The Data Nerd Podcast

• AI Can Do It - But Should It? Making Smart Decisions in Business Intelligence

  AI can write your SQL, build dashboards, even suggest next steps. But as data leaders, we have to ask: is that enough? In this talk from the Disruptive Data Leadership Summit, I explore one of the most important questions in modern analytics: what role should AI play in Business Intelligence—and where do humans still lead? Learn the difference between assistive vs. autonomous AI, how tools like Tableau Agent and ChatGPT are reshaping dashboards, and why human insight, storytelling, and strategic thinking remain irreplaceable.  Topics Covered: How AI is impacting data visualization and dashboard design Where human context adds irreplaceable value Why data storytelling is the most powerful skill in analytics Real-world examples of AI in action 🎧 Presented by Nisar Ahmed, host of the Data Nerd Podcast 🧢 Grab your official Data Nerd Hat here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/4327121675/data-nerd-hat-official-black-snapback?ref=listings_manager_grid Disruptive Data Leadership Summit: https://trending-analytics.com/summit-on-the-go-2025/  

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• Will AI Take Our Jobs?

  In this episode of the Data Nerd Podcast, host Nisar Ahmed sits down with Shama Hyder—CEO of Zen Media and global marketing leader—to unpack the real impact of AI on the job market. From the future of white-collar roles to how AI can become your cognitive partner, Shama offers a bold and refreshing take on how to stay relevant and thrive in the AI era. 🎧 Tune in to learn: Why entry-level jobs are shifting fast How to upskill and use AI as a strategic advantage  What human skills still matter most in an AI-driven world Guest: Shama Hyder – Founder & CEO of Zen Media, LinkedIn Top Voice, Best-Selling Author Shama on  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shamahyder/

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• Why Your Data Team Isn't Delivering

  In this episode, I’m joined by Igor Garlowski—Tableau Ambassador and data strategist—to explore why so many data teams struggle to deliver real value. We dive into common pitfalls in BI and Tableau projects, and Igor shares practical advice on aligning strategy, improving communication, and building data products that actually get used. Igor’s impressive portfolio includes work with top-tier organizations like McKinsey, Siemens, Pfizer, and the NHS. With deep expertise across data visualization, data engineering, architecture, and strategy, he brings a holistic view of what it takes to turn data into impact. Igor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/igorgarlowski/

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• How an Introvert Took the Stage - and Won Iron Viz

  In this episode, I sit down in person with Will Sutton, the 2022 Iron Viz Champion, Tableau Visionary, and data consultant with The Information Lab. We caught up right after Tableau Conference 2025 in San Diego to talk about his inspiring journey—from introvert to Iron Viz winner. Will opens up about how stepping into the Iron Viz spotlight helped him break out of his shell and how that one bold move unlocked opportunities he never expected—at exactly the time he needed them most. This episode is a powerful reminder of what can happen when you take a shot—even when you're unsure of the outcome. Sometimes, saying yes to a single opportunity can change everything. Will on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-sutton-14711627/

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• It's Not Just a Dashboard - It's a Data Story

  Recorded live in San Diego following the Tableau Conference, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Amanda Makulec—Iron Viz judge, author, and thought leader in the data visualization space.  In this episode, we explore what it really means to design dashboards that make an impact. From crafting stories that resonate to making intentional design choices, Amanda shares practical insights to elevate your dashboard game. She currently serves on the Data Visualization Society Advisory Council, is the author of Dashboards That Deliver, and co-hosts the popular webcast Chart Chat. Whether you’re a data pro or just starting your visualization journey, this conversation is packed with takeaways you won’t want to miss. Amanda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abmakulec/ Data Viz Society: https://www.datavisualizationsociety.org Viz Responsibly: https://vizresponsibly.substack.com Chart Chat: https://www.chartchat.live

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