10: From Sys Admin Skateboards to Effective Data Products, with Ash Smith

In this episode of Data Career Transformations, Bolaji interviews Ash Smith, a seasoned data professional with a diverse background in various industries including education, health, online gaming, and mining.

Ash shares his journey into the data field, the evolution of data roles, and the importance of data products. He discusses the challenges faced by data teams, the significance of networking, and how to measure the impact of data work.

Ash emphasizes the need for curiosity, collaboration, and effective data storytelling in the data profession, while also providing valuable advice for aspiring data professionals.

Speakers:

• Guest: Ash Smith is the Manager of Data Platform at South32, a Mining company in Perth, Australia
• Host: Bolaji Oyejide is the community manager at dbt Labs, and host of Data Career Transformations.

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Takeaways:

• Ash Smith has a diverse background in data across multiple industries.
• Data products are essential for delivering value to businesses.
• Networking is crucial for career growth in the data field.
• Curiosity and asking questions are key traits for data professionals.
• Data storytelling is a vital skill for communicating insights.
• The data industry needs a consistent framework for success.
• Building effective data teams requires collaboration and governance.
• Measuring the impact of data work can be complex and subjective.
• Data professionals should focus on foundational skills and continuous learning.
• Engaging with the community through meetups and conferences is beneficial.

Sound Bites:

• "Data products can change the way we work."
• "Always be curious and ask questions."
• "Data storytelling is a crucial skill."

Chapters:

• 00:00: Introduction to Ash Smith and His Journey
• 04:01: Ash's Current Role in Mining Data
• 07:27: Career Path and Transition to Data
• 10:29: Breaking into Online Gaming and Data Roles
• 12:33: Early Interests in Data and Patterns
• 16:08: Understanding Data Products
• 17:45: Evolving Data Practices and Challenges
• 19:30: Day-to-Day in Data Management
• 22:03: Navigating Data Disasters
• 23:45: Handling Stress and Burnout
• 26:58: The Challenge of Ad Hoc Requests
• 30:02: Celebrating Project Successes
• 33:30: Influences and Mentorship in Career
• 36:52: Building Relationships for Career Growth
• 39:41: Measuring Impact in Data Work
• 42:35: Technology's Role in Data Management
• 44:21: Advice for Aspiring Data Professionals

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