Conferences, Storytelling, and Turning Tech Friction into Impact

Kicking Off the Year on the Road: Conferences, Storytelling, and Turning Tech Friction into Impact

The first quarter of the year is shaping up to be a busy one, and I’m starting it on the road, sharing ideas, learning from others, and having honest conversations about data, technology, and the realities of modern business.

Tomorrow, I’m heading to Copenhagen for my first conference (and talk) of the year, and it feels like a fitting place to kick things off.

Back to Copenhagen for Data Saturday Denmark

This week marks my second time speaking at Data Saturday Denmark, and it’s a conference I’ve really enjoyed being part of. The Data Saturday events consistently attract a great mix of practitioners, leaders, and community voices,  and Denmark is no exception.

Last year, I had the pleasure of speaking alongside David, and this year we’re returning with a brand new session:

Bridging the Gap: Transforming Tech Friction into Startup Success

This talk has grown directly out of lived experience. Over the last year or so, I’ve been actively involved in a technology startup, navigating the realities that lie between great ideas and real-world outcomes. Alongside that, through my role as a Microsoft MVP, I’ve had countless conversations with early-stage and scaling businesses — many of whom are part of the Microsoft Start up Hub.

What’s become clear is that most startups don’t fail because they lack technology. They struggle because of friction:

• unclear ownership
• misaligned expectations
• data that exists but doesn’t inform decisions
• tools implemented before problems are fully understood

Our session in Copenhagen is all about surfacing that friction and showing how teams can turn it into momentum rather than drag. It’s practical, honest, and grounded in real examples—not glossy slide decks.

If you’re attending Data Saturday Denmark this Saturday, do come and say hello. These events are always better for the conversations that happen between sessions.

A New Talk for 2026: Data-Driven Storytelling with Power BI

Straight after Copenhagen, my focus shifts to a brand-new session I’m very excited about.

On 7th February, I’ll be speaking on Tenerife Winter Sessions 2026 with a talk titled:

Data-Driven Storytelling with Power BI

This is a new session for me, and one that reflects how my thinking around dashboards and reporting has evolved over the last few years.

The core idea is simple: data only creates value when it drives understanding and action.

In this session, I’ll be covering topics such as:

• identifying your audience’s real needs
• defining the actual business problem (not just the reporting request)
• choosing visuals that communicate purpose, not just metrics
• structuring reports with a clear beginning, middle, and end
• designing dashboards that lead people towards decisions, not confusion

Although the Tenerife Winter Sessions sounds like a wonderful in-person event, it is actually online. ( I’ll be missing the sunshine this time), this particular session is online, so you’ll be able to join from wherever you are.

Taking the Storytelling Message on the Road

The Data-Driven Storytelling with Power BI talk doesn’t stop there.

In March, I’ll be delivering the same session in person at the Birmingham Power BI User Group, on Wednesday 4th March. User groups are where some of the best discussions happen, practical, opinionated, and grounded in day-to-day work, so I’m really looking forward to bringing this topic into that environment.

And then it’s off to the US.

Chicago and a Personal Favourite: Moneyball with Power BI

Later in March, I’ll be heading to Chicago, where I’ll be delivering one of my most popular — and most enjoyable — talks:

Moneyball – Build a Killer Fantasy Football Team with Power BI

This session blends analytics, storytelling, and a bit of fun, using Fantasy Football as a way to explore how data can challenge assumptions, uncover value, and support better decision-making. It’s always a great reminder that analytics doesn’t have to be dry to be powerful.

Looking Ahead

All of this means Q1 is already looking full, and Q2 is shaping up to be just as busy. There are more conferences, events, and sessions in the pipeline, and I’ll share more details as they are confirmed.

For now, if you’re:

• Attending Data Saturday Denmark this weekend
• Joining the Tenerife Winter Sessions online
• Based around Birmingham in early March
• Or heading to events in Chicago

…it would be great to connect, have a chat, and compare notes.

Here’s to a strong start to the year, and to turning technology, data, and stories into something that actually makes a difference.

Say hello: If you’re at Data Saturday Denmark this Saturday, come and find me, I’m always up for a chat about startups, Power BI, and making data useful.