In this episode of Data Career Transformations, Bolaji interviews Damola Onabanjo, a business intelligence manager at Kuda, who shares her unique journey from an international law graduate to a data professional. The conversation covers her love for cooking shows, her role at Kuda, the transition from law to data, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges faced in the data industry. Damola emphasizes the significance of passion, collaboration, and knowledge sharing in building a successful data career.

Takeaways:

• Damola transitioned from law to data analytics after realizing her passion for problem-solving.
• Kuda aims to bring banking to the doorstep of every Nigerian, offering various financial products.
• The importance of mentorship in navigating a data career is crucial for growth.
• Damola emphasizes the need for passion to sustain interest in data work. She discovered dbt as a tool that transformed her data workflow.
• Handling data disasters requires effective communication and negotiation with stakeholders.
• Building a collaborative team culture is essential for knowledge sharing and growth.
• Damola encourages aspiring data professionals to seek mentorship and guidance.
• She believes in under-promising and over-delivering to manage stakeholder expectations.
• Damola finds joy in mentoring others and helping them grow in their data careers.

Chapters:

• 00:00: Introduction to Damola Onabanjo
• 02:20: The Journey to Business Intelligence
• 04:10: Understanding Kuda and Its Impact
• 05:26: Transitioning from Law to Data
• 07:12: Building a Career in Data Analytics
• 08:46: Navigating the Data Landscape
• 11:14: The Role of Personality in Data Careers
• 13:52: Exploring Data Roles and Responsibilities
• 15:55: Discovering dbt and Its Benefits
• 17:06: Discovering dbt and Building Skills
• 18:22: Navigating Data Disasters
• 21:40: Managing Stakeholder Expectations
• 23:49: The Art of Delegation
• 24:46: Fostering Team Collaboration
• 27:04: Building a Knowledge-Sharing Culture
• 29:36: Mentorship and Personal Growth
• 32:24: Advice for Aspiring Data Professionals

Speakers:

• Guest: Adedamola Onabanjo is the Business Intelligence Manager at Kuda
• Host: Bolaji Oyejide is the community manager at dbt Labs, and host of Data Career Transformations.

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