Forecast 2021: Data storytelling—the skill of rockstar analysts

In our Forecast 2021 podcast series, we’re focused on offering insights to help you better understand and manage some of the opportunities and challenges that your company might face—think policy, technology, and other big picture topics. 

This week we discuss data storytelling and how this skill is vital to your company’s transformation journey. Heather Horn sat down with Scott Peck, PwC’s Data and Analytics leader, to discuss how and why CFOs of the future are looking to data storytellers to unearth the meaning behind data.

Topics include:

• 0:58 - Data storytelling. Scott explains what it means to tell a story with data and how CFOs can apply a new lens to data.
• 7:35 - Analyst of the future. A useful data story starts with building a successful supporting team with key skill sets, resulting in impactful insights for your business leaders. Scott encourages CFOs to look out for “business interpreters” who can connect the dots in the data and analytics transformation journey. 
• 14:31 - Voice of the customer. We discuss how to understand the needs of the users of your data and how to build a narrative from data visualizations. 
• 18:35 - Shifting from dashboards. Scott explains why dashboards are not enough anymore; timely narratives provide greater value than standing reports.
• 22:23 - General benefits. Consistency, centralization, and cohesiveness - Scott tells us why these are critical.
• 28:30 - Looking to the future. Scott highlights where he sees the data visualization journey going and how these data narrative models may evolve over time. 

Want to learn more? Listen to our Podcast: What’s next in tech for finance? Data-driven decision making

Scott Peck is PwC’s Data and Analytics leader, with over 20 years of experience in business and system analytics. His focus is on building value through analytics and innovation, and modernizing the role of a data analyst to create real-time actionable insights. 

Heather Horn is PwC’s National Office thought leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting and financial reporting matters. She is the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series, as well as periodic webcasts for the power and utilities industry. With nearly 30 years of experience, Heather’s accounting and auditing expertise includes financial instruments and rate-regulated accounting.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com.