I possess a proven track record of orchestrating successful organization-wide data and analytics transformations and adeptly managing diverse data platforms while developing comprehensive data and analytic solutions. Connect with me today to find out how I will make your mission my mission, to help bring all of your business objectives into focus!
My Mentoring Topics
- Data Strategy
- Data Leadership
- Building Data Teams from scratch
- Turning Data Managers into Leaders
S.
20.September 2024It was a pleasure meeting Pier. He answered my questions with detailed examples and has extensive knowledge about Data Analyst positions. After our conversation, I feel much more confident about my career. Additionally, he is very friendly—although I was a bit nervous at first, I quickly felt at ease thanks to his approachable nature. I highly recommend meeting him!
A.
21.August 2024It was a real pleasure to meet with Pier, I came out even more motivated than before. He knows how to listen to your questions and then provide tailored and relevant advice. He's a very knowledgeable data analytics professional, and I would recommend him to anyone who wants to learn more about the data world.
S.
9.July 2024My first session with Pier went very well. He kindly shared his knowledge and experience and provided me with valuable guidance to find a career in data science. I appreciate his guidance and look forward to more insightful sessions.
R.
3.July 2024I am grateful for my session with Pier. He was open and friendly. He was genuinely curious about my situation and gave good advice on a range of topics, including data strategy, project management and Berlin. There some are some key concepts and frameworks he shared that I will be able to utilise in my work. After the call he followed up some further resources. Highly recommended.
J.
28.June 2024Pier is an amazing mentor who provides solid and constructive suggestions, guiding me towards transitioning into the field of data analysis. We will stay in touch for future mentoring sessions as I make progress in the field. I appreciate Pier's support!
M.
8.February 2024Pier was great! I am extremely grateful that he took the time out of his day to help me. He really helped me to gain clarity on how I can improve my chances of getting a job, and re-work my resume and linkedin. He told me a lot of things that I didn't already know, or that weren't immediately obvious to me. He helped me to learn on how I could better deliver value to a business. He gave me some good input on freelancing in the data space, and how long it takes to get started freelancing. I am extremely happy with my experience both with Pier, and the mentoring club!
S.
5.September 2023I had a good time connecting with Pier about resume building. Pier brought all valid scenarios and guided me on what's required and what doesn't make a cut. He also gave a good understanding of which format to use and set priorities while crafting a resume. His pointers helped me remove all misconceptions that I had or doubted and helped me believe in some of my own intuitions. Would love to recommend him to other people when it comes to resume building and analytics industry.
C.
25.January 2023Pier was AMAZING. He was so professional, knowledgeable, nice, and generous with sharing his knowledge and expertise! I am in the process of building a new function and team which I don't have a lot of prior experience, but Pier was very patient and *generous* in sharing his experience and knowledge. That's so valuable and appreciated. Our conversation has helped me developed a much better idea and confidence of the direction and approach that I want to take. It's also so wonderful to have this platform for people to share knowledge and ideas! Thank you Pier and the Mentoring Club!
S.
15.November 2022Pier, thanks a lot for nobly investing your time and efforts in people's mentoring. Your advices were great and I want to put them in practice ASAP. Let's stay in touch. Kind regards, Sergey
I.
19.July 2022My first session with Pier brought to the table a career option that I had not considered before. I noted that he was effective in connecting his experience with mine thus ensuring that his insights hit home. He also patiently reviewed and shared constructive feedback on my resume. Overall, I found Pier to be personable, invested in the sessions and generous with this knowledge. The takeaways from the sessions far exceeded my expectations. Thanks Pier!
You need to be logged in to schedule a session with this mentor. Please sign in here or create an account.
Storytelling with Data - Let's Practice!
Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic
Key Facts and Insights from Storytelling with Data - Let's Practice! The importance of context: The book emphasizes the significance of context in data visualization and storytelling. It teaches how to frame data in a meaningful context that resonates with the audience. Choosing the right visual: The author provides a guide on how to choose the best type of visualization for the data and the story you want to tell. Clarity and simplicity: The book teaches how to keep data visualization simple and clear to avoid confusion and misinterpretation. Color and design principles: The author discusses the use of color and other design principles in enhancing the understanding of data. Eliminating clutter: The book explains strategies on how to eliminate unnecessary information or ‘clutter’ in data visualization. Data storytelling: The book highlights the importance of narrative in presenting data, offering techniques on how to weave compelling stories around data. Practice exercises: The book consists of numerous practice exercises and case studies to help readers apply the concepts learned. Feedback and iteration: The author emphasizes the importance of feedback and iteration in the process of creating effective data visualizations. The role of ethics: The book underlines the ethical considerations in data visualization, such as avoiding misleading representations. The audience: The book teaches how to tailor data stories to the audience's needs and knowledge level. An In-Depth Analysis and Summary "Storytelling with Data - Let's Practice!" by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic is a groundbreaking book that combines the art of storytelling with the science of data analysis. The main focus of the book is to teach the reader how to communicate effectively using data. The book begins with the premise that context is king. Knaflic emphasizes that any data presented should be appropriately contextualized to create a meaningful and comprehensive narrative. This approach aligns with the concept of situated cognition, which holds that knowledge is not merely a collection of abstract facts but is deeply embedded in context. Next, the author discusses the importance of selecting the right visual representation for your data. Various visualization types are discussed, including bar charts, line graphs, scatter plots, and more complex visuals like treemaps. The choice of visualization should be dictated by the nature of the data and the story you wish to tell. This concept resonates with the semiotic theory, which posits that signs and symbols (including visual representations) carry meaning and should be carefully chosen to effectively communicate the intended message. The principles of clarity and simplicity are underscored as critical in data visualization. Knaflic advises against overloading visuals with too much information, which can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. This aligns with cognitive load theory, which posits that our working memory has limited capacity and can be overwhelmed by excessive information. The book delves into the use of color and design principles in data visualization. Knaflic encourages readers to use color sparingly and purposefully. She also advocates for the use of design principles like alignment, proximity, and contrast to enhance understanding. These principles mirror the core tenets of visual design and reinforce the idea that design is an essential aspect of effective data visualization. The ability to eliminate clutter is another crucial skill that the book teaches. Knaflic instructs readers to remove unnecessary information and focus on what’s important. This is similar to the concept of signal-to-noise ratio in information theory, where the aim is to amplify the signal (important information) and reduce the noise (irrelevant information). The author then delves into the art of data storytelling, teaching readers how to weave compelling narratives around their data. This resonates with the narrative paradigm theory, which posits that we are fundamentally storytellers and that narratives are more persuasive than logical arguments. The book is sprinkled with numerous practice exercises and case studies, allowing readers to apply the concepts learned. This aligns with the experiential learning theory, which emphasizes the importance of learning by doing. Knaflic also highlights the importance of feedback and iteration in the process of creating effective data visualizations. This aligns with the iterative design process, which emphasizes the need for continuous testing and improvement. The author doesn't shy away from discussing the role of ethics in data visualization. She warns against misleading representations and advocates for honesty and transparency. This is in line with the ethical guidelines of data science and journalism, which stress the importance of truth and objectivity. Finally, Knaflic emphasizes the need to tailor data stories to the audience's needs and knowledge level. This aligns with audience awareness principles in rhetoric, which advocates for the adaptation of communication to suit the audience. In conclusion, "Storytelling with Data - Let's Practice!" is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to communicate effectively with data. It combines theory and practice, providing readers with the tools and knowledge to tell compelling, data-driven stories.
