This article is part of our Learning Legends series, where top SAS trainers share their expertise and insights. Based on an exclusive interview with Simon Arnold, SAS Trainer, this edition highlights a valuable tip for SAS Enterprise Guide users.
For Simon, the excitement of teaching lies in the human connection.
“I much prefer to be in front of a classroom with people,” Simon says.
“Even if it means waking up early to head into London, I’m still excited to do it.”
Simon’s enthusiasm stems from building relationships with learners. “In the UK, we call it banter,” he explains. “Having a joke, a conversation, learning something about them, and them learning about you—it’s all part of creating a connection. Once you have that, teaching becomes a collaborative journey.”
This interaction isn’t just about delivering information; it’s about understanding the learners’ challenges and tailoring solutions to their needs. “It might sound corny, but helping someone solve a work problem—making their life just a little bit easier—that’s incredibly rewarding,” Simon shares.
🎬Learning Legend Tip | Simon Arnold
This short video walks you through a practical tip that will help you use SAS Enterprise Guide more efficiently. No long explanations – just straight to the point!
Saves time ⏳ – Speed up your tasks with smarter workflows.
Boosts productivity 🚀 – Get more done with less effort.
Easy to apply ✅ – Start using it immediately!
Despite his passion for in-person teaching, Simon acknowledges the growing trend of online education and the unique challenges it presents.
“Teaching online is like the difference between performing live on stage and doing radio,” he says. “You don’t see the immediate reactions, so you have to remind yourself that your audience is still there, engaged, and eager to learn.”
Another challenge Simon faces is staying mindful of what it’s like to learn something new. “After teaching SAS for so many years, it’s second nature to me. But for someone new, it can be overwhelming. To empathize, I’ve taken on learning challenges myself, like ballroom dancing, playing the ukulele, and even picking up Python.”
These experiences remind Simon of the frustrations and triumphs of being a beginner. “It’s helped me break things down more effectively for my students, making their learning journey smoother,” he notes.
If you want to read the full article with our Learning Legend Simon Arnold -
📌 Check out here: Learning Legends | The Journey to teaching Excellence
This is just a Teaser - watch the full video on the Link
Thank you so much for the great tip.
It's finally time to hack! Remember to visit the SAS Hacker's Hub regularly for news and updates.
The rapid growth of AI technologies is driving an AI skills gap and demand for AI talent. Ready to grow your AI literacy? SAS offers free ways to get started for beginners, business leaders, and analytics professionals of all skill levels. Your future self will thank you.