In this episode of Data unDUBBED, Sarah and Fiona engage with Matthew Miller, Senior Director of Product Management at Tableau, discussing the intersection of storytelling and data. Matthew shares his journey into the data world, the importance of storytelling in product management, and how it has influenced his career. The conversation also touches on innovations at Tableau, the role of AI in data, and the behind-the-scenes of the popular Devs on Stage event at Tableau Conference. Matthew emphasizes the need for understanding audience motivations and the power of repetition in storytelling, providing valuable insights for anyone looking to improve their storytelling skills in the data space.

Takeaways

• Storytelling is essential for connecting with audiences in data.
• Understanding your audience's motivations is key to effective communication.
• The power of repetition helps make messages memorable.
• AI can enhance human creativity rather than replace it.
• Building relationships and networking can unlock career opportunities.
• Innovations in data products often come from community feedback.
• Public speaking is a skill that can be developed through practice.
• The importance of having a supportive team in high-pressure situations.
• Every product has a story that can resonate with users.
• Success in product management requires understanding both technical and business perspectives.

Links

Ben Thompson - Stratechery newsletter - https://stratechery.com/

Dave Nihill - https://www.amazon.com.au/Do-You-Talk-Funny-Funnier/dp/1942952279

The Moth - https://themoth.org/podcast

This Is Not Happening - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZAW5O34QidZh5548weUG158mGiRW4l_J

Follow Matthew Miller on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewmarkmiller/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Matthew Miller and Tableau

04:30 The Power of Storytelling in Data

07:49 Matthew's Journey into Data

09:52 AI and the Future of Data

11:57 Matthew's Early Days with Tableau

14:41 Innovations and Contributions at Tableau

19:07 The Role of Storytelling in Career Growth

25:55 Influencing Product Strategy at Tableau

35:38 Lessons Learned from Starting a Business

37:59 The Importance of Mentorship and Team Dynamics

38:57 Lessons from Failure: The Impact of Co-founders

40:20 Striving for Excellence in Business

42:52 Behind the Scenes of Devs on Stage

50:23 The Art of Public Speaking and Developer Confidence

54:57 Community Engagement through Devs on Stage

57:01 Quick Fire Tips for Storytelling with Data

Keywords

data storytelling, Tableau, Matthew Miller, product management, AI, data community, storytelling techniques, executive influence, Devs on Stage, data products