In this episode of the Data Nerd Podcast, host Nisar Ahmed sits down with Nicholas Mann—Founder & CEO of Stratos Consulting, data infrastructure expert, and trusted advisor to biotech and pharma leaders—to cut through the AI hype and talk about what adoption really looks like. From when AI creates real business value to when it’s just a distraction, Nicholas shares candid insights on how executives can make smarter choices and avoid costly mistakes. 🎧 Tune in to learn: - When AI actually adds value—and when it doesn’t - Why strong data foundations matter more than chasing shiny tools - The biggest mistakes companies make when jumping into AI - How leaders can start small and scale AI adoption with confidence Nicholas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-mann-80855a1a/ 🌐 Full episodes of The Data Nerd Podcast and exclusive merch (including the official Data Nerd hat) — visit: thedatanerdpodcast.com
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The Human Side of Data: Soft Skills for Career Growth
Eva Murray—speaker, author, and career coach for data professionals—joins Nisar Ahmed to share why soft skills like communication and storytelling are the real drivers of career growth in data. Explore The Data Nerd Podcast (and grab the official hat) at thedatanerdpodcast.com. Learn more about Eva’s services at evamurray.co.uk and connect with her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/evamurray1/
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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/
Welcome to The Data Nerd Podcast brought to you by BizNis Intelligence. I'm your host, Nisar Ahmed, join me as we explore the inner data nerd inside all of us. Dive into the world of data alongside special guests who not only share their wealth of experiences and knowledge but also unveil what truly makes them data nerds.
Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@biznisintelligence
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nisar-ahmed-53b46a11/
South Africa