 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 leader, professor, global speaker, and recently transitioned to an exciting new role as Head of Enterprise Data and BI at a gaming company called Ubisoft 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   Enjoyed the Show?  Please leave us a review on iTunes.

Analytics on Fire

83: Data Lake or Data Fake? w/ David Dadoun

 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 advance 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. [0:13:25] Wide applicability of the advanced analytics frameworks and how it fits into organizations. [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! [0:22:31] The obstacles during the processes of identifying business questions, data extraction, and building repeatable models. [0:23:13] Creating a sufficient team for data analytics and the vital roles of database administrator, active directory administrator, and more! [0:27:15] The process of translating collected and manipulated data into data visualizations, models, and dashboards. [0:29:30] Moving from the spreadsheet to advanced analytics; setting expectations, defining the business question, and securing the data. [0:34:24] Challenges that data scientists face; issues around collecting the appropriate quantity and quality of data.  [0:39:07] Client conversations around shortcomings and hurdles in advanced analytics.  [0:41:26] Looking at the efficacy and popularity of R and Python right now in the data science world! For full show notes, and the links mentioned visit: https://bibrainz.com/podcast/82   Enjoyed the Show?  Please leave us a review on iTunes.

82: How to Get Started with Advanced Analytics R-Python w/ Ryan Wade

 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  Enjoyed the Show?  Please leave us a review on iTunes. 

81: How to think like a CIO using ITIL w/ Mark Bradley

 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    Enjoyed the Show?  Please leave us a review on iTunes. 

80: The Human Element of Digital Transformation w/ Rick Montgomery

 Welcome to another exciting masterclass, taking you behind the scenes of how two female leaders on our BI Brainz team created not one, but two of our most downloaded database templates ever! Sharing these juicy details, will be Raquel Seville, CEO of the BI Brainz Caribbean office, and Anna Ria, our very own Head of Design and well-known BI Data Accelerator trainer. In this episode, you’ll hear from Raquel as she explains how she used our BI Data storytelling framework to transform a 271-page annual report into a simple, insightful BI Dashboard that got a thumbs up from the company’s CEO on social media. Today, it has been downloaded hundreds of times and, during the course of this episode, you’ll find out how to get your own free copy. We’ll also talk about how Raquel overcame receiving little to no input from the company on the look, metrics, or goals. Then, we jump into part two with Anna, where she shares the unique inspiration behind our now-famous Analytics Design Guide and why she believes it became one of the most downloaded templates in BI Brainz history, being downloaded over 600 times in the first 48 hours! She also provides some knowledge-bomb-galore advice for any seasoned or new database designer that wants to take their data biz to the next level in any Power BI tool. Last but not least, I will tell you how to get your own copy of both these dynamic Power BI templates and the free 55-page Analytics Design Guide, which we continue to update annually, as well as so much more. This episode was recorded during Women’s History Month, so be sure to share it with your female team members, family members, and any women in tech, as it is not only informational but also an inspiring story about dynamic women doing amazing things. Tune in today!   In this episode, you'll learn: [0:05:33] What Raquel has learned as a woman in a male-dominated industry. [0:06:10] How she built a single view dashboard from a 271-page annual report by focusing on a clear goal. [0:09:55] The significance of getting a thumbs up from the company’s CEO on social media. [0:10:16] Raquel’s idea to create the Stock Data Viz Template, a free Power BI Dashboard. [0:13:02] How Raquel overcame certain challenges when things didn’t go to plan! [0:17:03] Why, after identifying and narrowing down the goal, it was smooth sailing. [0:18:03] Giving back to the community: starting the Jamaica Power BI User Group. [0:21:20] Raquel highlights some of the women who inspire her and which books she recommends. For full show notes, and the links mentioned visit: https://bibrainz.com/podcast/79  Enjoyed the Show?  Please leave us a review on iTunes. 

