Don’t Lead a Data Team Before Reading This - The First Chapter

Aligning The Data Team with Business Objectives

Hello all! This is Ben!

I wanted to provide a short preface for this specific piece.

As I have talked with multiple data leaders over the past few years, I have often heard that they felt thrown into the position of leading a data team. I have also noticed that there remains a disconnect between the data teams and stakeholders.

In turn, I wanted to put together a book that helps cover key concepts for those looking to either lead a data team or be a more impactful senior-level engineer(and beyond). This book will cover everything from working with stakeholders, picking the right solutions, managing vendors, growing a team, and so on.

Although I did title this chapter, “The First Chapter”, it’s likely more of a second or third chapter. The theme is focused heavily around stakeholders - how to work with them, identifying what they need, and actually deliver.

If you have led a data team, I’d also love to hear your stories and integrate them into this book.

Please feel free to reach out(you can respond to this newsletter)!

Also, I want to give a very special thanks to Veronika Durgin, Celina Wong, Shachar Meir, Jordan Cutler and Jeff Nemecek for sharing your thoughts: both for the quotes provided below, and the chapter itself. (If I missed someone, please do let me know and I’ll make sure to add you to the next one).

This is also the very first piece I am paywalling up front as it is a far more extensive piece. So if you’d like a discount consider using the special offer below.

With that, let’s dive in.

Quick Pause - As 2024 is coming to a close I am planning a lot more content for 2025. In particular I want to give paying subscribers even more. Meaning private AMAs and videos discussing the data industry.

If you’d like to support this newsletter and get access to future paid content, then until December 31st 2024 you can use the discount below to get 55% off forever.

Thanks all!