The 7th Insight222 Global Executive Retreat – exclusively for People Analytics leaders in the Insight222 People Analytics Program® – took place on Sept. 24-26, 2024 at Duin & Kruidberg, a beautiful country estate near Amsterdam. Over 60 people analytics executives from some of the most well-known brands were in attendance, as well as an exciting line up of thought leaders and management speakers.

Together, they engaged with thought leaders and experts, sparking conversations that will undoubtedly influence the future of People Analytics. From strategic storytelling workshops to discussions on culture, the event provided a rare space for introspection and transformative insights.

One of the highlights was the DataStory® workshop led by Kevin Friesen and Dr. Neora Myrow from Duarte®. They emphasised the power of storytelling in making data resonate with decision-makers. During the session, we explored techniques for turning complex data into compelling narratives, and the importance of empathy in communication.

Their message—"Facts aren’t as memorable as stories"— reinforced the idea that storytelling is a critical skill for HR and people analytics leaders who want to move from insight to impactful action.

How People Analytics Leaders Are Driving Strategic Impact and Influencing C-Suite Decisions

Our Insight222 research over the last five years has evidenced that people analytics as a discipline has grown in importance, and people analytics leaders have expanded their range of influence. The Insight222 People Analytics Trends Report for 2023 found that that in many cases, people analytics teams are working on topics of significant importance, at the highest levels of the organisation.

Of the 271 companies that participated in our People Analytics Trends survey in 2023, 21% of people analytics leaders told us that they had been invited to present to the board of directors, with the opportunity to influence on significant people topics and have the attention of the most important governance body in their organisation.

Additionally, 58% of the people analytics leaders in the companies surveyed have presented to the executive committee (C-suite or ExCo), and therefore have the ability to influence the senior executive team.

To have impact and influence at the executive level, people analytics leaders must possess data storytelling expertise. However, storytelling with data isn’t just about data analysis or data visualisation – it’s about mastering presentation skills to explain data in a way that moves decision makers to action.

How To Present Data and Insights To Motivates Stakeholders to Act?

As a friend of Insight222, Piyush Mathur from I’Woo Consulting, has said, “Insight without outcome is overhead”. But how do we present data as actionable recommendations? And how should we present these in a way that guides our audience towards what matters most so they can make the right decision?

Drawing from the Duarte methodology – which places empathy at the heart of strategy, story, visuals, and delivery – here are some of the key tips and tricks we gained from Kevin and Neora about persuasive data communication:

1. Storytelling Enhances Data's Impact

Storytelling is essential in making data more memorable and actionable. While facts alone aren't always sticky, wrapping them in a compelling narrative helps audiences emotionally connect with the data and leads to better decision-making.

2. Empathy-Driven Presentations:

The success of a presentation hinges on understanding your audience's needs and goals. Empathy is key – craft your recommendation around what the audience needs to hear, rather than focusing solely on what you want to say.

3. Crafting Effective Recommendations:

Recommendations are intended to help people make an emotional decision. When presenting data, focus on crafting a clear and concise recommendation. This involves organising your thoughts and amplifying the key points, ensuring the audience can easily understand the takeaway and act on it.

4. Audience-Specific Framing:

Tailor your narrative based on the audience's role and what motivates them. For executives, focus on outcomes like revenue, market share, or risk reduction. For peers, inspire action by framing recommendations that resonate with their immediate challenges or concerns

5. Anticipate and Address Counterarguments:

When crafting your story and recommendation, anticipate potential objections or interruptions. Be prepared to address counterarguments and provide supporting data for areas where the audience may want to dive deeper.

What is the Impact of Gen AI on Storytelling with Data?

We were honoured to have Nancy Duarte, CEO and co-founder of Duarte®, join us for the final session of the day and answer the Retreat participants’ burning questions. One particularly pertinent question was asked: How do we balance great storytelling while knowing that people are also using technology, such as Gen AI, to create content?

Nancy advised us that these content generation tools are only as useful as the inputs we put in it. These tools are not masters at empathy or data communication, and the quality comes in the value of the prompt. We can use AI to our advantage to check for assumptions and biases in the way our data and charts are presented, and AI can be used to help humanise and understand the different perspectives of our audiences.

Ultimately…data doesn’t speak for itself; it needs a storyteller!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Naomi Verghese is currently the Senior Director of Research at Insight222. This unique program develops the knowledge and skills of People Analytics leaders and their teams to increase value, impact and focus through bundled learning, networking and advisory solutions. Prior to joining Insight222, Naomi built out and led the People Analytics Consulting team at Barclays. She has also held roles in HR Business Partner teams and in Reward.

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