From dashboards to AI-driven decisions that actually matter
Dashboards without context lead to wrong conclusions — and AI tools without analytical foundations lead to wrong answers. This day teaches you to ask the right questions, interpret data correctly and present AI-driven insights in a way that triggers decisions.
What you'll learn
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Asking the right questions
Every good report starts with a sharp question. Learn to go from a vague need to a concrete analysis structure.
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SQL for analytics
Aggregations, joins, window functions and subqueries — the toolkit every analyst needs.
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Using BI tooling effectively
Power BI, Looker or Tableau — the principles are the same. Which visualisations when, and when to hold back.
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Storytelling with data
Present insights to time-pressed stakeholders — without losing nuance.
Programme
A day in detail — no surprises.
| # | Time | Module | Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 09:00–09:30 | Start & baseline | Review current reporting practice, name pain points, day overview. |
| 2 | 09:30–10:45 | Analysis structure | From vague question to measurable KPI. Exercise: break down a business question into analysis steps. |
| — | 10:45–11:00 | Break | |
| 3 | 11:00–12:30 | SQL hands-on | Aggregations, window functions, joins. Working with a real dataset from a recognisable context. |
| — | 12:30–13:15 | Lunch | |
| 4 | 13:15–14:30 | Building BI visualisations | Which chart type for which question. Build an interactive dashboard in Power BI or Looker Studio. |
| — | 14:30–14:45 | Break | |
| 5 | 14:45–15:45 | Storytelling & presenting | Structure insights as conclusion-recommendation-action. Peer presentation of your own dashboard. |
| 6 | 15:45–16:30 | Wrap-up & toolkit | Personal checklist, SQL cheat sheet, next steps. |
Immediate results
- Working BI dashboard based on your own data
- SQL cheat sheet for daily analysis
- Presented insights with direct stakeholder feedback
Long-term
- Fewer 'what does this actually mean?' meetings
- Analyses that actually lead to decisions
- Higher data quality standard across the organisation
Who it's for
- Business analysts
- Data analysts
- Managers with data responsibility
- Reporting specialists
- BI functional administrators
About the trainer
Pascal Mertens
Co-founder & Data and Analytics Consultant
Co-founder of DNMP and economist (University of Amsterdam) with a sharp focus on data, BI and analytics. Pascal previously co-founded Vizieo, a data visualisation and analytics company. Today, at DNMP, he helps organisations turn data into actionable insights and better decisions.
LinkedInParticipant experiences
I've been building dashboards for years, but after this day I finally know which chart type to choose and when.
The 'from vague question to measurable KPI' exercise is exactly what was missing from my daily work.
We had twenty dashboards — now we know which three actually matter.
The SQL hands-on with a real dataset made it concrete. No toy examples.
Storytelling with data — I knew it existed, but now I can actually do it.
Book an intake — we'll align the dataset and BI tool with your daily working environment.
Not sure about the fit?
Book an intake — we'll spend 30 minutes on your goals and give you honest advice.