79: BI Brainz Masterclass with Raquel Seville and Anna Ria

 Our focus for this inspiring episode of AOF is mindset, especially if you want to be a standout data analyst! I have brought one of my first ever followers and day ones! Trevor Tapscott is a VP and Analytics Consultant at Wells Fargo and has been in the game for 20 years and counting. We connected in 2008, when he was seeking help with a visualization tool called Xcelsius. In this knowledge bomb filled episode, Trevor shares his thoughts on what sets great data analysts apart, his framework ‘VTAC’ for impactful data analysis, and how to approach making an impression when applying for positions in data!   Trevor makes a number of really important points around understanding the business of data, what the role of an analyst truly is, and what goes into the mindset of a rock star in the space! We unpack indispensable parts of the relationships that make up the work of a data consultant, and our guest talks about getting to grips with a user's vision and their 'why'. Trevor also talks about the recent BIDS Accelerator class that he attended and the lessons he has already started implementing from that! Make sure to stay tuned to the end to hear about the amazing raffle that Trevor is hosting for listeners and how you can enter to win!    In this episode, you'll learn: [0:12:00] Trevor's basic definition of the role of a data analyst and what it means to be a rockstar! [0:15:02] The importance of understanding the business of data and the value of business insights.  [0:18:20] Unpacking Trevor's VTAC process: vision, translation, action, change and how to use it for delivery mode For full show notes, and the links mentioned visit: https://bibrainz.com/podcast/78    Enjoyed the Show?  Please leave us a review on iTunes. 

78: Mindset of a Rockstar Data Analyst w/ Trevor Tapscott

 Finding your dream job in the world of data and analytics might not be as hard you think! Our guest today, Kimberly Herrington stands as a testament to this idea and she joins us on AOF to talk about how you can go about identifying and capturing your ideal position in this fascinating space. Kimberly is a data journalist at a large healthcare company in Buffalo, New York, and is also the founder of Buffalo Business Intelligence. She is also a graduate of our BI Data Storytelling Accelerator Workshop and in 2020, she was voted Data Literacy Advocate of the Year. Tune into this episode and you will see why! I am so excited to share this great chat with you, in which we hear about Kimberly's personal method for landing that dream job that you might have thought was only a wish. In our conversation, Kimberly does an amazing job of unpacking some parts of the work she does and the difference between some of the job titles in the space. We also talk about the great learnings she garnered from our workshop, and why you should sign up immediately! I learned so much from today's guest, and you will too, as we run through common mistakes that are made in the pursuit of a great job, how to leverage working at home to your advantage, and the vital importance of community! Kimberly is like a fairy of goodness, and believe me AOF, you will see exactly why I say this!   In this episode, you'll learn: [0:04:13] Kimberly's past work as a professional improv comedian! [0:09:12] Mapping the trajectory of an ideal career in data storytelling and how to start this journey.  [0:18:19] Differentiating between a data journalist, data storyteller, and analytics translator.  [0:24:43] Investing the time and money into valuable education and qualifications. For full show notes, and the links mentioned visit: https://bibrainz.com/podcast/77    Enjoyed the Show?  Please leave us a review on iTunes.

77: How to become a BI Data Journalist w/ Kimberly Herrington

 Stakeholders often miss key insights that can be provided by data to drive action forward, due to the way the data is presented and communicated to them. My guest today believes that data storytelling is key to resolving this common pain point. Kam Lee, a BI Data Storytelling Mastery alumn and graduate who has used our framework to surface over $100M for the fintech company he works with! Kam is the Chief Data Scientist at his company Finetooth Analytics (specializing in marketing analytics), working with top marketers like Russell Brunson from Clickfunnels! Our data masterclass with Kam today delves deep into how he used our BI Data Storytelling Methodology and framework to straddle data engineering, data science, and storytelling. Kam shares game-changing concepts from the course and how he has used them to connect to stakeholders, influence their actions, and overcoming what he calls ‘emotional responses’ to data. Tune in to this knowledge bomb-filled episode! In this episode, you'll learn: [0:12:20] Three buckets Kam uses to organize the data storytelling process. [0:14:56] The challenge of dealing with stakeholders who respond emotionally to data. [0:26:48] Whether to start with the storyboarding or the analytics data dictionary first. [0:28:19] The difference between KPIs, trends, and actions. For full show notes, and the links mentioned visit: https://bibrainz.com/podcast/76    Enjoyed the Show?  Please leave us a review on iTunes.

