Data Career Transformations

• 19: From Quantum Physicist to Roche Head of Engineering? Yannick Misteli

  In this episode, Bolaji interviews Yannick Misteli, head of engineering at Roche, who shares his unique journey from a PhD in quantum physics to a leadership role in data science. Yannick discusses his early experiences in finance, the importance of building a solid data organization, and the balance between people, process, and technology. He emphasizes the significance of trust in data relationships and offers insights into managing stress and communicating business value. The conversation also touches on his passion for dance and how it has shaped his personal and professional life.    Subscribe on:  Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Music   Takeaways:  Yannick's journey from quantum physics to data science showcases the importance of diverse experiences. Building a data organization requires a focus on people, process, and technology. Trust is essential in data relationships and impacts business outcomes. Early career experiences in finance provided valuable insights into data use cases. Transitioning from academia to industry involves learning to speak the business language. Yannick emphasizes the importance of a solid foundation in any career. Data testing is crucial for building trust with stakeholders. Effective communication of business value is a key skill for data leaders. Maintaining a work-life balance is important for long-term success. Mentorship and continuous learning are vital for career growth.   Chapters:  00:00 Introduction to Yannick's Journey 02:00 The Unexpected Path to Dance 04:53 From Quantum Physics to Data Science 10:25 Transitioning from Academia to Industry 13:47 Consulting Experience and Its Impact 15:32 Personality and Career Fit in Data Roles 18:16 The Triad of People, Process, and Technology 18:57 People, Process, and Technology: The Triad of Success 20:39 Climbing the Corporate Ladder: Yannick's Journey 22:44 The Role of dbt in Data Transformation 24:27 Learning from Data Disasters: The Importance of Testing 26:17 Communicating Business Value: The Data Leader's Challenge 28:29 Managing Stress: Balancing Work and Life 30:30 Mentorship and Inspiration: Learning from Others 32:21 Advice for Aspiring Data Professionals: Building a Foundation   Speakers:  Guest: Yannick Misteli, Head of Engineering, Global Pharma Strategy, Roche Host: Bolaji Oyejide, Community Manager at dbt Labs   Building in Public: The Best Way to Learn Data. We’ve always believed the best way to get better at data is by sharing what you’re learning. That’s why we built the dbt Community—a place where data pros at every level can ask questions, debate ideas, and push each other forward. It’s not just about solving today’s problems—it’s about building what’s next, together. Crowdsource solutions—70,000+ people who’ve been there, done that. Find your crew—meet others who use the same tools you do. Stay at the cutting edge—discussions, meetups, and game shows keep things fresh. 👉 Jump in and say hi—join the dbt Community now.    

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• 18: From CFO to Data Engineer? Philip Boontje

  In this episode of Data Career Transformations, Bolaji interviews Philip Boontje, a finance executive and data architect. Philip shares his unique journey from chemical engineering to finance and ultimately to data engineering. He discusses the challenges and successes he has faced in his career, including the transition from spreadsheets to data engineering, the discovery of dbt, and the importance of building a strong data architecture. The conversation also touches on the future of data with semantic layers and AI, as well as the importance of mental health and work-life balance in the fast-paced world of data engineering. Philip offers valuable advice for aspiring data professionals and emphasizes the need for creativity and interdisciplinary skills in the field. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Music   Takeaways: Philip's journey from chemical engineering to finance and data architecture showcases the importance of interdisciplinary skills. The transition from spreadsheets to data engineering is crucial for scaling businesses effectively. Discovering dbt transformed Philip's approach to data management and engineering. MaxQ Analytics focuses on providing data architecture solutions for companies that need support in data engineering. Building strong client relationships is essential for successful project management in data engineering. Data disasters often stem from unreliable source systems and the challenges of maintaining data integrity. Success in data engineering is often invisible; clients appreciate when things run smoothly without issues. The semantic layer is key to creating a single source of truth in data management. AI and analytics agents will play a significant role in the future of data engineering. Maintaining mental health and work-life balance is crucial in the fast-paced world of data engineering.   Chapters: 00:00: Introduction to Data Career Transformations 03:58: Philip's Unique Journey from Engineering to Finance 10:33: Transitioning from Spreadsheets to Data Engineering 13:07: Discovering the Power of dbt 18:18: MaxQ Analytics: Bridging the Data Gap 22:10: Overcoming Data Challenges and Technical Struggles 23:09: The Challenges of Data Engineering 24:52: Understanding the Semantic Layer 26:54: The Future of Data Interaction with AI 28:21: The Role of Data Engineers in an AI World 31:40: Managing Stress and Burnout in Data Careers 33:46: Success Stories in Data Engineering 35:55: Measuring the Impact of Data Work 38:17: Mentorship and Career Advice for Data Professionals 40:20: Vision for the Future of Data Engineering   Speakers: Guest: Philip Boontje, MaxQ Analytics Data Engineer & Guild Lead Host: Bolaji Oyejide, Community Manager at dbt Labs   We’re Building the Future of Data. Together. We’ve always believed the best way to get better at data is by sharing what you’re learning. That’s why we built the dbt Community—a place where data pros at every level can ask questions, debate ideas, and push each other forward. It’s not just about solving today’s problems—it’s about building what’s next, together. Crowdsource solutions—70,000+ people who’ve been there, done that. Find your crew—meet others who use the same tools you do. Stay at the cutting edge—discussions, meetups, and game shows keep things fresh. 👉 Jump in and say hi—join the dbt Community now.

