Mico Yuk, a data storytelling expert and co-founder of the Data Storytelling Academy, trained over 20,000 data analysts. She reveals the three critical mistakes analysts make and emphasizes the importance of storytelling and empathy in data work. Mico advocates for critical thinking over merely focusing on dashboards, encouraging analysts to shift from being 'chart monkeys' to strategic thinkers. She also shares insights on improving workflow and clarity in analytics, helping teams harness the true value of their data.
24:02
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Mico Yuk's BI Tool Origin
Mico Yuk started her BI journey with a tool called Excelsior, which evolved into SAP Analytics Cloud.
The tool was eventually discontinued when Adobe Flash was killed, but it was a fantastic visual tool for its time.
insights INSIGHT
Epidemic of Wrong Questions
Data analysts often ask the wrong questions, leading to irrelevant metrics and unused dashboards.
Critical thinking, especially asking "why" multiple times, is crucial for effective data analysis in the AI era.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Training Beyond Visuals
Focus mainly on storytelling and mindset when training data analysts, rather than just visuals.
Enterprises often prioritize developing analytical mindset over polishing visualizations.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Have you ever wondered why so many data analysts struggle to make an impact despite their technical skills? If you’ve ever felt like your dashboards are more noise than insight or questioned how to elevate your career in data, this episode is for you.
In this episode of More than Numbers Live, Ollie Hughes sits down with data storytelling expert and co-founder of the Analytics on Fire Podcast and Data Storytelling Academy, Mico Yuk, who has trained over 20,000 data analysts. Mico breaks down:
The three biggest mistakes data analysts make
Why data storytelling and empathy are the real superpowers of modern analysts especially in the age of AI.
How applying “TLC - tenderness, listening, and clarity” is the key to success
Mico shares hard-won insights on how data analysts can shift from chart monkeys to strategic thinkers. Tune in to learn how to break the cycle of ad-hoc analytics and truly drive value in your organization!
What you'll learn
[00:53] Mico’s first BI tool and the most common data tools analysts use today.
[02:53] The "epidemic" of bad analytics: asking the wrong questions, getting lost in the tools, and failing to think critically.
[06:27] Top 3 Reasons that data storytelling and mindset matter more than visualization.
[07:55] How critical thinking, not dashboards, sets top data analysts apart in the AI era.
[11:04] Why modern data analytics should focus on workflow, not just data presentation.
[12:46] How to fix broken analytics: when to iterate versus when to start from scratch.
[14:54] The importance of enhancing human-to-human interaction to generate value.
[18:06] Why accepting that hospitality, sales skills, and other keys to a successful data career.
[19:39] What TLC means in data analytics - tenderness, listening, and clarity and why it’s important.
[19:55] Career advice for data analysts moving on how to move forward in their careers.
More than Numbers 