76: Data Storytelling from a Data Scientist's POV w/ Kam Lee

 Here on the AOF podcast, I have often spoken about the issue of user adoption and the slow progress we have all been experiencing for a long time. Our guest today has so much to offer in relation to our approach to this challenge! I speak to Kevin Greene, the CEO of Logi Analytics, and we delve deep into why the mentality of product leaders is so valuable right now!  Kevin has a brilliant mind for the field of analytics, sharing how and where to get started with these parts of your leadership and partnerships. Kevin has been in the analytics game for over 20 years and was actually an investor at Logi before he took the reins! This episode is jam-packed with actionable knowledge bombs that you are definitely not going to want to miss, so let's get to it AOF!   In this episode, you'll learn: [15:41] Why Kevin believes enterprises have to start thinking like product leaders.  [22:47] Approaches to building strategic applications with a smaller team. [25:11] Finding the right service partners and the critical nature of owning the application. [28:59] Ensuring success by scheduling time with business leaders, prioritizing, and using collected data. [44:04] Operationalizing your application and bringing it to your end-users. For full show notes, and the links mentioned visit: https://bibrainz.com/podcast/75    Enjoyed the Show?  Please leave us a review on iTunes.

75: How to Think like a Product Leader w/ Kevin Greene

 Today we have a real data masterclass in store for you! I am joined by the wonderful and inspiring Valerie Logan from The Data Lodge, and we talk about the unique way she approaches data literacy through what she calls ISL or information as a second language. Valerie does an amazing job of unpacking exactly how this works and adds in loads of useful wisdom and examples that you can add to your existing data literacy program. I would call Valerie a data whisperer, and by the end of this exciting episode, you will see why. Make sure to stay tuned until the end to hear about an extra special offer, that Valerie has for AOF listeners. Trust me you will not want to miss it. So if you want to learn how to create an effective data literacy program from an award-winning expert, join us today!   In this episode, you'll learn: [0:12:20] What is data literacy? What is ISL? Who do they serve? [0:19:46] How Valerie approaches speaking to "non-data people". [0:23:32] The three elements of data literacy programs; engagement, development, enablement. [0:37:06] Valerie's advice for improving the standard of a data program. For full show notes, and the links mentioned visit: https://bibrainz.com/podcast/74   Enjoyed the Show?  Please leave us a review on iTunes.

74: Creating a Data Literacy Program Using ISL (Information as a Language) w/ Valerie Logan

 Welcome back AOF! I’m so glad to be back after taking some time off over the holidays and having an amazing social media detox! I'm excited to kick-off Season 6. Today’s show is going to give you some super important updates and changes coming to the podcast, our academy platforms and groups, and everything else that matters to you. I will be riding solo on the podcast again this year, but you can still expect to hear more amazing guests who will deliver game-changing business intelligence, data, and analytics master classes. Also, tune in to be first to hear about our big name change and the new dates for our Accelerator live workshop (yes finally)! Enjoy and let’s kick off this season in high gear!   In this episode, you'll learn: [01:01]  - A fresh start and some exciting changes for the AOF podcast! A look at the reasons that I took a break from social media at the end of 2020, and four updates to the podcast: guests, giveaways, new sponsors, and our exciting #1 ranking for the 3rd year in a row! [08:12]  - Why we are removing the 'BI' from our name and changing it all to Data Storytelling Method! New and exciting ways to engage with the updated content and platform. [14:06] - The changes to the dates for the Accelerator; it is now May 18-20 2021 instead of in February, and we expect it to sell out again. [16:48] - My surprise appearance on CNN in Dec! For full show notes, and the links mentioned visit: https://bibrainz.com/podcast/73   Enjoyed the Show?  Please leave us a review on iTunes.

73: What to Expect in 2021 w/ Mico Yuk

Excited to share the last and final part of my three-episode series on BI data storytelling accelerator lessons learned. We’ll be digging into the last but most exciting step in our BI Data Storytelling Mastery Framework, 'What you Draw'. Useless visualizations are everywhere! This episode will give you seven things to avoid and ways to fix them to ensure you bring your A-game when it comes to visualizing your storyboard. Tune in for knowledge bombs galore! [05:53] Never skip the mock-up stage: 90% of us make the mistake of getting directly into drawing without a mock-up. Always make sure you a client signs off before you start on the mock-up and you have some sample data [09:34] Doing mock-up before getting a sign off on the storyboard and the analytics data dictionary. Without a sign-off, you should never go into the drawing board [11:44] Starting from scratch all the time: Nothing wastes more time than having to start from scratch all the time. To save on time, always treat every project you build like an asset. Every template you build as a team should be repurposed as a template for the users. For full show notes, and the links mentioned visit: https://bibrainz.com/podcast/72 Enjoyed the Show?  Please leave us a review on iTunes.

