What does it really take to be the first data hire at a startup?In this episode of the Data Neighbor Podcast, we dive deep with Jessie Li - former Head of Data at Descript and ex-Meta product data science leader - as she unpacks her raw, insightful journey navigating the unpredictable world of early-stage startups. From leaving Big Tech for a less-known startup to building a full-stack data function from scratch, Jessie shares the highs, lows, and the very real lessons learned along the way.We cover: - What shocked Jessie most on Day 1 as Descript’s first data hire. - Why bringing Big Tech best practices into a startup doesn’t always work. - How to build data foundations, insights functions, and culture from zero. - The push/pull model for career transitions (and how to think two jobs ahead). - Why being “too humble” in a startup can backfire - and how to avoid disorientation. - What startups really need in data hires - and how to know if you're a good fit. - The underrated importance of AI in data workflows today.Whether you're contemplating a startup move or want an honest look at what it takes to own and scale data in a high-growth environment, this is an unfiltered and inspiring conversation packed with lessons for data professionals at every level.

Connect with Jessie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessieljy/Connect with Hai, Sravya, and Shane (let us know YouTube sent you!):Hai: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hai-guan-6b58a7a/Sravya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sravyamadipalli/Shane: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaneausleybutler/#DataScience #Startups #JessieLi #FirstDataHire #Descript #DataCulture #DataEngineering #AIInData #CareerGrowth #BigTechVsStartup #DataNeighborPodcast #DataLeadership #IntentionalLearning #StartupHiring #WomenInData #DataDriven