Build a data storytelling capability in your organization
The storytelling with data process™ taught in our workshops provides a repeatable approach to data communications that helps teams focus on what matters and share insights in a way that inspires action. We tailor our session to each teams’ goals and how learning happens within their organization. In our work with clients, we most often see four effective models:
Develop a shared approach
Grow emerging talent
Learn framework from start
Practice & reinforce skills
ENTERPRISE-WIDE LEARNING
Organizations make training broadly available—often through a learning management system (LMS)—to create a shared foundation across teams.
This approach is best when you want to:
Make data storytelling accessible across functions and levels
Create more consistency in presentations, dashboards, and decision materials
Scale learning across a large or distributed organization
This model helps create a common approach to communicating with data so teams can spend less time deciphering reports and more time discussing what the findings mean.
CASE STUDY
A global hospitality company partnered with SWD to build a shared foundation in data storytelling across teams. By integrating training into its LMS and making it broadly accessible, the organization helped teams standardize how they presented insights, with a stronger focus on leading with key messages and simplifying visuals.
“The focus on clarity, intentional visuals, and what’s at stake helped
me translate complex data into concise insights that drive understanding
and action rather than passive reporting.”
TARGETED CAPABILITY BUILDING
Training focuses on a specific group, such as analytics teams, emerging leaders, product teams, or a high-priority function. Sessions allow for deeper application tied directly to participants’ roles, work, and communication challenges.
This approach is best when you want to:
Strengthen a specific team’s ability to communicate insights and make their work more actionable
Support a strategic initiative or priority audience
This model helps create more confident, effective communicators in the groups responsible for turning analysis into decisions, recommendations, and action.
CASE STUDY
A large distributer of industrial supplies nominates their up and coming talent to attend SWD workshops to strengthen how they communicate complex findings. Using examples drawn from their work, participants practiced turning detailed analysis into clear, audience-focused stories that supported more productive decision conversations.
“Everything was explained extremely clearly and I walked away with immediate ideas on improving my own work.”
NEW HIRE ONBOARDING
Training is incorporated into onboarding so new team members learn how to communicate insights effectively from the beginning of their time with the organization.
This approach is best when you want to:
Reinforce your organization’s standard for data-informed decision-making
Create consistency as teams grow
Help new employees contribute more confidently and quickly
This model helps create a scalable way to build data communication skills into the employee experience as a core professional capability, rather than an optional extra training.
CASE STUDY
A regional bank integrated SWD workshops into its new-hire learning experience. Employees gained a shared set of tools and expectations for communicating data, helping teams maintain consistency even as new colleagues joined across roles and locations.
“I had so many great takeaways The topics were very appropriate and
will definitely add value to future emails and presentations.”
ONGOING SKILL DEVELOPMENT
Teams continue developing their skills through targeted sessions or off site meetings. This model provides opportunities to practice, receive feedback, and apply the process to new communication challenges as priorities evolve.
This approach is best when you want to:
Reinforce and deepen skills after an initial workshop
Support teams as priorities, tools, and communication needs change
This model helps create a lasting capability to help teams continue improving how they communicate data rather than reverting to previous habits after a single learning event.
CASE STUDY
A global media company engaged SWD to compliment off site sessions with targeted skill reinforcement. Hands-on practice with customized content gave participants practical ways to incorporate changes to make their work more understandable and impactful.
“I really appreciated how they incorporated our examples throughout the sessions. Each lesson had a clear purpose, and I enjoyed seeing how everything came together at the end.”