

      22:17 The Future of Composable Data Sources

      24:22 Leveraging AI for Data Management

      26:30 The Role of AI in Data Exploration

      26:31 Understanding Agentic Analytics

      29:52 Implementing Tableau MCP Effectively

      34:24 Designing for Consistency in Data Visualization

      36:54 Evolving Data Governance and Ethics

      38:31 Exploring New Features in Tableau

      39:08 The Future of Data Integration and Collaboration

      48:26 Building a Data-Driven Organization

      50:41 The Role of Data Leaders as Consultants

       

      Links

      Kirk Munroe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirkmunroe/

      Candi Munroe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candimunroe/

      Paint with Data: https://paintwithdata.com

      Paint with Data Blog: https://www.paintwithdata.com/blog

      Data Modeling with Tableau by Kirk Munroe: https://www.amazon.com/Data-Modeling-Tableau-practical-building/dp/1803248025

      Kirk Munroe on the Flerlage Twins blog: https://www.flerlagetwins.com/2023/01/data-.html

      TC26 Devs on Stage: https://www.salesforce.com/plus/experience/tableau_conference_2026/series/tableau_conference_2026_highlights/episode/episode-s1e25

      Watch TC26 on demand: https://www.salesforce.com/plus/experience/tableau_conference_2026

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

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


      Keywords

      Tableau Conference 2026, TC26, Tableau Solve, composable data sources, agentic analytics, Tableau MCP, Viz layers, chart layers, write-back Tableau, Tableau Visionary, data governance, Tableau Cloud, Tableau Server, AI in Tableau, semantic layer Tableau, data leadership, data leaders, Paint with Data, Kirk Munroe, Candi Munroe, Tableau data modelling, headless BI, Slack analytics, Tableau Desktop Authoring API, row-level security, Tableau prep, published data sources, Dub Dub Data, unDUBBED podcast

      56 min
    • D38 Building Data Culture with Datafluencers
      Summary

      Fresh off the stage at Tableau Conference 2026, Sarah Burnett and Fiona Crocker bring their live TC26 session straight to the unDUBBED audience. Their session was called Building a Data Culture with Datafluencers, and the whole premise is this: the best data work in most organisations will never be seen - not because it isn't good enough, but because nobody told the story.

      They walk through why brilliant work disappears, who is responsible for fixing it, and the practical tools to start changing that this week. The centrepiece is the seven-part data story arc, walked through using Freshmart, a fictional wholesale food chain where waste was above target despite accurate data and capable teams. 

      Whether you're a data analyst whose work isn't getting the recognition it deserves, a manager trying to build a data culture, or someone who's ever built a dashboard that nobody used - this episode is for you.

       

      Takeaways
      • The gap between delivery and adoption is where great data work disappears - and it's a storytelling problem, not a data problem
      • Great work goes invisible for three reasons: no channel, no story, and no leaders to promote it
      • A Datafluencer isn't a job title - it's a set of behaviours that makes work visible, shareable, and heard
      • The seven-part data story arc gives a repeatable structure: hook, problem, insight, solution, result, learning, call to action
      • One dashboard reframe - not a rebuild - saved Freshmart 2.4 tonnes of waste and $672,000 in annualised costs in six weeks
      • A public data wins channel builds culture over time - people stop lurking and start contributing when the space feels worth being in
      • Amplification is the step most people skip - make it one click for your manager, then prompt them to take it higher
      •  

        Chapters

        00:00 Introduction to Data Culture and Datafluencers

        01:24 Understanding Why Data Work Goes Invisible

        03:19 The Role of Datafluencers in Amplifying Work

        05:39 Framework for Effective Data Storytelling

        08:10 Building a Winning Channel for Data

        10:56 Amplification and Cultural Impact of Data

        13:43 Conclusion and Call to Action

         

        Links

        Data Fluencer Toolkit - https://www.dubdubdata.com/offers/iU2dFRBd/checkout

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

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

         

        Keywords

        data culture, Datafluencer, data storytelling, data visibility, Tableau Conference 2026, TC26, data story arc, dashboard adoption, seen heard promoted, data leadership

        16 min
      • D37 How to Make Your Data Actually Matter with Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic

        In this episode of unDUBBED, we’re joined by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic, founder of Storytelling with Data and one of the most influential voices in data storytelling and data visualisation.

        Cole shares practical, real-world insights on why data often fails to drive decisions - even when the analysis is right - and how to shift from simply showing data to actually influencing outcomes.

