Shows
The Growth SignalYour Stakeholders Don’t Know What They Need with Bill ShanderMost people are doing exactly what they’re told… and that’s the problem.If you’ve ever felt stuck executing tasks without knowing why, this will change how you work.Alyssa Nolte sits down with Bill Shander to rethink how we work with stakeholders, ask better questions, and create better outcomes. Bill shares a bold idea: your boss, your client, even your leadership team often don’t know what they really need. And if you don’t challenge that, you stay an order taker.This conversation goes deeper than communication tips. It’s a...
2026-03-2420 min
Million Dollar Flip Flops183| AI, Data & Design: How to Tell Better Stories with Your Numbers (with Bill Shander)In this episode of Million Dollar Flip Flops, Rodric sits down with Bill Shander — information designer, data storyteller, LinkedIn Learning instructor, and author of Stakeholder Whispering.If you’ve ever:Crushed your team with bullet-heavy PowerPointsWatched people’s eyes glaze over when you show a data tableThought “Yeah… I kind of know what this spreadsheet means”Or worried how AI is about to crash-land into your industry…this conversation is going to land.Bill has spent 30+ years helping organizations turn complex data into clear, visual stories that real humans actually understand — from giant consulting...
2026-03-2017 min
The ET projectFrom Data to Decisions : The Art of Stakeholder Whispering.Today we're flying into New Mexico in the US and connecting with our guest, Mr. Bill Shander. Bill is a seasoned information designer and educator with 30 years of experience in data storytelling, information design, and data visualization. As the founder of Beehive Media, he collaborates with a wide range of organizations, including government agencies, international institutions, Fortune 500 companies, and nonprofits, to create both interactive and static visual projects. His work transforms complex data into compelling narratives that engage audiences, inspire action, and deliver meaningful insights. Bill's dedication to teaching is reflected in his role as a LinkedIn Learning Instructor...
2026-03-1644 min
The Elisha ShowThe Power of Listening Before Acting Bill Shander | With Amb. ElishaOn The Elisha Show, Amb. Elisha sits with Bill Shander, information designer, data storytelling expert, and author of Stakeholder Whispering, for a powerful conversation about communication, leadership, and why understanding people is often more important than technical skills.
Bill shares insights from his journey through journalism, design, and data visualization, revealing why many professionals fail not because of lack of skill, but because they misunderstand what stakeholders truly need.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode
🧠 Why stakeholders often don’t actually know what they need
💡 The powerful concept behind “Stakeholder Whispering”
2026-03-1618 min
Creative Ops CompassStop Taking Orders, Start Asking Questions: Stakeholder Whispering with Bill ShanderBill Shander, author of Stakeholder Whispering, explains how to shift from reactive execution to strategic partnership by uncovering what stakeholders actually need before starting work. He shares the Socratic method for guiding conversations without creating defensiveness, why bringing external expertise (not just creative talent) builds credibility with business stakeholders, and what CMOs can implement tomorrow to build cultures where strategic thinking becomes the default.About the GuestBill Shander has spent 30 years bridging the gap between creative work and business strategy, specializing in data visualization and storytelling. He teaches organizations like...
2026-02-2426 min
Speaking and Communicating PodcastHow to Communicate With Stakeholders: Stakeholder Whispering w/ Bill ShanderHow do you become your stakeholders' whisperer?Your data is talking, but is anyone listening?Meet Bill Shander!Bill is an Author, Speaker, LinkedIn Learning Instructor, Data Storytelling workshop leader and Stakeholder Whisperer.With 30 years of experience in information design, data storytelling, and data visualization, he helps clients and learners communicate effectively with their audiences through engaging and insightful visual experiences. Bill teaches teams and individuals how to transform data into compelling visuals, engaging narratives, and actionable insights — so they can cut through the noise, grab attention, and drive re...
