In this episode of Data Career Transformations, Bolaji interviews Kasey Mazza, an analytics engineering manager at HubSpot. Kasey shares her journey from actuarial science to analytics engineering, emphasizing the importance of merging technical skills with emotional intelligence. She discusses her approach to career growth modeled after the software development life cycle, her day-to-day responsibilities, and the significance of building teams like a community. Kasey also highlights the challenges of data management, the importance of fostering a learning culture, and how to measure the impact of data roles. Throughout the conversation, she offers valuable insights and advice for aspiring data professionals. ---

Speakers:

• Guest: Kasey Mazza is the Director of Analytics Engineering at Hubspot
• Host: Bolaji Oyejide is the community manager at dbt Labs, and host of Data Career Transformations.

 

--- About the dbt Community:

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. Takeaways:

• Kasey transitioned from actuarial science to analytics engineering.
• She emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence in data roles.
• Career growth can be modeled after the software development life cycle.
• Building teams like a community fosters collaboration and innovation.
• Kasey advocates for a learning culture within data teams.
• Measuring impact in data roles can be challenging but is essential.
• Cross-functional collaboration is key to successful projects.
• Kasey encourages following curiosity and passion in career paths.
• She believes in collecting skills rather than just chasing titles.
• Kasey reads extensively, averaging 110 books a year.

Chapters:

• 00:00: Introduction to Kasey Mazza and Her Journey
• 02:54: Kasey's Data Origin Story
• 06:25: Applying the Software Development Life Cycle to Career Growth
• 09:41: The Role of an Analytics Engineering Manager
• 10:54: Building Data Teams Like a Community
• 12:36: Team Structure and Roles
• 14:59: Tech Stack and Tools Used
• 16:16: Data Challenges and Communication Gaps
• 19:29: Shaping Team Culture and Shared Language
• 20:19: Cultivating a Learning Culture
• 21:19: Investing in Personal Development
• 23:27: Beyond Titles: Collecting Skills
• 24:43: The Power of Reading
• 26:47: Building a Customer Score
• 29:43: Measuring Impact in Data
• 32:51: Defining Professional Success
• 34:08: The Influence of Mentorship
• 35:26: Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations
• 38:22: Advice for Aspiring Data Professionals