Data Chats Podcast

Data Visualization Strategies & Best Practices with Jonathan Schwabish

“When we're thinking about data and data visualization, design is more functional, or at least it should be more functional as opposed to ornamental.”

 

In this episode of Data Chats, Chris Richardson sits down with Jonathan Schwabish, a renowned expert in the field of data visualization, for a comprehensive look into the world of transforming data into actionable insights.

 

Jonathan Schwabish is an author, researcher, and the voice behind policyviz.com, where he dives deep into the nuances of effective data presentation and visualization.

 

During this episode, they discuss:

• The art of creating titles for charts and graphs
• Why your goal should be clarity over quantity
• The role of the audience in data visualization
• How interactive data and scrolly-telling has evolved
• Why and how to incorporate accessibility into data viz
• An ethical approach to data visualization

Learn More About Data Visualization
Ready to transform your approach to data analysis and become a strategic contributor in your organization? Don't miss out on Pragmatic Institute’s Business-Driven Data Analysis masterclass. You'll learn how to define, prepare, analyze, and present complex data to a variety of stakeholders, ensuring that your data projects not only look good but drive actionable insights. >> Learn More

Cracking the Code on Airline Loyalty Programs

"Airline loyalty innovation died in 1960.” - Mark Ross-Smith

 

In this episode of Data Chats, Chris Richardson sits down with Mark Ross-Smith, an award-winning leader in the airline loyalty industry, for an insider’s perspective on how airlines use data analytics to optimize their loyalty programs.

 

Mark Ross-Smith is CEO and co-founder of statusmatch.com and the editor of traveldatadaily.com >> read the Cathay Pacific Churn Analysis Case Study.

 

Mark shares how airlines drive revenue through elite status flyers and co-branded credit cards. He explains the metrics airlines track to increase share of wallet and prevent churn. He also advises how airlines could innovate loyalty programs with data to build emotional connections and make flying more personalized and joyful for customers.

 

In this wide-ranging discussion, Mark covers:

• The business model behind the profitability of airline loyalty programs
• The disproportionate value of top-tier elites and credit cardholders
• How customer data reveals motivations and future behaviors
• Why loyalty innovation has stagnated and advice to spur progress
• How better use of data ultimately benefits customers’ lives

Data Science for Business Leaders

 

With data advancing at warp speed, the last thing you want is to be left in the dust by the competition. So get on board with our Data Science for Business Leaders course. You’ll learn how to partner with data teams to turn findings into informed decisions.

 

Learn more and enroll today

Unlocking the Power of Data with Creativity and Visualization Techniques

“I'm interested in stretching what you can do with data and coming up with ideas of representing it that people haven't thought of before. I think there's a whole spectrum of possibilities here.” 

– Miriam Quick

Miriam Quick, an accomplished journalist, author, and musician renowned for her innovative approach to data communication, underscores the importance of visualizations and unconventional methods in data journalism. Her work explores beyond the conventional to make data more engaging, breaking the stereotype that data is dull or mundane.

In her conversation with host Chris Richardson, Miriam reflects on her unique journey into the data world, combining her passion and strengths with her expertise in computer science to craft a distinctive narrative. She delves into the art of making data accessible and engaging, especially for a broader audience, emphasizing the value of a beginner's mindset when exploring interesting aspects within datasets.

So how do you take a creative leap with data?

• Develop narratives mindful of the presentation format (infographic, dashboard, animation), audience, and tone
• Use spreadsheets as a starting point to structure information and create visual formats
• Engage with interactive elements like charts and games to tell a compelling data story
• Focus on accuracy and value judgments, regardless of the project's creative or conventional nature
• Draw inspiration from various sources like Information is Beautiful Awards Showcase and unconventional chart types from repositories like Xenographics

Miriam also discusses her book, "I Am a Book. I Am a Portal to the Universe," a love letter to book design shared through fascinating data measurements. This conversation ultimately aims to inspire listeners to rethink how they visualize data, striving for creativity and impact in their presentations to overcome the prevalence of poorly designed ones.

Do not miss this riveting conversation—hit play now to uncover insights that will reshape your perspective on data visualization.

 

Want to dive deeper into this topic? Check out the resources below for insights on how to use data visualizations to communicate critical insights. 