        From her journey through banking and Google’s People Analytics team to building a global data storytelling movement, this conversation is packed with actionable techniques to help you communicate data with clarity, purpose, and impact.

         

        🔑 Main Topics

        Why data fails to drive decisions - and how to fix it

        The shift from showing data to explaining data

        Audience-first thinking in data storytelling

        Structuring communication using the narrative arc

        The role of iteration, feedback, and time in crafting data stories

        When to use dashboards vs storytelling

        The risks and realities of AI in data visualisation

         

        📌 In This Episode

        Cole’s journey from banking to Google and founding Storytelling with Data

        How data visualisation became a critical business communication skill

        Why designing for yourself (not your audience) is the biggest mistake in data

        The difference between exploring data vs explaining data

        How to use titles, annotations, and contrast to guide attention

        The power of low-fidelity prototyping and iteration for alignment

        Why most data presentations follow a “selfish” structure - and how to fix it

        Using the narrative arc to create tension and drive action

        How to develop a clear “Big Idea” before building anything

        The role of AI in data storytelling - speed vs risk, and hallucinations

        Common chart mistakes, including unnecessary detail and poor audience focus


        ⏱️ Chapters

        00:00 - Introduction to data storytelling with Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic

        02:12 - Cole's journey from banking to data visualization at Google

        03:45 - The importance of clear visual communication in business

        06:46 - Teaching data visualization at Google and creating impact

        08:45 - The storytelling ecosystem: books, workshops, community

        10:48 - Making data concepts accessible and engaging

        13:33 - The collaborative process behind “Storytelling with Data: Before and After”

        17:17 - The power of the “before and after” in data improvement

        18:10 - The storytelling process as a “glow up” for data

        19:01 - Tools and techniques for rapid prototyping and iteration

        20:41 - Strategies for understanding the audience and customizing communication

        23:52 - Using low-tech methods for stakeholder alignment

        27:03 - Balancing detail with clarity: avoiding overwhelm

        29:54 - Differentiating between storytelling and dashboards

        33:10 - Structuring data communication as a narrative arc

        36:39 - The importance of concise messaging and annotations

        46:16 - Layering information to enhance understanding

        50:52 - Developing the “Big Idea”: clear, impactful core message

        55:43 - The role of AI and machine-generated charts in modern data storytelling

        64:10 - Common chart crimes and things to stop doing

        64:47 - Final takeaways: prioritize audience understanding and time

        66:09 - Resources, books, and ways to connect with Cole

         

        🔗 Resources & Links

        Storytelling with Data → https://www.storytellingwithdata.com

        Storytelling with Data: Before and After (book) → https://www.storytellingwithdata.com/before-and-after

        Daphne Draws Data → https://daphnedrawsdata.com

        Tableau → https://www.tableau.com

        Figma → https://www.figma.com

        AI tools → https://claude.ai   | https://chat.openai.com

         

        🔗 Connect with Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic

        LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/colenussbaumerknaflic

        Website → https://www.storytellingwithdata.com


        🧠 Key Takeaways

        Data alone doesn’t drive decisions - clear communication does

        If your audience doesn’t know what to do, your data has failed

        Start with the audience and the action, not the analysis

        Use storytelling to create tension, clarity, and direction

        AI can accelerate workflows - but human judgment remains critical

        1 hr 8 min
      • D36 Dashboards don't drive decisions, people do!
        Summary

        Are your dashboards actually driving decisions? Or are they beautifully built artefacts that nobody uses? In this episode of unDUBBED, Sarah and Fiona sit down with two of the most respected voices in data communication to tackle one of the industry's most uncomfortable questions: do dashboards actually work?

        Amanda Makulec is a data visualisation leader with 15 years of experience and a founding board member and former executive director of the Data Visualisation Society. Andy Cotgreave spent 20 years in data and analytics, 15 of them at Tableau, before co-founding How to Speak Data. Together they co-host Chart Chat - so yes, they have opinions.

        The conversation digs into the discovery and prototyping work that must happen before anyone opens a tool, the difference between story finding and storytelling, and why reducing friction often beats adding features. They also get into AI's messy, exhilarating, and frankly terrifying impact on data work.

        Whether you build dashboards, manage a team that does, or quietly suspect nobody reads your reports - this one's for you. Amanda and Andy are also co-authors of the Big Book of Dashboards and Dashboards That Deliver.