72: BIDS Lessons Learned: What you Draw

Tune in as I recap lessons learned from our latest accelerator class. This part two in the series of three podcasts, which deep dives into our BI data storytelling framework, where we tackle three parts of storytelling. 1) What You Say, 2) What You Write, and 3) What You Draw. I dive into some of the biggest mistakes people make when working with users and writing down their requirements, including why so many get confused with the different story parts and how to fix it. Tune in to this amazing BI masterclass! [04:36]  - How to become a better master storyteller. [13:20]  - Changing your questions and process to create an effective data story. [14:25]  - Biggest mistakes people make when working with users to gather requirements and create an amazing data story. For full show notes, and the links mentioned visit: https://bibrainz.com/podcast/71 Enjoyed the Show?  Please leave us a review on iTunes.

71: BIDS Accelerator Lessons Learned – What you Write

Welcome to the first part of a three-part podcast, with each episode touching on the part of our data storytelling framework. You’ll find a deep dive into each part of the framework and find out what lessons were learned and the big takeaways from our last data telling accelerator workshop, which was a huge success. Even though there are other data telling stories schools of thought, one element our followers love is how we tackle the three parts of storytelling: what you say, what you write, and what you draw. As we’ve learned, this starts with your conversation. Find out what feedback I received from the workshop post-survey, the biggest mistakes people make when trying to sell to end-users, and why most people don’t know that 99% of questions you ask your client are data-related and why they shouldn’t be.   [03:53] Storytelling starts with your conversation and with the content that you write. If you get that part right, the part that you have to visualize becomes very easy. We teach this process and also implement this process at big companies around the world.  [07:25] Guessing off the top of your head what you think is going to happen is a waste of time. The biggest value of our framework is breaking down the storytelling process into parts for you to be able to quickly see what a story truly is, how to bring it together, and to see the gaps in your current story to remedy those holes in your story and bring your story together.  [13:28] Humans make decisions with their emotions and then they use logic to justify it. So if you are one that is using ginormous words that are not visual or thinking that the more data you give to your end users is going to make them better users, you are grossly mistaken.  For full show notes, and the links mentioned visit: https://bibrainz.com/podcast/70 Enjoyed the Show?  Please leave us a review on iTunes.

70: BIDS Accelerator Lessons Learned: What you Say

Today’s episode features Tiankai Feng, Global Director and Voice of Consumer Analytics at Adidas. Tiankai is going to help you decide if you need an analytics Quarantune. A Quarantune is music or a song that is created for quarantine. The best part about this one is that it is all about data and analytics. Trust me - it’s not only fun but it literally speaks to our daily lives in this field!!   In this super fun episode, my amazing co-host Lillian Pierson and myself discuss Tiankai’s unique talent for combining analytics and music and how it plays into his day-to-day roll at Adidas. He also shares his Digital Analytics Anthem while dropping a number of knowledge bombs right in the song. Tune in to find out if you could use an analytics Quarantune. Knowledge bombs galore! [26:03] - Tiankai on working with analysts: Analysts are great collaborators and not only service functions that have to follow your guidance, but we have to work together to make an impact.    [34:54] - Tiankai on the pandemic: You can predict and plan the most things possible, but when really big unexpected things happen like a pandemic or a huge society issue then none of those plans can actually work as you planned before.  Having data and timely insights is even more important now so you can act timely and the right way. [41:01] - Tiankai on the Perfect Job: It is always easy to complain, but it is so much harder to solve the issues.  If you are not happy with the situation then try to change it. For full show notes, and the links mentioned visit: https://bibrainz.com/podcast/69 Enjoyed the Show?  Please leave us a review on iTunes. Free Data Storytelling Training Register before it sells out again! Our BI Data Storytelling Mastery Accelerator 3-Day Live Workshop new dates are finally available. Many BI teams are still struggling to deliver consistent, high-engaging analytics their users love. At the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with a clear BI delivery action plan. Register today!

69: Could you use a Analytics Quarantune? w/ Tiankai Feng

Analytics on Fire is your backstage pass inside the enterprise analytics and business intelligence world. Join your host BI author, speaker, and co-founder, Mico Yuk (BI Brainz) as she pulls back the curtain on what’s working right now in the enterprise analytics/business intelligence world and what is not. You’ll hear the inside scoop from experienced business leaders on how to plan, implement and gain true business value from your analytics dollars. Visit analyticsonfire.com to subscribe and get weekly insights and freebies!

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Analytics on Fire

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