 

• Article | Maximizing the Impact of Your Data with Compelling Data Visualizations
• Article | How to Avoid Bad Data Visualizations
• Article | Data Visualization Best Practices 

 

• Podcast | Tell Your Data Story  
• Podcast | Put Down the Pie Chart and Other Data Visualization Strategies
• Podcast | Data Visualization and How to Stop Your Charts From Lying

 

Learn to Deliver Better Data Insights I Business-Driven Data Analysis

This course is designed to help you translate a business problem into data analysis that provides actionable insights. Transform how you present insights and advance from a tactical role to being a strategic contributor for your organization. 

✔ Translate business needs into achievable data projects

✔ Learn a proven and repeatable approach to data analysis

✔ Identify the fastest path to actionable insights 

✔ Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders

Learn More

Throwback: Data Science in Action: Insights from a Leading Textbook Author and Case Studies

“We also wanted to use the textbook to talk about important social issues [like] why do men make more than women? And so, one case study is about understanding the gender gap in the US and why is there a 15, 20% difference in earnings.”
- Gábor Békés

 

In this episode of Data Chats, Chris Richardson interviews Gábor Békés, author of Data Analysis: For Business, Economics, and Policy. Békés is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Economics and Business of Central European University. He is also a senior research fellow at the KRTK Institute of Economics in Hungary.

 

They discuss:

• Detailed process of data analysis
• The most important methods, tools, and skills for future data analysts
• Real life case-studies included in the book
• Implications of data analysis on public policy
• Humility required for the data interpretation process

Take Your Data Skills to the Next Level with Business-Driven Data Analysis
This course teaches a proven, repeatable approach that you can leverage across data projects and toolsets to deliver timely data analysis with actionable insights. Learn More

How to Build a Stand-Out Tech Resume with Risesmart

This episode is from our recent webinar >> watch the webinar

 

Looking to spruce up your resume and stand out in the data field? We understand that there are some major changes happening in the tech industry and those changes can be daunting. In light of the recent layoffs happening in our industry, we wanted to help all our fellow tech comrades get hired and put their best foot forward.

 

In this skills-driven episode, RiseSmart will review the key competencies you’ll want to have before you apply and how to make them pop on a resume. RiseSmart will teach you how written branding materials open doors and help individuals:

• Get market-ready faster
• Generate more interview invitations
• Establish a competitive advantage
• Project an image as a good fit for target companies
• Shorten job searches • Produce better job offers
• Receive higher starting salaries

Navigating the Emergence of Generative AI and Data Trends with Natalia Shuliak

“Generative AI is a real thing, and it's going to become a must for companies to have some AI within their product.” 

– Natalia Shuliak, COO at DoubleCloud

In this episode of Data Chats, we're joined by Natalia Shuliak, the innovative COO of DoubleCloud, whose visionary work during Microsoft's transition to Azure and Databricks' pre-IPO phase has propelled her to the cutting edge of the data industry. 

Our host, Chris Richardson, leads an insightful conversation exploring the transformative potential of generative AI in today's business landscape.

In her discussion with Chris Richardson, Natalia offers an exploration of her career journey and reflects on how groundbreaking technologies have transformed businesses over time – just as AI is revolutionizing the current business environment. However, in a world where AI access is commonplace, can it truly deliver a competitive edge? What does it take to use data effectively to drive a significant business impact? 

Natalia and Chris discuss the following tips to help get businesses on the right track:

• How to avoid getting overwhelmed by numbers or analytics
• The importance of tracking the right KPIs and why businesses should shift their focus from solely revenue to the key factors that generate it
• Recognizing the potential of smaller data sets in yielding quality insights
• The criticality of collecting data in one place for swift analysis and decision-making

Don't miss this insightful conversation — press play to unravel how you can leverage data and AI to level up your business.

Learn more about DoubleCloud here.

Explore Valuable Resources 

For those eager to delve even deeper, we've curated a list of valuable resources below. These resources are designed to guide you in harnessing data for insightful and informed decision-making. Explore them and start your journey towards becoming a data-driven organization today.

• Article | Transforming AI Insights Into Actions 
• Article | The Future of AI in the Workplace
• Article | Leveraging Data as a Tool for Business Growth
• Podcast | How to Avoid an AI Project Failure
• Podcast | How Organizations Can Better Leverage Data by Focusing on Structure and Scalability
• Podcast | Should You Delegate to ChatGPT? Insights from Nils Janse

Empower Your Leadership | Data Science for Business Leaders

Stay ahead of the curve in today's data-driven world – learn to collaborate seamlessly with data professionals, unlock actionable insights, and drive impactful decisions for your organization. 

