The Data Nerd Podcast

In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, host Nisar Ahmed welcomes back leadership communication expert and TEDx speaker Christopher Chin for an inspiring conversation about what it really takes to step onto the TEDx stage. Today's guest is Christopher Chin, TEDx speaker, communication strategist, and Founder of The Hidden Speaker. Once an introvert working in technical roles, Chris learned firsthand how easily brilliant ideas get lost when the message isn't clear—and built a framework to fix that. Now he trains global teams, coaches leaders, and helps introverts, analysts, and technical professionals communicate with confidence and step onto bigger stages, including TEDx.
At its core, this episode is about voice, courage, and the power of personal narrative. Christopher breaks down the mindset shifts, practical steps, and storytelling skills that helped him become a TEDx speaker—and why he believes far more people are capable of doing it than they realize. If you've ever thought "I'm not expert enough" or "who am I to give a TEDx talk?", this conversation will change how you see yourself.
🎧 Tune in to learn:
Why confidence is less about knowing everything and more about embracing what you don't know

How cognitive biases like the spotlight effect and negativity bias silently undermine your communication

Why TEDx organizers aren't looking for brand-new ideas—but uniquely you ideas

What separates a specialist from an "expert," and why that distinction matters

How storytelling, emotion, and structure elevate any talk—especially data talks

Why doing a TEDx can become a career-changing part of your personal brand

Practical steps to brainstorming a topic, matching it to a TEDx theme, and applying confidently

Connect with Christopher Chin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherwchin/
The Hidden Speaker: https://www.cwcconsulting.co/
🌐 Full episodes of The Data Nerd Podcast, plus exclusive merch (including the official Data Nerd hat) — visit: www.thedatanerdpodcast.com

In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, host Nisar Ahmed sits down with Tableau legend Andy Kriebel for a raw, unfiltered conversation about DataFam Europe and the state of the Tableau community. Known as a Tableau Visionary Hall of Famer, creator of Makeover Monday, and founder of Next-Level Tableau, Andy has been at the heart of the DataFam for years, so when he says something feels off, it's worth paying attention.
Andy shares his honest take on why this year's DataFam Europe felt like a sales and Salesforce-focused pitch to the wrong audience, rather than a celebration of the everyday Tableau Desktop user who is the DataFam. He talks about the lack of practical problem-solving content, the shift away from inspiring customer stories, and the frustrating gap between how much the community gives to Tableau and how little their real needs seem to be reflected on stage.
At its core, this episode is about what made the DataFam special in the first place—sharing knowledge, solving real viz problems, lifting each other up—and why Andy believes Tableau's events risk drifting away from that spirit. If you've ever felt both deep loyalty to the product and disappointment in its direction, this conversation will resonate.
🎧 Tune in to learn:
- Why DataFam Europe left many longtime users feeling overlooked
- How Tableau's conference culture has shifted post-acquisition
- Why real customer stories—and not product pitches—once made Tableau Conferences unforgettable
- The widening disconnect between Salesforce messaging and what Desktop users actually need - Why speaking honestly matters when you love a product and want it to be better
- What it will take to recenter the DataFam and restore the community spirit that defined Tableau's rise
Andy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andykriebel/
Next-Level Tableau: https://nlt.circle.so/join-nlt
🌐 Full episodes of The Data Nerd Podcast and exclusive merch (including the official Data Nerd hat) — visit: www.thedatanerdpodcast.com

In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, host Nisar Ahmed is joined by Mike Cisneros—award-winning data visualization expert, two-time Tableau Visionary, and co-author of the brand-new book Storytelling With Data: Before & After. Mike has built a career at the intersection of analytics, design, software development, and data education, bringing a rare blend of creativity, clarity, and technical depth to the craft of data storytelling. His work helps readers and practitioners transform real-world visualizations through thoughtful redesigns and intentional narrative choices.
What begins with childhood memories, hockey stories, and life lessons quickly reveals deeper parallels to data storytelling—how we process information, how flow states shape our work, and why the way we tell data stories often matters more than the charts themselves. Together, Nisar and Mike unpack the psychology behind communication, the power of relatable narratives, and why our lived experiences make us better storytellers in the age of AI.
🎧 Tune in to learn:
How sports, childhood memories, and real-life experiences shape powerful data stories
Why narrative beats numbers alone—especially when communicating with executives
What Mike's new book Before & After teaches about redesigning visuals with intention
How to recognize the hidden psychology behind insights that persuade
Why AI adoption requires more human storytelling, not less
The real reasons data teams struggle to deliver impact 
Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikevizneros/
Storytelling with Data: https://www.storytellingwithdata.com/
🌐 Full episodes of The Data Nerd Podcast and exclusive merch (including the official Data Nerd hat) — visit: www.thedatanerdpodcast.com

In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, host Nisar Ahmed sits down with Salma Sultana—data storytelling coach, founder of Hummingbirds, and a passionate advocate for bringing cognitive psychology into the world of analytics. With nearly two decades of experience across consulting, financial services, biotech, and tech, Salma has helped countless professionals transform complex insights into narratives that actually stick.
Together, Nisar and Salma dive deep into the psychology behind effective data storytelling—how humans process information, why narrative beats numbers alone, and what separates a report that gets ignored from one that sparks action. They explore the subtle but powerful ingredients of persuasion, clarity, emotion, and structure, and why understanding how the mind works is becoming a superpower for data professionals in the age of AI.
🎧 Tune in to learn:
Why data stories succeed or fail—and what the brain has to do with it
How cognitive psychology can elevate your dashboards, presentations, and insights
The common traps data teams fall into when communicating with executives
Practical ways to make your data more memorable, relatable, and actionable
Salma on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-salma-sultana-/
Website: https://www.huemmingbirds.com/
🌐 Full episodes of The Data Nerd Podcast and exclusive merch (including the official Data Nerd hat) — visit: www.thedatanerdpodcast.com

In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, host Nisar Ahmed chats with Alli Torban—data visualization specialist, author of Chart Spark, and host of the Data Viz Today podcast. With a background in mathematics and geospatial intelligence, Alli has worked across government, non-profit, and corporate sectors to make complex data stories accessible and impactful.
Together, Nisar and Alli explore what it truly means to get your data voice heard—especially as an introvert navigating today's noisy digital world. From building confidence through podcasting to embracing creativity as a data professional, they unpack how sharing your perspective can shape both your career and your community.
🎧 Tune in to learn:
- How introverts can grow visibility and influence in the data space
- Why podcasting is a powerful medium for finding and refining your voice
- The mindset shift from perfection to consistency
- Practical ways to start sharing your "data voice" today
 
Alli on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisontorban/
Website: https://www.allitorban.com/
🌐 Full episodes of The Data Nerd Podcast and exclusive merch (including the official Data Nerd hat) — visit: thedatanerdpodcast.com