“When we're thinking about data and data visualization, design is more functional, or at least it should be more functional as opposed to ornamental.”   In this episode of Data Chats, Chris Richardson sits down with Jonathan Schwabish, a renowned expert in the field of data visualization, for a comprehensive look into the world of transforming data into actionable insights.   Jonathan Schwabish is an author, researcher, and the voice behind policyviz.com, where he dives deep into the nuances of effective data presentation and visualization.   During this episode, they discuss: The art of creating titles for charts and graphs Why your goal should be clarity over quantity The role of the audience in data visualization How interactive data and scrolly-telling has evolved Why and how to incorporate accessibility into data viz An ethical approach to data visualization Learn More About Data Visualization Ready to transform your approach to data analysis and become a strategic contributor in your organization? Don't miss out on Pragmatic Institute’s Business-Driven Data Analysis masterclass. You'll learn how to define, prepare, analyze, and present complex data to a variety of stakeholders, ensuring that your data projects not only look good but drive actionable insights. >> Learn More

"Airline loyalty innovation died in 1960.” - Mark Ross-Smith   In this episode of Data Chats, Chris Richardson sits down with Mark Ross-Smith, an award-winning leader in the airline loyalty industry, for an insider’s perspective on how airlines use data analytics to optimize their loyalty programs.   Mark Ross-Smith is CEO and co-founder of statusmatch.com and the editor of traveldatadaily.com >> read the Cathay Pacific Churn Analysis Case Study.   Mark shares how airlines drive revenue through elite status flyers and co-branded credit cards. He explains the metrics airlines track to increase share of wallet and prevent churn. He also advises how airlines could innovate loyalty programs with data to build emotional connections and make flying more personalized and joyful for customers.   In this wide-ranging discussion, Mark covers: The business model behind the profitability of airline loyalty programs The disproportionate value of top-tier elites and credit cardholders How customer data reveals motivations and future behaviors Why loyalty innovation has stagnated and advice to spur progress How better use of data ultimately benefits customers’ lives Data Science for Business Leaders   With data advancing at warp speed, the last thing you want is to be left in the dust by the competition. So get on board with our Data Science for Business Leaders course. You’ll learn how to partner with data teams to turn findings into informed decisions.   Learn more and enroll today

“I'm interested in stretching what you can do with data and coming up with ideas of representing it that people haven't thought of before. I think there's a whole spectrum of possibilities here.”  – Miriam Quick Miriam Quick, an accomplished journalist, author, and musician renowned for her innovative approach to data communication, underscores the importance of visualizations and unconventional methods in data journalism. Her work explores beyond the conventional to make data more engaging, breaking the stereotype that data is dull or mundane. In her conversation with host Chris Richardson, Miriam reflects on her unique journey into the data world, combining her passion and strengths with her expertise in computer science to craft a distinctive narrative. She delves into the art of making data accessible and engaging, especially for a broader audience, emphasizing the value of a beginner's mindset when exploring interesting aspects within datasets. So how do you take a creative leap with data? Develop narratives mindful of the presentation format (infographic, dashboard, animation), audience, and tone Use spreadsheets as a starting point to structure information and create visual formats Engage with interactive elements like charts and games to tell a compelling data story Focus on accuracy and value judgments, regardless of the project's creative or conventional nature Draw inspiration from various sources like Information is Beautiful Awards Showcase and unconventional chart types from repositories like Xenographics Miriam also discusses her book, "I Am a Book. I Am a Portal to the Universe," a love letter to book design shared through fascinating data measurements. This conversation ultimately aims to inspire listeners to rethink how they visualize data, striving for creativity and impact in their presentations to overcome the prevalence of poorly designed ones. Do not miss this riveting conversation—hit play now to uncover insights that will reshape your perspective on data visualization.   Want to dive deeper into this topic? Check out the resources below for insights on how to use data visualizations to communicate critical insights.    Article | Maximizing the Impact of Your Data with Compelling Data Visualizations Article | How to Avoid Bad Data Visualizations Article | Data Visualization Best Practices    Podcast | Tell Your Data Story   Podcast | Put Down the Pie Chart and Other Data Visualization Strategies Podcast | Data Visualization and How to Stop Your Charts From Lying   Learn to Deliver Better Data Insights I Business-Driven Data Analysis This course is designed to help you translate a business problem into data analysis that provides actionable insights. Transform how you present insights and advance from a tactical role to being a strategic contributor for your organization.  ✔ Translate business needs into achievable data projects ✔ Learn a proven and repeatable approach to data analysis ✔ Identify the fastest path to actionable insights  ✔ Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders Learn More

“We also wanted to use the textbook to talk about important social issues [like] why do men make more than women? And so, one case study is about understanding the gender gap in the US and why is there a 15, 20% difference in earnings.” - Gábor Békés   In this episode of Data Chats, Chris Richardson interviews Gábor Békés, author of Data Analysis: For Business, Economics, and Policy. Békés is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Economics and Business of Central European University. He is also a senior research fellow at the KRTK Institute of Economics in Hungary.   They discuss: Detailed process of data analysis The most important methods, tools, and skills for future data analysts Real life case-studies included in the book Implications of data analysis on public policy Humility required for the data interpretation process Take Your Data Skills to the Next Level with Business-Driven Data Analysis This course teaches a proven, repeatable approach that you can leverage across data projects and toolsets to deliver timely data analysis with actionable insights. Learn More

This episode is from our recent webinar >> watch the webinar   Looking to spruce up your resume and stand out in the data field? We understand that there are some major changes happening in the tech industry and those changes can be daunting. In light of the recent layoffs happening in our industry, we wanted to help all our fellow tech comrades get hired and put their best foot forward.   In this skills-driven episode, RiseSmart will review the key competencies you’ll want to have before you apply and how to make them pop on a resume. RiseSmart will teach you how written branding materials open doors and help individuals: Get market-ready faster Generate more interview invitations Establish a competitive advantage Project an image as a good fit for target companies Shorten job searches • Produce better job offers Receive higher starting salaries