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/

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/

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/

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/

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

In this episode, I sit down in person with fellow Tableau Social Ambassador Ojoswi Basu — just after the energy of Tableau Conference in San Diego.

We dive into our journeys as content creators in the data space, sharing why we started, what we’ve learned, and how creating in public can open doors you never expected. From overcoming imposter syndrome to finding your voice online, this episode is packed with real talk and valuable takeaways for anyone looking to start (or level up) their content journey.

Ojoswi is not only a standout voice in the Tableau community, but also the founder of Data2Vizuals, a public speaker, and a champion of elevating others in the data space.

Whether you're a content creator, aspiring ambassador, or just curious about where content can take your career — this one’s for you.

Ojoswi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ojoswibasu/

In this episode, I sit down with Avery Smith, to tackle one of the biggest challenges aspiring data professionals face—getting hired without prior experience. Avery shares his unconventional strategies for standing out, building a portfolio, and networking your way into a data career. If you're struggling to land that first job, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you break in!

Avery Smith is the founder of Data Career Jumpstart and a passionate advocate for helping people break into data careers. With a background in engineering and a self-taught journey into data science, Avery has built a thriving community focused on making data careers more accessible. He shares insights on career growth, data storytelling, and the power of personal projects in shaping a data-driven future.

Avery on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/averyjsmith/

Data Career Jumpstart: https://datacareerjumpstart.com/

Data Career Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1nfBfEtCmuvJkPQgR3bS5a

In this episode, I sit down with Brent Dykes, author of Effective Data Storytelling, to challenge a common misconception, do dashboards really tell stories? We dive into the difference between presenting data and crafting a compelling narrative, why dashboards alone aren't enough, and how to bridge the gap between insights and impact.

Brent Dykes is a leading expert in data storytelling and the author of Effective Data Storytelling. With years of experience in analytics, consulting, and thought leadership, he helps organizations transform raw data into compelling narratives that drive action.

Brent on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentdykes/

Effective Data Storytelling:

https://www.effectivedatastorytelling.com/