In this episode, Tim and Emily explore the complexities of hiring for data roles in today's fast-paced market. Our guest Emily delves into the importance of honesty, cultural fit, and a well-defined data strategy in recruitment. We discuss the evolution of the data field over the past two decades, the rise of AI, and the need for specialization among data professionals. Emily shares her past mistakes and lessons learned from leading teams at companies like Uber and Coinbase. We also touch on the essential aspects of setting clear expectations, the benefits of intentional hiring processes, and how to balance intuition with data-driven decisions. Finally, we consider the potential impact of AI and automation on future data roles, and the importance of adaptability and empathy in the recruitment process.