Tech's Secret Sauce: The Power of Neurodiversity

Ever feel like neurodiversity has become an alphabet soup of labels (ADHD, ASD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia and more)? Some people do not know they might be neurodiverse, and some do not feel comfortable telling people they are neurodiverse. Many technology companies have finally recognised that neurodiverse colleagues bring many exceptional (and wonderfully spicy) skills and abilities.

Grab a seat with two Flipp'n neurodiverse data community members and a lovely mental health professional as we get real about neurodiversity. We'll share our "oh, that explains it!" moments of discovering we're neurodiverse, spill the tea (or hot sauce!) on our daily coping strategies, and dish out practical tips about working with neurodiverse colleagues.

Remember: your different way of thinking isn't just okay - it's Flipp'n brilliant, and you've absolutely got this! After all, life would be pretty bland if we all brought the same spice to the table.

If you join us for this session, we hope you will realise that you are not the only person who feels this way. You have amazing talents, superpowers, and abilities. This session will give you some ideas of what next steps to take on your learning journey. On the other hand, you recognise someone you work with or know who is neurodiverse. We hope you will leave with some hints and tips on getting on with them. Maybe a little insight into being neurodiverse. Just remember you are fantastic, and you have got this.

Make my report pop - using psychology, physiology, and design to create dazzling reports

Reports are often seen as dry and boring, but they don't have to be. We can create informative and visually appealing reports by understanding how the human brain processes information and how we respond to different colours and designs.

This session will explore using psychology, brain physiology, colour theory, and design principles to create dazzling reports that will capture your audience's attention and keep them engaged. You'll learn how to use:

Psychology:
Using Gestalt psychology directs the user's attention to the most critical parts of the report.

Priming: Set the stage for your report by using priming to influence your audience's expectations and perceptions.
Storytelling: You can use storytelling to make your report more relatable and engaging.

Brain physiology:
Review how the human brain processes visual images and learn how that can be used to our advantage as report creators.
Understand better how humans look at reports, where, when and how.
Review the impact of the limitations of human memory, such as working, short and long-term memory.

Visual processing: The human brain processes visual information much faster than text, so use visuals to communicate your key points quickly and effectively.

Colour theory:
Use of colour harmony: Use colour harmony principles to create a visually balanced report pleasing to the eye.
Colour contrast to make your report more readable and engaging. How colour can have a powerful impact on our emotions and attention levels.

Design principles:
We will review some of the tips and tricks used by leading designers. Such as visual hierarchy, balance and unity.

Typography: learn how to use fonts effectively to communicate your message in your report, making the report visually appealing and easy to read

Leaving this session, you will have the knowledge and skills to create dazzling reports.

In addition to the valuable insights you'll gain during this session, you'll also receive access to a set of resources to help you continue learning and exploring the topic further.

This session will combine lecture-based instruction with practical exercises to give you a deep understanding of the various topics. During the hands-on sessions, we will give the attendees a report to review and apply the techniques to see how these techniques can be applied in a practical setting.

We would ideally ask that the attendees bring a laptop with the latest version of Power BI desktop installed.

Any person reviewing this session, and if it is selected, will be able to claim a small Scottish Delicacy by emailing rwlp.french@gmail.com ;-)

Why Am I Here? Dealing with Imposter Phenomenon

Have you ever questioned your abilities? Think that everyone else is so much better than you? Consider that your current role or successes are down to luck or something you did not do. You are not alone; it is estimated that 70% of the population struggles with these feelings. Maybe you have felt this way sometimes ;

You attribute success to luck or external factors rather than your skills and abilities.

Excessive focus on mistakes and shortcomings while minimizing or discounting achievements

Feeling like you don't belong in your current role or that others are more qualified

Avoiding challenges or opportunities due to fear of failure or being exposed as a fraud

A persistent sense of fear and anxiety related to your work or personal endeavors

The Imposter Phenomenon is something that I deal with every day. This session is about what I have discovered about the Imposter Phenomenon. What strategies and techniques do I use to deal with all the feelings that come with my Imposter Phenomenon?

This session is not about magic solutions or cures. Someone sharing techniques, ideas, suggestions, and thoughts on the Imposter Phenomenon. If you want to know that it's not just you, come along and listen. You may leave with a different way of looking at things.

Power BI and Azure DevOps a match made in heaven

Do you want to incorporate Dev Ops into your Power BI work? Have you started using Power BI Project files? Have you been amazed at what the new TSML file format can do? There is so much potential in checking the files into source control and allowing more than one person to simultaneously work on the same semantic model or report. The possibilities are just fantastic. But where do you start? How do you make it work with Azure Dev Ops? Does it work with Visual Code? What about the Power BI service? So many questions!
 
In this session, we will help you get Power BI and Azure Dev Ops working together. We will explain the different options and how to set up Azure Dev Ops in simple language. Give step-by-step instructions for integrating your project files into Azure Dev Ops and the Power BI service. We will step you through the process of how we do it. In this joint session, the Chief Power BI nerd and Dev Ops Guru will explain how easy it is to get Power BI and Azure Dev Ops to work together.
 
