Tableau Ambassadors: Who They Are and How You Can Become One

Is Tableau Next the future of data analytics, or should Tableau developers stick with what they already know? In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, Nisar Ahmed sits down with Fi Crocker and Sarah Burnett, co-founders of Dub Dub Data and longtime Tableau Ambassadors, to discuss Tableau Next vs. Tableau Desktop, Salesforce Data 360, and the future of business intelligence. Having delivered multiple Tableau Next projects, Fi and Sarah share their firsthand experiences with the platform, including what works, what doesn't, and where traditional Tableau still has the advantage. They discuss how Tableau Next can deliver near real-time analytics and dramatically improve dashboard performance, while also presenting challenges with calculations, customization, and data modeling. The conversation explores whether Tableau Next is worth adopting, particularly for organizations already using Salesforce, and what its growing adoption means for Tableau developers. With Tableau Studio and AI entering the picture, are we witnessing the next evolution of Tableau, or is the ecosystem becoming too complicated? Beyond the technology, Fi and Sarah share how a chance meeting at Tableau Conference turned into a friendship and eventually a business partnership. They discuss the challenges of entrepreneurship, the power of the Tableau community, and why networking and continuous learning can open doors you never expected. Together, they also explore why data storytelling, communication, and being willing to embrace change remain essential skills as AI reshapes the analytics profession. Whether you're a Tableau developer, data analyst, Salesforce professional, or business intelligence leader, this episode offers practical insights into the future of Tableau and the opportunities ahead. In this episode you'll learn: How Tableau Next compares with Tableau Desktop and Tableau Cloud

What if the key to landing your next job in the age of AI isn't a better resume, but a stronger network? In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, Nisar Ahmed sits down with Steven Lukaszewski of Burtch Works, a recruiting professional with 18 years of experience, for a conversation about artificial intelligence, the changing job market, professional networking, and why human connections may be more important than ever. Finding a job has become increasingly challenging. As AI transforms the hiring process, job seekers are using AI to optimize their resumes, employers are using AI to screen applications, and recruiters are struggling to distinguish genuinely qualified candidates from those who simply look good on paper. But is technology actually making hiring better, or is it creating more problems than it solves? Steven shares his perspective from nearly two decades in recruiting, explaining why traditional online job applications are becoming less effective and why building genuine professional relationships could be the key to unlocking career opportunities. He discusses how AI-generated resumes, automated screening, and growing concerns about candidate authenticity are changing how employers evaluate talent. Together, Nisar and Steven explore whether LinkedIn is still an effective networking platform or whether we've become too focused on collecting connections instead of building meaningful relationships. They discuss the difference between having thousands of LinkedIn connections and developing a trusted network of people who know your skills, understand your experience, and are willing to advocate for you. The conversation also dives into practical strategies for networking and career growth. Steven explains why networking shouldn't begin when you're looking for a job, how to approach your professional connections for introductions, and why maintaining relationships throughout your career can lead to opportunities you never expected. Nisar and Steven also discuss the importance of in-person networking, attending industry conferences, and building relationships beyond the digital world. As AI makes technical skills more accessible, they explore why communication, business acumen, and the ability to connect with others may become even more valuable. The episode wraps up with a rapid-fire discussion covering employee referrals versus online applications, resumes versus LinkedIn profiles, remote versus in-person networking, whether AI will replace recruiters, and the biggest resume mistakes candidates should avoid. Whether you're a data analyst, technology professional, job seeker, recruiter, or business leader, this episode offers practical advice on navigating the modern job market, building a stronger professional network, and standing out in an increasingly AI-driven hiring landscape. In this episode you'll learn: How AI is transforming recruiting, hiring, and the job search process