2026-02-1731 min
Leveraging LeadershipClarifying Requests: A Guide to Effective Stakeholder ConversationsBill Shander explains how understanding what stakeholders really need leads to better results at work, especially for roles like Chief of Staff. He shares stories about clients asking for things like blue buttons or “ballets of data,” and how asking smart questions gets everyone on the same page. The episode covers common mistakes people make when jumping too quickly into requests and why techniques like the Socratic method work for clarifying goals.Links Mentioned:Bill Shander’s WebsiteConnect with Bill Shander on LinkedInBill Shander’s Book: Stakeholder Whispering
2026-02-1634 min
The Geek WithinEp250: Bill Shander🎙️ In Episode #250 of The Geek Within, my guest is Today's guest is Bill Shander. He is an author, speaker, LinkedIn Learning Instructor, and data storytelling workshop leader. His expertise is in information design, data storytelling, visualization, and creativity. Check out his book, Stakeholder Whispering, uncover what people need before doing what they ask.🔗 You can engage Bill here:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/billshander/Book - https://a.co/d/1zfyyNrLinkedIn Learning Course - https://www.linkedin.com/learning/stakeholder-whispering-uncovering-real-needs-for-better-aligned-strategy/the-importance-of-stakeholder-management
2026-02-1123 min
Choose Your PerspectiveBill Shander The Stakeholder Whisperer: Empathy, Data & the Art of Guiding DecisionsFrom Ski Bum to Stakeholder Whispering AuthorHow Journalism Shaped Bill's Data PerspectiveLearning to Delegate and Trust as a LeaderEmpathy and Storytelling in Complex Sales CyclesGuiding Stakeholders to Their Own SolutionsThe Unique Value of Human Connection in an AI WorldThe Dance of Questions for Lasting Customer RelationshipsConnecting Data Security to Business Value at Salesforce
2026-02-0952 min
Consulting SpotlightData Storytelling and VisualizationIn this episode, Michael Bernzweig hosts Bill Shander, an information designer and founder of Beehive Media, who discusses the importance of understanding stakeholder needs beyond their initial requests. Bill introduces the concept of 'stakeholder whispering,' a method to uncover true needs using behavioral science and the Socratic method. He shares his journey from journalism to data visualization and emphasizes the significance of focusing on user experience over features. The conversation highlights the role of fast and slow thinking in decision-making and the value of asking the right questions to guide stakeholders to better solutions.Takeaways...
2026-01-1850 min
The Digital Leader ShowThe Art of Stakeholder WhisperingOn this episode of The Digital Leader Show we are discussing the art of stakeholder whispering…PLUS, headlines for digital leaders from the world of enterprise technology.
About the Show: During each episode we explore some of the key issues defining our ongoing transformation into digital enterprises, including automation, AI & digital transformation. Join us for a unique, unfiltered discussion at the intersection of technology and business, helping you to become a better Digital Leader. We are live Wednesdays at Noon ET/9am PT.
About the speakers: Bill Sh...
2025-12-0447 min
The Digital Leader ShowThe Art of Stakeholder Whispering 📱On this episode of The Digital Leader Show we are discussing the art of stakeholder whispering…PLUS, headlines for digital leaders from the world of enterprise technology.
About the Show: During each episode we explore some of the key issues defining our ongoing transformation into digital enterprises, including automation, AI & digital transformation. Join us for a unique, unfiltered discussion at the intersection of technology and business, helping you to become a better Digital Leader. We are live Wednesdays at Noon ET/9am PT.
About the speakers: Bill Sh...
2025-12-0452 min
Become a Design ThinkerUncover What People Need | Bill ShanderBill Shander is an author, educator, and information designer. His courses in data storytelling, information design, and data visualization are on LinkedIn Learning and workshops around the world. He is a keynote speaker and has lectured for graduate and undergraduate students and staff at Harvard, Northeastern, Stanford, and more. In this interview, we have a conversation around his book, Stakeholder Whispering: Uncover What People Need Before Doing What They Ask, published earlier this year.There are many good insights we can gain from the conversation about how we can listen to people empathically....
