Lights, Camera, Data!: Building Your Brand through YouTube and Speaking
Proposed session for SQLBits 2026TL; DR
A practical guide for data pros to start creating content and speaking confidently. Learn how to generate ideas, make simple videos, overcome stage fright, and use YouTube and community talks to build credibility and unlock new career opportunities.
Session Details
Sharing your knowledge can skyrocket your career—and it’s easier to start than you think. This session is a crash course in content creation and public speaking for data professionals ready to step into the spotlight.
We’ll explore how creating tutorials or vlogs on platforms like YouTube, and speaking at meetups or conferences, can establish you as a trusted voice in the community. Learn how to get started with the gear you already have—a headset, screen recorder, and your expertise.
We’ll also touch on topics like:
Generating content ideas and avoiding creator’s block
Picking topics and formats that resonate (e.g. demos, how-tos, live walkthroughs)
Simple video production tips for beginners
Strategies to overcome stage fright and imposter syndrome
Using your online content and speaking to open new doors: job leads, community recognition, MVP awards, and more
Attendees will leave inspired and equipped with a practical toolkit to begin creating content and speaking with confidence—no studio or stage required.
We’ll explore how creating tutorials or vlogs on platforms like YouTube, and speaking at meetups or conferences, can establish you as a trusted voice in the community. Learn how to get started with the gear you already have—a headset, screen recorder, and your expertise.
We’ll also touch on topics like:
Generating content ideas and avoiding creator’s block
Picking topics and formats that resonate (e.g. demos, how-tos, live walkthroughs)
Simple video production tips for beginners
Strategies to overcome stage fright and imposter syndrome
Using your online content and speaking to open new doors: job leads, community recognition, MVP awards, and more
Attendees will leave inspired and equipped with a practical toolkit to begin creating content and speaking with confidence—no studio or stage required.
3 things you'll get out of this session
Learn how to start creating videos or talks with minimal gear or experience
Understand how speaking and content creation build professional visibility
Gain confidence and strategies to overcome common presentation fears
Speakers
Reid Havens's other proposed sessions for 2026
Building a Data Platform that Delivers ROI, Value, and AI Readiness - 2026
Navigating Microsoft Fabric: A Practical Guide to Tool Selection - 2026
Power BI Feature Overload: Balancing Flexibility with Maintainability - 2026
Power BI Features I Regret Using (So You Don’t Have To) - 2026
Power BI Settings That Are Secretly Ruining Your Reports - 2026
Scoped for Success: Why Composite Models are a Report's Best Friend - 2026
Semantic Models Comes First: Managing Models for Growth and Self-Service - 2026
Speaker Hacks for Nervous Nerds (From a Nerd Who Talks a Lot) - 2026
F is for Fabric - 2026
Reid Havens's previous sessions
Thriving with ADHD in Tech: Unleashing the Data Analyst Superpowers Within
Learn how to leverage ADHD as a distinct advantage in the tech domain, specifically as a data analyst. This session dives deep into the inherent strengths of ADHD individuals, offering actionable strategies to amplify productivity and navigate challenges. Topics include optimizing the ADHD attributes of creativity and hyperfocus for data tasks, crafting an ADHD-conducive workspace, mastering time management, enhancing team communication, and emphasizing mindfulness for career longevity. By the conclusion, attendees will have a comprehensive toolkit to harness their unique ADHD attributes and flourish in the tech landscape.
Supercharge Power BI Tooltips
Discover secrets of tooltip design in Power BI. Learn how to upgrade your tooltips with DAX, add dynamic charts to report page tooltips, and add design elements to information/help tooltips.
Beyond Buttons: More Than Meets The Eye
In this presentation you'll see many unique and creative ways to implement both both bookmarks and buttons to supercharge the filter and navigation experience for your users.