D34 Lifting the Floor: How Andy Kriebel Builds Unstoppable Tableau Analysts

Summary

What does it actually take to build a confident Tableau analyst? In this episode of unDUBBED, hosts Sarah Burnett and Fiona Crocker sit down with Andy Kriebel, Tableau Visionary, Hall of Famer, and founder of Next Level Tableau, to explore the coaching philosophy that has shaped some of the best analytical talent in the global data community.

Andy has spent nearly two decades turning analysts into exceptional performers. Ten of his trainees have gone on to become Tableau Visionaries themselves, out of only 72 people worldwide who hold that distinction. His stated goal is to make you so good at Tableau that you don't need him anymore.

The conversation explores how confidence is built through environment rather than personality, why soft skills are just as critical as technical ability, and what separates analysts who improve slowly from those who accelerate fast. Andy also reflects on his journey from underwriter to Facebook manager to head coach at the Data School in London, and how those experiences shaped the live, community-driven training model at the heart of Next Level Tableau.

Whether you're an analyst wanting to level up, a manager building a high-performing data team, or someone pivoting into a data career, this episode is packed with honest, practical insights you can apply straight away.

Takeaways

Confidence isn't a personality trait - it's an environment you deliberately design.

The earliest signal that someone will step up is their willingness to put in just that little bit of extra work.

Active participation, homework, and portfolio building compound quickly - especially for career changers.

The number one predictor of a great consultant is listening, not technical skill.

Career changers who invest their own money in learning consistently outperform those whose companies foot the bill.

Building your network and connecting with people already doing what you want to do is the fastest shortcut to career growth.