Make Data Talk
Are you finding data daunting? Are you in a job where there are heaps of numbers coming in, but you don't know what to do with them, let alone make them mean something? If so, it's time to make your data talk! Each week Data Storyteller Dr Selena Fisk will help you turn your spreadsheets into stories, as she teaches you important data ideas and skills which help you bring your data to life. Each episode is packed with real examples and insights from Selena's experience helping people like you - to build your confidence, to make data more accessible to you, and to do so in a way that is practical and more interesting than your year 9 maths textbook! Make data talk is your weekly dose of data literacy, data viz, and data storytelling ideas that help make data doable.
Episodes
#54 Being a learning organisation means more than good intentions
In this episode, Dr. Selena Fisk explores what it really means to be a learning organisation and challenges whether most teams are actually learning or simply saying the right things. Drawing on Harvard Business Review's work on learning organisations, she unpacks the role of both pre-decision and post-decision data, and why the real test of organisational learning comes when evidence challenges t
#53 Why outcome and hindsight bias undermine your impact story
In this episode, Dr. Selena Fisk explores why perceptions data is essential at the start of any change project. This episode examines how hindsight bias and outcomes bias distort post-change evaluation, and why leaders need baseline feedback from employees, leaders, clients, and other stakeholders to measure change accurately.
#52 Why we need to separate decision quality from outcomes
In this week's episode, Dr Selena Fisk explores data-informed decision making, outcome bias, and hindsight bias, and explains why a disappointing results do not always mean the original decision was wrong. This episode is for professionals and leaders who want to make better decisions, reflect more effectively, and learn how to separate decision quality from decision outcomes when navigating uncer
#51 The leadership team sport behind data-informed culture
In this episode, Dr. Selena Fisk explores data-informed culture and the leadership alignment required to make it stick. She breaks down why middle leaders and middle management can't carry data culture change alone, and why executive sponsorship and middle leader follow-through are essential if an organisation wants data to genuinely shape decisions. Listeners will learn what strong leadership ali
#50 Stop letting Excel choose your charts for you
In this episode of Make Data Talk, Dr. Selena Fisk breaks down why "recommended charts" and default visualisations often hide the real story in your data... and what to do instead. You'll learn how Microsoft Excel's chart choices can unintentionally mislead your audience, distract from your message, or make insights harder to see, especially when you're presenting to leaders, clients, or time-poor
#49 What if you have an epic data story but you're worried people in the meeting won't get it?
Most data storytelling advice focuses on the analysis: choosing the right data, selecting the best charts, and building compelling visuals. But in real organisations, the hardest part is often what happens after the analysis — when you have to share the data in a meeting. In this episode, Dr. Selena Fisk explores why data conversations can break down in mixed-skill meetings, where some people spea
#48 Your data strategy and data plan are two different things - get both!
In this episode of Make Data Talk, Dr. Selena Fisk breaks down the critical difference between a data strategy and a data plan, and why confusing the two is quietly undermining data-informed decision making in many organisations. Too often, leaders believe they have a data strategy when what they actually have is a collection of dashboards, reporting tools, or technology roadmaps. But a true data
#47 Your data dashboard IS NOT a data story
Most dashboards look impressive. They're packed with metrics, trends, and filters, and yet they still leave people asking, "So what?" In this episode of Make Data Talk, Dr. Selena Fisk unpacks why a data dashboard is not a data story (and why confusing the two leads to stalled decisions, misaligned teams, and "insight" that never turns into action). You'll learn the critical importance of meaning-
#46 Data literacy has very little to do with maths ability
"I'm not a numbers person" is one of the most common and most limiting beliefs holding people back from engaging with data. In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk challenges the widespread assumption that data literacy is about maths ability. She explains why modern data work has very little to do with calculations and everything to do with interpretation, critical thinking, and decision-making. You'll l
#45 You don't have a data problem - you have a confidence or skills problem
Many leaders believe their organisation has a data problem... not enough data, not the right dashboards, not the right systems. In this episode, I unpack why that's rarely the real issue. Instead, most organisations are grappling with a skills or confidence problem. People are surrounded by data but don't feel equipped or safe to ask questions, interpret what they see, or use data once decisions
#44 What data people can learn from yogis
Ever wondered what data and yoga have in common? At first, they seem like two very different ideas, but dig a little deeper and you start to see there is much yoga can teach us about data. In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk reflects on the completion of her yoga teacher training and five things it's taught her about data culture in our organisations. Connect with Selena at https://www.linkedin.com/in
#43 Discovery visuals - the creative process BEFORE you show your charts to others
