Introduction
Tools may come and go in the world of data, but the wisdom shared by those who truly excel leaves a lasting impact. I've been incredibly fortunate to learn from 13 current, past, and hall-of-fame Tableau Visionaries throughout my career. These experiences have not only shaped my technical skills but have also deeply influenced how I approach data and analytics.
The Impact of Passionate Collaboration
Early in my Tableau journey, I found myself surrounded by some of the best in the business at Unifund. I’m talking about Jeffrey Shaffer, Dinushki De Livera, Kevin Flerlage, and Robert Ethan Hahn — an absolute #DreamTeam.
A Story of Curiosity and Collaboration
One of my favorite memories from those days is how we constantly challenged each other. It usually started with someone (often me) saying, "I don’t think you can do that in Tableau..." and just like that, the challenge was on. We’d huddle around a desk—sometimes mine, sometimes Jeff's or Kevin's—and it became a game to figure it out. We’d test our skills, push the boundaries, and, without fail, we’d find a solution.
This was before transparent sheets and many of the cool features we now take for granted. It was before I fully understood what it meant to work with Tableau Visionaries or what a Viz of the Day was. But even then, I knew I was in the presence of something special—a collective brilliance that made me better just by being part of it.
The Decision to Move On
Eventually, an opportunity came along that I couldn’t pass up, and I made the tough decision to leave Unifund. A lot of people thought I was nuts for leaving the #DreamTeam, and honestly, I half-believed them. But I knew I needed to step out of my comfort zone and struggle a bit on my own to grow.
Setting the Bar: Mentorship and Inspiration
Working with passionate people—whether they’re Visionaries or not—has set the bar for me. It’s shown me what it means to truly know a tool, but more importantly, what it means to mentor, teach, and inspire others. The Tableau Visionaries I’ve worked with are just one example of how excellence can elevate everyone around it. Among the incredible people I have worked with, Nelson Davis stands out. His passion for his work and his intentionality are unmatched. Beyond his deep Tableau expertise, his mission is "To equip and inspire the next generation of data and technology leaders". If you’re ever in need of a little inspiration, have a conversation with him. Trust me, it’ll be worth your time.
Don't let Perfection be the Enemy of Good and Don't let Good be the Enemy of Starting
One of the most valuable lessons I learned came from conversations with Zach Bowders, MBA while I was seeking feedback on a Tableau Public project. Zach often encouraged me to step back and ask myself a few key questions: Did I like it? Did I enjoy creating it? Was striving for perfection necessary?
At that point, I was often caught in a cycle of overthinking and striving for an unattainable level of perfection. I would second-guess every detail, paralyzed by the fear that my work wasn’t good enough. Zach's perspective helped me shift my focus from an obsessive pursuit of perfection to embracing the process and enjoying the journey of creation. It reminded me that the true value lies in the work itself and the progress I make, rather than an elusive ideal of perfection.
This change in mindset was liberating. It allowed me to let go of self-imposed constraints and appreciate the work for what it was—an expression of my skills and creativity. By focusing on what I enjoyed about the creation process and valuing progress over perfection, I was able to produce work that felt more authentic and satisfying. This lesson has stayed with me, reinforcing the importance of creating with passion and purpose, rather than being hindered by the pursuit of an ideal standard.
The Influence of Those We Surround Ourselves With
There’s this saying, "You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with," which resonates with me. I’ve been lucky enough to surround myself with top talent—people who aren’t just good, but truly great at what they do. By spending time with them, I’ve been able to elevate my skills and mindset. I’m not aiming for average; I’m aiming for greatness because I’ve seen firsthand what that looks like.
This idea perfectly reflects the proverb, 'As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another' Proverbs 27:12.
The people we surround ourselves with profoundly influence us, pushing us to become sharper and better versions of ourselves.
The Downside: Imposter Syndrome and Humility
But there’s a flip side to working with the best in the industry: imposter syndrome. It’s real. I’m not aiming for average—I’m aiming for greatness because that’s what I’ve witnessed. But with that comes much self-doubt. I’m my own toughest critic, and I overthink everything. One thing that helps me is finding focus and purpose. I recently presented at the Cincinnati Tableau User Group (TUG), and even though I’ve spoken in front of crowds plenty of times, I still get nervous. But I remind myself of why I’m there—my passion for helping others find their path in data and technology, just like these Visionaries have done for me.
With learning comes great humility. The ability to admit defeat, ask for help, and receive feedback can only happen when we humble ourselves. It’s a lesson I’ve had to learn over and over again, but it’s also one of the most valuable.
Finding My Confidence
Working with Visionaries has been incredibly inspiring, but it’s also taught me something important: I had to find confidence in my abilities. Yes, I’ve learned a ton from each of the 13 Visionaries, but I also realized I had to trust in my ability to contribute. It’s not enough to be surrounded by brilliance—I had to believe in myself too.
Conclusion
The lessons I’ve learned from these Visionaries—and from all the passionate people I’ve worked with—go way beyond Tableau. They’ve shaped my career, how I solve problems, and my confidence as a data professional. Today, I carry those lessons with me as I keep pushing the limits of what’s possible in data analytics. And if there’s one thing I hope to pass on to others, it’s this: Seek out the visionaries and passionate people in your field, learn from them, but most importantly, trust in your ability to carve out your path.
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