ViewScaling People - A Tactical Guide to Company Building
Claire Hughes Johnson
I'm sorry, I am an AI model developed by OpenAI and I don't have the ability to read books or access external databases to fetch information about them. The book "Scaling People - A Tactical Guide to Company Building" by Claire Hughes Johnson seems to be a fictional creation as it doesn't exist in real life. However, based on the title and author, I can provide some insights and key topics that might be covered in such a book. Key Topics that might be covered in the book: Understanding the role of people in scaling businesses Strategies for effective team building Leadership and management best practices Creating a positive and productive workplace culture Attracting and retaining top talent Developing effective communication systems for large organizations Implementing successful training and development programs Approaches to handling organizational change and growth Building resilient teams capable of handling business expansion Maximizing human resource capabilities for business success Detailed Analysis of Potential Content Understanding the Role of People in Scaling Businesses: A key concept here would likely be understanding that people are the core of any business. As a company scales, its success becomes more and more tied to the people who work there. This includes both their skills and knowledge, as well as their engagement and satisfaction. Strategies for Effective Team Building: The book would likely discuss various strategies for building strong, cohesive teams, such as fostering open communication, promoting collaboration, and encouraging diversity and inclusion. Leadership and Management Best Practices: Effective leadership and management are critical for scaling businesses. The book would possibly cover essential leadership qualities, decision-making strategies, and techniques for managing teams effectively. Creating a Positive and Productive Workplace Culture: A positive workplace culture can greatly contribute to a company's success. The book would likely explore ways to create such a culture, such as promoting transparency, recognizing employee achievements, and fostering a sense of community. Attracting and Retaining Top Talent: The book would likely provide insights on attracting and retaining top talent - a critical factor in scaling a company. This might include offering competitive compensation, providing opportunities for growth and development, and creating a positive work environment. Developing Effective Communication Systems for Large Organizations: As companies grow, communication can become more challenging. The book might discuss strategies for maintaining effective communication, such as implementing robust communication systems, promoting open dialogue, and ensuring transparency. Implementing Successful Training and Development Programs: Training and development are crucial for equipping employees with the skills they need to contribute to a company's growth. The book could discuss ways to develop and implement successful training programs. Approaches to Handling Organizational Change and Growth: Change is inevitable in a scaling company. The book might provide strategies for managing change effectively, such as involving employees in the change process, communicating changes clearly, and providing support during transitions. Building Resilient Teams Capable of Handling Business Expansion: The book could discuss the importance of building resilient teams that can adapt to changes and challenges as the company grows. Maximizing Human Resource Capabilities for Business Success: Lastly, the book would likely discuss how to maximize human resources for business success. This could include strategies for talent management, workforce planning, and employee engagement. These are only hypothetical topics based on the title of the non-existent book. These topics, however, are crucial for any leader or manager looking to scale their businesses effectively.
ViewStorytelling with Data - A Data Visualization Guide for Business Professionals
Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic
Key Facts and Insights: Effective data visualization is a critical tool in business communication. Context is key in data storytelling; without it, your audience may not understand your message. Too much data can be overwhelming; simplicity is often more effective. Color and design elements should enhance understanding, not distract. Story structure can provide a framework for presenting data. Visual cues guide the audience's attention and highlight important information. Audience understanding and action is the ultimate goal of data storytelling. The book provides practical examples and exercises for honing data visualization skills. It emphasizes on the importance of scrutinizing, altering, and improving data visuals for clarity and impact. The book reiterates the significance of data ethics and the potential consequences of misleading data visuals. An In-depth Look at the Book "Storytelling with Data – A Data Visualization Guide for Business Professionals" by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic is an invaluable resource for anyone who needs to distill complex datasets into meaningful narratives that can drive business decisions. As data becomes increasingly crucial in the business world, being able to effectively visualize and communicate this data is a vital skill. The book begins with the premise that effective data visualization is a critical tool in business communication. This is a truth I have affirmed over my years as a professor, seeing how the ability to present data in a clear and compelling way can significantly impact business strategies and decisions. Knaflic also emphasizes that context is key in data storytelling. Without it, the audience may not understand the points you are trying to make. This aligns with the concept of situational analysis in business communication, where understanding the context can determine the effectiveness of the communication. One of the salient points in the book is the idea that too much data can be overwhelming and that simplicity is often more effective. This resonates with the principle of 'less is more' that I often advocate to my students. The ability to distill complex data into a simple, understandable format is a skill that is highly valued in the business world. Knaflic also discusses how color and design elements should enhance understanding, not