© 18th March 2025
I was looking at Microsoft PowerBI, after being introduced to Tableau during my Google Data Analytics Certification, and I was overawed by the resources, ease and sophistication provided to the modern data analyst.
I consider myself, with good reason, a capable analyst and data analyst, but a young career data analyst has tools available to them which far outclass the spreadsheet and database that were my meat and drink.
It was a daunting prospect, to consider competing with those at a time when I should be relaxing and drinking Mai Tais.
Yet a few hours later, I realised that this massive emphasis on the role of Data Analysis ‘just because the data was there’ was itself a deeply flawed perspective.
No driver or pilot does well to focus on their exhaust, and data is the exhaust generated by business operations.
It is the past, and the past does not drive business.
That is the future, and that is where I have thrived where others struggle.
I describe myself as a gifted analyst and a data analyst.
They sound similar but are completely different.
As a gifted analyst, I and others are closer to seers. I see gaps in current business operations with ease, I see flaws in systems, solutions to customer problems, and most importantly I see opportunities based on my understanding of geo-political, national and industry trends.
Data analysis will not provide you those insights.
There is an entire industry supporting Data Analysis.
There are very few polymaths, gifted analysts.
To invest in Data Analysis because the data is there, and to ignore or downplay understanding your business and its future, because it is difficult to see into the fog of uncertainty, is not good business sense.
If anything, a business should be putting that much more effort into the future-seeing role, precisely because it is difficult as a skill, and difficult to find people with that skill.
Am I talking myself up? Of course, but not without reason.
It should be self-evident that the future is where the future of your business lies.
I could go more deeply into the flaws and illusion of Data Analysis, but my point is made.
If you want to delve into your past and gain minor insights, then that is your prerogative.
But if you want to be shown what you’re not seeing about your business and its future, then yes, I believe that would be a very sensible investment.
We’ve addressed that in our sections on AI Overwatch and an AI Crash Course for executives on our website, Aurora-IAM.
That is AI focused, a rational focus given the AI Tsunami that is already sweeping away jobs and businesses.
But our vision transcends sectors and AI. We bring valuable insights just be being present and experiencing your world.
If you’d like to move forward and integrate an understanding of your business and its future into your planning, I believe that would be a sound move.
It’s entirely up to you, but if you’re interested, reach out.