Do you brainstorm and plan out your data visualisations before you present them to others? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk talks about the idea of discovery visuals, and the process for getting the best visualisation for the data story you want to tell. Connect with Selena at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/
#42 The eight archetypes of the 3i impact model
When making change, it's useful to look at all the different impacts and categorise these so you can focus on what matters to you and your organisation. Last episode, Dr Selena FIsk introduced her new 3i Impact Model, and in this episode, she unpacks the different archetypes each type of impact falls into. Connect with Selena at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/
#41 3i impact model
Do you struggle with a tangible way to measure impact? We all strive to create an impact, but often it's difficult to truly measure the impact of a change, initiative or project we've put in place in a simple, yet meaningful way. In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk introduces her new 3i impact model, developed over 12 months of working with change makers and leaders in various industries looking to me
#40 Dashboards are not the answer to your problems
Apologies for the provocative title, but while dashboards are powerful visualisation tools, unfortunately they are not a silver bullet for all things data storytelling. In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk explains why dashboards should not become the "be all and end all" when it comes to data storytelling, and how to avoid the pitfalls of set-and-forget dashboards. Connect with Selena at https://www.
#39 The ethical use of data
A question often encountered with data is the ethical considerations we need to be aware of when collecting, using and interpreting data. In this episode, Dr. Selena Fisk dives into actionable strategies for ethical data use and how you can avoid common pitfalls in data storytelling to build trust and credibility. Other episodes mentioned: Data Biases Take the data diagnostic here: Corporates: h
#38 'Key person risk' and data
Do you have one or two people in your organisation who are responsible for many of the key operations when it comes to data? Have you considered what would happen if they were to leave or become unwell? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk talks about 'key person risk', what it means for organisations in terms of data and how you can proactively plan for and minimise it in your teams and organisations
#37 Think like a bronze medallist with your data
Do you find yourself looking at data and only seeing the things that went wrong or need to improve? In this week's Make Data Talk episode, I show you how to think like a bronze medallist when it comes data, so you can see all the things that went right in order for you and your team to have gotten onto that proverbial podium in the first place. Connect with Selena at https://www.linkedin.com/in/s
#36 Pre-decision vs post-decision data
We're often quite good at using pre-decision data to inform our next actions, but what about post-decision data? How often do you stop and reflect on post-decision data and actually use it for action? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk talks about the difference between pre-decision and post-decision data, and how to upskill your team to ensure they're reflecting on post-decision data effectively.
#35 Tipping points and leading data informed change
Are you looking to lead data informed change in your organisation but not sure how to get to that critical buy in from your team? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk talks about the notion of a 'Tipping point' and how to recognise those members of your team who will be your assests when leading data informed change. Connect with Selena at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/
#34 STOP with the 'interesting' data!
How many times have you looked at data, noticed something and thought 'oh that's interesting'? Content warning: This episode is a bit of a rant! Dr Selena Fisk needs you to stop with the 'interesting' data. Check out this week's episode for the reasons why, and what you should actually be focussing on instead when looking at data. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/
#33 Data and meetings - what good practice looks like
Are you making the most of your meeting times when it comes to data? In an age of meetings for meetings' sake, don't be that person! In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk provides some strategies for the best practice when using data in your meetings, to ensure you get the most value out of this time with your team and get to the action of data storytelling. Connect with Selena: at https://www.link
#32 Dean Boxall - reflections on elite targets and high levels of care
Who remembers the infamous hip gyrating, truly visceral celebration Dean Boxall, coach of the Australian swimming team, gave at the Tokyo Olympics after Ariarne Titmus won gold in the 400m freestyle? Well it turns out, listening to him give a keynote address is even more inspiring. In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk reflects on Dean Boxall's coaching style and what elite level coaches can teach us a
#31 How data saves us time
There's no denying, it can be time consuming to ensure robust data collection processes are in place in an organisation. But often we don't stop to appreciate the time this initial investment can save us. In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk gives some air time to a little talked about benefit of data plans and data collection - the time it saves us. Tune in for 4 key ways data can save you time. C
#30 AI and data storytelling
In the third installment of her AI and data storytelling series, Dr. Selena Fisk explores how generative AI can enhance how we tell data stories and act on the data insights we find. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'.
