Our focus for this inspiring episode of AOF is mindset, especially if you want to be a standout data analyst! I have brought one of my first ever followers and day ones! Trevor Tapscott is a VP and Analytics Consultant at Wells Fargo and has been in the game for 20 years and counting. We connected in 2008, when he was seeking help with a visualization tool called Xcelsius. In this knowledge bomb filled episode, Trevor shares his thoughts on what sets great data analysts apart, his framework ‘VTAC’ for impactful data analysis, and how to approach making an impression when applying for positions in data!
Trevor makes a number of really important points around understanding the business of data, what the role of an analyst truly is, and what goes into the mindset of a rock star in the space! We unpack indispensable parts of the relationships that make up the work of a data consultant, and our guest talks about getting to grips with a user’s vision and their ‘why’. Trevor also talks about the recent BIDS Accelerator class that he attended and the lessons he has already started implementing from that! Make sure to stay tuned to the end to hear about the amazing raffle that Trevor is hosting for listeners and how you can enter to win!
“Data is that raw material that allows us to create unlimited solutions and ask unlimited questions of our information.” — [0:16:14]
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3 Knowledge Bombs
- Trevor on What it Takes to be a Rockstar Data Analyst - A deeper mindset that digs into customer problems, and then asking the right questions that can build a foundation to deliver a real actionable product.
- Trevor on What Separates Rockstar Data Analysts from the Rest - It is necessary to think about the 'business of data' and be able to communicate the all-important business insights that data provides.
- Trevor on His Process - He uses the 'VTAC' framework, which maps out understanding the vision of business partners, translating the vision and coordinating it with the data, driving action through the utilization of the data, and lastly, implementing change and influencing company culture.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- [04:37] - Trevor's teenage dream of test-driving and reviewing cars!
- [07:43] - The evolution of Trevor's use of data in sales, operations, and technology.
- [09:12] - Balancing commitments as a VP and the role of an analytics consultant.
- [10:21] - The work that Trevor was doing a decade ago and how he met me!
- [12:00] - Trevor's basic definition of the role of a data analyst and what it means to be a rockstar!
- [15:02] - The importance of understanding the business of data and the value of business insights.
- [17:21] - Occupying the role of trusted advisor with regards to data analytics.
- [18:20] - Unpacking Trevor's VTAC process: vision, translation, action, change and how to use it for delivery mode
- [26:17] - Examples of the successful implementation of the VTAC process!
- [31:11] - Trevor's experience attending our latest BIDS Accelerator workshop and his biggest takeaways.
- Right-click here and save-as to download this episode to your computer.
“We have to understand the vision of our business partners in order to help them succeed. This is the real foundation. The first thing is why, you have to understand the why.” — [0:18:31]
Links and Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Connect to Trevor Tapscott via LinkedIn | Twitter
- Trevor works on the Data and Solutions team at Wells Fargo
- Check out Trevor Tapscott's top resources!
- He recommends Cole Knaflic's book, Let's Practice
- He also recommend some of Rob Collie's books on DAX and PowerPivot here.
- He highly recommends our friends at Guy in a Cube
- Touch in with the BI expertise of Alberto Ferrari and Marco Russo at SQLBI
- Sign up for our next BI Data Storytelling Accelerator Workshop!
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