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Skillwave Training
@skillwave.training
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Your #1 resource for online training on Power BI, Power Query, Power Pivot, and Excel. View our course catalog at skillwave.training/learn
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skillwave.training
#PowerQuery allows you to master you data in #PowerBI and #Excel, so you can automate your #DataCleaning 🧹 and #BusinessIntelligence processes. We help people in finance, sales, data analytics, and business owners just like you - so you don’t have to learn it on your own. 🦾 Go to skw-t.com/pqacademy
Now you can master data cleaning an transformation (Database icon with a broom sweeping the top) (Skillwave Training logo)
January 30, 2026 at 6:05 PM
skillwave.training
In an AKA session, someone asked how to apply our #PowerQuery Approximate Match pattern to date with 2 criteria.
@excleguru.ca showed how to adapt to make it work with multiple criteria, showing how to stop thinking in terms of single-key lookups and start thinking in business logic combinations. 🧵
When One Column Isn’t Enough to Find the Right Match Q: How can you make our Power Query Approximate Match pattern work when your data has multiple criteria? A: Stop thinking in terms of single-key lookups and start thinking in business logic combinations. Instead of forcing fragile formulas or stacking lookups, try leveraging ranges, thresholds, and multiple attributes (Screenshot of 2 tables. The one on the left is titled Salaries with columns for Employee, Age, Category, and Salary, and the Category and Salary of 2 employees highlighted. The table on the right is titled Salary Grid with columns for Step/Category, III, IV, and V, and the corresponding step and salary rate for the 2 employees are highlighted.) (Skillwave Training logo
January 28, 2026 at 5:18 PM
skillwave.training
Our latest newsletter is hitting inboxes right now! 📧
If you'd like to stay up-to-date on what's new in #PowerBI and #Excel, content from our experts, and information on courses, events, and promotions, sign up at skw-t.com/news. We'll also send you our free eBook, Magic Tricks for Data Wizards. 🧙📘
News from the Data Monkey Brought to you by Excelguru and Skillwave Training (Image of a cyborg monkey in a superhero style squat) January 27, 2026 In This Issue: - New DAX Measure vs Power Query Column Video - From the AKA Sessions - What's New in Power BI - Latest Meet-up Recording and Next Event Information - Upcoming Courses and Conferences - Available Training Options We are excited to see that nominations for the 2026 Global Excel Awards is now open! Returning for its second edition, the Global Excel Awards gives you the chance to vote for those you believe most deserve recognition, with five categories up for grabs. Ken was very proud last year that his Monkey Tools Excel add-in was a finalist for the Best Excel Add-in category. And this year also includes a new category for Training Provider of the Year.
January 27, 2026 at 5:49 PM
skillwave.training
Nothing better than hearing from happy students! 🥰
@excelguru.ca's #SelfServiceBI Academy is premium, self-paced training crafted for business professionals who demand excellence in #DataAnalytics using #Excel and #PowerBI. Plus, get live coaching and support! Enroll today at skw-t.com/ssbi
Revolutionize your company’s reporting game forever! “The course is well-structured and concepts build on top of each other. I really learned a lot of new techniques, from the data imports to publishing reports in Power BI Service. Concepts are very clearly explained. Anybody looking to upskill their Power BI and Power Query will learn a ton.” Mamadou Baldeh (5 stars) Self Service BI Academy for Excel and Power BI (Caricature of Ken Puls) Developed and delivered by Microsoft MVP and Chartered Professional Accountant, Ken Puls (Skillwave Training logo)
January 23, 2026 at 5:33 PM
skillwave.training
In our 1st AKA call of the year, @excelguru.ca shared a great teaching moment sparked by a performance issue someone had while detecting price changes in #PowerQuery. A clever-looking index -1 trick to compare rows seemed to work… until it didn’t. Slow previews. Frozen #Excel. Non-responsive loads.🧵
The ‘Clever’ Power Query Trick That Kills Performance A clever-looking index minus one trick to compare rows seemed to work in a student’s solution… until it didn’t. Ken Puls explained what caused the performance issue and provided some faster alternatives. Sometimes writing code is worse than using built-in tools. (Screenshot of the Power Query Editor with the Custom Column dialog open. The Index -1 formula in the Custom Formula box is highlighted with "Never do this!!!") (Skillwave Training logo)
January 20, 2026 at 6:06 PM
skillwave.training
The more you learn, the more you earn! Kickstart your #DataAnalytics career with our #Excel and #PowerBI training. Our expert trainers will teach you how to get the most from your data, automate processes, and make better business decisions. Check out our course catalog at skillwave.training/learn/
Learning = Power (Line drawing of a brain with a circle in the middle containing a lightening bolt) (Skillwave Training logo)
January 19, 2026 at 5:16 PM
skillwave.training
Woot woot! Another 5 ⭐ for our flagship course, #PowerQuery Academy!
We'll help you unlock the true power of your data in #Excel and #PowerBI! Say goodbye to hours of manual #DataManipulation and hello to quick #DataInsights and informed decisions. Join now to make data work for you: skw-t.com/pqa
January 16, 2026 at 5:04 PM
skillwave.training
In a previous AKA session, one attendee asked a question that opened the floodgates: “Is there a reliable way to automate data coming from PDF bank statements?”
@excelguru.ca didn’t rush to show a clever trick. 🙅‍♂️ Instead, he slowed things down and explained why PDFs fundamentally fight automation. 🧵
When Automation Isn’t the Answer (and That’s Okay) A student asked if there is a reliable way to automate data from monthly PDF statements. Ken explained that PDFs fight automation at a fundamental level. They’re visual layouts, not structured data, so what works one month can quietly fail the next. (PDF icon inside a circle with a line through it) Takeaway: Expertise isn’t just about knowing how to automate, but knowing when not to. (Skillwave Training logo)
January 14, 2026 at 5:22 PM
skillwave.training
Our first newsletter of the New Year has been sent, containing the latest expert content and information on courses, events, and more! 📬
If you're not subscribed, sign up today at skw-t.com/news and we'll send your our free #PowerQuery eBook, "Magic Tricks for Data Wizards". 📗
News from the Data Monkey Brought to you by Excelguru and Skillwave (Image of a cyborg monkey in a superhero style crouch) January 13, 2026 In This Issue: - New Forecasting Dynamically from Data Model Video - From the AKA Sessions - What's New in Excel - Meet-up Event Information - Upcoming Courses and Conferences - Available Training Options Wow, the first newsletter of the New Year - we're still trying to get used to writing 2026 instead of 2025! The Skillwave and Excelguru teams are getting back into the swing of things after a bit of a break in December, and Ken is busy working on more new YouTube videos (like the one featured below), hosting our Vancouver Power BI and Modern Excel Meet-ups, welcoming new students to his premium coached courses, and gearing up for group training sessions and conferences through to the spring. We're looking forward to another great year!
January 13, 2026 at 5:25 PM
skillwave.training
Students looking to taking their #DAX skills to the next level love our Demystifying DAX course! ✨
This advanced training will help you become self-sufficient with your #DataModeling capabilities using DAX in #PowerBI Desktop, #PowerPivot for #Excel, and/or #SSASTabular. Go to skw-t.com/demystifydax
Testimonial "I liked that the instructor explained the thought process for writing DAX. He also provided methods to break down the problem, and then connected it to DAX language for solving it." F.F. (5 stars) Demystifying DAX - Intermediate to Advanced (Caricature of Matt Allington) Developed and delivered by reknown DAX expert and best-selling author, Matt Allington (Skillwave Training logo) skillwave.training
January 9, 2026 at 5:44 PM
skillwave.training
Recently, @excelguru.ca walked at student through a #PowerQuery solution to:
✅Extract the correct year from a header
✅Isolate it as its own value
✅Merge it back into the transaction data before converting everything into proper dates.
The result? Accurate timelines without manual #DataCleanup. 🧵
What do you do when the data is “technically there”... but still wrong? (Image of a woman sitting at a desk holding a pen with her head in her hands) (Skillwave Training logo)
January 6, 2026 at 5:46 PM
skillwave.training
If your goal this year is to become a better #DataAnalyst and up your #BusinessIntelligence game, Skillwave Training has you covered! 👊
Our courses are created by the best instructors in the business, who have real-world experience and business knowledge. View our catalog: skillwave.training/learn
January 5, 2026 at 5:06 PM
skillwave.training
In our last Ask Ken Anything (AKA) session, a student asked the question that always follows a great #Excel or #PowerBI report: “Okay… but how do I update this every month without breaking it?” 😬