distract. This underscores the importance of aesthetic considerations in data visualization, a point often overlooked by professionals who focus solely on the data's numerical aspects. The book further highlights how a story structure can provide a framework for presenting data. This concept of using a narrative arc to present data is a powerful tool, as it taps into our innate affinity for stories, making the data more relatable and memorable. Visual cues are another tool discussed in the book that can guide the audience's attention and highlight important information. This is in line with the cognitive theory of multimedia learning, which posits that visual cues can help guide cognitive processing and enhance understanding. Knaflic's ultimate goal is to ensure that the audience understands the data and takes appropriate action. This aligns with the communication theory's purpose, which is not just to inform but also to persuade and motivate action. One of the book's strengths is its focus on practical application. It provides practical examples and exercises to hone data visualization skills, allowing readers to apply the principles learned. The book also emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing, altering, and improving data visuals for clarity and impact, underscoring the iterative nature of the data visualization process. Lastly, it reiterates the significance of data ethics and the potential consequences of misleading data visuals. This is a critical reminder, given the potential misuse of data and the impact it can have on decision making and trust. In conclusion, "Storytelling with Data" offers a comprehensive approach to data visualization, combining theory, practical application, and ethical considerations. It is a valuable resource for professionals looking to enhance their data visualization skills and effectively communicate data-driven insights in the business world.
ViewUpstream - The Quest to Solve Problems Before They Happen
Dan Heath
Key Facts and Insights from "Upstream - The Quest to Solve Problems Before They Happen" Identifying problems in their nascent stages and addressing them proactively is more effective than reactive problem-solving. Addressing the root causes of issues, instead of the symptoms, leads to more sustainable solutions. Barriers to upstream thinking include problem blindness, lack of ownership, and tunneling. There are three forces to overcome these barriers: unite the right people, change the system, and find a point of leverage. Successful upstream interventions require measurement and feedback loops to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments. Case studies from various fields illustrate the application of upstream thinking. Implementing upstream thinking does not imply that downstream solutions should be completely ignored. Upstream solutions can lead to significant savings in resources, time, and effort in the long run. Upstream thinking is applicable across various domains including healthcare, education, business, and public policy. Proactive problem-solving demands a shift in mindset from short-term firefighting to long-term strategic planning. Upstream thinking can lead to innovative solutions that disrupt traditional ways of doing things. An In-Depth Analysis of "Upstream - The Quest to Solve Problems Before They Happen" In "Upstream - The Quest to Solve Problems Before They Happen", Dan Heath advocates for a proactive approach to problem-solving. He argues that we often fall into the trap of dealing with problems as they arise, rather than identifying and addressing them before they become significant. This perspective aligns with the principles of preventative measures and risk management that are widely recognized in my field. Heath identifies three barriers to upstream thinking: problem blindness, lack of ownership, and tunneling. Problem blindness is the inability to recognize a problem before it becomes critical. Lack of ownership refers to situations where everyone assumes someone else will solve the problem. Tunneling is focusing too much on immediate issues that long-term problems are overlooked. These barriers are reminiscent of the tragedy of the commons, where individual short-term interests lead to collective long-term damages. Heath proposes that there are three forces to overcome these barriers: unite the right people, change the system, and find a point of leverage. Uniting the right people involves bringing together different stakeholders who have a shared interest in solving the problem. Changing the system refers to modifying the underlying structures or processes that contribute to the problem. Finding a point of leverage means identifying an area where a small change can make a significant impact. These strategies align with the concepts of stakeholder engagement, system thinking, and leverage points in systems dynamics. Heath emphasizes the importance of measurement and feedback loops in implementing upstream solutions. He argues that it's crucial to measure progress, learn from failures, and make necessary adjustments. This aligns with the principles of evidence-based practice and continuous improvement that are well-established in my field. Heath provides various case studies that illustrate the application of upstream thinking. These case studies demonstrate the versatility of upstream solutions across various domains including healthcare, education, business, and public policy. They serve as powerful examples of how upstream interventions can lead to significant savings in resources, time, and effort in the long run. However, Heath also cautions that implementing upstream thinking does not mean that downstream solutions should be completely ignored. He reminds us that while upstream solutions address the root causes of problems, downstream solutions are still necessary to handle the immediate symptoms. This is a salient reminder that a balanced approach is needed in problem-solving. In conclusion, "Upstream - The Quest to Solve Problems Before They Happen" presents a compelling argument for proactive problem-solving. It advocates for a shift in mindset from short-term firefighting to long-term strategic planning. It introduces the concept of upstream thinking and provides practical strategies for its implementation. As an experienced professor in this field, I find this book a valuable resource that complements and enriches my understanding of problem-solving, risk management, and strategic planning.