#29 Reflecting on your impact
How do you measure your impact? Is the stats you produce and the KPIs you hit? Is it the culture you build? Is it the legacy you leave? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk reflects on the remarkable impact coach Chris Fagan has had on the AFL premiership winning Brisbane Lions, and some key takeaways for measuring the impact of our own actions in our organisations. Connect with Selena: at https://www
#28 AI and data trends and insights
Do you need help uncovering the trends and insights in your data? Maybe you know what you're looking for but you just need to save some time. In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk talks through three ways AI and generative AI can help with this step in the data storytelling process - identifying the trends and insights. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her m
#27 Summary statistics vs small data
Have you got a grasp on your organisation's summary statistics or 'bird's eye view' data? What about the small day to day data? It's good to know and work with both! In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk takes you through her 'helicopter vs street' analogy and how looking at data from different views of your organisation can be beneficial to make positive change. Connect with Selena: at https://www.lin
#26 AI and data organisation
As AI has become more and more ubiquitous, it was only a matter of time before we started seeing its benefits for data organisation. In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk highlights a number of ways AI can be used to help with data organisation, from initial data literacy questions, right through to helping visualise data to assist with data storytelling. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin
#25 Lights. Data. Action!
Our organisations collect so much data these days. But how often are we actually getting to the 'action' part of data storytelling? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk talks about finding ways to understand and use the data we already have, and how to take steps to actually act on it. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com
#24 Evidence-based vs evidence-informed
Do you sometimes feel unable to progress past data analysis and into action because you may be lacking a traditional evidence base to support your decision? In this episode, Dr. Selena Fisk explores the distinction between being evidence-based and evidence-informed and offers invaluable insights into making informed, impactful decisions even in the absence of a robust, traditional evidence base.
#23 Creating data norms for your teams
When working with data in your organisations and work places, do you have a predecided set of 'data norms' to guide your approach? Do you need some help developing them? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk outlines the importance of having a clear set of norms when working with data, and talks through her ideal list of data norms. Listen on for a detailed explanation of what each could look like for y
#22 Creating a compelling scorecard
When our teams are striving for a particular strategic direction, how do we keep ourselves and our team members informed, motivated and accountable? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk talks about the utility of a compelling scorecard, and how these can be used to share progress, achievement and also ensure you're hitting the right markers for achieving your strategic goals. Connect with Selena: a
#21 Data and trust
Do you struggle to build trust with your team when it comes to working with data? Whilst trust is important for leadership in general, it is particularly relevant when we're asking people to embrace a data and evidence-informed culture. In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk outlines ways to help build trust between employees and leaders when working with data to get the best from our teams.
#20 Choosing the right data visualisations
Do you struggle to choose the right way to present your data for maximum impact for your audience? Do you know the subtle differences between line graphs, bar graphs, pie charts and lollipop graphs and when to use each one depending on your data set? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk talks about the different data visualisations you can use when presenting a data story or report, as well as some han
#19 Data storytelling in our daily work
Do you have access to lots of data but are unsure about what to do with it? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk outlines how to use data storytelling in our day to day work, and ultimately how to reach data informed action. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check out her other podcast, 'A Beautiful Mind'.