         

        Takeaways
        • 71% of people surveyed said most dashboards fail - but did you ever define what success looked like in the first place?
        • The most common mistake is diving into building before understanding what users actually need - discovery and prototyping must come before development.
        • Dashboards don't drive decisions, people do - the real value of data happens in the conversations it sparks, not the charts themselves.
        • Reducing friction is one of the highest-leverage moves you can make - data needs to meet people where they already work.
        • Story finding and storytelling are completely different design paradigms - conflating them is one of the most costly mistakes in data communication.
        • Pretty data that turns out to be wrong destroys trust faster than almost anything - and AI makes this risk higher, not lower.
        • Your data team is probably using AI extensively without telling you - and leadership's early bans are almost certainly why.
        • The word "dashboard" is just semantic drift from stagecoaches - what matters is whether people can act on the information, whatever you call it.
        • Data communication is broader than data visualisation - sometimes one statistic at the right moment beats an entire interactive dashboard.
        • In an AI-obsessed world, the things that remain irreplaceable are human context, earned trust, and genuine connection with the people who use your data.
        •  

          Keywords

          amanda makulec, andy cotgreave, dashboards that deliver, big book of dashboards, why dashboards fail, dashboard design, data communication, data visualisation, story finding vs storytelling, AI and data analytics, future of dashboards, dashboard strategy, user centred design, discovery before development, reducing data friction, data trust, data decision making, how to speak data, chart chat, data visualisation society, datafam, unDUBBED, dub dub data, dashboard best practices, data storytelling

           

          Chapters

          00:00 Introduction to Dashboards and Their Value

          08:35 The Failure of Dashboards: Insights and Statistics

          19:23 Redefining Dashboards: Integration and User Experience

          21:54 Teaching Data Visualization Workshops

          24:02 The Future of Dashboards

          33:38 Data Communication vs. Data Visualization

          44:26 AI and the Role of Data Teams

          45:10 The Rapid Evolution of AI Technology

          47:04 Balancing Productivity and Ethical Concerns in AI

          47:51 The Importance of Human Connection in Data Analysis

          50:04 Building Trust and Communication in Data Work

          53:12 Quick Fire Round: Insights and Opinions

          56:11 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

           

          Links

          Amanda Makulec website - https://www.amandamakulec.com/

          Amanda Makulec LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/abmakulec/

          Andy Cotgreave LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/acotgreave/

          How to Speak Data - https://howtospeakdata.com/

          How to Speak Data Newsletter - https://acotgreave.substack.com/

          Andy's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqhn4yE-8QS3U1b7Jn1WItQ

           

          Dashboards That Deliver - https://www.dashboardsthatdeliver.com/

          Viz Responsibly (Amanda's Substack) - https://vizresponsibly.substack.com/

          Chart Chat Newsletter - https://chartchatlive.substack.com/

          Data Visualisation Society - https://www.datavisualizationsociety.org/

          Amanda's Nightingale article - https://nightingaledvs.com/has-data-storytelling-reached-its-peak/

          Iraq's Bloody Toll by Simon Scarr - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ybwh4lejYO4

           

          Empire of AI by Karen Hao - https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/460331/empire-of-ai-by-hao-karen/9781802064650

          Weapons of Math Destruction by Cathy O'Neil - https://www.amazon.com/Weapons-Math-Destruction-Increases-Inequality/dp/0553418815

          1 hr
        • D35 Your Ultimate Guide to Tableau Conference 2026

          Heading to Tableau Conference 2026 in San Diego? This episode is a practical guide to getting real value from TC26 - without wasting time, burning out, or missing what actually matters.

          Tableau Conference can be overwhelming. Thousands of people. Hundreds of sessions. Constant noise, energy, and options pulling you in every direction. The difference between a good experience and a genuinely career-shifting one comes down to how you approach it.

          This episode focuses on how to navigate TC26 with intent. It covers what to prioritise, how to think about sessions versus conversations, where the real value is created, and how to position yourself to get more than just inspiration - actual outcomes you can take back into your work.

          There’s a strong emphasis on the parts of conference that aren’t written in the agenda: the moments between sessions, the meetups, the side conversations, and the connections that often lead to opportunities long after the event ends.

          It also addresses the reality of conference fatigue, decision overload, and the pressure to “do everything” - and reframes the experience around making deliberate choices instead. If you want to walk into TC26 with clarity, confidence, and a strategy that helps you get more out of the experience than most people in the room, this is the episode to listen to before you go.

