In this episode of Data Career Transformations, Bolaji Oyejide interviews Tim Castillo, a senior lead data engineer at Chick-fil-A. Tim shares his journey from software engineering to data engineering, emphasizing the importance of operational efficiency and the role of data in enhancing customer experiences.

He discusses the challenges of stakeholder communication, the significance of building trust, and the balance between maintenance and innovation in data projects. Tim also highlights the value of tools like dbt in streamlining data processes and shares insights on measuring the impact of data work.

Throughout the conversation, Tim advocates for lifting the floor while extending the ceiling in data practices, ensuring a solid foundation for future growth. Takeaways:

• Tim believes in scaling organizations by lifting the floor while extending the ceiling.
• Data engineering plays a crucial role in enhancing operational efficiency at Chick-fil-A.
• Tim's career journey includes roles in software engineering and data engineering.
• He emphasizes the importance of asking questions to understand stakeholder needs.
• Tim advocates for using tools like dbt to streamline data processes.
• He shares lessons learned from transitioning to data engineering.
• Tim highlights the significance of stakeholder communication and empathy.
• Measuring impact in data roles can be challenging but focuses on joy and efficiency.
• Tim encourages early-career professionals to balance learning tools with foundational skills.
• He believes in the importance of building trust as a data professional.

Chapters:

• 00:00: Introduction to Tim Castillo and Chick-fil-A
• 03:04: The Role of Data in Location Strategy
• 06:59: Operational Efficiency and Intentionality at Chick-fil-A
• 09:02: Tim's Career Journey: From Software Engineer to Data Engineer
• 11:55: The Importance of Side Projects and Learning
• 15:00: The Evolution of Tim's Role in Data
• 18:02: Understanding Data Engineering vs. Data Science
• 20:57: Raising the Floor While Extending the Ceiling
• 25:03: Raising the Ceiling and Floor in Data Work
• 29:15: Team Structure and Scaling Challenges
• 30:59: The Role of dbt in Data Engineering
• 33:33: Learning from Data Disasters
• 36:49: Effective Stakeholder Communication
• 43:04: Measuring Success in Data Roles
• 47:34: Advice for Early-Career Data Professionals

Speakers:

• Guest: Tim Castillo, Senior Lead Data Engineer at Chick-Fil-A
• Host: Bolaji Oyejide, Community Manager at dbt Labs

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