Leaving this session, you will have an excellent overview of integrating your Power BI projects and service with Azure Dev Ops and an understanding of the various terms, acronyms, and other buzzwords. Know your push from your pull and what a branch and fork do for you. When you return to The office, do you need to take steps to get a Dev Ops pipeline up and running?

This session assumes no technical knowledge about Dev Ops. It is intended for anyone using Power BI desktop files and with a basic knowledge of Power BI.

Soft Skills for Success

Working in technology is great; there are rules to learn and techniques to master. Guidance on how to do things correctly to get the desired results. Find the right way to tell the computer what to do; it does what you want. Computers obey the rules, and they do what we expect. Then you have to interact with people, maybe work colleagues or clients. Sometimes, things do not go to plan. Learning these soft skills is essential in helping you succeed and work with others. The good news is that these skills can also be learned.

Come and join me in this highly interactive session, where I share some of the hard-won techniques I use daily. I will share the methods and ideas I have used to succeed in my career. These ideas and strategies are easy to learn, and you can use them when you leave the session. This is not a typical session, its told with simple stories, easy to use techniques you can understand and learn even in this short session.

You will leave this session not only with ideas and suggestions but also with a toolkit of practical techniques and more than a few insights into working with people. It will give you the tools and techniques to deal more successfully with others, making you feel more prepared and confident in your interactions.

Any person reviewing this session, and if it is selected, will be able to claim a small Scottish Delicacy by emailing rwlp.french@gmail.com ;-)

How to be awesome at getting your next job

Finding that job you desire and want can be hard work. First, writing that CV that gets your name on the interview list. Then, making the first good impression at the interview, handling those tough questions easily. These skills are something you can learn

This session, is based on many years real life hard won experience. What will be shared is tips and techniques that have got me jobs I wanted. This session is full of practical advice that you to can take away and use in your life. I will share some of the tips and techniques I have used to get roles over our career.

* Creating a CV that gets noticed.
* How to work with recruitment agents.
* What to say when you speak with recruitment agents.
* Ways to get your name to the top of the recruiter's list.
* How to prepare for an interview
* Get some insider tips on how to deal with those difficult interview questions.
* What to say and what not say at an interview.
* First hand advice from someone who has been on both sides of the job interview.

When you leave this session, you have techniques and tips you can use as soon as you leave the session to help you in your search for that role you want.

You might wonder if this speaker is qualified to discuss his topic. Well, I'm in my third career and have been to more than one hundred interviews. I have been the hiring interviewer for at least three roles and have moved companies ten times in the last twenty years. It took me twelve years to change careers and break into IT.

As I said in the introduction, I've failed in so many ways at getting a job. This session is about sharing what works for me so that other people do not make the mistakes I made.

Yeah, a panel session would also be great for this.

Any person reviewing this session, and if it is selected, will be able to claim a small Scottish Delicacy by emailing rwlp.french@gmail.com ;-)

Power BI (Fabric) licensing made simple

You have made the decision. Power BI is the tool of choice. Now, all you have to do is understand the licence model. So you have Pro and PPU licences, different capacities and SKUs. What does all this mean? What do I get for my organisation's money?

In a straight-talking nonsense session, explain what you need to know in simple terms. We will cover
What you get for your money
Which options are best for what type of organisation
Ways of sharing reports with your end users
Ways of sharing reports you might not know about, yes really.......

At the end of the session, you will have access to a wealth of resources that will aid you in further exploring and understanding the topic, ensuring you make the most of your Power BI investment.

Any person reviewing this session, and if it is selected, will be able to claim a small Scottish Delicacy by emailing rwlp.french@gmail.com ;-)

Goldilocks and the Three Business Bears: Mastering the Art of Storytelling for Success

Stories have a unique power to captivate, educate, and persuade. We encounter them in movies, books, and everyday conversations. Whether we realize it or not, storytelling is an exceptional tool for conveying facts, information, and ideas in a manner that lingers in the minds of our audience. The magic compels people to buy into your concepts, rally behind your projects, and take meaningful actions.

The fantastic news is that storytelling is a skill that can be learned and developed. Scientists have delved into the art of storytelling, and industry icons like Steve Jobs have showcased its transformative potential.

In this captivating session, we will embark on a journey through the world of storytelling. We will explore the architecture of stories and how they forge connections with people on a deep level. Even more exciting, we will delve into the techniques and strategies employed by master storytellers and learn how to wield them in our professional endeavors.

Discover how to create narratives that not only engage but also persuade. Gain insights into the secrets of captivating your audience, just as Steve Jobs did with his iconic presentations. By the end of this session, you will possess the knowledge and tools to leverage storytelling to showcase why your business case is superior and inspire others to champion your ideas.

Join us in the enchanting realm of storytelling, where the power of persuasion and communication awaits your grasp. Whether you're a natural storyteller or new to the art, this session promises to unlock the secrets behind crafting compelling narratives for business success.

