Are dashboards really dead—or just evolving?

In this episode of The Data Nerd Podcast, Nisar Ahmed sits down with Will Perkins, Analytics Solutions Executive at JPMorgan Chase and 5x Tableau Ambassador, to break down one of the biggest debates in data today. As AI continues to reshape analytics, many are questioning the role of dashboards and BI tools.

This conversation cuts through the noise and focuses on what's actually changing. From the shift toward analytical solutions to the evolving role of analysts, Nisar and Will explore where dashboards still fit—and where they fall short.

Tune in to learn:

• Whether dashboards are dead or evolving
• How AI is changing BI and data analytics
• Why bad dashboards point to deeper data problems
• What it really means to be an analyst today
• How to stay relevant in a changing data landscape

If you work in data, BI, or analytics, this episode will challenge how you think about dashboards and the future of your role.

Will Perkins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willcperkins/

🌐 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 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