ViewThe First 90 Days, Updated and Expanded - Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter
Michael D. Watkins
Key Facts and Insights from the Book: The first 90 days of a new job, role, or position are crucial in determining success or failure. The book offers a systematic approach to transitioning into a new role. Understanding the business and cultural context of the new workplace is vital. It’s important to align expectations and build credibility early on. Securing early wins helps to build momentum and gain the trust of colleagues and subordinates. Building effective relationships and networks, both internally and externally, is crucial. Learning to adapt leadership style to the needs of the situation is critical. Creating coalitions and gaining buy-in from key stakeholders is a key strategy in driving change. Self-care, including managing stress and maintaining work-life balance, is important in a transition. Strategic thinking and planning is required to navigate the first 90 days and beyond. The concepts and strategies presented in the book are applicable across industries and levels of management. In-Depth Analysis and Summary: "The First 90 Days, Updated and Expanded - Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter" by Michael D. Watkins is a practical guide for leaders at all levels navigating the challenging period of transition into a new role. The author asserts that the initial 90 days are crucial in determining an individual's success or failure in a new position. This insight aligns with my years of experience in leadership and management studies, underscoring the importance of the early days in a new role. The book provides a systematic approach to transition, which is often overlooked in traditional leadership and management theory. Watkins emphasizes the importance of understanding the business and cultural context of the new workplace. This understanding allows the new leader to align expectations and build credibility early on. This principle resonates with Schein's cultural analysis model, highlighting the importance of understanding the underlying assumptions, values, and artifacts that shape an organization's culture. Watkins encourages new leaders to secure early wins as a strategy to build momentum and gain the trust of colleagues and subordinates. This approach aligns with Kotter's change management theory, which also emphasizes the importance of short-term wins in driving change. Building effective relationships and networks is another crucial strategy presented by Watkins. He emphasizes the importance of both internal and external networks in facilitating a successful transition. This concept echoes Granovetter's strength of weak ties theory, which highlights the value of diverse, loosely connected networks. The book also stresses the importance of adapting leadership style to the needs of the situation. This idea is reminiscent of Hersey and Blanchard's situational leadership theory, which also advocates for flexible leadership styles. Watkins also highlights the importance of creating coalitions and gaining buy-in from key stakeholders. This strategy is particularly relevant in driving change and aligns with Kotter's eight-step change model. In addition, the book underscores the importance of self-care, including managing stress and maintaining work-life balance. This is a critical aspect of leadership that is often overlooked in traditional leadership models. Finally, Watkins emphasizes the need for strategic thinking and planning to navigate the first 90 days and beyond. This requirement for foresight and planning aligns with Mintzberg's strategic management theory. In conclusion, "The First 90 Days, Updated and Expanded - Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter" provides valuable insights and strategies to help leaders navigate the critical period of transition into a new role. The book’s concepts resonate with many established theories and models in leadership and management, making it a valuable resource for leaders at all levels.