What if the missing link to making better decisions with AI isn't technology, but data literacy? In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, Nisar Ahmed sits down with Jordan Morrow, widely recognized as a pioneer of data literacy, author, and founder of Bodhi Data, for a conversation about data literacy, artificial intelligence, critical thinking, and the human skills needed to make better decisions in an AI-driven world. Jordan explains why everyone is already using data to make decisions, whether they realize it or not, and why becoming data literate doesn't mean you need to become a data scientist. As AI makes data and analytics more accessible, the real challenge is understanding how to use these tools effectively and turn information into meaningful decisions. Together, Nisar and Jordan explore how AI is changing the role of data professionals, why data storytelling and communication are becoming increasingly important, and why investing in technology alone won't make an organization data-driven. Jordan introduces his concept of Engineered Intelligence, which combines data, AI, human intelligence, and emotional intelligence to improve decision-making. The conversation also explores the potential risks of becoming too dependent on AI. Are we outsourcing our ability to think? Jordan shares his concerns about cognitive decline, the importance of exercising our critical-thinking skills, and why AI should be a partner rather than a replacement for human intelligence. Nisar and Jordan also discuss the future of education, how organizations can improve data and AI literacy, and why schools and businesses need to rethink how they teach, develop, and evaluate skills in the age of AI. Whether you're a data analyst, business leader, educator, or someone looking to make better decisions with data and AI, this episode explores why data literacy is becoming an essential skill and why the human element matters more than ever. In this episode you'll learn: What data literacy really means and why everyone is already using it Why data literacy is becoming increasingly important in the age of AI How to use data and AI to make better decisions Why access to data and AI tools doesn't automatically make an organization data-driven What Jordan's Engineered Intelligence framework reveals about combining technology with human intelligence Why emotional intelligence and critical thinking are essential for effective decision-making How AI is changing the role of data analysts and the skills they'll need in the future Why data storytelling and communication can be more influential than data alone How organizations can identify and address gaps in data and AI literacy Why investing in AI technology without investing in people can limit its value The risks of becoming overly dependent on AI and outsourcing our thinking How to use AI as a partner without losing your critical-thinking skills Why education needs to evolve to prepare students for an AI-driven future How schools can approach AI policies, responsible AI adoption, and digital literacy Why human intelligence remains essential as AI becomes more powerful Connect with Jordan Morrow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanmorrow/ Website: https://www.bodhidata.com/ 🌐 Full episodes of The Data Nerd Podcast and exclusive merch, including the official Data Nerd hat, are available at www.TheDataNerdPodcast.com.

What if building your personal brand could create more career security than your résumé alone? In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, Nisar Ahmed sits down with Jess Ramos, founder of Big Data Energy Analytics, for a conversation about personal branding, career growth, content creation, and standing out in the data and analytics industry. Jess shares how she went from working as a data analyst to building a personal brand that opened doors to speaking opportunities, brand partnerships, international travel, and eventually full-time entrepreneurship. She also gets candid about being fired from her corporate job, the challenges of building a brand while working for an employer, and why she believes data professionals should start building their reputation before they actually need it. Together, Nisar and Jess discuss what holds people back from posting on LinkedIn, why you don't need decades of experience to have something valuable to share, and how simply putting yourself out there can lead to opportunities you may never find through a traditional job application. The conversation also gets into AI and content creation. Jess shares why she felt she was starting to lose her own voice by relying too heavily on AI for writing, how she changed her approach, and why being authentic and recognizable matters even more as AI-generated content floods our feeds. Whether you're a data analyst, analytics leader, content creator, or someone trying to grow your career in data, this episode offers a practical look at how visibility, networking, and personal branding can create opportunities beyond your résumé. In this episode you'll learn: Why data professionals should consider building a personal brand How personal branding can create career opportunities and job security How Jess went from data analyst to full-time creator and entrepreneur What happened when Jess built a large personal brand while working a corporate job How to start posting on LinkedIn when you don't feel qualified Why visibility can matter just as much as experience How to balance your personal brand with your employer's social media policies Why consistency matters more than obsessing over individual posts How Jess uses AI in her content creation process without losing her voice Why authenticity can help your content stand out in an AI-driven world How networking and content creation can lead to unexpected career opportunities The skills Jess believes today's data analysts should be developing Jess Ramos on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessramosmsba Website: https://linktr.ee/jessramosdata 🌐 Full episodes of The Data Nerd Podcast and exclusive merch, including the official Data Nerd hat, are available at www.TheDataNerdPodcast.com

As AI transforms the way we work, what does it mean to be an effective teacher, coach, and data professional? In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, Nisar Ahmed sits down with Data Coach Lisa Hitch at The Information Lab's New York City office for a conversation about teaching, learning, communication, and building a career that stays relevant in the age of AI. Lisa shares her journey from overcoming a fear of public speaking to becoming a respected educator in the data community. Together, they discuss why AI should be embraced rather than feared, how it changes the classroom, and why communication, curiosity, and authenticity are becoming some of the most valuable skills a data professional can develop. The conversation also explores content creation, personal branding, giving and receiving feedback, and why sharing what you know can accelerate both your own learning and your career. Whether you're a data analyst, analytics leader, student, educator, or someone looking to grow your career in data, this episode offers practical advice on staying relevant in a rapidly changing world. In this episode you'll learn: Why AI is changing the way we teach—not replacing teachers How data professionals can use AI as a learning partner Why communication skills are becoming more valuable than ever How teaching can make you a better analyst and leader The power of building a personal brand in data How Lisa overcame her fear of public speaking and being on camera Why authenticity still matters in an AI-driven world Practical advice for anyone looking to grow in data analytics and analytics leadership Lisa Hitch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-hitch/ Lisa on Instagram & TikTok: @the.data.coach 🌐 Full episodes of The Data Nerd Podcast and exclusive merch (including the official Data Nerd hat) — visit: www.thedatanerdpodcast.com