          A HUGE THANK YOU to the following Tableau Ambassadors who contributed to the content shared:
          Sarah Pallett, Celia Fryar, Sam Batchelor and Sudhaa Ramakrishnan

           

          Chapters

          00:00 – Welcome to TC26:
          A Journey Begins Fi and Sarah open with the personal story behind why Tableau Conference matters so much to them, including how they first met at TC17.

          02:50 – Key Events Not to Miss at TC26
          A rundown of the keynote, Devs on Stage, and Iron Viz – and why each one matters for a different reason.

          10:37 – Exploring Community Engagement and Networking
          The wider conference experience beyond the headline sessions, including To The Core, the Vizzies, the Community Village, the hackathon, and Data Night Out.

          27:40 – The Importance of Community Meetups Why meetups are one of the best parts of TC, especially for making real connections and easing into the week.

          31:55 – Navigating Your First Tableau Conference
          What day one feels like, why it can be overwhelming, and how to settle into it without pressure.

          34:36 – Conference Energy Management
          A practical discussion on food, hydration, noise, alcohol, rest, and pacing yourself across multiple days.

          36:33 – Navigating Networking and Conversations
          How to approach people, handle imposter syndrome, and start conversations with community members you admire.

          39:45 – Asking Questions and Session Etiquette
          Tips on asking good questions, keeping notes, leaving sessions respectfully, and making the most of Q&A moments.

          42:58 – Avoiding Common Conference Pitfalls
          The things Fi and Sarah would avoid, including over-scheduling, skipping meals, and trying to do everything.

          44:21 – Comfort and Preparation for TC26
          Shoes, layers, battery packs, roaming, LinkedIn QR codes, note-taking, and practical conference readiness.

          45:12 – Final Takeaways and Conference Insights A rapid-fire finish on favourite sessions, underrated parts of TC, survival tips, and what they hope listeners take from the episode.

           

          Links

          Tableau Conference 2026 – Official Site & Info

          Register for Tableau Conference 2026 Tickets

          Don't Miss Our Session - Building Data Culture with Datafluencers 

          The Famous Flerlage Twins present How to Do Cool Stuff in Tableau 2026

          Every Dev Can Learn from Andy Kriebel &  Jeff Schaffer - Speed Tipping: Return of the GOATs

          TC26 Session Catalogue 

          Data + Tacos (TC26 Pre-Game Event) Registration

          Data + Women (TC26 Pre-Game Event) Registration

          Why Attend Tableau Conference (Convince Your Boss) 

          Iron Viz - What's it About?

          58 min
        • D34 Lifting the Floor: How Andy Kriebel Builds Unstoppable Tableau Analysts
          Summary

          What does it actually take to build a confident Tableau analyst? In this episode of unDUBBED, hosts Sarah Burnett and Fiona Crocker sit down with Andy Kriebel, Tableau Visionary, Hall of Famer, and founder of Next Level Tableau, to explore the coaching philosophy that has shaped some of the best analytical talent in the global data community.

          Andy has spent nearly two decades turning analysts into exceptional performers. Ten of his trainees have gone on to become Tableau Visionaries themselves, out of only 72 people worldwide who hold that distinction. His stated goal is to make you so good at Tableau that you don't need him anymore.

          The conversation explores how confidence is built through environment rather than personality, why soft skills are just as critical as technical ability, and what separates analysts who improve slowly from those who accelerate fast. Andy also reflects on his journey from underwriter to Facebook manager to head coach at the Data School in London, and how those experiences shaped the live, community-driven training model at the heart of Next Level Tableau.

          Whether you're an analyst wanting to level up, a manager building a high-performing data team, or someone pivoting into a data career, this episode is packed with honest, practical insights you can apply straight away.

           

          Takeaways
          • Confidence isn't a personality trait - it's an environment you deliberately design.
          • The earliest signal that someone will step up is their willingness to put in just that little bit of extra work.
          • Active participation, homework, and portfolio building compound quickly - especially for career changers.
          • The number one predictor of a great consultant is listening, not technical skill.
          • Career changers who invest their own money in learning consistently outperform those whose companies foot the bill.
          • Building your network and connecting with people already doing what you want to do is the fastest shortcut to career growth.
          • Communities thrive when everyone focuses on lifting the floor, not racing to the top.
          • Even experienced Tableau practitioners pick up new efficiency gains in every single class.
          • The difference between learning Tableau and thinking Tableau is built through deliberate repetition and observation.
          • Great managers remove obstacles, deliver no surprises at review time, and show up consistently for their people.