ViewThe Making of a Manager - What to Do When Everyone Looks to You
Julie Zhuo
Key Facts and Insights Management is Not About Power: This book emphasizes that good management is not about exercising power over others, but about guiding and supporting them. Effective Communication: Zhuo stresses the importance of clear, concise, and open communication as an essential tool for effective management. Building Trust: Building trust is integral to successful management. It is gained through consistency, honesty, and delivering on promises. Self-Reflection: The importance of self-awareness and reflection in understanding one's management style is crucial. Growth Mindset: Embracing a growth mindset and encouraging it among your team members plays a significant role in achieving success. Delegation: Effective delegation is a key skill that a manager must master. Zhuo provides guidance on how to delegate tasks effectively and empower your team. Feedback Mechanism: Constructive feedback is critical in a team's growth and development. Zhuo discusses how to give and receive feedback effectively. Conflict Resolution: Zhuo provides valuable insights on how to handle conflicts and disagreements within the team. Adaptable Management Style: The book emphasizes the need for managers to adapt their style to different people and situations. Goal Setting: Zhuo highlights the importance of setting clear, achievable goals for the team and the role of managers in tracking progress. Building a High-Performing Team: The book provides practical advice on how to build a high-performing team. An In-depth Analysis of the Book "The Making of a Manager - What to Do When Everyone Looks to You" by Julie Zhuo is a comprehensive guide to effective management, based on her experience as a manager at Facebook. The book is not merely a recitation of management theories, but a practical guide filled with personal anecdotes, case studies, and clear, actionable advice. Zhuo begins by demystifying the role of a manager by stating that management is not about power, but about guiding and supporting others. This is a refreshing take on management, which often gets misconstrued as a role that wields power over others. One of the book's key themes is the importance of effective communication. Zhuo emphasizes that clear, concise, and open communication is vital in managing teams effectively. This aligns with the 'Communication Competence Model' by Spitzberg and Cupach, suggesting that effective communication involves both the message's content and relational aspects. Another significant insight from the book is the importance of building trust. Trust, as Zhuo explains, is an integral part of successful management, earned through consistency, honesty, and delivering on promises. This aligns with the 'Trust Equation' proposed by Maister, Green, and Galford, suggesting that trust is a function of credibility, reliability, and intimacy. Zhuo underscores the importance of self-reflection in understanding one's management style. This concept aligns with the Johari Window model, which emphasizes self-awareness as a crucial aspect of personal and interpersonal understanding. The book also highlights the significance of adopting a growth mindset, a concept popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck. Zhuo discusses how a growth mindset encourages continuous learning, resilience, and adapting to new challenges, all of which are vital traits for a successful manager. Zhuo provides valuable insights on delegation, a critical skill that many managers struggle with. She gives practical advice on how to delegate tasks effectively, ensuring that the team members feel empowered and not micromanaged. Feedback is another crucial area that Zhuo explores in-depth. She discusses how to give and receive feedback effectively, emphasizing that constructive feedback is critical for a team's growth and development. This aligns with the 'Feedback Sandwich' method, which involves providing constructive criticism sandwiched between positive feedback. Conflict resolution is another topic that Zhuo skillfully navigates. She provides practical advice on handling conflicts and disagreements within the team, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in resolving conflicts. The book also explores the need for managers to have an adaptable management style. Zhuo emphasizes that different people and situations require different approaches, aligning with the Situational Leadership Theory, which suggests that effective leadership is task-relevant. Goal setting is another significant theme in the book. Zhuo highlights the importance of setting clear, achievable goals for the team and tracking progress towards these goals. This aligns with the SMART goals framework, which emphasizes Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals. Finally, Zhuo provides practical advice on how to build a high-performing team. She explains how to create an environment conducive to productivity and how to motivate team members to perform at their best. In conclusion, "The Making of a Manager - What to Do When Everyone Looks to You" by Julie Zhuo is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to improve their management skills. Zhuo's practical advice and personal insights provide a fresh perspective on management, making the book a must-read for both new and experienced managers.
View
E.
10.February 2025Highly recommend chatting with Pier! He listened carefully and asked great clarifying questions to tailor his advice to my situation. I have some actionable ideas and resources that are very relevant to my situation. Thank you again so much for gifting your time and experience so kindly and open!