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• 17: From Psychology to Analytics Engineering: Juan Manuel Perafan

  In this episode, Bolaji interviews Juan Manuel Perafan, a psychology major turned analytics engineer, who shares his journey from Colombia to the Netherlands and his transition into the data field. They discuss the importance of networking, the challenges of imposter syndrome, and the evolving role of analytics engineering. Juan emphasizes the value of being replaceable in a job and offers advice for aspiring data professionals, highlighting the significance of foundational skills and the need to stay adaptable in a rapidly changing industry. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Music   Takeaways: Juan transitioned from psychology to data due to market competition. Networking is crucial for career opportunities in data. Imposter syndrome is common in tech; focus on your unique value. Being replaceable can free you to explore new opportunities. Foundational skills like SQL and stakeholder management are essential. Cultural differences can impact communication in professional settings. Early adoption of new technologies can shape your career. It's important to clarify job roles to avoid confusion. Passion for data can help sustain a long-term career. Meetups can foster valuable connections and collaborations. Chapters: 00:00: Introduction to Juan Manuel Perafan 02:47: Cultural Insights and Relationship Dynamics 05:14: Career Transition from Psychology to Data 07:50: The Journey into Data Engineering 10:18: The Emergence of Analytics Engineering 12:53: Networking and Community Engagement 15:22: Cultural Differences in Professional Relationships 21:45: Navigating Cultural Differences in Communication 22:56: The Importance of Passion in Tech Careers 25:09: The Evolution of dbt in Tech Stacks 28:25: Understanding and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 31:53: The Balance of Being Replaceable vs. Irreplaceable 34:57: The Value of Early Adoption in Technology 39:55: Advice for Aspiring Data Professionals   Speakers: Guest: Juan Manuel Perafan, Co-Author, Fundamentals of Analytics Engineering Host: Bolaji Oyejide, Community Manager at dbt Labs   We’re Building the Future of Data. Together. We’ve always believed the best way to get better at data is by sharing what you’re learning. That’s why we built the dbt Community—a place where data pros at every level can ask questions, debate ideas, and push each other forward. It’s not just about solving today’s problems—it’s about building what’s next, together. Crowdsource solutions—70,000+ people who’ve been there, done that. Find your crew—meet others who use the same tools you do. Stay at the cutting edge—discussions, meetups, and game shows keep things fresh. 👉 Jump in and say hi—join the dbt Community now.  

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• 15: From Biochemist to Analytics Engineering Mgr @ Hubspot: Nicholas Yager

