In this episode of the Data Career Transformations Show, Bolaji interviews Nate Sooter, a data professional who shares his unique journey from customer support to becoming a manager of Revenue Operations and Analytics at 1Password. Nate discusses the diverse paths into analytics careers, the importance of domain knowledge, and the challenges of navigating the 'great filter' in data jobs. He emphasizes the significance of networking, building relationships, and understanding the business context to succeed in data roles. Nate also reflects on his experiences at Smartsheet, the evolution of the tech stack, and the lessons learned from data disasters. He concludes with advice for aspiring data professionals and shares his future aspirations in leadership. Chapters:

• 00:00: Introduction to Data Career Transformation
• 02:32: The Wandering Path to Analytics
• 06:32: The Great Filter in Data Careers
• 12:39: Non-Traditional Steps to Break Through
• 18:58: Taking a Chance on Analytics
• 20:56: Preparation Meets Opportunity
• 23:16: Navigating Career Paths in Data
• 27:57: The Evolution of Data Teams
• 30:41: Tech Stack Transformation at Smartsheet
• 32:58: Community and Networking in Data
• 36:48: Learning from Data Disasters
• 38:56: Building Trust Through Accountability
• 41:42: Lessons in Data Integrity
• 44:58: Proud Moments in Data Solutions
• 47:09: Measuring Impact in Data Teams
• 54:53: Advice for Aspiring Data Professionals

Takeaways:

• There's no single clear path into an analytics career.
• Networking is crucial for career growth in data.
• Understanding the business context is key for data professionals.
• Building domain knowledge can differentiate you in analytics roles.
• Entry-level professionals should seek to be strategic partners, not just ticket takers.
• Data teams must focus on providing value to stakeholders.
• Trust is the currency of a successful data team.
• Mistakes in data can lead to loss of trust; it's important to have checks in place.
• Creating solutions that are used by many is a significant achievement.
• Continuous learning and adaptation are essential in the data field.

Speakers:

• Guest: Add LinkedIn links for the guest
• Host: Bolaji Oyejide is the community manager at dbt Labs, and host of Data Career Transformations.

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