Sara Woltjes

It starts with a simple request: “Just a few KPIs in Power BI.” But then come the filters, extra tabs, and one more breakdown... You deliver it all. And still… it barely gets used. For many data professionals the focus lies on models, visuals, and performance. But the real challenge is NOT about technology, it is about communication. It is about understanding your stakeholders, managing expectations, and staying connected throughout the process. Even if you have built the perfect data model or report, stakeholders can be the reason that adoption stays low. In this session, we explore practical ways to build stronger relationships with stakeholders without losing control of scope or timelines. You will walk away knowing how to: • Uncover the real question behind a request • Keep your stakeholders engaged and informed • Prevent scope creep while staying helpful and collaborative Because delivering a dashboard is only the beginning. Real value comes from adoption, understanding, and use. If you want your dashboards to make an impact, you need to stay close to the people who use them. Keep your friends close. And your stakeholders even closer.

We’ve all been there: you deliver a report under tight deadlines, built exactly as requested: filters, KPIs, shiny visuals, you name it. But when you present it, the reaction isn’t what you expected. The stakeholder frowns and says, “This isn’t what I meant..” Sounds familiar? You’re not alone. This mismatch happens all the time. Not because we are doing a bad job, but because we’re often trying to solve the wrong problem. Stakeholders come to us with clear instructions, but unclear intentions. And under pressure, it’s tempting to jump straight into building, without fully understanding what’s truly needed. In this session, we’ll explore the human side of report development. Why stakeholders often think they know what they need (but don’t). And how a simple shift—asking better questions—can make all the difference. After this session, you’ll walk away with actionable insights and practical tips to: ✅ Take control of the intake process and ensure alignment from the start ✅ Master the art of asking the right questions to uncover true business needs ✅ Increase efficiency in the report development process ✅ Build trust and collaboration through curiosity, empathy and active listening ✅ Manage expectations early to avoid surprises and ensure smoother delivery We will give you the tools to bridge the gap, without diving into technical details. No DAX, no semantic models —just the human side of building BI solutions that truly drive impact. Because the real value of a report isn’t in the visuals, it’s in helping people make better decisions. If you've ever built a report that was ignored, misunderstood, or mistrusted — this session will change how you work!