How Data Storytelling Can Transform Your FP&A Strategy with Brent Dykes
Paul Barnhurst
Helping FP&A Professionals provide value to their businesses | Founder of The FP&A Guy | Host of 3 popular Finance podcasts | Microsoft MVP
Show Notes
In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst, the FP&A Guy, dives deep into the art of data storytelling with analytics expert Brent Dykes. With extensive experience in data visualization and analytics, Brent shares insights on how finance professionals can effectively communicate data insights. He emphasizes that data storytelling is more than visuals—it's about crafting a compelling narrative that bridges data and decision-making. Brent Dykes is the founder of Analytics Hero, a consultancy dedicated to data storytelling. He's also an author and educator with years of experience in data analytics, consulting, and data visualization. Brent wrote the book Effective Data Storytelling and has taught data visualization at the University of Utah. His work focuses on enhancing how organizations use data to inform strategy and decisions.
Expect to Learn:
Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:
"The last mile of analytics is where data storytelling lives. That’s where insights turn into action." - Brent Dykes
"It’s the combination of data, narrative, and visuals that makes a message stick and drives action." - Brent Dykes
"If you just present a problem without recommendations, you're leaving too much on the table. A story includes a path forward." - Brent Dykes
By explaining the science behind storytelling and offering practical advice, Brent Dykes underscores that empathy, clarity, and audience engagement are at the heart of effective data storytelling. FP&A professionals are encouraged to embrace this skill, not only to communicate data effectively but to foster a more data-driven culture in their organizations.
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Microsoft MVP | BXL | 5g Modeling Founder
2 周??Why <all> professionals often struggle with narrative (hint: we're too focused on details!) So true. Every board meeting I suffered through had an hour long review of our financial model. We saw it every week. MOST details had no significance (do I care that our payroll is the same this week as last?) requiring action or a decision. By the time the CFO got to the significant items, most of our brains were visiting the Bahamas. This isn't just a finance problem. Every presentation by any department head suffered from information overload. It probably stems from our insecurity and desire to make our jobs look important.