🎙️ Hey there, Data Enthusiasts! Ross Webb here, bringing you another insightful episode of 'Data Team Success.' 🚀

This time, I had the fantastic opportunity to sit down with none other than Thomas Milner, a true game-changer in data strategy and management. We unpacked tons of wisdom throughout our chat, and I can't wait for you to discover the gems that Thomas shared with us, insights that are shaping the future of data platforms and leadership.

Here’s a sneak peek at the knowledge bombs Thomas dropped:

• Product Mindset is King: We talked about the importance of transitioning from the old ways of one-off solutions to viewing data platforms as dynamic products, focusing on reusable assets that enrich business value. It's not just a warehouse—it's a revolutionized platform!
• The Non-Negotiables - CI/CD and Testing: Thomas illuminated the need for rock-solid continuous practices and thorough testing protocols. If you're looking for reliability and trust in your data platform, this part of our conversation is a must-listen.
• Elevating Your Team's Game: We explored how critical it is to invest in our teams. From deep-diving into data engineering subtleties to ensuring everyone’s maximizing the platform's capabilities, nurturing talent and knowledge is key.
• Keeping Your Finger on the Platform’s Pulse: Thomas gave an expert rundown on the crucial metrics that all data leaders need to monitor. He made a complex topic super digestible, covering aspects from query nuances to smart cost measures that keep a platform at peak performance.
• Juggling Priorities Like a Pro: We also touched on the art of backlog grooming and stakeholder communications—a constant juggle. Thomas offered brilliant advice on keeping balanced without losing sight of the big picture.
• Onboarding the Best: Hiring is an art form, and Thomas shared some personal anecdotes and strategies on authentic hiring processes that have helped him build powerhouse teams.

Quotables from Thomas:

• "You're not building a data warehouse, you're building a data platform. There is a difference, you need to think about that." — This really resonated with me, highlighting our need to innovate in the data sphere.
• "As a product owner, I have to do that balancing. It's tempting to get your head down and just code, but you need to bring your head up and you need to look at what's coming." — A valuable reminder for all of us at the helm of data management.
• "If we can get somebody else to do it for us with a cloud service or vendor platform, that saves me having to hire one or two people to build a bespoke solution that we then need to maintain ourselves over time." — Wise words on being resource-savvy in our ever-evolving field.

I urge you not to miss this episode! Thomas truly brought a wealth of knowledge to the table, and whether you're a seasoned data leader or just starting, there's something in here for you.

Tune in and let's continue driving data innovation together!

To your success,

Ross Webb