Looking Ahead: Tableau Visionaries and the Next Era of Data
This post is a follow-up to this article from 2022.
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Reflecting on the Journey: What Does It Mean to Strive for Visionary?
Reflecting on my journey and the evolution of Tableau’s Visionary program, I feel both gratitude and uncertainty. Although I applied this year, I have no idea whether I will be selected. Values shift, priorities evolve, and how we contribute to the Tableau and data communities continues to transform year after year.
This past year has been one of my most challenging, particularly regarding my health — a struggle that continues but has significantly improved. These challenges, my professional career focus, and my personal interests have naturally shifted my focus beyond Tableau Desktop (or Tableau Public, which can be used interchangeably here and hereafter — mostly as Desktop/Public) as I embrace learning and growth mindsets.
In the past couple of years, I no longer work in external consulting (or have that desire); I find myself in a position where my data visualization work doesn’t always lend itself to public sharing. Instead, I’ve focused on a generalist mindset and explore new directions for content, focusing on:
- Embracing thought leadership.
- Integrating Tableau and data analytics with generative AI.
- Channeling my energy into large-scale “10x” projects focused on creating unique and impactful tools.
For the last point, rather than letting these tools I build become static legacy products, I continually leverage new technologies and apply learning opportunities to enhance further and evolve these innovations.
Note: Those tools are linked at the absolute bottom of the blog.
My evolution helped me expand my thoughts on what a Tableau Visionary should be.
My Visionary nominations will be focused on areas outside of Tableau Desktop/Public expertise as those contributors will already be strongly represented by the community.
Expanding the Visionary Scope: A Dynamic Community
The Tableau Visionary community is dynamic and inspiring, filled with individuals who work hard to earn their place. Witnessing the incredible passion and dedication of so many is truly energizing.
Recognizing New Areas of Impact
As the program evolves, broadening the scope of contributions we celebrate is crucial. Tableau Desktop/Public remains a foundational community engagement and professional growth tool. However, emerging areas such as:
- (Generative) AI and Tableau
- CRM Analytics
- Tableau Cloud/Server
- Tableau Dev Spaces (i.e., embedded analytics, data modeling, VizQL, etc.)
…deserve equal recognition. These fields are shaping the future of data and analytics and represent opportunities for groundbreaking contributions. Much of the work of Tableau Visionaries is product feedback behind the scenes. Not having enough community leaders with those skill sets makes it challenging to aid product teams in developing innovative products with the appropriate user experience and quality that only that expertise can provide. It isn't easy to get more when so few have “Visionary” status.
Why Representation Matters
Representation is just as vital as recognizing new technical areas. Seeing oneself reflected in the Visionary cohort fosters a sense of belonging and possibility. We enrich our community with unique perspectives and approaches by amplifying contributors' voices from diverse cultural backgrounds, geographies, and identities.
I hope to see this year’s Visionary class celebrate the Tableau ecosystem’s rich diversity. A more inclusive Visionary program strengthens our collective impact — even if that means my selection is secondary to achieving this goal.
Addressing the Visibility Challenge
Contributions in areas like Tableau Cloud, Server, or CRM Analytics often happen behind corporate walls, making it difficult to showcase mastery in these domains. Teaching and collaboration in these spaces are less public and more challenging to quantify using traditional community standards.
That said, this doesn’t minimize the importance of Tableau Desktop/Public. Tableau Public provides a versatile platform for showcasing skills, fostering growth, and inspiring others through visualizations showcasing Tableau Desktop skills. It continues to be an entry point for many into the broader Tableau ecosystem.
Why This Matters
The Tableau Visionary program should reflect the richness and diversity of Tableau’s ecosystem. Moving beyond a focus on Desktop/Public-based contributions allows us to celebrate innovators in less visible but equally impactful areas.
Being a Visionary isn’t about holding a title — it’s about demonstrating what’s possible. When contributors see themselves and their work reflected in the Visionary community, it builds confidence and opens doors for future impact.
I hope to see more Visionaries from underrepresented spaces — not just in terms of geography or demographics but also in the diversity of work that is recognized and celebrated.
What Being a Visionary Means (or Doesn’t)
The Visionary title has always been about sharing mastery, teaching others, finding a unique niche, and fostering collaboration. It’s a shockingly select global community with 49 “active” Visionaries and 23 “Hall of Fame” Visionaries. It’s been an absolute honor to be recognized with those I have admired, studied, and befriended. Visionaries and Visionary Hall of Famers work closely with Tableau to showcase what’s possible with the platform and have priority with feedback for product ideas, beta products, and existing products.
…but titles aren’t necessary to make a difference or impact.
Some of the most inspiring contributions I’ve seen come from outside the people celebrated in formal recognition programs — this can mean those that are data and dataviz rockstars at work, quietly mentoring others, leading Tableau User Groups (internal or external TUGs), or sharing insights; these actions drive the community forward and amplify the impact much greater than the Visionaries, Ambassadors, and employees of Tableau.
I’ve learned just as much — if not more — from newcomers to the community than from those I’ve followed for years. Every contribution matters, whether or not it receives formal recognition. Regardless of labels, I hope we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with Tableau and data.
I found #TableauNext to reduce some of those gaps and help encourage those who participate in the community and not yet formally recognized by Tableau to feel seen by those in our #DataFam they impact. Check out more on #TableauNext at the end. Given the contributions need to be vetted and public, even #TableauNext cannot include the massive percentage of those that do “Visionary” level work in their office.
Call to Action: Be Part of the Future
To everyone striving for this recognition, keep going. Your impact is real, whether you have a title or not.
Please check out Tableau's post to learn more about the program and nominate potential Tableau Visionaries. If you are interested in becoming a Visionary, please nominate yourself. Nominations are open through 11:59 p.m. PT, Thursday, January 9, 2025.
#TableauNext Reminder
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Please note the #TableauNext nominations are open until the end of 2024. We have more than 100 nominations already! Please review this article for access to the form and additional context.
Adam Mico
Twitter | LinkedIn | Tableau Public | Tableau Virtuoso GPT by Adam Mico | VizCritique Pro GPT | Data Mockstar by Adam Mico GPT | tBlueprint Navigator for Tableau Customer Success GPT
Note: My book, “Tableau Desktop Specialist Certification,” is available for order here.