#22 - The Danger of Trusting Numbers

#22 - The Danger of Trusting Numbers

From Data Voyagers Podcast by DataVoyagers

February 16, 2026 · 49 min · Episode 22

About this episode

This episode explores the dangers of trusting numbers too easily and the fallacies in data interpretation.

Numbers feel precise. Clean. Objective. They sit on dashboards with confidence, backed by charts, models, and carefully defined metrics. But what if the danger is not bad data, but trusting numbers too easily? What if filters reshape reality, samples distort conclusions, and metrics quietly become targets instead of signals? Presented by Qlik Partner Ambassador and Qlik MVP Igor Alcantara, and Qlik Partner Ambassador and Qlik Education Ambassador Angelika Klidas, this is the part 2 about the many fallacies in data. This episode explores how selection bias, regression to the mean, KPI worship, and Goodhart’s Law reveal a deeper truth: data does not remove uncertainty. It only reduces ignorance. And unless we question what numbers represent, we risk mistaking measurement for understanding. Subscribe to the Data Voyagers Podcast wherever you get your podcasts and share the show with friends and colleagues. Visit our website: https://www.datavoyagers.net/ Learn more about our AI Training: https://www.datavoyagers.net/training Links Mentioned You can buy Angelika Klidas book at: https://www.amazon.com/Data-Literacy-Practice-decisions-intelligent/dp/1803246758 You can buy Igor's book…

People in this episode

Hosts: Igor Alcantara, Angelika Klidas

Topics covered

  • data fallacies
  • selection bias
  • regression to the mean
  • KPI worship
  • Goodhart’s Law

Keywords

  • data
  • metrics
  • uncertainty
  • ignorance

Sponsors

IPC Global

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Angelika Klidas book, Igor's book

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