22: From Semi-Pro Baseball to Dir of Engineering @ BetterHelp, w Johnathan Brooks
Release Date: 08/29/2025
25: From COBOL Developer to Insurance Data Engineer: Brad Cronkrite
Data Career Transformations
Description: In this conversation, Brad Cronkrite shares his journey from a developer to a lead data analytics engineer at Mercury Insurance. He discusses the critical role of data in the insurance industry, the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, and the importance of mentorship and self-awareness in career growth. Brad also emphasizes the significance of maintaining a work-life balance and understanding the dynamics of introversion in the workplace. He shares insights on empowering analytics teams through dbt mesh and reflects on past data disasters that shaped his approach to data...
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23: From Nonprofit & Education, to Senior BI Analyst @ JustWorks: Millie Symns
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In this episode of Data Career Transformations, Bolaji interviews Millie Symns, a senior Business Intelligence analyst at JustWorks. Millie shares her journey into the data field, emphasizing the importance of mission-driven work and the intersection of data and education. She discusses her current role, the challenges of communicating data insights to non-technical stakeholders, and the significance of mentorship in the data community. Millie's insights on data literacy, measuring business impact, and the value of collaboration highlight the evolving landscape of data careers. Chapters: ...
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22: From Semi-Pro Baseball to Dir of Engineering @ BetterHelp, w Johnathan Brooks
Data Career Transformations
Description: In this conversation, Bolaji and Johnathan "JB" Brooks discuss JB's journey from semi-pro baseball player to a data engineering leader at BetterHelp. They explore the balance between mental health and high-pressure environments, the importance of dbt and Kimball modeling in data engineering, and the evolving landscape of AI and machine learning. JB shares insights on communication skills, measuring the value of data work, and the significance of understanding stakeholders. The discussion emphasizes the need for empathy and personal connection in professional success, along with...
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21: From Optimizing Physical Warehouses, to Optimizing FinOps Data Warehouses: Eddy Zulkifly
Data Career Transformations
Description: In this episode of Data Career Transformations, Bolaji interviews Eddy Zulkifly, a senior staff data engineer at Kanaxis. They discuss Eddy's journey from chemical engineering to data engineering, his passion for soccer coaching, and the importance of community and mentorship in professional growth. Eddy shares insights on the role of Excel in business, the challenges of FinOps, and the significance of a growth mindset in both sports and data careers. He emphasizes the value of learning in public and encourages data professionals to share their experiences and learn from one...
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20: From Data Science & Engineering, to AI & ML Solutions Architect: Louis Guitton
Data Career Transformations
Description: In this episode, Bolaji interviews Louis Guitton, an engineering leader with extensive experience in data engineering and analytics. They discuss Louis's journey from sports to data, his experiences at One Football Labs, and the challenges of communicating technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Louis shares insights on handling stress and burnout, measuring the impact of data projects, and the importance of sustainable personal growth in a rapidly evolving field. He emphasizes the need for data professionals to understand the business context and offers valuable advice...
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24: From Ballet Mech Engineer, to HR Tech Data Engineer: Larissa Mendes
Data Career Transformations
In this episode, Bolaji Oyejide interviews Larissa Mendes, a Level 3 Data Engineer at Gupy, who shares her unique journey from mechanical engineering to data engineering. Larissa discusses her experiences with data quality challenges, the importance of community support, and her current tech stack at Gupy. She also provides valuable insights on overcoming interview challenges and the significance of effective communication with stakeholders. Larissa emphasizes the need for continuous learning and the power of networking in advancing one's career in data. Takeaways: Larissa transitioned...
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19: From Quantum Physicist to Roche Head of Engineering? Yannick Misteli
Data Career Transformations
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. ...
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18: From CFO to Data Engineer? Philip Boontje
Data Career Transformations
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...
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17: From Psychology to Analytics Engineering: Juan Manuel Perafan
Data Career Transformations
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: | | | Takeaways: ...
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16: From Yale Rugby & Jazz, to Data FinTech & AdTech? Sr Dir of Analytics, Bryan Herbert
Data Career Transformations
In this episode of Data Career Transformations, Bolaji interviews Bryan Herbert, Senior Director of Analytics at Kargo. They discuss Bryan's unique career path from electrical engineering to fintech and ad tech, exploring how he applies his diverse experiences to build effective data teams. Bryan shares insights on the importance of team dynamics, the data maturity curve, and the future of business intelligence, emphasizing the need for low ego and high empathy in data professionals. He also provides valuable advice for aspiring data analysts and engineers, highlighting the significance of...
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In this conversation, Bolaji and Johnathan "JB" Brooks discuss JB's journey from semi-pro baseball player to a data engineering leader at BetterHelp. They explore the balance between mental health and high-pressure environments, the importance of dbt and Kimball modeling in data engineering, and the evolving landscape of AI and machine learning.
JB shares insights on communication skills, measuring the value of data work, and the significance of understanding stakeholders. The discussion emphasizes the need for empathy and personal connection in professional success, along with practical advice for aspiring data professionals.
Takeaways:
- JB played semi-pro baseball and has a passion for mental health.
- The pressure of perfection can lead to mental health challenges.
- Mental health awareness is crucial in high-pressure environments.
- JB's career began in the insurance industry before transitioning to data engineering.
- He adopted dbt early on, recognizing its potential in data transformation.
- Machine learning and AI are rapidly evolving fields in data engineering.
- BetterHelp's mission aligns with JB's values and career goals.
- Communication skills are essential for data professionals to convey value.
- Understanding stakeholders is key to being a valuable data professional.
- Professional success should be defined by personal values, not external expectations.
Chapters:
- 00:00: Introduction to JB's Journey
- 06:09: Mental Health Awareness in High-Pressure Environments
- 09:09: JB's Career Beginnings in Insurance
- 10:33: Early Exposure to DBT and Data Engineering
- 11:24: Transitioning to Solutions Architect
- 13:18: Navigating the Data Engineering Landscape
- 19:49: Interview Insights and Lessons Learned
- 21:49: Joining BetterHelp and Work-Life Balance
- 24:21: The Impact of AI on Human Productivity
- 26:51: The Importance of Human Connection in Tech
- 27:41: Understanding Kimball Dimensional Modeling
- 29:46: Modern Applications of Kimball Modeling
- 31:21: Challenges and Pitfalls of Kimball Modeling
- 36:58: Team Structure and Collaboration in Data
- 37:55: Data Disasters and Lessons Learned
- 39:38: Proud Projects and Their Impact
- 40:58: Measuring the Value of Data Work
- 42:56: Honing Communication and Persuasion Skills
- 46:09: Defining Professional Success
- 50:55: Encouragement for Emerging Data Professionals
Speakers:
- Guest: Johnathan JB Brooks, former Director of Data Engineering at BetterHelp. (Now Principal Data & AI Architect at Astrodata)
- Host: Bolaji Oyejide, Community Manager at dbt Labs
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