#18 Telling a data story to an audience
Just like a novel or short story, there is an art to telling a data story to an audience. In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk explains how to tell a data story effectively and the key elements needed to ensure your story both resonates with an audience and inspires them to action. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com ch
#17 Dead data
Do you know how much data your organisation is holding that just isn't necessary? And are you unsure what to do about it? This week, Dr Selena Fisk covers the topic of dead data, and in the wake of recent data breaches such as Optus and Medibank, explains just how important it is to deal with this issue before it comes to haunt you. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafis
#16 Explanatory vs exploratory analysis
Do you worry that you may have missed something big in your data? Or do you analyse data without a clear focus or hypothesis? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk explains the difference between exploratory versus explanatory analysis and the situations each should be used in. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com check o
#15 Making numbers meaningful
Do you know how to effectively communicate it to your stakeholders? Should you use percentages? Raw figures? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk talks about how the importance of making numbers meaningful for people in a way that is concrete and relevant for them and their context. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com
#14 Confirmation and self-serving bias
Everyone has biases, right? Unfortunately that means they can also find their way into how we approach data analysis. In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk talks about the differences between confirmation and self-serving baises, and gives you some strategies to help minimise their impact on the way you look at and analyse data. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up t
#13 The purpose of data stories
Do you understand the true purpose of telling a data story to an audience; and how this differs from sharing endless information? In this week's episode, Dr Selena Fisk digs into the true aim of a data story, and outlines why many people get it wrong, and/or get frustrated when the audience isn't motivated to act on the information. This episode was recorded at the beautiful Nitmiluk National Par
#12 Data democracies
Do all the employees in your organisation have access to the data they need to be effective in their roles? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk explains how to create an effective data democracy in your organisation, so that everyone has the means to analyse relevant data and tell effective data stories. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newslette
#11 Which data should I use?
Do you know which data you should be focussing on when telling your data story? And do you have a plan for how your data will be used and analysed? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk explains how to choose the most relevant data for your particular story and the non-negotiables of a clear data plan for your employees to follow. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up
#10 Having an impact: The evidence versus action quadrant model
We all want to have an impact in our work, and one of the ways of conceptualising this is through Selena's evidence versus action quadrant model. In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk discusses the four main categories that we sit in when it comes to evidence-informed practice: stasis, guess work, lost opportunity, or impact. This episode helps unpack how we more often move into impact, and how we can
#9 Does data have a PR problem?
Is 'data' akin to a swear word in your organisation? Do you face resistance when trying to be a data champion for your colleagues? Historically, data has gotten a pretty undeserved bad wrap in many organisations. In this episode Dr Selena Fisk outlines why that might be the case and takes you through five ways you can solve data's "PR problem" in your organisation. Connect with Selena: at https:/
#8 Baseline data
Have you ever embarked on a project or change in your organisation, only to find you struggle to measure your success because you didn't collect enough baseline data at the beginning? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk outlines why collecting qualitative baseline data to measure your impact is so important, and shares ideas for how to go about it. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/
#7 Validity and reliability of data
Do you have issues with validity and reliability of your data? Do your staff express concerns with either one, and do you know the difference? If you aren't sure of the difference, it's pretty hard to establish ways to fix the problem. In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk unpacks the differences between validity and reliability and shares some tips to improve both, so that you can build trust in the da
#6 Writing good survey questions
Do you struggle to write good survey questions? Or do you get annoyed at the questions you're asked in a survey? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk outlines some tips and tricks for writing good survey questions to ensure that we don't have rubbish coming in, and rubbish going out! Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk.com
#5 Trends versus insights
What's the difference between a trend and an insight? Do you know the difference? Do you know what to look for? In this episode, Selena unpacks the differences between trends and insights, and provides suggestions as to how you can include this in your own work and work with others. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at selenafisk
#4 Data literacy, data visualisation, and data storytelling
#3 Qualitative and quantitative data
You have loads of data, right?! Well, there's a good chance that you have more qualitative data than quantitative. Do you know the difference? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk unpacks what qualitative and quantitative data is, how these data types differ, and how they all add value to our work. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk/ sign up to her monthly newsletter at s
#2 Triangulating data
When we use data to make decisions, we need to ensure that we're drawing on multiple sources of information, to ensure we are getting the full picture, and are not swayed by one result or one data set. In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk unpacks the history of triangulation and discusses how it can and should be applied to our work with data. Connect with Selena: at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sele
#1 Data-informed versus data-driven
Do you know the difference between being 'data-informed' and 'data-driven'? Do you know which one is better and as a better fit for your work and your role? In this episode, Dr Selena Fisk unpacks the reasons why we should seek to be data-informed, and she discusses how this influences our workplace cultures and people in a more positive way than being data-driven. Connect with Selena: at https:
Trailer: Make Data Talk with Dr Selena Fisk