  In this episode of Data Career Transformations, Bolaji speaks with Nicholas Yager, the Analytics Engineering Manager of Enterprise Data Platform, at HubSpot. They discuss Nicholas's journey from biochemistry to data engineering, his experiences at dbt Labs, and the importance of creative collaboration in data. Nicholas shares insights on navigating career paths, the challenges of scaling data engineering, and the role of dbt in solving data problems. Nicholas emphasizes the myth of the objective in career development and the importance of negotiation in meeting deadlines. The conversation concludes with Nicholas's aspirations for the future in building tools that enhance the data engineering experience.   Takeaways:  Nicholas Yager emphasizes the importance of creative collaboration in data engineering. He believes that most deadlines are lies and should be viewed as negotiations. Nicholas's journey from biochemistry to data engineering showcases the diverse paths into the field. He highlights the significance of dbt in managing data solutions effectively. The conversation touches on the challenges of scaling data engineering in large organizations. Nicholas advocates for a growth mindset and the value of professional curiosity. He shares insights on the importance of intrinsic motivation in team dynamics. Nicholas's experiences illustrate the need for adaptability in career paths within data. He expresses a desire to build tools that make data engineering delightful. The discussion emphasizes the iterative nature of data work and the need for continuous improvement.   Speakers:  Guest: Nicholas Yager, Analytics Engineering Manager, Enterprise Data Platform, Hubspot Host: Bolaji Oyejide, Community Manager at dbt Labs   We’re Building the Future of Data. Together. We’ve always believed the best way to get better at data is by sharing what you’re learning. That’s why we built the dbt Community—a place where data pros at every level can ask questions, debate ideas, and push each other forward. It’s not just about solving today’s problems—it’s about building what’s next, together.  Crowdsource solutions—70,000+ people who’ve been there, done that. Find your crew—meet others who use the same tools you do. Stay at the cutting edge—discussions, meetups, and game shows keep things fresh. 👉 Jump in and say hi—[join the dbt Community now.] Chapters: 00:00: Introduction to Data Career Transformations 02:00: Journey to dbt Labs and HubSpot 04:39: From Biochemistry to Data Engineering 09:26: The Myth of the Objective 11:46: Creative Collaboration in Data 14:14: Understanding Roles in Data 17:54: Team Structure at HubSpot 20:15: Challenges of Scaling Data Projects 22:50: The Gardener's Approach to Data Management 24:06: Building Data Habits Early 26:08: Tech Stack Insights 29:26: The Journey with DBT 30:05: Data Disaster Stories 34:53: Handling Stress in Data 37:28: Negotiating Deadlines 41:36: Empowering Team Ownership 44:22: Future Aspirations in Data

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• 14: From Marine Biologist to Sr Data Engineer at Shopify: Elize Papineau

  In this episode, Bolaji interviews Elize Papineau, a senior data engineer at Shopify, who shares her unique journey from marine biology to data engineering.   Elize discusses her eclectic background, the challenges of finding the right job title in data, and the importance of continuous learning. She highlights her experiences at dbt Labs and Shopify, the significance of data governance, and the value of mentorship.   Elize also reflects on her proudest projects, the lessons learned from data disasters, and her aspirations for community involvement in the data field.   Takeaways:  Elize transitioned from marine biology to data engineering through a gradual process of learning and adaptation. Finding the right job title in data can be challenging, and understanding one's strengths is crucial. Continuous learning and practical experience are key to career growth in data. Elize emphasizes the importance of community and mentorship in the data field. Data governance and stakeholder interaction are critical in large organizations like Shopify. Elize's proudest projects are those that see high user adoption and utility. Data disasters can provide valuable lessons and insights for future work. Interview challenges often reveal the importance of problem-solving and communication skills. Elize aims to contribute to the data community and support others in their journeys. Measuring the impact of data work involves understanding user needs and ensuring timely access to data. Chapters: 00:00: Introduction to Elize Papineau 02:59: Elize's Unique Background and Skills 05:54: Transition from Marine Biology to Data Engineering 09:02: Navigating the Data Job Market 12:00: Finding Identity in Data Roles 14:57: Continuous Learning and Skill Development 18:02: The Importance of Practical Experience 20:55: Discovering dbt and Its Impact 24:00: Working at Shopify and Personal Insights 24:07: Iced Tea: A Lifestyle Choice 25:10: Data Challenges at Shopify 27:01: Understanding Stakeholders and Their Needs 29:56: Data Disasters: Learning from Mistakes 34:38: Navigating Tough Interview Questions 39:24: Proud Projects and Their Impact 42:29: Measuring Business Impact 44:55: Influences and Mentorship in Data 47:38: Future Aspirations in the Data Community     Speakers: Guest: Elize Papineau is a Senior Data Engineer at Shopify. Host: Bolaji Oyejide is the community manager at dbt Labs, and host of Data Career Transformations.   —  About the dbt Community: We’ve always believed the best way to get better at data is by sharing what you’re learning. That’s why we built the dbt Community—a place where data pros at every level can ask questions, debate ideas, and push each other forward. It’s not just about solving today’s problems—it’s about building what’s next, together. dbt Community - for and by data pros.  Build reliable transformation pipelines. Test & deploy models. Optimize queries. Structure data for self-serve analysis. Come hang out and transform with 70,000 of the brightest Analytics Engineers, Data Engineers, Data Analysts, and Data Scientists in the world   👉 Join the dbt Community   Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Music

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