          • Chapters

            00:00 Introduction to Confidence in Data Analysis

            02:55 Building a Community of Confident Analysts

            05:45 The Role of Teaching and Engagement

            08:42 Andy Kriebel's Journey to Coaching

            11:28 The Importance of Soft Skills in Data Analysis

            14:00 Creating a Supportive Learning Environment

            16:23 Nurturing Confidence Through Environment

            19:10 Career Transitions and Building Skills

            22:36 Navigating Career Changes

            27:28 The Importance of Active Participation

            33:19 Learning Through Observation

            36:24 Thinking Like Tableau

            39:35 Key Traits of a Great Consultant

            Links

            Next Level Tableau - https://nextleveltableau.com/

            Andy Kriebel on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andykriebel/

            Tableau Public Profile of Andy Kriebel - https://public.tableau.com/profile/andy.kriebel

            DataIQ Top 100 Influential People in Data - https://www.dataiq.co.uk/top-100-influential-people-in-data

            Keywords

            Data Visualization, Tableau, Data Training, Community Building, Soft Skills, Data Career, Analytics Confidence

            42 min
          • D33 38% of People Can’t Communicate Their Value – Here’s How to Fix It with Sharon Lim

            Why do so many talented professionals struggle to communicate their impact and value?

            In this episode of unDUBBED, Fiona and Sarah are joined by leadership coach Sharon Lim to unpack one of the biggest non-technical challenges facing professionals today: articulating your communication, impact, and value.

            After polling their community, 38% said their biggest struggle isn’t technical skill – it’s getting others to understand what they do and why it matters.

            Together, they explore:

            • Why smart, analytical professionals often overthink communication

            • How storytelling increases influence and connection

            • The power of radical candor in leadership and advocacy

            • How to influence without authority

            • Why self-management is foundational to communication

            • How LEGO Serious Play unlocks creativity and strategic clarity

            • The importance of listening for the “2% truth”

              This episode blends coaching, leadership psychology, practical influence techniques, and real-world workplace dynamics to help you communicate your value with clarity and confidence.

              If you want to increase your influence, strengthen your leadership presence, and articulate your impact without dumbing down your expertise – this episode is essential listening.

               
              Key Topics Covered
              1. Why Professionals Struggle to Communicate Impact
              • 38% of the community identified communication of value as their biggest challenge

              • The hidden desire behind “communicating impact”: to be heard, seen, and valued

              • Why listening is as important as speaking

                2. Storytelling as a Leadership Skill
                • Translating technical communication into stories

                • Speaking your audience’s language

                • Using metaphor to bridge analytical and non-analytical thinking

                • The neuroscience of narrative and connection

                  3. Radical Candor in Leadership & Advocacy
                  • The difference between being blunt and practising radical candor

                  • Challenging directly while caring personally

                  • Why timing matters in leadership communication

                  • Moving from “yes, but” to “yes, and”

                    4. Self-Management Before Influence
                    • Overcoming analysis paralysis

                    • Recognising when you’re in a “funk”

                    • Practical reset tools: pause, breathe, reframe

                    • Why emotional regulation strengthens leadership presence

                      5. Influence Without Authority
                      • Building trust before pushing ideas

                      • Matching energy and communication styles

                      • Tailoring your message to your audience

                      • Why trust creates more influence than hierarchy

                        6. LEGO Serious Play & Creativity in Leadership
                        • How hands-on building bypasses overthinking

                        • Storytelling through metaphor and physical models

                        • Unlocking creativity in teams

                        • Strengthening collaboration through shared narratives

                           
                          Key Takeaways
                          • 38% of professionals struggle with communicating their impact and value.

                          • Effective communication starts with understanding your audience.

                          • Listening deeply increases your influence.

                          • Everyone is “right, partially.”

                          • Ask: “What is the 2% truth here?”

                          • Radical candor requires both directness and care.

                          • Self-management is essential for effective leadership.

                          • You can influence without formal authority.

                          • Storytelling strengthens connection and persuasion.

                          • LEGO Serious Play fosters creativity and collaboration.

                             
                            Sound Bites
                            • “Everyone’s right, partially.”

                            • “What is the 2% truth here?”

                            • “You can influence without authority.”

                            • “Pause. Breathe.”

                            • “It’s not about dumbing it down – it’s about connecting.”

