Every financial data, be it balance sheet or your profit & loss account should be presented in a way, as simple as it can be, that it tells a reader a story. I prefer using BI tools and dashboards combined with real life examples and studies. Visual aid is one of the key but story telling part is something that changes everything even a simple excel statement with a good story would do the job.

Interesting topic, I like to translate it into a story. When I see a balance sheet I want to know what the numbers represent with visuals. Every person has a balance sheet, Assets = Cash, your stuff, house, car, investments. Liabilities = Mortgage, loans, credit cards. Equity = Assets - Liabilities. It’s how much your worth.

By adhering to established guidelines, it is crucial to emphasize that each number holds a distinct context and narrative that demands listening, comprehension, and emotional resonance within the creative mind. Incorporating familiar and relatable creative characters can facilitate this process.

In finance we need to be storytellers. Translate the company's figures in a simple way so that any layperson can understand them quickly. I recommend using tools such as BI and dashboards for greater convenience, accompanied by a weekly reading manual. But more important than all above is to make sure the team understands the context behind. So they can be part of the story.

Focus on storytelling: connect the numbers to real-world impacts, use visuals for key insights, and translate jargon into relatable terms. Financial data becomes powerful when it feels relevant and clear.

One thing I always find helpful is I explained to them what we own (asset) and what we owe (liability) , any surplus is our benefits (equity)

Creative teams understands what we do as in products and services . So it’s easier to relate it to products and services offered and received . Example - Asset are Loans for banks , Liabilities are deposit. It should touch upon the story : message we want to portray . As in, how these translates to actual (social )value creation .

A break down in the form of notes to the Balance Sheet has the potential of making the creative team to understand what the Balance sheet seeks to present in respect of the resources the company has and how it is utilised, that is, it being categorised under; Assets(resources owned by the entity to generate revenue for the entity), Equity(the capital invested by the entity's shareholders(providers of capital to an entity) and Liabilities (resources owed external parties as a result of past commitments that requires settlement of an obligation).

Making financial data accessible to a creative team is crucial for informed decision-making. Here are some strategies: 1. Narrative Approach: Turn numbers into a story, showing how financial outcomes impact projects, like increased profit enabling more resources. Especially useful for creatives. 2. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Focus on metrics relevant to the team, such as revenue growth or budget efficiency, to show their impact. 3. Interactive Dashboards: Use real-time, visual dashboards to make data engaging and easy to explore. 4. Workshops & Q&A Sessions: Hold financial literacy sessions and encourage questions for better understanding. These methods empower the team to think strategically. How do you engage yours?

To help my creative team understand the Balance Sheet, I take an engaging and practical approach. I involve them as active observers of the entire transaction process, allowing them to see how every activity impacts the Balance Sheet. This helps them connect the dots and see the bigger picture. I also emphasize the importance of accurate figures, explaining how they influence decision-making for stakeholders like shareholders and investors. This creates a sense of responsibility and motivates the team to pay extra attention. To make it easier, I use visual tools like flow charts and diagrams to map out how specific activities affect corresponding figures on the Balance Sheet, simplifying complex relationships.