Excel made a grand entrance in 1985, but it wasn’t long before it was seen as outdated. Year after year, there have been efforts to abolish Excel, with some analysts predicting its downfall.
However, like a phoenix from the ashes, Excel continues to grow and maintain its status as the universal language of finance. Today, it is being showcased in new and exciting ways, from TikTok channels, Reddit forums, and YouTube, to influencers earning six-figure salaries.
A new generation of influencers is using their storytelling skills to share tips, tricks, and insights, adding to Excel’s versatility, ease of use, and power. It remains a favorite of 70% of CFOs for critical tasks such as budgeting and forecasting.
So, who are the top Excel influencers of our time? And what can we learn from them? This list will introduce you to the most notable influencers in the Excel universe.
John Michaloudis
John is a three-time bestselling author of Excel books and the Chief Inspirational Officer and founder of MyExcelOnline.com, a platform dedicated to teaching professionals how to excel (no pun intended) at using Microsoft Excel. With almost 100k subscribers on his YouTube channel and recognition as a Microsoft MVP, John has a significant impact on financial analysts.
Kat Norton
Miss Excel,” aka Kat, is the embodiment of excellence and expertise in Excel. With over half a million followers on Instagram and almost 900k followers on TikTok, Kat is the go-to influencer for those looking for a fun and engaging way to learn Excel tips and tricks. With her love of dancing and “numbers karaoke,” she adds an entertaining element to her tutorials, making Excel learning a memorable experience for her followers.
Paul Barnhurst
Paul Barnhurst, also known as #theFPandAGuy, is a daily presence on LinkedIn, dispensing advice and insights to his following of FP&A professionals. He shares valuable information on a range of topics, including career success, industry trends, and updates on the latest advancements in Excel. As the host of the top FP&A podcast, FP&A Today, Paul is widely recognized as an authority in the field.
Danielle Stein Fairhurst
While Danielle may enjoy some time on Australia’s scenic beaches, most of her time is dedicated to Excel and financial modeling. With over 25K followers on LinkedIn, she is a leading voice in promoting female empowerment in finance. She is also the author of the comprehensive guide “Financial Modeling in Excel for Dummies,” which is a must-have for anyone in the finance field.
Oz du Soleil
Oz’s tutorials are renowned for their energetic and eye-catching style. After losing his job in 2008, he took on freelance work as an Excel developer and began teaching Excel workshops. He soon realized the significance of clean data, recognizing that “without clean data, there can be no dashboards, analysis, insights, or anything.” Consequently, Oz’s approach to data is centered on promoting data quality, literacy, and considering the impact of data management on those who rely on it.
Mynda Treacy
Mynda is an Excel enthusiast, as evident from her collection of clothing featuring the recognizable green symbol. With over 400K subscribers on her Youtube channel, Mynda is the go-to resource for anyone faced with the daunting task of organizing messy data into a comprehensive report.
Leila Gharani
Leila is a leading figure in the “Excel Universe”. With over 1.5 million subscribers on her YouTube channel and nearly 50,000 followers on LinkedIn, she produces comprehensive videos covering nearly every aspect of Excel. From insider tips and innovative tricks to in-depth tutorials on balance sheets, Leila offers it all. And let’s not forget her engaging cartoon soap operas about Excel!
Excel Reimagined
The term “influencer” might conjure up an image of an Instagram teen, perfect lives, or the CEO of a large startup company. But the rise of technology has created a new breed of influencers who have a significant impact on their audience through their expertise and knowledge in areas such as Excel. These influencers have become the go-to sources for individuals and organizations seeking guidance on how to effectively use the tool to streamline their work and make data-driven decisions.