2025-11-1437 min
Book 101 ReviewBook 101 Review, in its fifth season, features Bill Shander, an author, educator, and information designer, as my guest sharing insights on transforming complex ideas into clear, engaging stories through data and design.Bill ShanderAuthor of "Stakeholder Whispering", LinkedIn Learning Instructor (2M+ students), Information DesignerBill Shander is an author, educator, and information designer, helping clients turn their data into compelling visual and often interactive experiences. He teaches data storytelling, information design and data visualization on LinkedIn Learning (2M+ learners reached!), and in workshops around the world. He is a keynote speaker and has lectured for graduate and undergraduate students and staff at Harvard, Northeastern, Stanford, and more. His first book, Stakeholder Whispering, was published by Wiley earlier this year.See Privacy...
2025-11-1124 min
A New Direction5 Secrets Getting to Others Deep NeedHelp Others Find What They Don’t Know What Their Needs Are
Join me on A New Direction as I sit down with Bill Shander, author of Stakeholder Whispering: Uncover What People Need Before Doing What They Ask. Bill’s premise is bold and true: most customers, clients, and bosses don’t actually know what they need; they only know what feels familiar enough to ask for. Our job isn’t to take the order—it’s to uncover the real needs with empathy, curiosity, and skill. That’s the heart of Stakeholder Whispering, and that’s exactly where we...
2025-10-1658 min
Podcast – Jay Izso5 Secrets Getting to Others Deep NeedHelp Others Find What They Don’t Know What Their Needs Are
Join me on A New Direction as I sit down with Bill Shander, author of Stakeholder Whispering: Uncover What People Need Before Doing What They Ask. Bill’s premise is bold and true: most customers, clients, and bosses don’t actually know what they need; they only know what feels familiar enough to ask for. Our job isn’t to take the order—it’s to uncover the real needs with empathy, curiosity, and skill. That’s the heart of Stakeholder Whispering, and that’s exactly where we...
2025-10-1658 min
Data Viz Today98: How to Hold Your Own in Stakeholder Discussions (even as a novice) — Featuring Bill ShanderIn this episode, I'm joined by Bill Shander to talk about how to hold your own in stakeholder discussions in dataviz projects, even if you're just starting out. He shares practical techniques from his new book Stakeholder Whispering, including how to build credibility, ask better questions, and stay grounded when opinions fly. If you've ever felt overwhelmed in a stakeholder meeting, this one's for you. Let's go! Show notes: https://dataviztoday.com/shownotes/98
2025-09-3031 min
Accelerate Your Business GrowthStakeholder WhisperingWelcome to another insightful episode of Accelerate Your Business Growth! Today, host Diane Helbig is joined by Bill Shander, a world-class listener and author of the new book, Stakeholder Whispering: Uncover What People Need Before Doing What They Ask. Bill shares his expertise on the importance of not taking tasks at face value, the art of asking the right questions, and how to truly understand what stakeholders need—even when they aren’t sure themselves.
In this episode, Bill details why simply following instructions isn’t enough in today’s fast-paced work environment. Instead, he advocates for a though...
2025-09-1810 min
Build a Vibrant Culture PodcastStakeholder Whispering: Slowing Down to Speed Up with Bill ShanderWhat if the secret to better leadership wasn’t doing exactly what’s asked—but uncovering what’s really needed? In this episode of the Build a Vibrant Culture podcast, Nicole Greer welcomes Bill Shander, author of Stakeholder Whispering, educator, and data storytelling expert. Bill reveals how leaders can shift from reactive execution to strategic impact by slowing down, asking the right questions, and uncovering hidden needs. Together, Nicole and Bill dive into the power of fast vs. slow thinking, the Socratic method, and the role of empathy and curiosity in building trust. You’ll learn practical tools like the Five W...