With our expert instructors and interactive curriculum, you’ll learn how to think strategically about data and apply data-driven insights to real-world business challenges. Register for Data Science for Business Leaders and elevate your strategic thinking with data.

Learn More

Tell Your Data Story with Insights from a Data Viz Expert

"Good design is good communication. You can have great data, but if it's not presented effectively, no one's going to pay attention." 

- Christopher Laubenthal, Data Design Manager at DeBruce Foundation 

In this episode of the Data Chats, Eddie Gordon interviews Christopher Laubenthal, Data Design Manager at DeBruce Foundation, who shares strategies for effectively communicating complex data through design.

He emphasizes the importance of framing data with narratives, breaking down key areas of understanding and using clear language to reflect deeper insights gained from research. Christopher also stresses the importance of incorporating user feedback and testing to improve the effectiveness of visualizations. 

They dive deep into tested strategies, including: 

• Using a hierarchical design to order information based on importance
• Using narratives to frame data and engage the audience
• Avoiding data literacy gaps by making data more accessible
• Framing findings with compelling storytelling

Christopher's insights offer valuable advice for anyone looking to improve their data communication skills through design.

If you want to learn how to communicate data more effectively, this podcast is a must-listen.

Want to continue learning about this topic? Check out the resources to learn more about how to communicate data effectively with key stakeholders. 

• Article | Communicating Data to Non-Data Teams
• Article | The Power of Data Storytelling for Business Impact
• Podcast | Strategies to Tell Better Stories with Data
• Podcast | Lost in Translation: Overcoming Communication Barriers Between Data and Business Teams

Learn to Deliver Better Data Insights I Business-Driven Data Analysis

This course is designed to help you translate a business problem into data analysis that provides actionable insights. Transform how you present insights and advance from a tactical role to being a strategic contributor for your organization. 

✔ Translate business needs into achievable data projects

✔ Learn a proven and repeatable approach to data analysis

✔ Identify the fastest path to actionable insights 

✔ Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders

Learn More

Help Customers Engage With Your Brand With Data-Driven Personas

“Tell customers to be honest and give them the freedom to tell you the good, the bad and the ugly, because you will learn so much.” – Zack Wenthe

Zack Wenthe, customer data platform evangelist and senior technical product marketing manager at Treasure Data, recommends organizations start to leverage data to create a better emotional connection with customers. Consumer behavior has changed post-pandemic and brands now have to keep up by creating an emotional connection with their customers beyond just traditional advertising.

In this conversation with Chris Richardson, Zack explains that a true understanding of customers requires breaking down silos between teams and operating more efficiently, as well as creating meaningful profiles of customers that are deeply grounded in data. This means understanding how consumers interact with the brand, how customers make decisions emotionally and leveraging data to create meaningful decisions. 

So how can companies use data to create a more effective marketing strategy?

• Create a center of excellence around customer data
• Have cross-functional conversations about what the organization is collecting, what they want to achieve and what gaps need to be filled 
• Ensure marketers and other team members know their objectives before asking for data from engineers
• Measure success over time and test different variations of content based on emotional triggers while monitoring who's buying or clicking through the most

Don't miss out on this captivating conversation – hit play now to discover valuable takeaways that will reshape your perspective on consumer data.

Want to dive deeper into this topic? Check out the resources below for insights on harnessing the power of data to make informed decisions. 

• Article | The Path to Data Democratization 
• Article | Communicating Data to Non-Data Teams
• Article | Leveraging Data as a Tool for Business Growth
• Podcast | Using the Right Strategy to Transform Raw Data Into Business Gold 
• Podcast | Lost in Translation: Overcoming Communication Barriers Between Data and Business Teams
• Podcast | Why Data is a Business Asset and How to Measure Its Value

Empower Your Leadership | Data Science for Business Leaders

Stay ahead of the curve in today's data-driven world – learn to collaborate seamlessly with data professionals, unlock actionable insights and drive impactful decisions for your organization. 

With our expert instructors and interactive curriculum, you’ll learn how to think strategically about data and apply data-driven insights to real-world business challenges. Register for Data Science for Business Leaders and elevate your strategic thinking with data.

