
Make Data Talk
Are you finding data daunting? Are you in a job where there are heaps of numbers coming in, but you don’t know what to do with them, let alone make them mean something? If so, it’s time to make your data talk! Each week Data Storyteller Dr Selena Fisk will help you turn your spreadsheets into stories, as she teaches you important data ideas and skills which help you bring your data to life. Each episode is packed with real examples and insights from Selena's experience helping people like you - to build your confidence, to make data more accessible to you, and to do so in a way that is practical and more interesting than your year 9 maths textbook! Make data talk is your weekly dose of data literacy, data viz, and data storytelling ideas that help make data doable.
Latest episodes

Oct 22, 2024 • 10min
#30 AI and data storytelling
In the third installment of her AI and data storytelling series, Dr. Selena Fisk explores how generative AI can enhance how we tell data stories and act on the data insights we find. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'.

Oct 15, 2024 • 17min
#29 Reflecting on your impact
How do you measure your impact? Is the stats you produce and the KPIs you hit? Is it the culture you build? Is it the legacy you leave? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk reflects on the remarkable impact coach Chris Fagan has had on the AFL premiership winning Brisbane Lions, and some key takeaways for measuring the impact of our own actions in our organisations. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'.

Oct 8, 2024 • 12min
#28 AI and data trends and insights
Do you need help uncovering the trends and insights in your data? Maybe you know what you're looking for but you just need to save some time. In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk talks through three ways AI and generative AI can help with this step in the data storytelling process - identifying the trends and insights. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'.

Oct 1, 2024 • 10min
#27 Summary statistics vs small data
Have you got a grasp on your organisation's summary statistics or 'bird's eye view' data? What about the small day to day data? It's good to know and work with both! In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk takes you through her 'helicopter vs street' analogy and how looking at data from different views of your organisation can be beneficial to make positive change. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'.

Sep 24, 2024 • 13min
#26 AI and data organisation
As AI has become more and more ubiquitous, it was only a matter of time before we started seeing its benefits for data organisation. In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk highlights a number of ways AI can be used to help with data organisation, from initial data literacy questions, right through to helping visualise data to assist with data storytelling. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'.

Aug 6, 2024 • 13min
#25 Lights. Data. Action!
Our organisations collect so much data these days. But how often are we actually getting to the 'action' part of data storytelling? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk talks about finding ways to understand and use the data we already have, and how to take steps to actually act on it. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'.

Jul 30, 2024 • 12min
#24 Evidence-based vs evidence-informed
Do you sometimes feel unable to progress past data analysis and into action because you may be lacking a traditional evidence base to support your decision? In this episode, Dr. Selena Fisk explores the distinction between being evidence-based and evidence-informed and offers invaluable insights into making informed, impactful decisions even in the absence of a robust, traditional evidence base. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'.

Jul 23, 2024 • 16min
#23 Creating data norms for your teams
When working with data in your organisations and work places, do you have a predecided set of 'data norms' to guide your approach? Do you need some help developing them? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk outlines the importance of having a clear set of norms when working with data, and talks through her ideal list of data norms. Listen on for a detailed explanation of what each could look like for your team. Selena's list: - We recognise that each data set reflects a small piece of the story – there is so much it doesn’t tell us. - We acknowledge that all data sets have noise and bias – using multiple sources of information is better. - No single person has all the answers – we value dialogue, not a one-way transfer of information. - We value everyone’s perspectives as we all have something to offer this conversation. - No data set/value belongs to a single individual or team – many factors contribute to the results. - We have our greatest impact when we are curious about the numbers and ask questions – blame isn't a part of this process. - We use statements such as ‘yes, and' rather than ‘yes, but’. - We use collaborative language - 'we', 'us', 'our team', rather than 'you', 'they'.

Jul 2, 2024 • 10min
#22 Creating a compelling scorecard
When our teams are striving for a particular startegic direction, how do we keep ourselves and our team members informed, motivated and accountable? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk talks about the utility of a compelling scorecard, and how these can be used to share progress, achievement and also ensure you're hitting the right markers for achieving your strategic goals. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'. The beautiful Alaskan river where this podcast was recorded Sydney airport security scorecard

7 snips
Jun 11, 2024 • 15min
#21 Data and trust
Dr. Selena Fisk discusses building trust between employees and leaders when working with data. Strategies include transparency, psychological safety, and accountability. Characteristics like authenticity and empathy strengthen trust in leadership.
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