“What really helps is if you just have one main goal for the [data] project. Know who your audience is and what your success criteria is. That's really going to put you head and shoulders ahead of everybody else, and it's going to make the project so painless. And then I can just dive into the insights and be showing you a lot of cool ideas.”   -Alli Torban   In the world of data analysis, the ability to effectively communicate your insights to stakeholders can be the difference between your ideas being heard or being ignored. Fortunately, there's a powerful tool that can help: data visualizations.In this episode of Data Chats, host Chris Richardson delves into this topic with data viz designer and podcast host Alli Torban.   As the founder of her own data design studio in Washington, D.C., Alli is a recognized expert in the field of data visualizations. She has shared her insights on stages big and small, and has been recognized with the Impactful Community Leader award from the Data Visualization Society.In this episode, Alli and Chris discuss a range of topics including: tools that can help you create effective visualizations how to measure success in this field what it's like to work with clients as a data visualization consultant how data practitioners can bring more creativity into their lives and work. If you're looking to take your data analysis to the next level, be sure to listen in to this informative and engaging episode. With Alli's expert insights, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the power of data visualizations, and how they can help you to communicate your insights with greater impact.   Continue Learning | Business-Driven Data Analysis Move beyond the spreadsheet, deliver actionable findings, and ensure alignment with stakeholders

Renowned expert Eric Siegel discusses bridging the gap between data science and business. Key topics include aligning with business objectives, measuring deployment success, and the importance of human involvement in AI. Siegel's insights offer a roadmap for organizations seeking to leverage the power of AI in driving their business forward.

“Data visualization is about adding a visual channel to make the data more memorable and comprehensible. We remember things in images and stories; we are not number creatures."  – Nadieh Bremer   In this episode of Data Chats, host Chris Richardson and data visualization expert Nadieh Bremer explore the world of data visualization and unravel its intricacies, offering practical tips and insights into the fusion of art and data science.  Nadieh Bremer is a data visualization designer and artist, working to captivate and engage an audience with the insights that the data reveals, to convince them of the lessons hidden within the numbers, and to take readers along on a journey told through the lens of data. During this episode with Chris and Nadieh, you will:  Learn the art of maintaining brand consistency while crafting data visuals  Understand the importance of providing detailed explanations for data variables Delve into the challenge of quantifying return on investment (ROI) for data visualization Explore the evolving role of AI in data visualization and its potential impact Gain insights into tailoring data visuals for different audiences  Discover the shift from interactivity to purposeful interaction in data visualization Learn more about Nadieh here.   Uncover Hidden Opportunities in Data with our eBook Data plays a crucial role in enabling organizations to build models and harness the power of data to uncover actionable insights that drive business success. However, it’s important for data professionals to analyze the data at hand with the goal of providing actionable insights and concrete next steps for stakeholders. If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, download our eBook, Analyze: Unlock Actionable Insights for Business Growth. In this eBook, you’ll discover how to simplify your findings into a business strategy that can be easily interpreted and put into action.  Download Now  

“I'm the garbage lady of the data world. It's a job no one wants to do, but if it isn't done, society would fall apart if we didn't have our rubbish cleared,” - Susan Walsh   In this episode, host Chris Richardson, sits down with the data cleaning expert, Susan Walsh, to explore the overlooked realm of data cleaning.   Susan shares her rich experiences and the fulfilling aspects of creating order from data chaos, emphasizing its pivotal role in delivering accurate analysis.   They Discuss: How clean data drives profitability, improves efficiency, and enables smarter business decisions Why budgeting for data cleaning is crucial and how to factor it into project timelines An interesting take on how redefining traditional roles within a team could unearth hidden data-cleaning talents How can dirty data adversely affect AI and machine learning outcomes, and why human intervention in data cleaning remains indispensable? What’s Your Organization’s Data Maturity? Our Data Maturity Scale and Assessment is a powerful tool for organizations that want to measure—and grow—their level of data maturity. Take the Assessment

“When you stop seeing numbers, and you start seeing people in your data sheets, everything changes.” - Favio Vazquez   In this episode, our host, Chris Richardson, interviews Favio Vazquez, Senior Data Scientist at H20.ai.   This conversation dives deep into all things autoML and AI, from what companies are doing now to what data professionals can do to prepare for the future. Favio provides his strategies for screening for bias and competing in a job market where AI is changing how we work.   They discuss: What to expect in the transition from data science in academia to data science in business What it means to practice data science in an Agile environment Why AI and autoML won’t replace data professionals any time soon How to approach ethics in machine learning New roles for data professionals Business-Driven Data Analysis As discussed in this podcast, transitioning to a business environment requires a different lens to interpret and analyze data.   A business-driven approach to data analysis enhances decision-making and aligns data projects with organizational objectives.   Our course, Business-Driven Data Analysis, will train you to learn what a stakeholder truly wants, refine the project based on available data, produce results and provide strategic insights.   Learn More

“I think including alt text that goes beyond just what the thing is, but why you're including it and what is interesting about it to really help people understand” - Amy Cesal   In this episode of Data Chats, hosted by Chris Richardson, we dive deep into the realm of data and design with Amy Cesal, a co-founder and board member of the Data Visualization Society and a product evangelist at EverViz.   Amy, a three-time Information is Beautiful award winner, has significantly contributed to the field of data visualization, pioneering the use of innovative style guides and continuously creating unusual and impactful data visualizations.   In this episode, Chris and Amy discuss: Why dual encoding helps with accessibility Alt text strategies How to gain buy-in for style guides Balancing simplicity with unique and memorable ways to present information Places to find data visualization inspiration Ready to Learn More About Data Visualization?Effective data visualization comes down to knowing your audience. Business-Driven Data Analysis enables data practitioners to refine their projects based on available data, produce results, and effectively communicate strategic insights to diverse stakeholders. Learn More

“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

"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

“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

“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