Learn More

Getting Exec Buy-In on Data Analytics

This episode is from our latest Data Chat webinar >> watch the webinar

Unleashing the power of data analytics helps organizations maximize efficiency, uncover actionable insights, and drive business value. However, getting executives on board comes with its own set of challenges. So, how do you sell data analytics to the c-suite to become a more data-driven organization and leverage the power of data strategically?

Join us as Pragmatic Institute’s data instructors, Marilyn Coleman and Dr. Susan Gracia, discuss strategies and initiatives that will help you get and keep executive buy-in.

Data and business expert Marilyn Coleman shares:

• Hesitations from executives on sponsoring data
• Common obstacles on getting executive buy-in
• How to overcome challenges on selling data analytics to the c-suite
• How to leverage data with an optimized and repeatable approach

Expand Your Knowledge | Data Science for Business Leaders
Generating value from the data involves creating innovation, products, or insights. Learn to collaborate with data professionals to unveil business value, make informed decisions, and tackle problems effectively.

Using The Right Strategy to Transform Raw Data Into Business Gold

“Don't just assume that having advanced technology in place guarantees a solid data strategy. It can help you optimize and it can help you become efficient, but it cannot dictate your strategy.”
-      Meenal Iyer

Host Chris Richardson is joined by Meenal Iyer, VP of Data at Momentive.ai (formerly SurveyMonkey), to discuss data science for business leaders and the evolution of data over the past two decades. They delve into the significance of data democratization and fostering a robust data culture within organizations.

The conversation addresses challenges such as governance and security while emphasizing opportunities for organizations to gain competitive advantages through faster access to insights and innovations derived from their data. Key points covered in the discussion include:

• Designing a user-friendly data platform
• Anonymizing and tokenizing data for secure user access
• Charting a roadmap and vision for a data strategy
• Identifying strategic priorities and establishing a center of excellence
• Enhancing processes and establishing success metrics

Data may be the new oil, but a well-crafted data strategy serves as the refinery that transforms it into valuable fuel. Discover how you can refine your data strategy and leverage data as a powerful asset in this engaging episode.

Expand Your Knowledge | Data Science for Business Leaders
Generating value from the data involves creating innovation, products, or insights. Learn to collaborate with data professionals to unveil business value, make informed decisions, and tackle problems effectively.

Data Science Bootcamp Cost & Financing 101

This episode is from our recent webinar >> watch the webinar

Are you worried about making a career transition in the forecasted recession? Concerned about ending up in a field where layoffs could happen at any time?

Data isn't going away, in fact, it's growing... so there's never been a better time to get into data science and data engineering for job security! We know that affordability is a major concern for everyone, but fear not, at The Data Incubator, we care about what you care about.

In this data science bootcamp financing 101 webinar, you'll learn the details of each option we offer and how they're built to suit every individual's needs.

You'll learn:

• What an ISA is and whether it's right for you
• The difference between a contingent payment plan and a tuition installment plan
• What sort of flexible loan options we offer
• How to get your employer to pay for you to attend
• What scholarships we have available
• And how you can stand out above the rest and get into our program for free - yes, we said free!

You won't want to miss this crash course in financing! And to learn more about our data science bootcamp pricing.

Lost in Translation: Overcoming Communication Barriers Between Data and Business Teams

“Data helps businesses understand their customers more, sell to them more and give them more relevant communications when they want to talk to them. It allows them to develop that relationship and to become that customer’s first choice.”
-      Natasha Joslin

 

Sometimes, it feels like data teams are talking a different language than their counterparts. No matter how robust the data, insights often seem to fall onto deaf ears.

 

In this episode of Data Chats, Chris Richardson talks with Natasha Joslin, co-founder of Mojo, a data agency that helps businesses use their data to impact growth. They discuss how businesses need to bridge the gap between data teams, tech teams and business teams in order to get value from their data. Here are a few points they cover:

• Have a common language when discussing customer metrics or product definitions so that insight can be gained more easily.
• Leveraging data can mean different things depending on the context, such as customer research or web tracking.
• Data should be presented in terms of stories and insights that are relevant to the business plan.
• Good data governance practices democratize data so that everyone can use it without needing a computer science degree.

Just having data isn’t enough. If you want to learn how to use your data to make an impact, be sure to check out this episode.

 

Continue Learning | Data Science for Business Leaders
Learn how to partner with data professionals to uncover business value, make informed decisions and solve problems.