Ken Puls broke the answer into three real-world update strategies using #PowerQuery. 🧵
Three Ways to Update Data (and When Each One Wins) A student had built a great report but then asked, “How do I update this every month without breaking it?” Ken Puls broke the answer into three real-world update strategies using Power Query: 1. Overwrite a cumulative file 2. Manually appending monthly files 3. Loading from a folder (the fan-favorite) Takeaway: There’s no single “best” method, each option makes sense depending on consistency, human input, and reporting needs. (Skillwave Training logo)
January 2, 2026 at 5:36 PM
skillwave.training
The last newsletter of the year has just gone out! 📬
Subscribe today to stay up-to-date on the latest content from our experts, what's new in #Excel and #PowerBI, and information on courses, events, and promotions. You'll also get our free #PowerQuery eBook.
👉Go to skw-t.com/news
News from the Data Monkey Brought to you by Excelguru and Skillwave (Image of a cyborg monkey in a superhero-type crouch) December 30, 2025 In This Issue: - New Pivot Consistency Video - From the AKA Sessions - What's New in Power BI - Meet-up Event Information - Upcoming Courses and Conferences - Available Training Options With the New Year just around the corner, we wanted to take a moment to send a heartfelt "thank you" to YOU! We are so very grateful to everyone who reads our newsletters and articles, enrolls in courses, and follows us on our social channels, because without you all, neither Skillwave nor Excelguru would be here. 2025 has been a busy and productive year, and we're looking forward to 2026. Wishing everyone the best for a productive and prosperous New Year!
December 30, 2025 at 5:29 PM
skillwave.training
In our last Ask Ken Anything (AKA) session of the year, an attendee raised a deceptively simple question: “Why does Excel keep calling my column ‘Sum of Amount’ and can I stop it?” 😩
@excelguru.ca explained how #Excel automatically assigns aggregations when numeric fields hit a #PivotTable. 🧵
December 23, 2025 at 5:06 PM
skillwave.training
There's nothing better than hearing from happy students! 😁
Our #DataVisualization course will help you present data in a clear, engaging, and meaningful way. Gain all the fundamental skills to create better, more effective graphs, charts, and diagrams in #Excel and #PowerBI. Go to skw-t.com/dataviz
December 22, 2025 at 5:31 PM
skillwave.training
In the last AKA session, one of our students asked a question many #Excel users quietly struggle with: “Why is my #PivotTable giving me weird blanks and not calculating month-over-month changes properly?”

