Data Career Transformations
Data Career Transformations
Podcast Description
Data Career Transformations is the show where we watch Analytics Engineers. Data Engineers, Data Analysts & Data scientists TRANSFORM their careers.
Hosted by Bolaji Oyejide, dbt Community Manager.
The podcast is sponsored by dbt Labs, makers of the data transformation framework dbt.
To reach our team, drop a note to [email protected]
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers themes related to career transitions into data roles, mentorship, community involvement, and the technical challenges faced by professionals in the field. Episodes explore diverse topics such as starting a data career from unrelated backgrounds, the significance of collaboration within data teams, experiences with imposter syndrome, and the importance of continuous learning. For instance, an episode featuring analytics professionals discusses their personal encounters with data disasters and the skills necessary for aspiring data experts.
Data Career Transformations is the show where we watch Analytics Engineers. Data Engineers, Data Analysts & Data scientists TRANSFORM their careers.
Hosted by Bolaji Oyejide, dbt Community Manager.
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
getdbt.com/community
The podcast is sponsored by dbt Labs, makers of the data transformation framework dbt.
To reach our team, drop a note to [email protected]
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 engineering.
Takeaways:
- Brad’s journey in data began as a developer on a mainframe.
- Data is foundational in the insurance industry, influencing pricing and risk assessment.
- Empowering analytics teams with dbt mesh allows for greater flexibility and ownership.
- Finding your niche in data can lead to greater job satisfaction.
- Day-to-day work in data engineering involves project management and troubleshooting.
- AI can enhance workflows but must be used responsibly in decision-making.
- Data disasters can lead to valuable learning experiences and improved processes.
- Interviewing for data roles often reveals knowledge gaps that need addressing.
- Understanding introversion can improve team dynamics and productivity. Measuring success in data work involves visibility and trust from leadership.
Chapters:
- 00:00 Brad’s Journey into Data
- 02:44 Navigating Imposter Syndrome
- 05:38 Data’s Role in the Insurance Industry
- 08:22 Empowering Analytics Teams with dbt Mesh
- 10:58 Finding Your Niche in Data Engineering
- 13:27 The Structure of Brad’s Data Team
- 16:10 Building a Robust CI/CD Pipeline
- 19:07 The Role of AI in Data Engineering
- 21:44 Navigating Data Disasters
- 24:15 Interview Insights and Challenges
- 26:53 Understanding Introversion in the Workplace
- 32:22 Proud Projects and Their Impact
- 36:03 Mentorship and Career Growth
- 37:14 Advice for Aspiring Data Professionals
Speakers:
- Guest: Brad Cronkrite, Lead Data Analytics Engineer, Mercury Insurance
- 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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