Something a little different...

Hello!

We’ve officially hit mid-December (how?!), and somewhere between making gingerbread cookies and trying to figure out how to get my 4-year-old the only thing on his Christmas list (a real reindeer…), I’ve found myself reflecting on the past year.

I have a hunch you might be feeling the same way. (Because Daniel Pink told me so.)

So instead of a tip or strategy today, I’m doing something a little different.

I’m sharing:

My hope is that one or two jump out at you, and give you something you’re genuinely excited to dive into as the year winds down or the new one begins.

I know you’ve got projects to finish, presents to wrap, and parties to attend, so let’s jump right in.

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini, PhD
The definitive guide to why people say yes and the subtle, science-backed ways influence actually works (fair warning: it’s a beast, but a worthwhile one).

Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath
If you’ve ever wondered why some ideas spread effortlessly while others die instantly, this book will permanently change how you communicate. (You’ll also never think of kidneys or movie popcorn the same way ever again.)

The Catalyst by Jonah Berger
The book that gave me one of my biggest a-ha moments this year by showing why removing barriers is more powerful than piling on arguments.

Storytelling with Data (10th Anniversary Edition) by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic
You knew this would make the list. The modern classic, updated with new examples and refinements that make it just as relevant now as when it first came out.

Practical Charts by Nick Desbarats
A comprehensive yet easily digestible review of the most common chart types, when to use each one, and how to handle those pesky corner cases like missing data and hard-to-read vertical scale labels. I always keep a copy in reach.

Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic — the woman who kickstarted my love for data visualization 10 years ago (and author of Storytelling with Data)

Alli Torban — data visualization specialist, creator of one of my all-time favorite visuals and host of the Data Viz Today podcast

Bill Yost — my pirate friend and co-host of Dashboard Confessionals (more lives coming next year!)

Mary Kate Stimmler, PhD — organizational culture expert, former manager, forever mentor (I may have shown up at her house one day and said, “I think I’m going to quit Google. Am I nuts?”)

Colby Kennedy Nesbitt, PhD – organizational psychologist with thoughtful (and often funny) takes on People Analytics

JP Elliott, PhD – THE person to follow if you work in HR and/or aspire to be a successful HR leader

Just a reminder, these are always available to you:

Lastly, thank you. Truly!

I’m so grateful for this community we’re building: one where analysts and data professionals can learn from each other, share ideas, and have a couple laughs (I’m still very proud of this Britney remix).

Here’s to a wonderful year behind us and a fresh start in 2026. 🥂

P.S. The newsletter will be back in January. Because let’s be honest: I don’t want to send more emails this month, and you don’t want to read them. Let’s go party (or take a nap) instead.