Introducing the Data Doodler ✍️
My 2024 data resolution: Start a monthly newsletter 🗞️
When I started my job at Pawp 3 years ago, I had a lot to learn in the field of data. My experience at that point was mostly in data science and data analysis and I was far from the data engineering or analytics engineering work. Given I was the only data person at the company, I could not count on anyone to teach me how to do stuff. Everyone was already very busy. For that, I had to rely solely on reading through blogs, documentations and on trial and error.
That independence helped me grow. The modern data stack being so fragmented and unbundled, it felt like navigating a maze. There were many great articles and hands-on tutorials out there, but also a lot of marketing BS (people pitching their own tools, consultants shitting on everything, etc.). It was in fact hard to stiff through the noise but with patience, trial/error and maturity I was able to get Pawp to a stable place.
Having learnt a lot of things on Medium, Substack and Linkedin, I always wanted to contribute through my own blog. I consider my experience to be quite unique as a 1-team data person carrying a whole 50-person team of highly literate tech people. I carried a lot of responsibility on my shoulders and had to move at an insane velocity. That being said, I do genuinely believe I have many learnings, stories, reviews, dos / don'ts, perspectives and opinions to share. Which is what brings me here.
I’ve tried in the past to really get started on my writing journey but never had the time and commitment to do it. You can check my old articles here. My resolution for 2024 is to have more disciplined lifestyle - and writing is part of it (I've been on a streak with my workouts, diet, water intake and daily steps lol 🤣💪).
And so, here I am bringing forth the Data Doodler - a monthly dispatch, pouring thoughts into the realm of data (hope the name isn't too cringe 😖?).
The road of data knowledge is endless, stretching from those who have made their home in its intricate geographies through to those who have just ignited their journey. Surely you might be at the beginning phase of carving out data practices at a startup, or conversely, you might be among a robust 50-member data squadron in a tech giant - no matter the case, the Data Doodler has a nugget for everyone.
My goal? To share unfiltered insights and guidance on an array of data-related subjects, tools, systems, strategies, and best-kept secrets.
One cool aspect that remains a part of this newsletter is a dynamic canvas (considering Figma?) replete with resources, functioning as a cerebral guide to the data landscape. Expect everything from the most interesting articles, recent developments, product updates, acquisitions and funding rounds, and much more.
I've sketched an outline of the discussion areas - data warehouses, ETL, modeling and architeccture, data products and activation, dashboards, orchestrators, data governance, to name but a few. However, if there's a topic you wish to see explored, please reach out and send a DM my way on LinkedIn.
Barring any unforeseen obstacles, I intend to maintain a rhythm of monthly postings (hoping I stick to it this year 🤞). Here's a snippet of what's on the anvil for the upcoming edition: a discussion and demonstration of how I'm developing my demo database, which will serve as the foundation for all future case studies and hands-on demos.
Until next time, Cheers 🍻