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Episode 225:

The Stone Cold Truth About Data: False Hopes and Hard Truths with The Cynical Data Guy

January 22, 2025

This week on The Data Stack Show, Eric and John are joined by the Cynical Data Guy (Matt Kelliher-Gibson) as the group discusses the challenges and misconceptions in the data field. They explore the unrealistic expectations often held by data professionals, including data analysts, engineers, scientists, and leaders. Through personal anecdotes, they highlight the importance of domain knowledge and the evolving nature of data roles. The conversation also touches on the implications of using enterprise-grade BI tools in small companies, the necessity for data professionals to balance technical skills with business acumen, and so much more along the way.

Notes:

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • False Hope in Data Roles (1:17)
  • Naivety of Junior Data Analysts (4:27)
  • The Challenge of Defining Data (6:41)
  • Struggles with Enterprise BI Tools (9:43)
  • Career Advice for Data Professionals (12:36)
  • Generational Shifts in Data Roles (16:51)
  • Self-Service Data Requests (18:17)
  • The Importance of Analysis Skills (19:46)
  • The Broader Context of Analysis (21:44)
  • Boring Challenges in AI Deployment (23:29)
  • Technology Development vs. Human Absorption (26:14)
  • VC Resolutions for 2025 (27:00)
  • Value Addition in Leadership (32:08)
  • Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up (33:06)

 

The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, the CDP for developers. Each week we’ll talk to data engineers, analysts, and data scientists about their experience around building and maintaining data infrastructure, delivering data and data products, and driving better outcomes across their businesses with data.

RudderStack helps businesses make the most out of their customer data while ensuring data privacy and security. To learn more about RudderStack visit rudderstack.com.

About the Podcast

Each week we’ll talk to data engineers, analysts, and data scientists about their experience around building and maintaining data infrastructure, delivering data and data products, and driving better outcomes across their businesses with data.

To keep up to date with our future episodes, subscribe to our podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or the player of your choice.

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