July 10, 2026 | 8:30am – 3:30pm
IN-PERSON SESSION – UMKC Bloch Executive Hall, 5108 Cherry Street, Kansas City, Missouri Room 414
In today’s organizations, data is everywhere—but clarity is not. Too often, strong analysis fails to drive action because it’s presented without a clear story, audience focus, or decision context. This interactive executive education session is designed to help professionals at all levels transform data into compelling narratives that influence decisions, align stakeholders, and move organizations forward.
Participants will learn a practical, repeatable framework for data storytelling—one that goes beyond charts and dashboards to focus on why the insight matters, who it matters to, and what should happen next. Through hands-on exercises, group discussions, real-world examples, and a few unexpected (and fun) moments, attendees will leave with tools they can immediately apply to presentations, executive readouts, and everyday business conversations.
What You Will Learn
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Understand the key components of a compelling data story
- Identify and tailor insights for different audiences (executives, peers, stakeholders)
- Simplify complex data with visuals that maintain credibility and engagement
- Structure and deliver clear, concise data driven narratives
- Collaborate with others to solve and communicate real-world business scenarios
About the Instructor
Travis Grunewald is a senior executive specializing in AI, analytics, data science, and pricing strategy, with over two decades of experience driving business value through data-centric innovation and transformation across industries including retail, CPG, manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and B2B. He’s built and scaled analytics functions from the ground up, championed enterprise-wide data strategies, and developed AI-driven tools that optimize everything from customer retention to sales performance. His work consistently focuses on bridging the gap between rigorous analysis and real-world business impact.
Travis held prior leadership roles at Hallmark, Deluxe, and H&R Block where he led high-impact work spanning pricing transformation, customer and marketing analytics, and advanced data science initiatives – delivering quantifiable value and supporting critical strategic outcomes. Across these roles, he developed a reputation for translating sophisticated analytics into narratives that leaders can understand, trust, and act on.
Currently, Travis is a VP at Solvenna, a boutique consulting firm where he partners with clients to improve decision-making and drive measurable change through data. In addition to consulting, he is an adjunct professor of Business Analytics and HR Analytics at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. He is also an Expert Network member with the International Institute for Analytics (IIA), helping elevate the conversation around analytics value and innovation across the industry.
Program Details
Location and Parking:
The sessions will be held at the UMKC Bloch Executive Hall, 5108 Cherry Street, Kansas City, Missouri. Parking details will be sent after registration.
Cancellation & Transfer Policy:
Seminar participants (or their organizational representative) should call or email Bloch Executive Education in order to change or cancel registrations. Cancellations made prior to 7 days from the seminar date are eligible for credit towards a future seminar but are ineligible for refund. Credit for future seminar is valid through the following seminar year. Seminar registrations may be transferred from one individual to another up to 7 days before any elected seminar. Cancellations made within 7 days from the seminar date are non-transferable and non-refundable. Bloch Executive Education reserves the right to make changes to the cancellation policy and transfer policy. The current policies will be posted on our website and will be observed regardless of previous policies or standards. “No-shows” are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
Photo and Video Release:
By attending the event, you are giving Bloch School of Management permission to use photos and videos from the workshop in future promotional materials.
Available Discount Programs
UMKC and Bloch Executive Education Alumni, Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS members, CX Central Exchange members, Saint Luke’s Health System employees, Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce members – you qualify for discounted seminar registration.
If any of the above categories apply to you, please contact us at umkcexeced@umkc.edu or 816-235-2892 to take advantage of discounted rates.