Storytelling is a skill many people would like to have. This session introduces people to this skill, which, like many others, can be learned. There is no previous knowledge assumed or required. The users will be give access to GitHub repo which is being updated as a I find more information on this and other topics.

Are Pie Charts Evil?

Are Pie Charts really evil, or can they be harnessed for good? In this session, we challenge the notion that Pie Charts should be banished forever. Join us to uncover the untapped potential of Pie Charts and learn when and how to use them effectively. Explore the world of data visualization in a new light and discover the power of Pie Charts if applied with care and insight.

10 min lighting talk
No required knowledge just an open mind and desire to help the customer see their data in a better way.

Tell Me Clearly, Tell Me Simply: A Guide to Clear and Concise Communication

Would any of your non-technical customers understand that you should not report directly from a transactional database? Would they understand that using a Medallion architecture (with bronze, silver, and gold layers)... makes so much sense... but does it?!

We technologists communicate using a shared language that allows us to communicate quickly and efficiently. Every profession has its unique language, acronyms, etc. Does that mean our customers understand what we are trying to convey?

Yes, we know what we mean but do our customers understand what we are saying or are they too embarrassed to ask? It’s often too easy to assume they know what we are discussing when speaking to customers.

In this session we will explore various techniques and approaches others use to communicate effectively with anyone. You will understand the power of analogy and storytelling as effective methods for persuading others.
You will also learn why active listening is one of the most valuable skills when working with your customers and discover the importance of asking the right questions and the value of paraphrasing to ensure clarity.

Alt Title - Tell Me Plainly, Tell Me Simply: A Guide to Clear and Concise Communication

The Virtual Road Trip: A Power Platform Story

In this session, you will learn how Quorum used the Power Platform to create a virtual road trip across the continental United States to keep employees active and engaged during the pandemic. The team faced a difficult challenge: to create an engaging and interactive experience that could be shared with everyone in the company, regardless of their technical expertise.

Using their extensive experience with user interface design and data storytelling, the Marketing, Apps Dev, and Data Teams at Quorum produced an elegant and easy to use Power BI dashboard showing the daily progress towards the goal. The data was also distributed to Teams and SharePoint for anyone to see. Further, through the Power Platform, the team created interactive postcards as they crossed each state boundary on their USA road trip.

The road trip is now in its 5th iteration, and the team is excited to share their story of how they combined Teamwork and Technology to build this virtual journey.

In this session, you will learn:

How to use the Power Platform to create engaging and interactive experiences
How to design user interfaces that are easy to use for everyone
How to tell stories with data using Power BI
How to use the Power Platform to share information and collaborate with others

This session is ideal for anyone who wants to learn more about the Power Platform and how it can be used to create innovative and engaging solutions.

We would plan to do this session as a team of three people. If this presents any challenges please let us know.

Any person reviewing this session, and if it is selected, will be able to claim a small Scottish Delicacy by emailing rwlp.french@gmail.com ;-)

Power BI Incremental refresh made simple.

Power BI has many excellent features that make life much easier and more efficient. Yes, incremental refresh is one of them, so you read the official Microsoft documentation. Once, then again, just a few more times. Now you have more questions than answers. Or was that just how I felt? If you thought the same thing or want to ask questions, this session is for you.

This session will look at setting up incremental refreshes for both Dataflows and Datasets. Explain what ALL the different settings mean and words we can all understand. How will I perform this daring feat? I will use a combination of words, pictures and examples. As part of the presentation, I will share the demo code so you can try it at home.

After this session, you will understand how to configure Incremental Refresh and use it when you return to your office. During the session, you will have a link to the code so that you can see how it works.

In addition to the valuable insights you'll gain during this session, you'll also receive access to resources to help you continue learning and exploring the topic further.

Power BI Row Level Security Made Simple

So, you want to share a report with your users. You want to share all the data with the manager. However, only allow each team member to see their own data. As the team changes, this all needs to be done automatically with a minimal amount of work. That situation is just one of many types of situations where Row Level Security (RLS) in Power BI comes into play. RLS is a powerful feature that allows you to control access to data based on roles, ensuring data security and privacy. These situations could include sales data for different regions, customer data for other sales representatives, or financial data for various departments. This session is intended to take you from zero to hero in understanding and implementing RLS.

During the session, you'll not only learn how to set up RLS and configure different RLS filters using both static and dynamic RLS roles, but you'll also get hands-on experience. We'll guide you through troubleshooting RLS issues and share best practices for setting up RLS. Plus, we'll reveal the solution we used to set up multi-level hierarchical RLS for a call centre, which can be applied in various scenarios. Get ready to discover how the client can administer the RLS themselves.

When you arrive at the session, you might have zero or just a bit of knowledge about Power BI Row-Level security. But when you leave, you'll have followed some simple steps, learned insider hints and tips, and be ready to confidently build your own RLS solution when you return to the office. We'll also provide links to other resources for further learning. Get ready to transform from Zero to Hero with your newfound RLS expertise.

Any person reviewing this session, and if it is selected, will be able to claim a small Scottish Delicacy by emailing rwlp.french@gmail.com ;-)