(US & Canada) VIDEO | Data Is the Backbone of Modern Storytelling — NC Department of Health and Human Services – Systems Analyst/Team Lead

Dr. Joe Perez, Systems Analyst/Team Lead at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, speaks with Bill Sullivan, VP and General Manager at Denodo, in a video interview about the importance of data storytelling and how it is transforming businesses.

Perez begins by stating that data is the backbone of modern storytelling. It provides a powerful tool for crafting engaging and meaningful narratives, uncovers hidden patterns, and adds authenticity, he adds.

Adding on, Perez states that in today’s data-driven world, numbers and statistics cannot be seen as abstractions because they challenge perspectives and inspire actions. When data is used effectively in storytelling, it can transform a narrative from ordinary numbers into a compelling exploration of the human condition.

Data in the hands of a skilled storyteller can become an instrument for truth, empathy, and understanding and must be done with passion, clarity, and accuracy, says Perez.

Next, he shares how data storytelling has made its way into numerous business aspects. It transforms how organizations communicate and engage with stakeholders to make informed decisions.

In continuation, Perez notes how data-driven storytelling is revolutionizing marketing strategies enabling brands to craft personalized narratives that resonate with the target audience. Further, data is also leveraged to assess the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, gather insights, and optimize future efforts.

Moving forward, Perez highlights data’s critical role in product development. It helps companies understand customer needs, identify market gaps, and validate concepts for newly developing products by analyzing usage data.

Through this, companies can pinpoint areas where they need to improve and make informed decisions, says Perez. Data storytelling, he believes, can effectively communicate these insights to stakeholders, which aids in getting the much-needed buy-in.

When asked about approaches that enable data-sharing to empower storytelling, Perez states that it boils down to making it relevant and ensuring everyone is on board. He affirms that once everyone understands that the value is not intrinsically in the data but what it means.

In conclusion, Perez asserts that by comprehending what these peripheral stories and facts tie into, and by looking at it as something that lies in their best interest, buy-in will come in easily.

CDO Magazine appreciates Dr. Joe Perez for sharing his insights with our global community.