@excelguru.ca immediately spotted the red flag. 🚩
🧵
When a PivotTable “Just Feels Wrong” A student asked Ken Puls why their PivotTable was giving weird blanks and not calculating month-over-month changes properly. Instead of jumping straight to formulas, Ken walked through why data normalization matters and how to calculate month-over-month changes using “Show Values As → Difference From.” Takeaway: Most pivot problems aren’t formula problems – they’re data structure problems. (Skillwave Training logo)
December 17, 2025 at 5:04 PM
skillwave.training
If you're a newsletter subscriber, the new edition should be in your inbox! 📬
Not subscribed? Sign up today at skw-t.com/news to get the latest content from our experts, what’s new in #Excel and #PowerBI, info on courses, events, promos, and more! We'll also send you our free #PowerQuery eBook.
December 16, 2025 at 5:37 PM
skillwave.training
Woo hoo, another 5⭐️ review for @excelguru.ca's #SelfServiceBI Academy!

This premium, self-paced training is crafted for business professionals who demand excellence in #DataAnalytics using #Excel and #PowerBI. Get started today at skw-t.com/ssbi
Revolutionize your company’s reporting game forever! "The Self Service BI Academy is highly structured and straight to the point. Every lesson is practical, clear, and immediately useful—perfect for busy professionals. Honestly, if this course had existed ten years ago, it would have saved me a huge amount of time and effort. It’s exactly the kind of BI training I wish I had at the start of my Self Service BI journey." R.R. (5 stars) Self Service BI Academy (Caricature of Ken Puls) Developed and delivered by Microsoft MVP and Chartered Professional Accountant, Ken Puls (Skillwave Training logo)
December 12, 2025 at 5:51 PM
skillwave.training
In a recent AKA session, one attendee asked how to replicate #PowerBI-style colour grading inside a single #Excel PivotTable – without needing a second helper pivot to drive the colour rules. @excelguru.ca built a clever workaround:
1️⃣ Convert the colour logic measure into numeric values (0–3). 🧵
One Pivot Table, Four Colours, Zero Headaches In a recent Ask Ken Anything call, Ken Puls helped a student replicate Power BI-style colour grading inside a single Excel PivotTable using a hidden helper column and conditional formatting. (Screenshot of a PivotTable with the data highlighted in red, gold, light green, or dark green) (Skillwave Training logo)
December 10, 2025 at 5:17 PM
skillwave.training
🚨This is your LAST CHANCE to take advantage of our Cyber Week deal! If you’re ready to continue your journey as a skilled data professional, you have 1 day left to save 25% on all our training and eBooks. Just use this code at checkout: 2025CYBER

Don’t miss out, go right now to skw-t.com/cw25
December 5, 2025 at 5:07 PM
skillwave.training
Tired of boring data presentations? 🙅 Our #DataVisualization course by Jon Schwabish, @excelguru.ca and Matt Allington. will teach you how to create captivating graphs and charts in #Excel and #PowerBI to communicate more effectively!
Enroll with code 2025CYBER to save 25%: skw-t.com/cw25-dv
December 4, 2025 at 8:59 PM
skillwave.training
🔑 #DimensionalModeling is the key to unlocking the power of #DataAnalytics in #Excel and #PowerBI. Learn how to design and optimize your #BusinessIntelligence models to make them more stable and scalable through our on-demand training. 🖥️

Register with code 2025CYBER to save 25%: skw-t.com/cw25-dm
December 3, 2025 at 5:15 PM
skillwave.training
Become an #Excel guru with @excelguru.ca’s Excel Fundamentals Academy! 🌟 From basic formulas to automated #DataCleaning to advanced #DataAnalytics, we've got you covered. Take the plunge into the world of #ExcelMastery! 💪

Join us today and save 25% by using code 2025CYBER: skw-t.com/cw25-xlf
December 2, 2025 at 6:03 PM
skillwave.training
Dive deep into the world of data insights with Demystifying DAX Online. Learn advanced #DAX concepts with this hands-on, guided training by #PowerBI expert Matt Allington. Enhance your #DataModeling skills and elevate your career! 🚀
Register with code 2025CYBER to save 25%: skw-t.com/cw25-dax
December 1, 2025 at 9:41 PM