Leading with Data: The Data Analyst’s Path to Leadership

Most data teams are drowning in requests like “quick” fixes, cosmetic dashboard tweaks, and ad-hoc reports that rarely move the business forward. The result? Analysts spend more time firefighting than driving strategy.

This session introduces a practical playbook from the new eBook, 'Leading with Data: The Data Analyst’s Path to Leadership'. Luke Stanke, author of the eBook and leader at Sigma, alongside Sigma Product Evangelist Joe Thomas, share how data leaders can protect their team’s focus, align stakeholders, and deliver impact without burning out.

You’ll take away:

• The 4-question test to separate high-value work from busywork
• Guardrails for handling “quick” requests without derailing roadmaps
• How to make invisible work visible—without being buried in one-off requests
• The 3Rs framework (Rocks, Recently Delivered, Roadmap) to reset expectations and stop firefighting
• Scripts for saying “no” in Slack/Teams while strengthening relationships

Because effective data leadership isn’t defined by how often you say “no,” but by how well you communicate, set boundaries, and translate data into decisions that matter.