Data plays a vital role in helping companies develop a competitive advantage, but it's the data evangelist who gathers and leverages those insights to help organizations understand the story their data is telling them. Today, on Analytics on Fire, we discuss how to become a data evangelist with data storyteller, leader, and lifelong learner, Santosh Kanthethy. At the time of recording this episode, Santosh was the IT Technology Manager for NextEra Energy Resources. Now, he is Head of Data Analytics and the leader of a growing internal data visualization community at EverBright, a solar financing solutions company and a subsidiary of NextEra. Tuning in, you'll gain step-by-step instructions for becoming a rockstar data evangelist , including three things to consider before you get started. We also take a look at the top functions of an internal data visualization community, how to get your executive team on board, and how to overcome some of the challenges that data evangelists are likely to encounter along the way. For actionable insights into how to build a thriving community, transform data culture from the inside out, and more, make sure not to miss this episode!   In this episode, you'll learn: [06:16] More about NextEra, one of America's largest capital investors in infrastructure. [07:10] Defining what a data evangelist is and how the internal data visualization community at NextEra was born. [08:48] Why Santosh decided to nurture and grow this community and switch from IT to data. [09:55] What the game of cricket taught Santosh about being a team leader. [13:55] Three things to consider before becoming a data evangelist: the maturity of your organization, your curiosity, and your ability to create content. [19:16] How often the data community meets and some of the topics that come up. [20:50] The three core selling points of a data community for your company: consistency better decision making, and relevance. [24:19] Tips for obtaining essential executive buy-in and support. [26:52] Becoming tool-agnostic: how to evangelize the benefits of the practice, not the tool. [29:34] A look at membership and how to determine who joins your data community. [31:40] KPIs, WIGs, and OKRs to measure the success of your community. [34:13] How data evangelists can overcome resistance while building a community. [36:20] What percentage of technology budgets should be allocated to community, change management, and upskilling. [38:50] How Santosh is inspired by the people he interacts with on a daily basis. [0:43:21] How Santosh can help you visualize your fitness data from Garmin or Strava! For full show notes, and the links mentioned visit: https://bibrainz.com/podcast/89   Enjoyed the Show?  Please leave us a review on iTunes.

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 advanced 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. [0:16:44] 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! [0:23:13] Creating a sufficient team for data analytics and the vital roles of the database administrator, active directory administrator, and more! [0:39:07] Client conversations around shortcomings and hurdles in advanced analytics.  For full show notes, and the links mentioned visit: https://bibrainz.com/podcast/82   Enjoyed the Show?  Please leave us a review on iTunes.

Data literacy is one of the most sought after cultural transformations of 2020. In episode #47 we discussed 'Why we should stop saying 'data literacy'. Today's guest, Jordan Morrow, shared the episode on Linkedin sparking off some very interesting and even defensive responses from the data literacy social media mafia. Today, Jordan joins the podcast to share his unique point of view on the topic. Known as the pioneer of data literacy, tune in to learn how to start a data literacy practice, the best audience for data literacy skills, and what the most important data literacy skills are. Knowledge bombs galore!

 [16:43]  - Key Quote: "Not everyone needs to be a data scientist, but everyone should develop skills in data analytics in today's day and age." – Jordan Morrow​ [22:53]  - The order that data literacy skills should be taught in​ [29:25]  - Other phrases that could be used instead of data literacy​ For full show notes, and the links mentioned visit: https://bibrainz.com/podcast/66

Enjoyed the Show?  Please leave us a review on iTunes. Check out our sponsor! Are you a BI/Analytics leader who is tired of creating useless reports or dashboards? Are you struggling to get users over to your BI portal? Ever thought about embedding your analytics? If so, then you have to check out Logi Composer, the first ever out of the box development experience for teams who want to get up and running fast! Logi Analytics is offering AoF Listeners a special 14-day trial to get up and running fast! Just visit - logianalytics.com/aof

Are you still struggling to create and build a good social media presence in the data space? This week, I talk with real-life data analytics and BI rockstar, Kate Strachnyi. Kate is a Program Manager and Consultant of Data Analytics, as well as an author, blogger, and LinkedIn "Top-Voice" in data analytics with well over 50,000+ followers. In this knowledge filled BI masterclass, Kate teaches you the importance of social media and the exact steps you can take to up your social media game and become a rockstar!  

Sponsor

This exciting season of AOF is sponsored by our BI Data Storytelling Mastery Accelerator 3-Day Live workshop. Our first workshop coming up from Sept 17-19 is 75% full! Join us and consider upgrading to a VIP. Many BI teams are still struggling to deliver consistent, high-engaging analytics their users love. At the end of three days, you'll leave with a clear BI delivery action plan. Register today!

Enjoyed the Show? Please leave us a review on iTunes.   For all links and resources mentioned visit: https://bibrainz.com/podcast/28