The PolicyViz Podcast From Data Literacy to Storytelling: Insights from The Little Book of Data
Sep 24, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Justin Evans, a data professional with nearly two decades in media and advertising, shares insights from his book, The Little Book of Data. He reveals the 'four layers of data denial' and discusses the essential traits of a data person, like curiosity and ethics. Justin highlights the importance of storytelling in data, using real-life examples from Nielsen and Samsung to illustrate how effective visualizations can solve problems. This exchange inspires listeners to embrace data literacy and transforms how they engage with information.
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Data Thinking Over Coding
- Justin Evans argues that thinking like a data person centers on problem solving and vision more than coding or math.
- He says a clear vision of what and why to do drives projects and lets you find technical people to implement them.
Book Built Around Data Stories
- Justin wrote 20 core data ideas then used real professionals' stories to make them engaging and practical.
- He turned those interviews into the book's narrative so readers learn thinking patterns, not code.
Ethics Define Data People
- Justin describes data people as having a fiduciary duty to find the right answer and an ethical commitment to clients.
- He excludes those who hoard expertise for status or use data unethically from that honorific.