                               
                              Chapters

                              00:00 – Introduction to Communication Challenges
                              02:40 – Sharon Lim’s Journey & Coaching Philosophy
                              12:40 – Understanding Impact & Value in Communication
                              22:12 – Overcoming Analysis Paralysis
                              24:16 – Navigating the Funk
                              25:59 – Self-Care & Self-Management in Leadership
                              28:54 – LEGO Serious Play & Creative Communication
                              33:33 – Radical Candor & Advocating for Yourself
                              43:15 – Influencing Without Authority

                               

                              Links
                              • Connect with Sharon Lim

                              • Robert Cialdini – Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion

                                50 min
                              • D32 The Flerlage Twins on 10 Years, 451 Blog Posts & Why They're Not Stopping
                                Summary

                                In this episode of unDUBBED, hosts Fiona and Sarah celebrate a decade of contributions from the Flerlage Twins to the Tableau community. They reflect on the journey of Ken and Kevin Flerlage, their impactful blog posts, the importance of community support, and the evolution of data visualization practices. The conversation also touches on the intersection of design and mathematics in data visualization, the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, and the significance of teaching and sharing knowledge within the data community.



                                Takeaways
                                • The Flerlage Twins have been influential in the Tableau community for a decade.
                                • Their blog has over 450 posts, providing valuable resources for Tableau users.
                                • Community support is crucial in the data visualization space.
                                • Design and math are both essential in creating effective visualizations.
                                • AI is a significant trend, but quality data remains fundamental.
                                • Teaching complex topics in a digestible way is a key strength of the Flerlage Twins.
                                • The Tableau community is known for its willingness to help and share knowledge.
                                • Memorable moments in their journey include awards and presentations at Tableau Conference.
                                • Their blog posts often stem from real-world challenges faced in their consulting work.
                                • The Flerlage Twins emphasize the importance of collaboration and learning from others. 


                                • Chapters

                                  00:00 Introduction to unDUBBED and the Flourish Twins

                                  02:51 Celebrating a Decade of Data Storytelling

                                  04:10 The Journey of the Flourish Twins

                                  08:31 The Impact of Community and Support

                                  10:53 The Art and Math of Data Visualization

                                  16:38 Reflections on AI and the Future of Data

                                  19:35 The Importance of Data Quality in AI

                                  20:15 Concerns About Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)

                                  21:26 AI's Impact on Work and Productivity

                                  23:13 The Role of Human Input in AI

                                  25:33 Ethics and Dangers of AI

                                  25:42 Teaching at Scale: Learning Styles and Content Creation

                                  38:16 Popular Tableau Techniques and Their Impact

                                  40:06 Technical Glitches and Solutions

                                  40:08 Top Blog Posts and Their Impact

                                  42:21 Memorable Blog Posts and Their Significance

                                  45:11 Favorite Memories and Milestones

                                  50:03 Reflections on Career Decisions and Growth



                                  Links

                                  The Flerlage Twins: https://www.flerlagetwins.com/

                                  Ken on Tableau Public: https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/ken.flerlage

                                  Kevin on Tableau Public: https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/kevin.flerlage

                                  Ken on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethflerlage/

                                  Kevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-flerlage-20106a8/

                                  Moxy Analytics: https://www.moxyanalytics.com/the-flerlage-twins

                                   

                                  Top Blog Posts Mentioned:

                                  "Datafam Colors" (#1 most popular): https://www.flerlagetwins.com/2021/06/datafam-colors-color-palette.html

                                  "Transparent Color Hex Code" (#2 most popular): https://www.flerlagetwins.com/2019/04/introducing-transparent-color-hex-code.html

                                  "20 Uses for Tableau Level of Detail Calculations" (#3 most popular): https://www.flerlagetwins.com/2018/01/lod-calculations.html

                                  "Beyond Show Me Part 1: It's All About the X & Y": https://www.flerlagetwins.com/2017/11/beyond-show-me-part-1-its-all-about-x-y_46.html

                                  "Beyond Show Me Part 2: Trigonometry": https://www.flerlagetwins.com/2017/11/beyond-me-part-2-trigonometry_1.html

                                  "No Polygons" technique (Kevin's early post): https://www.flerlagetwins.com/2019/01/no-polygons.html

                                  "Tableau Chart Catalog": https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/kevin.flerlage/viz/TableauChartCatalog/TableauChartCatalog

                                  Sankey Templates: https://www.flerlagetwins.com/2021/07/sankey-template.html




                                  Keywords

                                  Flerlage Twins, Tableau, Data Visualization, Community, AI, Teaching, Design, Analytics, Data Fam, Blog Posts

                                  56 min

                                About unDUBBED

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