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]
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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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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