I’ve got exciting news!

In February 2025, I’ll be back at the Excel Summit in London, and I’d love for you to join me.

Last year, being there in person was something else.

The sessions were great, but what I loved most was meeting people face-to-face. That’s what made it unforgettable. The energy, the connections - you just don’t get that online. I’m really excited to experience it all again, and I hope to see you there!

• 📅 When? February 4-6, 2025
• 📍 Where? Soho Place Theatre, London (UK)

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📊 A Cool Chart Trick

At last year's Summit, my Excel MVP friend, Chandoo, shared a great chart trick that I think you'll like!

He showed us how we can use the IMAGE function to create a type of chart.

Let’s say you’re comparing website traffic on different days.

Instead of using plain numbers, you can display images that change size based on the data.

It’s a quick way to make your charts stand out.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Choose a simple image that's hosted online.
2. Use the IMAGE formula to set the image size based on your data.

Example:

=IMAGE(URL_source,,3, [height], [width])

(replace [height] and [width] with the values)

And that’s it!

The images will automatically resize depending on the values, giving you an easy visual comparison of your data.

It’s a creative twist that makes your charts more engaging and easier to read.

Find out more about the IMAGE function - now generally available to all Microsoft 365 users - in our blog post. (It also covers how to insert images inside cells from the Excel menu).

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Upcoming Event in Austria

I'll be speaking at Controlling Insights Steyr on November 22nd.

There will be sessions on sustainability practices, Europe's geopolitical situation and AI tools for controllers (that's my session).

If you're working in controlling & finance in Austria, this is a great opportunity to learn and network.

You can read more about the event here. Hope to see you there!

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🤓 Geeky News

💻 Stream Windows to your phone or tablet

​Microsoft has launched the Windows App for Windows, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and web browsers. A public preview is available for Android users.

The app combines Windows services like Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Remote Desktop.

It offers a consistent experience across devices. It supports a multi-monitor setup and allows users to customize their home screens.

It’s especially useful for remote work, offering a security and productivity boost.

📝 Updates to the new Sticky Notes

The new Sticky Notes app has had some useful enhancements.

This one made me really happy!

What annoyed me the most about the old Sticky Notes is that it didn't stay on the screen when I worked in another app.

But now finally we can pin 📌 a note and it's always ON TOP!

This lets you work in another window without losing access to your note.

To pin your note, click on "pop out your note" and then select the pin icon.

The old Sticky Notes are still available. If you want to try the new features, look for the yellow and pink icon. 🙃

🌈 Tabs to navigate through a Google Doc with ease

​Google Docs is adding tabs to help organize longer documents.

Users can access tabs by clicking the bullet-point icon in the top-left corner.

The "Show tabs & outlines" feature opens a side panel with the structure of the document. There, you can add and manage multiple tabs and subtabs.

It supports up to three levels of nested subtabs, which can be customized with labels and emojis. Tabs make it easy to jump between sections without needing separate files.

Editors can rename, duplicate, move or delete tabs. Others can view them in suggestion mode. Users can also share links to specific tabs.

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👏 Power Stories

Speaking of chart wizards, it was a pleasure to meet Carlos Barboza in London earlier this year. His session at GES 2024 was fantastic.

He came as a fan, with a suitcase full of Excel textbooks for the many Excel gurus present to sign. Meanwhile, he's a well-deserving MVP in his own right.

It was a nice surprise to have him enroll in my Business Charts in Excel course.

He's already a data viz master. Do I have anything new to teach him?

I'll let him explain:

Thanks, Carlos, for the lovely feedback. Looking forward to seeing you again in London next year!

There's always more to learn. You can discover new approaches, untreaded paths, shortcuts and tricks.

I learn from other instructors, from fellow MVPs, and from my students. Keep an open mind and keep learning.

And the Global Excel Summit is a great opportunity to do just that. 😉

See you next week,

Leila

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