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 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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