The Data Nerd Podcast

In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, host Nisar Ahmed sits down with data literacy expert, author, and CEO of Data Literacy, Ben Jones, for a timely conversation on how AI is reshaping data analytics jobs — and what it actually means for data professionals today.
Ben has spent years helping organizations and professionals build stronger data skills, and more recently, AI literacy. Through his work teaching at the University of Washington and advising companies, he brings a practical, grounded perspective on how AI is changing analytics across roles—from data analysts to engineers to business users.
At its core, this episode is about cutting through the noise around AI. Instead of focusing on hype or fear, the conversation looks at what's actually changing in the day-to-day work of analysts, how tools are evolving, and where human skills still matter most. Nisar and Ben explore how AI fits into the analytics workflow, what skills are becoming more valuable, and how professionals can adapt without losing their edge.
🎧 Tune in to learn:
Whether AI is really replacing data analysts or reshaping the role
Why AI literacy is becoming just as important as data literacy
How experienced analysts can use AI to work faster and smarter
The impact of AI on entry-level roles and hiring trends
What's happening to dashboards, BI tools, and self-service analytics
Why critical thinking and data storytelling are still essential
How to approach AI with curiosity instead of fear
Practical ways to start learning and using AI today
If you're a data analyst, BI professional, data scientist, or analytics leader trying to understand where AI fits into your career, this episode will give you a clear, realistic perspective on what's changing — and how to stay relevant.
Ben Jones on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjonesdata/
🌐 Learn more about Data Literacy: https://dataliteracy.com
🌐 Full episodes of The Data Nerd Podcast and exclusive merch (including the official Data Nerd hat): www.thedatanerdpodcast.com

Can a data scientist become a stand-up comedian?
What happens when statistics meet storytelling?
And why might humor be one of the most underrated skills in data and analytics?
In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, Nisar Ahmed sits down with data comedian and data professional Evan Wimpey to explore the surprising intersection of data science, comedy, and communication.
Evan shares how a statistics joke competition during COVID unexpectedly launched his journey into data comedy, performing stand-up for analytics teams, conferences, and data professionals around the world.
If you're a data scientist, analyst, BI professional, or aspiring data leader, this conversation shows why technical skills alone aren't enough — the ability to communicate insights, tell stories, and connect with people is just as important.
We explore: 
How Evan accidentally became a professional statistics comedian
Why humor can improve data storytelling and presentations
The connection between stand-up comedy and communicating analytics
Why many data presentations fail because they're simply boring
How AI tools like ChatGPT help with the creative process
Why communication skills are critical for career growth in data
How data professionals can find their unique niche in the AI era
Evan also performs part of his data comedy set, featuring jokes about data science models, analytics careers, and the realities of working in data.
If you've ever:
Sat through a painfully boring data presentation
Tried to explain analytics to a non-technical audience
Wondered how to make your data storytelling more engaging
Or thought the world of analytics could use a little more humor 
This episode is for you.
Evan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-wimpey/
🌐 Learn more about Evan Wimpey and Data Comedy: https://predictablejokes.com
🌐 Full episodes of The Data Nerd Podcast and exclusive merch (including the official Data Nerd hat) — visit: www.thedatanerdpodcast.com

How do you build confidence at work?
Why do so many professionals struggle to speak up in meetings?
And what is fear really costing your career?
In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, Nisar Ahmed sits down with keynote speaker, leadership expert, and Founder of Unmuted, Rachel Druckenmiller, to break down her powerful VOICE Method — a practical framework for overcoming self-doubt, building leadership presence, and confidently speaking up at work.
If you're a data professional, analyst, aspiring leader, or anyone looking to improve communication skills and executive presence, this episode will help you move from hesitation to action.
We explore: 
How to overcome fear of speaking up
Why confidence is built through action
The difference between confidence and arrogance (confident humility)
How to stop playing small in your career
Why boldness regrets hurt more than failure
How data storytelling strengthens leadership influence
Practical steps to build clarity, courage, and impact at work
Rachel shares real-world insights from working with thousands of leaders and professionals, along with research-backed concepts that apply directly to career growth, communication skills, and workplace confidence.
If you've ever:
Held back in a meeting
Felt like an imposter
Avoided opportunities because you "weren't ready"
Wanted more influence as a data professional This conversation is for you.
📚 Books & Research Mentioned:
Atomic Habits – James Clear
The Courage to Be Disliked – Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga
The Top Five Regrets of the Dying – Bronnie Ware
Quiet – Susan Cain
Research from Adam Grant
Research from Daniel Pink (World Regret Survey)
Rachel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelbdruckenmiller/
🌐 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 welcomes back analytics leader and data community builder Dustin Schimek for a timely conversation on the real data analytics skills employers want in 2026 — and what they pay for them.
Today's guest is Dustin Schimek, creator of the Data Jobs Report and the weekly Data Jobs Rundown, where he analyzes real job postings year over year to uncover hiring trends across data and analytics roles. With experience leading analytics teams and enabling data practitioners, Dustin brings a data-driven lens to understanding how analytics careers are evolving and what professionals should be paying attention to next.
At its core, this episode is about cutting through the noise. Rather than relying on opinions or hype, the conversation is grounded in actual hiring data and long-term trends. Together, Nisar and Dustin explore how expectations for data analysts are changing, how skills and experience shape career growth, and why compensation looks the way it does across different stages of an analytics career.
🎧 Tune in to learn:
The top data analytics skills employers are hiring for
How Tableau and Power BI stack up in today's market
The growing importance of cloud skills in analytics roles
Why data storytelling continues to rise in demand
Analyst vs senior analyst salary ranges and what drives pay growth
How experience and industry knowledge impact hiring decisions 
If you're a data analyst, aspiring analyst, or analytics leader looking for a realistic, data-backed perspective on the analytics job market, this episode will help you better understand where the field is headed — and how to position yourself for what's next.
Dustin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinschimek/
🌐 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 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