2025-08-2754 min
Transform Your WorkplaceWhat Do People Really Need From You at Work with Bill ShanderBill Shander discusses "stakeholder whispering" - the practice of uncovering what people truly need rather than simply executing their requests. Drawing parallels to horse whispering, he emphasizes using questions, empathy, and slow thinking to guide stakeholders toward identifying their real problems, ultimately creating better outcomes for everyone involved. TAKEAWAYS Question before executing - Don't just say "yes" to requests; use the Socratic method to help stakeholders discover their actual underlying needs through thoughtful questioning Combat fast thinking - Recognize that people (including ourselves) operate on instinct and assumptions; deliberately slow down to engage in critical thinking...
2025-08-1539 min
Office Hours with David MeltzerBill Shander, Victor Cho, Greg Nathan | Office Hours #762Bill Shander
Bill Shander, a Denver native, discovered early in life the power of listening—growing up with two older sisters taught him how to ask the right questions and truly hear what others are saying. Today, he's a sought-after consultant known for his deep listening skills and his ability to help clients identify their real challenges before crafting strategic solutions. With a passion for problem-solving, Bill believes that asking the right questions is essential to uncovering what truly matters. As an expert in information design, Bill transforms complex data into engaging, often interactive visuals for top-tier cl...
2025-07-3136 min
Everything Thought LeadershipETL – Asking Stakeholders the Difficult Questions – Information Designer Bill ShanderIt can feel tempting to avoid questioning a thought leader's vision when you're the professional executing on their value offering. But that fear of confrontation can lead to bigger problems if you don't discover what the thought leader actually needs from the get-go.
Enter Bill Shander, information designer and author of "Stakeholder Whispering," a new book on how to work with stakeholders to uncover and deliver the products and services they actually need, not think they need.
On this episode of Everything Thought Leadership, Bill talks about the main ideas within the book: using the Socratic method to ask important...
2025-07-3042 min
The Duct Tape Marketing PodcastHelping Stakeholders Help ThemselvesBill Shander is a data communication expert, renowned information designer, and founder of Beehive Media. With over 25 years of experience working with top-tier organizations like the United Nations, World Bank, and Deloitte, Bill helps professionals transform complex data into clear, compelling narratives. In this episode, he unpacks his latest book, *Stakeholder Whispering: Uncover What People Need Before Doing What They Ask*, sharing powerful insights on how to lead with questions, not just actions. If you want to elevate your communication skills, build trust faster, and stop being just an “order taker,” this conversation is a must-listen. 00:00 Introduction
2025-07-1723 min
Your Intended MessageVisual Thinking to Communicate with Clarity: Bill ShanderHow to Ask Better Questions Without Saying "Why?"
Stakeholder Whispering: Secret to Better Communication
Episode 262 (Bill is based in New Mexico)
In this conversation with Bill Shander we explore:
How to uncover what your stakeholders really need—beyond what they ask for
Why your first idea is often just an automated response
How to apply the Socratic method to guide people toward their own insight
Why asking “why” directly can feel hostile, and what to say instead
The power of “chunky segmentation” to clarify vague communication
How to b...
2025-06-1933 min
Value Driven Data Science: Boost your impact. Earn what you’re worth. Rewrite your career algorithm.Episode 65: [Value Boost] How to Upgrade Your Data Visuals Without Design TrainingEven the most brilliant data analysis can fall flat when presented with poor visualisations. Many data scientists simply use default charts from their analysis software, missing the opportunity to create compelling visuals that drive understanding and decision-making.In this Value Boost episode, Bill Shander joins Dr. Genevieve Hayes to share the design principles that can transform technical charts into powerful communication tools - even for those without formal design training.This quick-hit episode reveals:Why default visualisation settings in most software undermine effective communication [02:03]The research-backed "preattentive response" principle that determines whether your visualisation...
