In a few weeks time I will be joining the Data School as a member of the first cohort in New York! There’s something about being part of the first cohort that feels so glamorous. You may consider us as the pioneers, and as such we are leading the way for future cohorts in New York.

The Tableau Conference was both educational and therapeutic. I went in expecting to hear all about data and instead found an overdose of life lessons. The session Data + Diversity: The Engine of Innovation was monitored by Jackie Winey with guest speaker Chad E. Foster. Chad is the first blind executive to graduate from Harvard Business School. He is a motivational speaker and author.

Two points stay with me from this session:

1. Diversity is an essential pillar in Data Analytics

2. You have the ability to create your own story

Diversity is a necessity for any innovative, data-driven organization because it reduces bias in data. Chad mentioned that Diversity is more than how we look; it’s also the way people see things differently. One person might be an expert at implementing great visualizations whilst others are excellent at finding insights.

He also talked about his experience after he went blind. He didn’t let his circumstances define who he was which led him to improve his skills and create automation in Excel. Others were surprised to see what he was able to achieve. He discussed how, once he accepted his circumstances, he was able to shape his life into a new meaning.

When you are learning a new skill it’s easy to get discouraged along the way. Therefore, what you are telling yourself at that moment matters, and it will determine whether you will or will not succeed. This year TC22 left me motivated and inspired. Ready to take on the next challenge as I embark on my time with Data School New York!