2025-05-2813 minValue Driven Data Science: Boost your impact. Earn what you’re worth. Rewrite your career algorithm.Episode 64: Stop Being a Data Waiter and Start Stakeholder WhisperingData scientists can often find themselves in a frustrating cycle - meticulously executing stakeholder requests only to discover what they delivered isn't what was actually needed. The disconnect between what stakeholders ask for and what truly solves their problems can derail projects and limit advancement of your career.In this episode, Bill Shander joins Dr. Genevieve Hayes to reveal the "Stakeholder Whispering" approach from his new book - a methodology that transforms technical experts from order-takers into strategic partners who uncover and address true business needs.This conversation reveals:Why stakeholders struggle to articulate...
2025-05-2125 min
Rattle & Pedal: B2B Marketing PodcastWhy People Don’t Understand Data and What to Do About It with Bill ShanderData visualiation expert Bill Shander joins the show to talk about why people don’t understand data, how to increase the data literacy of your teams, and how to shape a compelling POV using data.
The post Why People Don’t Understand Data and What to Do About It with Bill Shander appeared first on Rattle and Pedal.
2024-10-2547 min
The Kirk Minihane ShowI Love NetflixMike Mutnansky and John Peltier are in studio. (03:10) Mut admits to having chemistry issues with his co-host. Dave thinks he has low-T. Peltz has moved in with Joanne. (07:10) Justin and Bear will be in attendance for the Sports Book Live show for the rest of the season and blows the whistle on some shady nonsense surrounding a Patriots tickets raffle. Justin defends his grilling performance at the Patriots tailgate over the weekend. (17:30) Someone tried to assassinate President Trump, again. Was Barbara Bush America’s matriarch? (21:30) Joe Castiglione announces his retirement. Rob Bradford and Dave Portnoy weigh in. (37:00) Kirk gives hi...
2024-09-172h 21
The Gambler With Adam KaufmanBill Belichick's Patriots Future, Chiefs Predictions, Thursday Night Football Best BetsDecember 13, 2023: Host Adam Kaufman (Twitter @adammkaufman) is joined by Dan Watkins (@danwatkinsradio) and guests Karen Guregian (@kguregian) from MassLive, 610 Sports Radio's Carrington Harrison (@cdotharrison), and Eytan Shander (@shandershow) of OddsShopper. Have you heard Bill Belichick's out at the end of the Patriots season? Sure, ya have. But, is it true? Could anything change Robert Kraft's mind? We explore with Guregian, and preview this weekend's showdown with the Chiefs in Foxborough. Harrison has the Taylor Swift updates you need. Plus, Thursday Night Football projects to be ugly between the Chargers and Raiders. So, what's the right way to bet it?
2023-12-131h 19
Communicating Confidently With Jessica ChenCommunications and Data Storytelling with Bill ShanderReady to be a confident communicator? Go to https://bit.ly/3CEniFK to work with Jessica Chen on your communications every month!
If you use data in your everyday work, this episode is for you! Join Jessica Chen, Founder & CEO of Soulcast Media, as she chats with data storytelling expert at Beehive Media,
Bill Shander.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- how to communicate data in an exciting and compelling way
- storytelling to help your audience visualize your message
- creative strategies to help your audience think...
2022-08-3149 min
Everything Thought LeadershipBill Shander: Data Viz WhizRobert Buday talks with Bill Shander in the third episode of the Everything Thought Leadership video & podcast series. Bill is a leading expert on data visualization, information design, data storytelling and more who has taught workshops around the world. He is also a board member of the Data Visualization Society.
2022-03-0954 min
What Are The Odds? w/ Eytan ShanderWhat Are The Odds? 7/6Eytan Shander is back! He looks at the NBA Finals Game 1, Phillies, and more.Bill Herenda joins Eytan in the second hour.
2021-07-071h 37
The Employee Cycle Podcast for HR LeadersBill Shander – Founder/CEO of Beehive Media (Data Storytelling and Data Visualization)Describe what you do in one sentence: Information design and data visualization. What you’ll learn from this episode: – Why
2016-12-1048 min